After an incredible 17-season journey at SUNY Cortland, the time has come for Steve Beville to pass the torch. That torch is being passed to none other than the Cortland legend himself, Lelan Rogers.
Picture this: Cortland Men’s Lacrosse, fresh from their thrilling 2023 season, boasting a record of thirteen wins and five losses. Yet, a heart-pounding clash against SUNY Geneseo that left lacrosse aficionados on the edge of their seats, ended their season in a dramatic 7-13 loss. But fear not, for amidst the backdrop of parting talents, Coach
Rogers is brimming with anticipation for the upcoming season as a wave of remarkable young talent prepares to make their mark on the field.
With over three decades of coaching experience under his belt, Coach Rogers has left an indelible mark on the lacrosse landscape. Lelan Rogers embarked on his coaching odyssey at Ohio Wesleyan in 1991, starting a nine-year tenure that was very exciting. He guided a staggering 109-33 record, including an impressive seven NCAA tournament appearances. But that’s not all; Coach Rogers graced SUNY Cortland with his expertise, orchestrating five seasons that resulted in a flawless 32-0 combined record in SUNYAC games. However, the pinnacle of Coach Rogers’ career came when he took the reins at Syracuse University. There, he orchestrated a lacrosse dynasty, securing back-to-back national championships in 2008 and 2009. He transformed the Syracuse defense into a powerhouse, earning them a top-five ranking in goals-against for three consecutive years from 2008 to 2010.
Now, let’s talk about Travis Wagner, the seasoned senior goalkeeper for the Red Dragons. In the heat of competition during the 2023 season, Wagner was a guardian angel in the cage, racking up an impressive tally of 189 saves and a jaw-dropping 60% save percentage. But what’s on everyone’s mind is what this remarkable athlete thinks about his new mentor, Coach Rogers.
Wagner said, “I’m really excited about this opportunity to learn from such a renowned coach. His expertise on the defensive side of the field paired with Coach Bardsley’s offensive knowledge will allow us to do great things this year. Everybody was extremely receptive to his coaching and we are all elated to have him lead us through this season. Since his arrival on campus, there has been nothing but respect, excitement, and admiration for what he could bring to our team.”
Dino Bowen emerged as an absolute defensive powerhouse for the Cortland Lacrosse team last year, leaving an indelible mark on the field. As a bright-eyed freshman arriving on campus, he carried an unbridled determination to carve his name into Cortland Lacrosse history. The stage was set, and Bowen seized the spotlight, starting in all 16 games. In those intense matchups, Dino’s stats were nothing short of impressive. The freshman amassed a remarkable eighteen ground balls and wreaked havoc with six caused turnovers. But it wasn’t just Dino’s on-field excellence that had everyone buzzing. When asked about his excitement for Coach Rogers taking the reins of the defensive side, he stated, “Coach Rogers is about to lead us to defensive glory. Working with prestigious schools like Syracuse and Utica, you can see exactly how much of an impact he had towards those programs.”
Get ready, SUNY Cortland Athletics, because the 2023 lacrosse season is poised to set the Division 3 lacrosse world on fire! With a blend of returning talent and the seasoned coaching prowess of Lelan Rogers, the stage is set for an exciting journey toward that coveted national championship trophy on Memorial Day weekend.