Cazenovia High School has a new boys varsity lacrosse coach – and didn’t look too far for him.
Dave Falge, a Lakers assistant coach for the last 10 years, was named to the position Monday night at the regular meeting of the Cazenovia Board of Education and will start his tenure in the spring of 2018.
“The foundation of the Cazenovia lacrosse program that many of us have worked so hard to build over the past 10-plus years continues to drive me,” said Falge.
“Seeing the impact that we have had on our players, their families, the school and the entire Cazenovia community has been remarkable. Our goal is to build upon and continue this success.
An East Syracuse Minoa High School and Hobart College graduate, Falge joined the Cazenovia staff in 2008 after more than a decade as an assistant at Liverpool, Cicero-North Syracuse, Jamesville-DeWitt and Christian Brothers Academy.
This spring, he was head coach of the junior varsity Lakers, adding to a plate that already included 12 years coaching in the Cazenovia Youth Lacrosse Association and a stint coaching the CNY Roadhawks travel team.
At the same time, Falge has worked for numerous lacrosse equipment companies, including with former Syracuse University star Ryan Powell in Manlius at the Powell Lacrosse store – this after working with companies from Easton to Warrior to Cascade.
“Dave has been a fixture in the lacrosse business community for years,” said Cazenovia athletic director Mike Byrnes. We are excited to follow Dave’s leadership and hope to build upon the successful foundation that already exists in the program.”
Falge follows the 12-year coaching tenure of Jim Longo that included two state championships, four trips to the state final and 192 wins against just 58 defeats. That creates high expectations to continue that run, but Falge said he is ready to meet them.
“If you coach lacrosse in Section III, you are very familiar with pressure,” said Falge. “Our past success at Cazenovia shows our younger players what dedication, hard work and commitment can offer them.”
Describing his coaching style as “intense” and efficient”, Falge said that lacrosse offers lessons both on and off the field.
“I have always been taught, and believe, that lacrosse is unique,” he said. “It teaches you life lessons throughout the course of a season. We have been fortunate to develop some very good players, but I take even more pride in helping shape each player’s personal character.”
Trying to maintain as much continuity as possible, Falge said he will keep Erich Niemann as the team’s defensive coordinator, a post Niemann has held for a decade. A new JV head coach remains to be named.
