Eli Cornelius was raised on the Onondaga Nation and played lacrosse for the Onondaga Athletic Club (OAC) in the 1940-1960s. Eli started out as a runner for the OAC and was known for his hard nose demeanor on the field and his team first attitude. He played many years as a runner. There was a particular game near the end of his career when the team needed a goalie. So, being the team player he was, Eli put on the goalie pads and became the team’s goalie. He extended his playing career many years as the goalie. 

Eli also noticed the players’ need for wooden sticks, as some players broke their sticks during games. Again, being the consummate team player, Eli built a small shack by his home and began making wooden sticks for his teammates. He produced many great sticks sought after by many native and non-native players. He branded his sticks, the “Cornelius Special.” He continued to provide players with sticks for many years after he retired from playing lacrosse.

Due to his knowledge and passion for the game, Eli was given an opportunity to be part of Syracuse University’s lacrosse team. You could find Eli patrolling the sidelines as an inspiration to the team’s players. When Syracuse won their first championship in 1983, Eli was also given a championship ring for his hard work and dedication to Syracuse University’s lacrosse program. 

Eli was also inducted into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2003.