Over 400 spectators were in attendance as the Haudenosaunee Fire defeated the Utica Yeti in the new Mary C. Winder Community Center on Oneida Indian Nation homelands.
The Oneida Indian Nation created the Mary C. Winder Community Center as a place to support Nation Members in every way. The center and its amenities continue the long-time work of Nation leadership and Oneida Indian Nation Government Programs and Services Commissioner Kim Jacobs (Wolf Clan) to deliver programming that strengthens the individual and the bonds of community. To the delight of lacrosse fans across the Nation, the game has played a special role in carrying out that mission at the Community Center from the very beginning.
On June 29, hundreds of Nation Members gathered to watch the Haudenosaunee Fire take on the Utica Yeti in the Mary C. Winder Community Center Field House. The Yeti couldn’t take the heat that Saturday night as the Fire defeated the North American Box Lacrosse League team from Utica 14-8 in the exhibition game.
Levi Confer (Turtle Clan) for the Fire and Al Snow (Onondaga) with the Yeti participated in the ceremonial faceoff before the game. The crowd applauded loudly in anticipation for the game to begin.
Claire Patterson (Wolf Clan) recited the Thanksgiving Address in the Onyota’a:ká: language with both teams lined up on the field – and later provided a traditional closing. Her aunt, Robin Patterson (Wolf Clan), was the official scorekeeper and ran the scoreboard. The players then pumped up the fans as they got set for the opening faceoff.
In what was the inaugural lacrosse game in the new facility, the standing-room-only crowd saw the Fire get off to a hot start behind early scoring from McCoy Abrams (Mohawk) and new Community Center Senior Programs Manager, Vin Halsey (Wolf Clan).
Abrams led the Fire in scoring with six goals while Levi Confer, Dallas Martin (Turtle Clan), Dakota McCann (Turtle Clan), Vin Halsey, Mitch White (Oneida of the Thames), Rioux Johnson (Seneca), Jason Ostune (Seneca) and Cree Cathers (Mohawk) each added one of their own. Al Snow led the Yeti with two goals.
The coaching staff for the Fire – General Manager Ron Patterson (Wolf Clan), Head Coach Ron Cogan (Turtle Clan), Assistant Coaches Murray ‘Ace’ Stout (Turtle Clan) and Brett Bucktooth (Turtle Clan) – has extensive lacrosse experience, both as players and as coaches.
Ron Patterson explained why bringing lacrosse back to Oneida means so much to him.
“Lacrosse is our ancestral tradition that has been played for hundreds of years by our Haudenosaunee people and given to us by the Creator,” he said. “It was my great honor to lead the charge in getting this event organized, but it would’ve never happened without this new spectacular Community Center and field house.”
The state-of-the-art center not only provides a place for the community to play and practice lacrosse, but a place to gather together as well.
Cogan, who has spent much of his career around lacrosse, was happy to see the community come together and support the Fire for their inaugural game.
“Being able to be a part of this game was special,” Cogan said. “I’ve coached many teams, and for me, to come back to Oneida and give everything I can to this community, it meant a lot.”
Ron’s son, Chace Cogan (Tuscarora), also played for the Fire, which just added to the memorable day.
“Honestly, it was emotional,” Ron continued. “We had a great crowd. Chace is sixteen so it was great to see him play and showcase some of what he can do against the older guys at a high level. He had a blast!”
Vin was beyond proud to play in the game, especially being able to get the win. Afterward, he was able to reflect on what the night meant to him.
“Playing lacrosse in Oneida as a kid 25 years ago played a massive role in who I have become,” he said. “It is a full circle moment being a part of the return of lacrosse to our homelands.”
After the Fire’s victory, Ron Patterson was presented with the ceremonial faceoff ball by Brett Bucktooth on behalf of the coaching staff and team.
Nichola Aregano Diaz (Turtle Clan), the General Manager of the Community Center, continued her busy weekend by serving as the voice for the team’s introductions and game action. On Friday, June 28, the Mary C. Winder Community Center opened for the first time to Nation Members and their families.
On the following weekend, July 6th and 7th, the Oneida Indian Nation also welcomed the Haudenosaunee Nationals women’s box lacrosse team to the field house for two practices. The team conducted a box lacrosse camp on Saturday for Oneida Indian Nation Members, children of enrolled Oneida Members, Oneida Indian Nation Health Services clients and the Oneida Indian Nation community that was attended by a couple dozen kids and their families. It’s a fantastic start for the Community Center to see the field house getting busier with an increasing number of lacrosse events.
“We plan to keep the momentum going and are looking into setting up more exhibition games in the near future,” Patterson said.
Vin is also excited for what the future will bring.
“Stepping out on the field at the Mary C. Winder Community Center and seeing all the smiles and excitement in this community was a heartwarming experience,” he said. “Being part of the Haudenosaunee Fire and to start this new chapter of Oneida history is an honor. I can’t wait to keep the momentum going!”
