Syracuse head coach John Desko collected his 100th career win Saturday. For a coach known for his run-and-gun style of offense, it’s no surprise Desko accomplished the feat at a record pace.

Desko became the fastest active Division I coach to record 100 victories after the Orange defeated Binghamton 16-10. It took 133 games for Desko, who took over for SU legend Roy Simmons Jr. in 1998, to reach the century mark for career victories.

After earning his 100th victory, Desko reminisced about all the achievements he had witnessed while at SU.

‘I’ve been at Syracuse a number of years as an assistant coach and a head coach,’ Desko said. ‘It’s been a lot of wins and some losses. And fortunately there’s been a bunch more wins than losses. It’s been a great experience for me to be here as a player and as a coach.’

Desko elaborated on how when he first arrived at Syracuse as a player in 1976, the lacrosse squad was not capable of even qualifying for the playoffs. By his senior year, SU reached the postseason. After four more years had passed, with Desko now an assistant coach, Syracuse took home on its first national title. Desko has won three championships as SU’s head coach.

‘Ever since winning the championship in 1983 – to be part of the program, just to see it come from little to a lot. I think that’s great appreciation of where it was and where it is today,’ Desko said. ‘I’m just proud to be here at Syracuse University.’

Cold welcomeCoincidentally, in its first-ever matchup against Syracuse, Binghamton ended up as the 100th victim during Desko’s coaching career – as invited guests.

‘We were fortunate to get on the schedule this year,’ BU head coach Ed Stephenson said. ‘Initially in the summer we didn’t have this game. But John (Desko) had a spot open. He invited us to go up. I’ve been trying to get a game up here for a while. I’m thrilled to play up here.’

Stephenson mentioned how the game presented the Bearcats, a fledgling fifth-year lacrosse program, with an occasion to notch a win over a top-20 team. Although Syracuse and Binghamton do not have any future matches scheduled, Stephenson hopes to make a quick return the Dome.

‘We’ll talk to John,’ Stephenson said. ‘He didn’t have any more (available) initially. This is a one-year opportunity for us. We hope that we can get them on our schedule every year. That’s something we’ll look into at the end of the season.’

Carrozza and Perritt updateMidfielders Pat Perritt and John Carrozza, who were arrested two weekends ago, dressed for Saturday’s game but did not receive any playing time.

Perritt and Carrozza were suspended indefinitely after the two were arrested on the night of March 11 and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to a police report.

Published on March 24, 2007 at 12:00 pm