John Desko, 1979 (Lacrosse)
A 1979 All-American, John Desko is a mainstay in the Orange men’s lacrosse program. Desko and the 1979 Orange made the program’s first NCAA playoff appearance. As a coach, Desko was part of the program’s nine National Championships and the 22 consecutive NCAA Final Four teams from 1983 through 2004. Immediately after completing his playing career, Desko began his tenure as an assistant coach for Roy Simmons Jr. in 1980. In 1998, Desko was promoted to head coach when Simmons Jr. retired. He led the Orange to the 1999 National Championship game as a rookie head coach.
In eight years as the head coach, Desko has directed the team to the NCAA Tournament in every season and to three National Championships (2000, 2002, 2004). He is the winningest active coach in Division I lacrosse with a mark of 97-30 (.764 win percentage) and has the best NCAA Tournament win percentage, as well (19-5, .792).
During the summer of 2006, Desko was the head coach for the U.S. National Team coach for the World Games in London, Ontario. The U.S. lost to Canada in the championship game. He was inducted into the Central New York Chapter of the Lacrosse Foundation’s Hall of Fame in 1997. Desko has worked with the Diabetes Association, Campfire Boys and Girls, Bull Recreation Lacrosse League, and various fundraising events for charitable organizations.
