World Championship Experience Preps Bomberry to Lead Orange
2/13/2019 12:29:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
When an athlete gets to represent their nation, it's typically considered one of the biggest honors someone can have.
For Tyson Bomberry, getting to represent the Iroquois at the FIL World Championships in 2018 means even more. The 'Creator's Game' has always belonged to indigenous people and has been ingrained into their culture. From Medicine Games for the sick to playing for The Creator, the game means more. So, when Tyson along with a slew of other former Orange standouts were selected to play on the Iroquois National Team in Netanya, Israel this summer, the meaning was not lost on Bomberry.
"It's one of the most awesome things I've ever done in my life," Bomberry said of representing the Iroquois. "To be able to represent your people and compete at the highest level, especially a sport that our people created is such an honor."
In addition to Bomberry, junior Jerry Staats and alums Randy Staats, Brendan Bomberry, Warren Hill and Jeremy Thompson also suited up for the Iroquois. Nathan McPeak and Hakeem Lecky played for Jamaica and Joel White and John Galloway played for the U.S.
The Iroquois finished with the bronze medal at the event, proving they could compete with much larger nations.
"To be able to go toe-to-toe with giant countries like Team Canada and Team USA – and at times control those games, like leading the U.S. at halftime – it was great to display the skill that indigenous people have," Bomberry said.
The experience wasn't just lacrosse. Bomberry and his teammates went to Jerusalem and cultural activities while in Israel, to truly embrace the two-week trip.
With six Syracuse players on the Iroquois Nationals, and numerous native players on the current Syracuse roster, the tradition of Syracuse embracing indigenous people to their program is strong as ever. 'Cuse has had numerous indigenous people play in the program, most notably Oren Lyons, one of the leading advocates for indigenous rights in the world.
"It just says a lot about the program," Bomberry said. "Not only is it on Native American territory, it's also close to home for a lot of us. It's only a couple hours drive for my family and fans from other Native American communities and reserves will come out to the Dome and support you as well, so it feels like you're at home."
In Israel, Bomberry was tasked with guarding some of the world's best, something that he hopes will translate to his play this season. The Orange senior captain proved to be a key component of the Orange defense last season, as the team's goals per game allowed ballooned by over four goals in his five-game absence due to injury.
This season, along with fellow returners Nick Mellen, Marcus Cunningham, Brett Kennedy, Austin Fusco and others, the defense looks again to be a strength of the team. This time, Bomberry brings experience of guarding the world's best players this summer back to the experienced group.
Bomberry and the Orange defense will be back in action on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Carrier Dome.
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For Tyson Bomberry, getting to represent the Iroquois at the FIL World Championships in 2018 means even more. The 'Creator's Game' has always belonged to indigenous people and has been ingrained into their culture. From Medicine Games for the sick to playing for The Creator, the game means more. So, when Tyson along with a slew of other former Orange standouts were selected to play on the Iroquois National Team in Netanya, Israel this summer, the meaning was not lost on Bomberry.
"It's one of the most awesome things I've ever done in my life," Bomberry said of representing the Iroquois. "To be able to represent your people and compete at the highest level, especially a sport that our people created is such an honor."
In addition to Bomberry, junior Jerry Staats and alums Randy Staats, Brendan Bomberry, Warren Hill and Jeremy Thompson also suited up for the Iroquois. Nathan McPeak and Hakeem Lecky played for Jamaica and Joel White and John Galloway played for the U.S.
The Iroquois finished with the bronze medal at the event, proving they could compete with much larger nations.
"To be able to go toe-to-toe with giant countries like Team Canada and Team USA – and at times control those games, like leading the U.S. at halftime – it was great to display the skill that indigenous people have," Bomberry said.
The experience wasn't just lacrosse. Bomberry and his teammates went to Jerusalem and cultural activities while in Israel, to truly embrace the two-week trip.
With six Syracuse players on the Iroquois Nationals, and numerous native players on the current Syracuse roster, the tradition of Syracuse embracing indigenous people to their program is strong as ever. 'Cuse has had numerous indigenous people play in the program, most notably Oren Lyons, one of the leading advocates for indigenous rights in the world.
"It just says a lot about the program," Bomberry said. "Not only is it on Native American territory, it's also close to home for a lot of us. It's only a couple hours drive for my family and fans from other Native American communities and reserves will come out to the Dome and support you as well, so it feels like you're at home."
In Israel, Bomberry was tasked with guarding some of the world's best, something that he hopes will translate to his play this season. The Orange senior captain proved to be a key component of the Orange defense last season, as the team's goals per game allowed ballooned by over four goals in his five-game absence due to injury.
This season, along with fellow returners Nick Mellen, Marcus Cunningham, Brett Kennedy, Austin Fusco and others, the defense looks again to be a strength of the team. This time, Bomberry brings experience of guarding the world's best players this summer back to the experienced group.
Bomberry and the Orange defense will be back in action on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Carrier Dome.
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