We Lose Ernie Lisi - Thanks Coach

Long-time coach at Irondequoit High School, Ernie Lisi died peacefully on Friday, July 10th at Maplewood Nursing Home. 

Ernie Lisi then took over for Irondequoit founder Vern Babcock in 1961 and compiled a career record of 211-22 when he finished in 1977 and turned the reins over to John Pratt (1978-2005). In his first season he won 10 straight games and then continued with thirty more straight wins until his first loss (to Lafayette) in 1965. 

At Geneva High School, Lisi was captain of both the football and track teams. He was also the senior class President in 1950. After four years in the Marine Corps which included a tour of Korea, he moved on to Hobart College where he was a standout in football and as a midfielder in lacrosse. He once played against Jim Brown, playing for Syracuse. Hobart coach Babe Kraus was said to have told Lisi, “Let him run if he gets the ball. There is no way to stop him without injuring yourself.”

His final coaching stint was for the University of Rochester, where he was Head Coach from 1979-1981.

Over his sixteen years as Head Coach at Irondequoit, he earned many accolades and honors including: 22 Championships/titles including two Section V Championships, 13 High School All-Americans, 3 times Coach of the Year by USLCA and Man of the Year by NILL (1984). He received many honors over the years, including induction into the Rochester Chapter US Lacrosse Hall of Fame (1992), the Geneva Sports Hall of Fame (1992) and the Hobart College Hall of Fame (2014). 

"Family and friends are welcome on Friday, July 17th from 4-7pm at the Profetta Funeral Chapel 1650 Empire Blvd. Ernie's Funeral Service will be celebrated Saturday, July 18th at 11:30am at the All Seasons Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hobart College, Athletic Department, Lacrosse Team, 300 Pulteney Street, Geneva, NY 14456" Full Story