Section III high school lacrosse has played a significant role in shaping the identity of the sport in New York State. From the earliest boys’ programs of the 1960s to the pioneering girls’ teams of the 1990s and decades of state championship success, these schools laid the foundation for one of the nation’s greatest lacrosse traditions.

For generations, lacrosse has been woven into the cultural fabric of Central New York. Long before organized school athletics existed, the Haudenosaunee people played the Creator’s Game throughout this region, passing down traditions that continue to inspire players today. As the modern game evolved, local high schools embraced lacrosse and transformed Central New York into one of the most respected and successful lacrosse regions in the United States.

The story of Section III lacrosse is one of vision, dedication, and community. Coaches, educators, volunteers, officials, parents, and student-athletes built programs from the ground up, often with limited resources but an unwavering passion for growing the game. Their efforts established traditions that continue to influence generations of players.

The Birth of Boys High School Lacrosse

Organized boys’ high school lacrosse in Central New York began with only a handful of pioneering schools willing to introduce a sport that was still unfamiliar throughout much of New York State. Scheduling games required long road trips and creative partnerships, as local competition was limited during the sport’s infancy.

The original schools regularly traveled to Geneva, Irondequoit, and Corning to complete their schedules while simultaneously building local rivalries that would become legendary.

The inaugural 1961 Onondaga Lacrosse League consisted of:

• Baldwinsville High School
• East Syracuse High School
• LaFayette High School
• Manlius Academy
• West Genesee High School

At the same time, Watertown High School competed in the 1961 Upstate Interscholastic Lacrosse League alongside Geneva High School and Irondequoit High School, helping expand competitive opportunities throughout Upstate New York.

These schools deserve recognition as true trailblazers whose commitment established the foundation for the thriving Section III boys lacrosse community that exists today.

The Growth of Girls High School Lacrosse

Girls high school lacrosse arrived later but experienced remarkable growth thanks to a dedicated group of coaches, schools, and student-athletes who believed in expanding opportunities for female athletes.

Many of the earliest programs began as club teams during the late 1980s, often traveling throughout New York State to find opponents before league competition became established.

The inaugural 1990 Onondaga League featured nine pioneering programs:

• Auburn
• Baldwinsville
• Cicero-North Syracuse
• Cortland
• Fayetteville-Manlius
• Homer
• Ithaca
• Jamesville-DeWitt
• Skaneateles

These schools laid the groundwork for the tremendous success and popularity that girls’ lacrosse enjoys across Central New York today.

A Legacy of New York State Champions

Section III programs have consistently competed among New York’s elite, producing championship teams, All-Americans, legendary coaches, and generations of outstanding student-athletes.

A milestone moment occurred in 1980, when Henninger High School captured the first New York State boys lacrosse championship, earning the inaugural Gordon Ohstrom Trophy, named in honor of legendary LaFayette coach Gordon Ohstrom.

Since then, Section III schools have continued to establish themselves among New York State’s most successful programs.

Preserving Our Lacrosse Heritage

The history of Section III high school lacrosse is more than a collection of scores and championships — it is the story of communities that embraced the Creator’s Game and helped build one of the sport’s most respected traditions.

The Upstate Lacrosse Foundation proudly honors the schools, coaches, players, officials, volunteers, and supporters whose dedication transformed Central New York into a national center of lacrosse excellence. Their legacy continues every time a young athlete picks up a stick and takes the field, carrying forward a tradition that began generations ago.