Desko Holds Retirement Press Conference
6/8/2021 1:37:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
In a mix of thank yous, memories and a few one-liners, Head Coach John Desko held his retirement press conference on Tuesday, officially capping a 46-year, uninterrupted tenure in various roles with the Orange men's lacrosse program.
"I've heard from thousands of people, and that was very emotional," Desko said. "To be part of so many lives - it's starting to kick in - once you start hearing from everyone. It is so much appreciated to be part of that and hear from so many people."
In true Desko fashion, he often deferred questions on his own accomplishments and crediting others who were involved in the program and the players themselves, during his nearly 40-minute press event.
A legend of the sport, Desko turns the keys to the program over to a former player in Gary Gait, while saying that Gait has invited him to remain as part of the program. Desko said, while it'll be in an unofficial capacity, he'll continue to be around and see the players and staff at 'Cuse and will support them from a box in the Dome alongside fellow Hall of Fame coach Roy Simmons Jr. Desko remarked that he and Gary and his wife, Cindy and Gary's wife, Nicole, have a close friendship that has continued to develop after Gary returned to Syracuse to take over the Orange women's program.
"With the amount of time that I've been here, I'm going to support Syracuse in any way that I can," Desko said. "Whether its with advice, maybe some fundraising. I'll be here."
"I've heard from thousands of people, and that was very emotional," Desko said. "To be part of so many lives - it's starting to kick in - once you start hearing from everyone. It is so much appreciated to be part of that and hear from so many people."
In true Desko fashion, he often deferred questions on his own accomplishments and crediting others who were involved in the program and the players themselves, during his nearly 40-minute press event.
A legend of the sport, Desko turns the keys to the program over to a former player in Gary Gait, while saying that Gait has invited him to remain as part of the program. Desko said, while it'll be in an unofficial capacity, he'll continue to be around and see the players and staff at 'Cuse and will support them from a box in the Dome alongside fellow Hall of Fame coach Roy Simmons Jr. Desko remarked that he and Gary and his wife, Cindy and Gary's wife, Nicole, have a close friendship that has continued to develop after Gary returned to Syracuse to take over the Orange women's program.
"With the amount of time that I've been here, I'm going to support Syracuse in any way that I can," Desko said. "Whether its with advice, maybe some fundraising. I'll be here."
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