This past weekend marked the end, or nearly the end, of one of college sports’ truly remarkable dynasties. Syracuse spanked Albany in the first round of the NCAA men’s lacrosse tournament, marking Mike Powell’s last home game for the Orangemen (Orange?).
If you don’t follow lax (and you should!), Mike Powell is the third in an incredible line of Powell brothers to play at Syracuse. First, there was Casey, a four time All American (three years on the first team) and twice National Player of the Year. Then, there was Ryan, who was also a four-time All American and who ended his career tied with Casey for the most points at Syracuse. Last, there is Mike, who many think is the best of the three. He will soon be named a first team All American for the fourth time and is now Syracuse’s all-time leading scorer, passing his brothers.
The three brothers have combined for 440 goals and 428 assists. That’s over 860 points!! That’s simply incredible. Their teams have won 128 games, three NCAA titles and have been to nine consecutive Final Fours (Syracuse has been to 21 straight overall). I can’t think of another family in any sport that has known such success by three brothers.
Coincidently, the closest I can think of is the Gait brothers who also played lax at Syracuse. I had the pleasure of seeing the Gaits play in the final four about 15 years ago. They completely dominated the games. They were bigger, faster and more skilled than all the other players. It was like having two Michael Jordans on one team.
But, those guys were twins. It’s not too surprising that if one was that good the other would be as well. With the Powells, it’s three consecutive brothers spanning ten years of Syracuse lax. That’s the genetic equivalent of triple sevens.
In the next couple of weeks, the Mike Powell’s career will end one way or another. Opposing coaches across the land will rejoice the end of the Powell Dynasty.