Mike Greene’s impact on lacrosse in the North Country is measured not only in wins and championships, but in the generations of players, coaches, and fans whose lives were shaped by his leadership, vision, and commitment to the game.

A Builder of Lacrosse and Community in the North Country

Greene was a pioneer from the very beginning. He played on Watertown High School’s first-ever lacrosse team in 1959 under head coach Frank Shields, helping lay the foundation for a program that would grow in prominence in the years to follow. His passion for the sport carried him to Colgate University, where he played attack for two seasons before transitioning to goalkeeper during his junior and senior years — a testament to his versatility and team-first mindset.

In 1976, Greene and longtime friend Don McHugh co-founded the Watertown Lacrosse Club. Over the next decade, the club compiled an extraordinary 81–20 record, becoming a dominant force in Central New York summer lacrosse. The pinnacle came in 1981, when the club captured the Summer Championship with a dramatic 21–19 victory over the F-M Hornets Nest. That game became a turning point, igniting widespread interest in lacrosse throughout the North Country.

Greene’s leadership extended far beyond the field. He served as President of the Central New York Summer League for ten years, guiding the league through a period of growth and stability. From 1981 to 1997, he was also President of the Watertown Summer Boat League, which attracted as many as 250 participants each summer and became a cornerstone of the local sports community.

Committed to honoring character as much as competition, Greene established the McHugh Scholarship Award in 1992 in memory of Don McHugh. The award recognizes high school lacrosse players who advance to college and exemplify outstanding sportsmanship and skill, ensuring that McHugh’s legacy — and Greene’s values — continue through future generations.

Greene also left a lasting mark as a coach. From 1983 to 1985, he coached the Key Bank Club team before joining SUNY Canton as an assistant coach in 1985. He became head coach from 1986 to 1989, compiling a winning record and guiding three players to Academic All-American honors. His peers recognized his leadership when he was elected Chairman of the NJCAA Coaches Committee for the JUCO National Championship. He was also selected as an assistant coach for the North Squad in the inaugural NJCAA North–South Game.

Beyond coaching and administration, Greene became the voice of Watertown athletics. For 18 years, he served as the public address announcer for all Watertown High School sporting events. His steady, familiar voice became synonymous with Friday nights, championship moments, and community pride across the North Country.

In recognition of his lifelong service to the sport, Greene was named Section III Lacrosse Man of the Year in 1992 — an honor that reflected not only his accomplishments, but the respect he earned from players, coaches, and officials alike.

Mike Greene passed away in 2001, but his legacy endures. He was a builder of programs, a champion of young athletes, and a steward of community sports. His contributions helped shape lacrosse in Central New York, and his influence continues to be felt wherever the game is played in the North Country.