“Had a Big Heart” – 87-Year-Old Former Lacrosse Coach Passes Away After Pioneering Storied Legacy in Navy Men’s Games

 Crafting a vivid career in lacrosse training sessions, legendary coach Dick Szlasa recently breathed his last, marking the end of an era. As an athlete whose illustrious trail in professional games spanned decades, the 87-year-old’s unexpected demise has left a void in his sporting legacy. Heralded for his remarkable 10-year tenure as the Navy men’s efficient instructor, his impactful presence was honored by many. Boasting a commendable record of 85 wins among 44 losses in professional lacrosse games, Szlasa had steered his team to unprecedented glory.

With his vivid support for the lacrosse players in the Navy men’s team, Szlasa became a landmark in the squad’s professional prospects. During his tenure from 1973 to 1982, Szlasa led the Midshipmen officials to significant milestones, carving victories one after another. Marking a pivotal episode in sport’s audacious history, Dick’s substantial influence was remembered after his recent demise.

The lacrosse coaching pro who etched a golden legacy

With 10 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances under his belt, Dick Szlasa also gained recognition by cementing the Navy crews’ dominance. Known as a formidable force in collegiate lacrosse games, Szlasa’s trajectory in coaching support saw him succeed the iconic athlete Willis Bilderback. Despite facing daunting challenges in maintaining the Midshipmen’s sporting eminence, his skillful prowess resulted in unforeseen victories for the team. 

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Evidently, Szlasa’s arrival at the Naval Academy’s lacrosse crew was recorded amidst the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Highlighting a time when the military service faced immense scrutiny, Dick’s mentorship was not just confined to these officials, with his monumental persona exhibiting so much more. 

With his instrumental role in transforming Washington & Lee’s struggling lacrosse programs, Szlasa also witnessed his efforts triggering a national contendership. Setting the stage for a compelling clash between his former and current teams in the NCAA Tournament, his bold tactics seemingly knew no bounds. 

Dick Szlasa‘s demise sparks honorable remembrance 

Under his tutelage, the Navy’s lacrosse history saw a pinnacle moment in 1975, when the Midshipmen made a stunning run. Upsetting No. 2 Cornell in the semifinals before succumbing to No. 4 Maryland in the national championship final game, the event hinted at Szlasa’s vivid involvement with his victorious crew. 

In another exceptional highlight of Szlasa’s vibrant presence, the former coach was popularly known for his knack for recruiting and nurturing talents. With effective consistency in his lacrosse coaching career, Szlasa also cultivated 49 All-Americans, including luminaries like Jeff Long. Additionally, his tenure marked Jake Lawlor and Mike Buzzell’s power-packed moves, seizing national awards during his expert stewardship.

After his sudden departure made news on December 16, several players and sporting enthusiasts joined hands to pay their respects, remembering Szlasa’s heroic life. One of his top assistants, Tom Hanna, was caught sharing his candid appreciation of the former coach, stating, “Dick appeared to be gruff as a coach”, as he further added, “But he had a big heart and loved his players.”

Besides lacrosse games, Dick Szlasa’s inspirational course also sparked his role as an athletic director, transforming programs at various high schools and colleges. While his coaching acumen even secured a movie spot in 1984, the honorable trainer’s sporting contributions were nothing short of extraordinary. As the athletic community mourned his loss, they recalled his larger-than-life vibrancy, creating wonders in every take. 

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