Michael A. Messere

Messere played lacrosse at West Genesee High School and Cortland State, but is best known for his tremendous success as a high school coach at his alma mater. His record includes fifteen state championships and eight Class A state championships, 20 undefeated league seasons, 165 consecutive league wins from 1978 to 1989, 24 regional championships, and eleven Upstate New York titles. Messere retired following the 2018 season, after 43 years on the sidelines, with a career record of 846-85. He ranks as the all-time winningest lacrosse coach at any level of play.

His teams were selected by Lacrosse Magazine as the number one team in the country four times. From 1983 to 1984, his West Genesee teams tied Sewanhaka High School's incredible record of 91 straight wins. He coached 52 high school All-Americans and over 100 players who became college All-Americans.

In 1992, Messere was inducted to the Upstate New York Chapter Hall of Fame. And in 1993, he received the New York State Distinguished Service Award from the National Federation Interscholastic Coaches Association.