Roanoke Lacrosse Pregame Tradition

The Roanoke College men's lacrosse team walks past a bust of John Pirro every home game and ceremoniously touches his head. Read the article below to learn more about John Pirro.
Go Noke!

From GoNoke.org
Salem, VA October7, 2010 - John Pirro, his family, and 40-50 of his closest friends and other supporters gathered this past Saturday to the celebrate the completion of a bust of Pirro at the entrance to Kerr Stadium as a part of the Walk of Inspiration. The ceremony honored Pirro for what he has done for Roanoke College Lacrosse and his response to personal adversity. John Pirro is one of the greatest (if not the greatest) Roanoke College Lacrosse players of all time. The ceremony included 5 speakers including Scott Allison, Bill Pilat, Doug Horn, Pirro's son, Nick Pirro, Rev. Paul Henrickson, and President Maxey.

Coach Pilat shared stories about his experience with Pirro as his coach and ended with, "that's my coach, Coach Pirro, the person we all love, and those stories show the care he had for his players..."

Doug Horn, John's high school and college teammate, college roommate, and fraternity brother shared his thoughts on the reason for John's sculpture on the Walk of Inspiration. "For all that John has done, John is the cornerstone of Roanoke Lacrosse, his arrival on campus took us to great heights, not (only) during his playing time, but from there on, until now."

Many of the speakers spoke to the passion, dedication, and heart with which Pirro played and coached. He was considered by some to be flamboyant but what he will be remembered for at Roanoke are his unforgettable contributions both on and off the field.

Dean of the Chapel, Rev. Paul Henrickson shared these words as he gave the prayer of dedication, "...stir up in us that sense of deep treasure that is life. Give us a deeper sense of the reverence for one another and instill in us the love of life that John has shared with us. May those who pass this way discover in themselves the desire for excellence in competition and in all of the days of their lives."

Go Noke!

Pirro received many awards during his playing and coaching career. He was a three-time first-team All-American, two-time Defender of the Year, three-time ODAC Coach of the year, and he is in the Virginia and Long Island Lacrosse Hall of Fames amongst other honors and awards. Pirro now fights Huntington's Disease and continues to receive treatment daily. Read the links below to read the Official news release from Roanoke College, the Roanoke Times, and an older article when he was first diagnosed. They all highlight Pirro's accomplishments, his influence on Roanoke Lacrosse, and his current fight against Huntington's Disease.

http://maroons.roanoke.edu/news/2010/10/4/MLAX_1004102236.aspx

http://www.roanoke.com/262999

http://www.roanoke.com/sports/college%5Cwb/38484

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