Men’s Lacrosse Begins Fundraising Campaign to Honor Late Coach John Greco
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Montclair State University Athletics and the men’s lacrosse program are engaging in a special fundraiser that will help honor the past while creating a brighter future for generations of Red Hawks.
The institution is undertaking a fundraising campaign to honor the late and former coach of the program, John Greco, which will aid in the enhancement of its Team Room and create a state-of-the-art space better suited for current and future players.
“John Greco was a very special person, and he loved Montclair State men’s lacrosse. It was more than a sports program to him, it was a passion and a life’s commitment,” says Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Holly Gera. “John positively touched many lives throughout his involvement here; students, fellow coaches, colleagues and alumni, not to mention his close ties to family and friends. We are very excited to embark on a campaign to support the program and that will ultimately honor John and his significant contributions to the University.”
Leading the program from 2003-10, Greco guided the Red Hawks to a 96-44 overall record and a 43-10 Skyline Conference mark including back-to-back conference titles in 2009 and 2010 and the first two NCAA Tournament appearances in program history. Greco sadly passed away in 2010, leaving an indelible mark on Red Hawks lacrosse and solidifying the program as one of the best Division III teams in the region. Each year, a Montclair State University player wears the number 24 – Greco’s number as a college player – in his honor.
The facility upgrades will allow space for current players to adequately prepare for practice and competitions, and will refurbish the Team Room in honor of a coach who laid the foundation for the program’s recent success, including its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in 2016 after capturing the conference title with a 13-6 win over Richard Stockton University.
People wishing to make donations at the initiative’s Individual Locker, Championship and John Greco levels can choose from a variety of unique opportunities to put their own stamp on both their gift and the facility, including adding their names to an individual locker or joining the room’s Wall of Fame. All amounts will be accepted and no donation is too small to help in reaching the fundraiser’s goal.
"I knew John personally, and it means a lot to me to be able to honor him in this way," says head coach Michael Schambach. "One of my fondest memories of him was a story he told of a celebration in the team room after a big win. It’s an important space for the team. We use it to watch film, to teach, and we spend a lot of time together there before and after practice and games. It’s our bonding space. Coach Greco’s passion for Montclair State lacrosse was unmatched and naming the team room after him is a constant reminder to our players what an honor it is to wear the uniform, and will further develop the pride they and future players will feel to be part of this program."