The NBA was founded in 1946. By then, Cortland had been playing lacrosse for two decades.
This year, Cortland is celebrating 100 years since the men’s lacrosse team first took the field.
What began as a small collegiate team has grown into one of the premier programs in NCAA Division III, winning four National titles, 29 SUNYAC titles, and achieving 744 total wins. USILA currently ranks Cortland as 14th nationally.
For current players and coaches, the milestone is more than a number. It is a reminder of the standard that has been set by generations before them.
Michael Restino, a freshman, said it’s an honor to play for Cortland.
“Cortland lacrosse in general means a lot to me. It’s one of the top programs in the country for Division III and not many kids get to experience this,” Restino said. “I am lucky enough to get to play for Cortland”
The team’s 100th season is off to a solid start, with a 2-2 record where their 2 losses have both been close games with ranked opponents. They lead the SUNYAC in shooting percentage with 32.6%.
Sean Kavanagh an upperclassmen and current SUNYAC athlete of the week, said the team is only getting better.
“The main focus for us [in the pre-season] was team chemistry and getting stronger,” Kavanagh said. “We have a lot of young guys that have gotten older and grown into roles and the only way to make sure everyone is comfortable is to be on the same page.
Kavanagh said building strength will directly lead to the team’s success.
“Stronger, older players win games, so we are going to continue to develop in that aspect,” said Kavanagh.
2025 USILA Short-Stick Midfielder of the Year, and proud Cortland alumnus Alex Thrasher said the current team is more than capable of success.
“Do they now know what it takes to get deep into tournament play? Absolutely,” Thrasher said. “I have no doubt they will do great this season., maybe some hiccups early in the season but they’re very young and time is their greatest asset right now.”
You would think that being the centennial team at a premier Division III would create an added since of pressure on the team, but Restino said it doesn’t.
“It’s not really talked about in the locker room. We know how good our team can be,” Restino said. “We just need to take it day by day.”
That tunnel-vision mindset reflects the culture that has defined Cortland lacrosse for decades, leading them to four NCAA Division III National Championship titles. Rather than getting caught up in their extensive history, the current Red Dragons are focused on writing their own chapter. According to players, practices remain competitive, expectations remain high, and the standard does not change simply because of a milestone in the program’s history.
The centennial celebration may honor the past, but inside the locker room, the focus is firmly on the future.
Cortland’s season continues today as they take on Nazareth in a home matchup at 4 pm.
