Dick MacPherson led the Orange to a 66-46-4 record during his tenure as head coach. He led Syracuse to an unbeaten season in 1987.
This Day in Dome History: June 28
6/28/2006 3:06:23 PM | Football, Dome 25
The Carrier Dome has stood empty on this date as no events have taken place on June 28. Since the Dome officially opened on September 20, 1980, Syracuse fans have had the opportunity to watch some of the greatest athletes to wear the orange, including Donovan McNabb, Carmelo Anthony and Gary Gait to name a few. There's no doubt that the Loud House has provided an unique recruiting edge for Syracuse head coaches.
The Carrier Dome’s Impact
By David Salati
Recruiting has always been a momentous subject of discussion for all college athletic programs. Having the ability to recruit the finest and superb athletes from around the country is not easy. At Syracuse University, the Carrier Dome has given the Orange an advantage since its opening in 1980. No one knows better about the effect than retired athletics director Jake Crouthamel, former Orange football coach Dick MacPherson, and current SU men’s lacrosse coach John Desko. They have all witnessed first hand the appeal of the “Loud House” and how it has impacted the success of the Orange.
“The Carrier Dome really did help us because it was such a unique structure nationally,” Crouthamel said. “Even though we have to live with the weather here we could guarantee, particularly some of the skilled positions, perfect conditions every home game. I am sure that really helped us. I do not think there is any question that it could add to drawing players here.”
Part of what has made coming to Syracuse so attractive is the opportunity for prospective athletes to play in the media spotlight that comes with the Dome, as a superior sporting venue.
“The Dome was a great venue for television so we have had games on television and continue to get our teams on television” Crouthamel said. “The whole coziness makes it a great venue for television and thus makes it an attractive program to join. Playing in a great atmosphere and environment makes people watch you.”
Desko has been around for the entire duration of the Dome’s quarter century, serving as the top assistant for 19 years before succeeding Hall of Fame coach Roy Simmons Jr. in 1999. Desko has recruited the likes of two-time National Player of the Year Gary Gait, his brother Paul Gait, who was a three-time All-American, and the Powell brothers (Michael, Casey, and Ryan), the school’s top three all-time leading point scorers. Desko and the Orange have advanced to 23 of the past 24 Division I lacrosse Final Fours. The Carrier Dome has played a role in the success of the program.
“It is the only covered lacrosse facility in the country that I am aware of as far as any our opponents go,” Desko said. “The lighting in the Dome and the flat, not crowned surface, makes it a fast track. That is the style we play. We like to play at an elite tempo and a fast breaking game. We also have the opportunity to play in front of the big crowds. That is definitely an attraction.”
MacPherson, who coached the Orange from 1981 through the 1990 season, will be the first to tell anyone that recruiting was a rocky situation when he took the helm. He says that prior to his arrival on The Hill from the University of Massachusetts, there was speculation that the Syracuse football program would not last. The program was particularly vulnerable after legendary coach Ben Schwartzwalder retired in 1973 after leading the Orange for 25 years.
“The Carrier Dome made the Syracuse dream possible,” MacPherson said. “Now from there you had to sell it and re-sell it. And, do not forget, it took us into our fifth year before we really got that thing going.”
There were many great recruits who came to play for MacPherson, including the players he considers to be the first with significant impact.
“I think the first big blue chip player we got was a guy locally named Tim Green and he turned out to be an impact player,” MacPherson said. “The other impact players that we had were of course Ted Gregory, Robert Moore and Donnie McPherson.
MacPherson said he believes the immediate impact of the Dome is obvious.
“Just take a look – my first year at Syracuse we had a great lacrosse win over Hobart, which was a tremendous celebration. They threw the coach in the shower and you can see where the lacrosse program has come since then,” he said. “Jim Boeheim, look at what has happened to basketball. I do not think any place in the country has been impacted more than what we have enjoyed with the Carrier Dome. It beats everybody and that is what made it go.”
Thursday, June 18
Thursday, June 18
Friday, June 12
Thursday, June 11
