ITHACA, N.Y.—Famed Cornell men’s lacrosse coach Richie Moran died Sunday, April 24, 2022 at the age of 85. Moran was known locally and nationwide for his contributions to the sport of lacrosse, as well as for bringing three championships to Cornell University during his coaching tenure from 1969-1997.
Moran amassed a 257-121 record as head coach, winning the Ivy League title 15 times and setting a record for consecutive victories with 42 straight wins from the 1976-1978 seasons, according to the Cornell University Athletic Department. He also led Team USA to a silver medal during the 1978 World Games.
“While Moran’s lacrosse accolades are impressive on their own, he will be even better remembered as an ambassador for the game of lacrosse, the Ithaca community and just about any person he met,” reads the school’s announcement. “Anyone who crossed his path was enriched by his passion for life, interest in others and quick wit.”
Moran’s autobiography, “It’s Great to be Here,” was released in 2017 and co-written by Ithaca Times sports columnist Steve Lawrence, one of Moran’s closest friends.
Emblematic of Moran’s impact, social media has been rife with tributes from across the lacrosse world.