Chuck Wilbur’s impact on the game of lacrosse is defined not only by championships and records, but by the lasting success of the players he coached. From standout athlete to nationally recognized coach, Wilbur has built one of the most dominant programs in college lacrosse history while setting a standard for player development and leadership.

Building a Lacrosse Dynasty Through Leadership and Legacy

Early Years and Playing Career

Chuck Wilbur graduated from Cicero–North Syracuse High School in 1995 and later earned induction into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. During his high school career, he emerged as one of Central New York’s premier lacrosse players. He earned three All-County and All-Central New York selections and led his team in scoring during both his junior and senior seasons.

Following graduation, Wilbur continued his lacrosse career at Herkimer Community College. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, earning All-American honors in both 1996 and 1997. In 1997, he received national recognition as the NJCAA National Player of the Year. Wilbur later transferred to Hobart College, where he played during the 1998 and 1999 seasons. As a senior, he led the team in scoring and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.

Head Coach at Onondaga Community College

In 2002, Wilbur accepted the position of head lacrosse coach at Onondaga Community College. Under his leadership, the Lazers rapidly transformed into a national powerhouse. In 2005, Wilbur guided Onondaga to its first NJCAA Region III Championship, defeating longtime regional powerhouse Herkimer Community College and ending Herkimer’s 20-year reign as Region III champions.

The following year marked a historic milestone. In 2006, Onondaga captured its first NJCAA National Championship with a commanding 30–6 victory over Suffolk Community College. That title sparked a run of dominance rarely seen in college athletics. Over the next 12 years, the Lazers won 10 additional national championships, firmly establishing the program as one of the greatest dynasties in lacrosse history.

A Record-Setting Coaching Career

As head coach, Wilbur compiled an extraordinary 266–15 career record, a winning percentage of 95 percent. His teams captured 17 consecutive Mid-State Athletic Conference Championships and 14 consecutive NJCAA Region III Championships. Onondaga also produced the longest winning streak in college lacrosse history, winning 107 straight games from March 2010 through March 5, 2016.

Wilbur’s excellence on the sidelines earned repeated national recognition. He was named the NJCAA Lacrosse Coaches Association National Coach of the Year in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2018.

Player Development and Lasting Impact

While championships define the program’s success, Wilbur considers the accomplishments of his players beyond Onondaga to be his greatest source of pride. Under his leadership, 61 former players transferred to Division I programs, 96 transferred to Division II programs, and more than 100 continued their careers at four-year colleges.

Former Lazers have contributed to 34 NCAA Division I Lacrosse Championships. Alumni such as Cody Jamieson, Sid Smith, Stefan Schroder, Randy Staats, Tim Barber, Matt Pratt, Nick Gatto, and brothers Jeremy and Jerome Thompson represent just a small sample of the elite talent developed under Wilbur’s guidance.

Life Beyond the Field

Chuck Wilbur resides in Cicero, New York, with his wife, Laura, and their three children, Nicholas, Elena, and Charles. His legacy continues through the countless athletes he has coached, mentored, and prepared for success both on and off the field.