Lacrosse Legends: Celebrating the Hall of Fame Inductees of 2025!

Milleridge Inn, Jericho, Long Island, New York, USA - The National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association (NILCA) is set to honor a remarkable lineup of coaching legends as it unveils its Hall of Fame Class for 2025. These dedicated individuals have turned lacrosse into a celebrated sport, leaving an indelible mark on their teams and communities throughout their careers. This event pays homage to their outstanding records and contributions to the sport.

Among the inductees, Dennis Bonn, head coach at Cold Spring Harbor, New York, boasts an impressive career record of 368-96, achieving a remarkable 79.3% win rate. Since 2000, Bonn has led his team to claim seven state championships and 15 Nassau County titles. His efforts have been recognized with multiple accolades, including the NILCA National Coach of the Year award in 2017.

Another lifting the trophy is Charlie Burch from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, who has spent 24 years coaching at various high schools. His tenure saw him secure nine state championships and two runner-up finishes. With a nod to his significant influence, he was honored with the USA Lacrosse Man of the Year award in 2009.

Honoring Many Achievements

It’s clear these coaches haven’t just won games; they’ve inspired generations. Mike Delia, hailing from East Islip, New York, has been integral in transforming Shoreham-Wading River into a lacrosse powerhouse. Now a top official in South Carolina, his contributions were made while serving as an assistant under famed coach Tom Rotanz.

In Florida, Tom O’Grady stands out for his impressive track record. With over 40 years in coaching, he steered Winter Park to a remarkable 21-0 record, culminating in the FHSAA championship in 1999, marking a milestone as the first Florida public school to seize a state title.

Connecting to the Future

The NILCA continues to raise the bar for lacrosse coaching with initiatives like partnering with AXIA Time. This collaboration introduces ultra-custom, heirloom-quality timepieces that celebrate significant coaching milestones and achievements. Coming in the fall, AXIA Time plans to design commemorative timepieces for Hall of Fame inductees to further honor their legacy in the sport.

This mission not only recognizes past legends but also encourages new generations to strive for excellence in lacrosse. Each team that creates a custom timepiece will also mean a Hall of Fame timepiece will be donated for a previous inductee, fostering a spirit of appreciation within the lacrosse community.

An Event to Remember

Mark your calendars—the NILCA will celebrate its 2024 Hall of Fame class at a banquet on October 12, 2024, at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho, Long Island. This prestigious gathering will honor some of the sport’s greatest, including legends like Rick Brocato of St. Paul’s School in Maryland, and Jon Heisman of Bishop Shanahan High School in Pennsylvania, among others.

This ceremony offers a perfect platform to recognize the collective contributions of these coaches, who together have achieved an astounding 3,747 wins and 39 state championships. Such accomplishments echo their dedication and love for the game, inspiring current and future players.

Grab your tickets for this unforgettable evening on the NILCA website, and join in celebrating the legends of lacrosse who have paved the way for so many.