LaxLessons.com and Epoch Lacrosse have teamed up for a new feature at LaxLessons.com in which lacrosse standouts share their epic high school memories.
To say Ric Beardsley revolutionized lacrosse would not be an exaggeration.
A four-time All-America defenseman at Syracuse University, Beardsley brought his own unique mix of energy and enthusiasm combined with outstanding physical abilities and stick skills that were instrumental in the Orange winning national titles in 1993 and ’95.
These days, Beardsley has returned to the high school roots that saw him help elevate the Lakeland High School program (now Lakeland/Panas) to among the elite in the Hudson Valley. Beardsley is in the midst of his first season as head varsity coach at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, with the team’s first game set for Tuesday against LaFayette High School.
In addition to leading Lakeland to its only state title-game appearance in school history (a 10-5 loss to West Genesee in 1991), Beardsley had memorable one-on-one battles against Syracuse University teammate and fellow first-team All-American Roy Colsey during epic Yorktown vs. Lakeland battles.
It was during their high school careers that the annual regular-season game between the teams became known as the Murphy Cup, honoring Charlie Murphy, who co-founded the Yorktown program with Jim Turnbull in 1966.
In fact, Beardsley estimates the 1991 Murphy Cup featured a total of 20 Division I players between the two teams. (For highlights of that game, check this story.)
What makes your high school varsity career so memorable and meaningful looking back at it now?
As you get older, you value your past in general. It was meaningful to me due to the memories it created. It shaped me in many way athletically and especially socially.
If you had to pick one most memorable moment or game from high school what would it be and why?
Our 1991 loss to Yorktown in the regular season. Some people have dubbed it as one of the best high school games ever. For me it was great because I was able to be a big part of that rivalry. The OT sequence where we locked off and I got to go 1v1 vs my good friend Roy Colsey. It’s actually on youtube.com and a lot of my players love seeing there old coach play.
Do you remember who your first varsity game was against, what grade you were in and what happened in the game?
Jeez, that was ions ago. I was a freshman. I started at LSM for our varsity team. I am not sure if we won or lost, but I know I probably put on a takeaway check clinic vs. whoever I guarded that day.
To keep up with Epoch and to find a list of all authorized dealers near you, please visit Epoch’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/
About Epoch Lacrosse (@epochlax): Epoch Lacrosse delivers the finest manufactured lacrosse equipment designed to increase playability and maximize performance by using world class materials and techniques. Developed in collaboration with True Temper Sports, Epoch shafts are made from the highest grade materials available. They have tested and retested each design to ensure durability, playability and performance are optimized. Their goal is simple; to give the player every opportunity to reach their true potential. Live. Play. Be.
‘Epic Moments’ archives
For an archive of articles in this series, click here.
Posted In: Epic Moments, Hudson Valley, Section 1, Upstate New York Lacrosse
Great catching up with Big Ric!