Coach's Corner
 After 29 years as the head coach of the Texas A&M lacrosse program, it's easy to see why Tony Scazzero is considered one of the top MCLA lacrosse coaches in the country.
In his 29 seasons at Texas A&M, Tony Scazzero has fashioned a 414-118 (.778) record, averaging over 13 wins a season.
The Aggies finished the 2008 year with a trip to the MDIA National Championships in Dallas, TX. The trip was the seventh time Scazzero has led the Aggies to the National tournament.
In 2003 Scazzero was named Lone Star Alliance Division 1 Coach of the Year.
In May of 2004, Scazzero was recognized for his accomplishments promoting collegiate lacrosse and for his long tenure as a coach receiving the prestigious Sam Stadler Award as humanitarian of the year.
Scazzero served as president of the Southwest Lacrosse Association (SWLA) from 1983-1985 and commissioner of the Lone Star Alliance in 2003 and currently serves on the Executive Board as Vice President of Competition on the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association Board of Directors.
Before coming to Texas A&M he served as an assistant football and lacrosse coach at his alma mater, Sleepy Hollow High School in N. Tarrytown (now Sleepy Hollow), NY. Scazzero was named the third men’s lacrosse coach in 1978 at Texas A&M when program founders Dave Gruber moved on and Doc Hall retired.
Scazzero, 55, grew up in Elmsford, New York, and enjoyed success as a player as well as a coach. He was an All-Conference midfielder and Athlete of the Year at Sleepy Hollow High School in N. Tarrytown, NY. He played for Hall of Fame coach Richie Moran at Cornell from 1972-74. He played for Westchester Lacrosse Club from 1975-77 and was selected to the north all star team all 3 seasons.
A quality associated with every team Scazzero has coached is field sense and teamwork. Each time a player crosses the line, he gives everything he has on the lacrosse field. Scazzero is an outstanding teacher of the game and has conducted numerous player and coaching clinics.
2010 Season Interview
Coach,
Just gonna ask you some questions about this year for an article to put up on the website. Feel free to only answer a few if you don't have the time. I hope you had a good Christmas and New Years.
Who are some key returning players for the Aggies? What are their respective roles?
Jason Jolly - goal, Tom Fleps - defense, David Van Sciver, Dan Curl and Walker Colt - midfield, FO - Dustin Muir, Ethan Dubois - attack, Cory Hartstein and Brendan Meara - LSM
Have any players stepped up in the off season and could contribute more in 2010 than in 2009?
Impressed with the efforts of David Gantier and Hunter Miorvan on defense; Austin Wall, Jeremy Graves, Alan Kotzot, and Dane Richards at midfield.
What about incoming players? Who will be expected to contribute early?
Ben King and Logan Farmar on attack. Blake Morrell on defense, Andrew Martin and Andrew Raccasi at midfield.
Any new coaches on board? What will their/his role(s) be?
Jim Perouty joins the staff as asst. head coach. He brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the team.
Do you think it will be tough for the Aggies to host Arizona and Texas Tech during a tournament weekend? Many fans might be asking what the rationale is behind scheduling such hard games during a weekend where the Aggies have to do so much work, any comment to them?
The 2010 team must step up for us to have a successful season and scheduling two tough opponents on the same weekend is a challange they need to face on the road to success.
Talk about the importance of the winning on the road against Lindenwood?
It is important for several reasons, we don't feel we played them that well last season, the players need the challange of a ranked opponent, and we look forward to representing our conference at the national level.
Excited to be playing Tennessee again who the Aggies have not played since 2003?
We are glad to pick back up a good rivalry series. Tennessee put together a solid 4 team event in Memphis to showcase MCLA lacrosse there.
Talk about the developing SHSU team and what means that we are taking the time to travel over to Huntsville and play them.
My hats off to Joe Fritts and the work he's done resurecting the program at Sam Houston. It is good for both our clubs to see different styles of play and renew a great rivalry from the 80's.
How do the Aggies get back on track after a losing season last year?
Focus on the present, achieve some early success, trust our system and our teammates.
What's the number one thing the Aggie players should keep in mind as they practice and prepare for the season?
Truely enjoy learning the game of lacrosse and its many nuances. Focus on becoming a team.
Thanks a ton. I don't have a lot of time to work on the website but I can do some limited stuff as long as people keep me in the loop. If you guys need something updated or changed let me know, I'll probably find the time to do it.
Pip
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