Dick Lundblad’s impact on lacrosse in Central New York spans decades, generations of athletes, and an entire community transformed by opportunity. As a player, builder, and visionary coach, Lundblad helped grow the game and elevate standards of excellence wherever he led.

From West Genesee to the Collegiate Level

A graduate of West Genesee High School’s Class of 1974, Lundblad distinguished himself early as a dynamic offensive force. Playing for legendary coach Cill Wormuth, he led West Genesee’s Section III Championship team in scoring with 24 goals and an impressive 72 assists. That assist total still ranks fourth all-time for a single season in school history.

Lundblad earned All-American honors in lacrosse and also competed as a member of the Central New York hockey team. His talent helped open doors beyond the region, as he became one of the first CNY players recruited south to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). There, he played two seasons under coaches Dick Watts and Charlie Cocker, helping pave the way for future Central New York athletes to compete at the national level.

Building a Legacy in Girls Lacrosse

Playing, Building, and Leading Beyond College

Lundblad ultimately left UMBC to pursue a career in construction, founding Lundblad Construction in 1980. Even while building his business, he continued to play the game he loved. He competed in both field and box lacrosse until the age of 32 with the West Genesee Lacrosse Club, at Shove Park box lacrosse, and for one season each with the Miller’s Club Team and the Onondaga Athletic Club.

At home, Dick and his wife Nancy raised two daughters, Erin and Jaclyn, both of whom grew up immersed in the sport. Under his guidance, each went on to play collegiate lacrosse — Erin at Oswego State and Jaclyn at LeMoyne — continuing the family’s lacrosse legacy.

Creating Opportunity in Marcellus

In 1997, Lundblad recognized a gap in opportunity for girls in the Marcellus community. Determined to change that, he secured a $4,000 grant from the US Chapter of Upstate Lacrosse and founded the Marcellus Girls Lacrosse Club (MGLC).

With strong community support and backing from the Board of Education, the vision became reality. Within one year, the Marcellus School District adopted the program and launched a fully funded girls lacrosse team—an enduring testament to what leadership and advocacy can accomplish.

A Program Defined by Excellence

Under Lundblad’s 19 years of leadership and his guiding motto, “Be the Best,” the Marcellus Girls Varsity Lacrosse program became one of the most successful in New York State. The team compiled an extraordinary overall record of 233 wins and just 11 losses, including five league championships and a perfect 11–0 season most recently.

The program developed not only elite athletes but also exceptional students. Marcellus produced five US Lacrosse All-Americans and 16 US Lacrosse Academic All-Americans. Players consistently earned scholarships and competed at top collegiate programs, including Syracuse, LeMoyne, Florida, UConn, Harvard, and Cornell. Many alumni served as team captains, and at least three — including Erin Lundblad—have gone on to coach college lacrosse.

The Power of Team and Family

Lundblad consistently credits the program’s success to the people around him. He recognizes assistant coaches Bill Hennigan, Ron Hill, JV coach Dave Gardener, and longtime modified coaches Jim Seeley and Ron Moore for their dedication and leadership.

“None of our program’s success would have been accomplished without their friendships and great coaching abilities,” Lundblad said of his staff.

He also acknowledges the many MGLC coaches and volunteers who built a strong feeder system for the district. Above all, he gives special recognition to his wife Nancy, whose support never wavered.

“Except for maybe two or three games, she has attended every game to keep statistics,” he said.

Honors and Lasting Impact

Coach Lundblad earned OHSL Liberty Division Coach of the Year honors four times and ranks eighth among New York State High School Girls Lacrosse Coaches in career wins. More importantly, his legacy lives on through the athletes he mentored, the program he built, and the opportunities he created for generations of girls to play the game.

Dick Lundblad didn’t just coach lacrosse. He built something lasting.