Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="OrangeXtreme, post: 3878947, member: 41"] [MEDIA=twitter]1402294961165549568[/MEDIA] Syracuse AD John Wildhack stepped up to the podium. He says that today is about honoring Desko and his work not only winning championships, but helping in the development of thousands of young men over his 30+ years as a part of SU Lacrosse as a player, assistant, and head coach. Desko now at the podium: "I've had thoughts, and I've had people reach out to me, literally thousands, and that was very emotional ... It started to kick in when I started hearing from everybody." Desko thanks his family and his wife, Cindy, for being with him every step of the way. He adds that he now has a better appreciation for Cindy and what she’s done for him. Desko: "It's hard for me not to shed a tear here, looking at my staff." Acknowledges Lelan Rogers, Pat March and Kevin Donahue, specifically. Then, "Roy III, get over here." Makes Director of Operations Roy Simmons III come up to the program, and they embrace. Desko points to Simmons saying that no one loves Syracuse Lacrosse more than that guy. Desko ends his speech saying that he has a yard sale coming up. Stay tuned. Desko asked why he’s retiring now: I almost still don’t know the answer. Weekends in summer you’re on the road all the time. Just to be with family at home, I love to go to lake in the summertime. Desko: Gary Gait said I should remain having a presence around the team. I’m going to support Syracuse and Syracuse lacrosse all the way. Desko on difficulty of decision: Easier than I thought. I’m not packing and rushing out the door to hop on the plane. I’m being around family more. Desko asked if he could have come back next year. I think so. Desko on one lasting memory for him in his time with SU: "It's never about I, or me, it's about 'we' as a group...I'm really proud of everything we've accomplished." "I'm so happy with that, I see so many benefits going forward" -Desko on Gary Gait taking over as the program's 5th head coach. Desko on new Head Coach Gary Gait: "I'm so happy about that...it's great to have him there, I think it'll be seamless. I'm going to help him in any way I can. I'm going to watch him win Championships." Desko said that he told his players over a Zoom meeting and that it was great to hear from them. He also added that he met with the seniors before they left and it was great to reconnect with them. Desko: Gary and I have sat around the fire for a number of summers. I think he’ll be open and comfortable asking questions. Desko on trying to improve the game: "I was on the rules committee for a bit...we actually voted in the shot clock. There was an uproar when we put that in...it was so drastic at that time. We thought it was best for the game." Desko adds that the faceoff is the next thing the NCAA needs to address. Desko: I don’t know whether I can rule out coaching again. Depends on his role at SU and how he adapts to having more time in his life. We’ll see. Haven’t thought about it. Desko said that he’s still trying to figure out how he’s feeling and what it’ll be like not coaching again. He added that he’s happy he’ll be invited to come visit the program under Coach Gait. “It’s weird in a way, it’s appreciative. The coffee’s free here” so he’ll be back. [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?