Larry Hart’s journey in the world of lacrosse is a remarkable tale of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport. From his humble beginnings as a college player to becoming an esteemed coach with numerous accolades, Larry’s impact on the lacrosse community is nothing short of legendary.

College Days and Beyond

Larry’s lacrosse journey began during his college years at Cortland, where he discovered his love for the game. Little did he know that this passion would shape the rest of his life. Graduating in 1961, Larry wasted no time in continuing his lacrosse journey. He joined the Syracuse Lacrosse Club and the West Genesee Summer League teams, where he showcased his skills until the age of 36. His dedication and prowess on the field were evident, earning him respect and recognition among his peers.

The Coaching Career

While Larry’s playing days were impressive, his true legacy lies in his coaching career. Over the years, he took the helm at various institutions, including Sachem on Long Island, West Genesee, Tully, and Homer. In total, Larry coached for an astonishing 28 seasons, working with junior high, junior varsity, high school varsity, and club teams. Perhaps the most astonishing statistic of his coaching career is that in 28 seasons, only one of his teams had a losing record, a testament to his coaching prowess.

Innovation in Lacrosse

Larry’s impact extended beyond the field as he played a pivotal role in the growth and development of lacrosse in Central New York. Alongside Tom Hall, he founded the Central New York Summer League, featuring teams from the local area as well as Irondequoit and Buffalo. This league became a breeding ground for talent and helped nurture the sport’s growth.

Larry’s most significant coaching achievement came in 1970 when he started the lacrosse program at Tully High School. Despite facing larger schools, he managed to create winning teams, showcasing his ability to mold young talent and inspire success.

A Multi-Sport Mentor

Larry’s coaching prowess wasn’t limited to lacrosse alone. He also coached boys’ football, basketball, and girls’ soccer, basketball, and track, showcasing his versatility as a mentor and leader. His dedication to his athletes and commitment to their success transcended the boundaries of any single sport.

A Legacy of Excellence

Larry’s coaching career left an indelible mark on the world of lacrosse and sports in general. His overall varsity record of 544 wins, 159 losses, and 10 ties speaks volumes about his ability to lead and inspire. In 2019, Larry’s contributions to the sports community were recognized when he was inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame and the Camillus/West Genesee Community Sports Hall of Fame. Furthermore, in 2022, Tully High School honored him by naming their main field “The Larry Hart Field,” a fitting tribute to a coaching icon.

Larry Hart’s journey from a college lacrosse player to a coaching legend is a story of passion, dedication, and excellence. His unwavering commitment to the sport of lacrosse and his ability to inspire success in his athletes have left an enduring legacy. Larry Hart will forever be remembered as a true icon in the world of lacrosse and a role model for coaches and athletes alike.