How does an 82-year-old maintain the stamina to officiate high school lacrosse games. What keeps Frank Corcoran, the nation’s oldest on-field boys’ lacrosse official, running like an antelope at his age. Why does Corcoran say he feels 50 years old on the field.
The Remarkable Journey of Frank Corcoran: America’s Oldest Lacrosse Official
In the world of lacrosse officiating, Frank Corcoran stands out as a true inspiration. At 82 years old, he holds the distinction of being the nation’s oldest on-field high school boys’ lacrosse official, according to USA Lacrosse membership records. But age is just a number for this octogenarian, who continues to sprint down the field with the energy and enthusiasm of someone decades younger.
Corcoran, a member of the Niagara Frontier Lacrosse Officials’ Association, has been officiating lacrosse games for an impressive 32 years. His dedication to the sport and his physical fitness have made him a respected figure in the lacrosse community, particularly in the Buffalo, New York area.
The Secret to Corcoran’s Longevity
What’s the secret to Corcoran’s remarkable longevity as an official? He attributes it to a combination of factors:
- Natural good health
- An active lifestyle
- Participation in multiple sports officiating
Corcoran’s approach to staying fit is refreshingly simple. He doesn’t follow any special diets or complex workout routines. Instead, he stays active by officiating not just lacrosse, but also football in the fall and girls’ basketball in the winter. This year-round involvement in sports keeps him in top shape for the lacrosse season.
From Spectator to Official: Corcoran’s Journey into Lacrosse
How did Frank Corcoran, originally from Boston, become involved in lacrosse officiating? His journey began when his sons started playing the sport in high school. Initially, Corcoran was just a supportive parent, watching from the sidelines. He admits, “I wouldn’t have known lacrosse if it had stepped on me. I didn’t know anything about the game.”
It was his football officiating colleagues who eventually persuaded him to don the stripes for lacrosse as well. By that time, Corcoran had developed a good understanding of the game from years of watching his sons play. The transition to officiating lacrosse was relatively smooth, as he was already familiar with throwing flags from his football officiating experience.
The Joys of Officiating: More Than Just Enforcing Rules
For Corcoran, officiating lacrosse is about more than just enforcing rules. He finds joy in watching young athletes develop their skills and sportsmanship. “I love the games where the lads just play and I don’t have to throw the flag,” Corcoran says. “I’m there to simply help young men develop good sportsmanship.”
This attitude has earned him respect from players, coaches, and fellow officials alike. Tim Hoover, a colleague who has worked many games with Corcoran, praises his experience and consistency: “Frank brings his decades of accumulated wisdom to bear on every game. No matter the level, date, weather, he’s always ready to go and in sync with his fellow officials.”
The Impact of Lacrosse on Corcoran’s Family
Lacrosse has become an integral part of the Corcoran family legacy. Beyond his sons who introduced him to the sport, Frank now has:
- Two grandsons playing lacrosse in high school and college
- A granddaughter who played and now coaches the sport
“Lacrosse has been a wonderful experience for my family,” Corcoran reflects, highlighting the multi-generational impact the sport has had on his loved ones.
Staying Active: Corcoran’s Unique Fitness Routine
How does an 82-year-old maintain the stamina to officiate high school lacrosse games? For Corcoran, it’s all about staying consistently active. On days without games, his primary workout comes from brisk walks with his 11-year-old Shih Tzu, Cesar. But these aren’t ordinary walks – Corcoran has devised a unique interval training method:
- Walk from one telephone pole to the next
- Jog from that pole to the one after
- Sometimes, walk two poles and then jog two poles
This simple yet effective routine helps Corcoran maintain his ability to sprint 60 yards down the field, a feat he compares to running “like an antelope.”
The Changing Face of Lacrosse: Corcoran’s Perspective
Having been involved in lacrosse for over three decades, Corcoran has witnessed significant changes in the sport. He marvels at the evolution of players’ skills: “I marvel at the stick skills these players now have. It’s just unbelievable.” This appreciation for the game’s development keeps him engaged and excited about his role as an official.
Corcoran’s experience allows him to appreciate the growth of individual players over time. “Seeing the development of some of the boys through the years is just very satisfying for me,” he says. “It’s a joy to see how they improve and to follow them, even as some of them move into college play.”
The Challenges Facing Lacrosse Officiating
While Corcoran’s enthusiasm for officiating remains strong, the lacrosse community faces challenges in recruiting new officials. Chris Clark, president of the NFLOA, points out, “We face unprecedented times in finding officials to support the exponential growth of youth sports.”
In this context, Corcoran’s commitment to the sport becomes even more valuable. He not only continues to officiate but also plays a role in mentoring the next generation of officials. Clark notes, “Frank’s insights carry the weight of a man who has seen the game transition through multiple decades.”
The Value of Experienced Officials
Why are experienced officials like Corcoran so crucial to the sport? They bring several key benefits:
- Deep understanding of the game’s nuances
- Ability to manage high-pressure situations
- Rapport with players and coaches
- Mentorship for newer officials
These qualities help ensure the quality and integrity of the game, making officials like Corcoran invaluable assets to the lacrosse community.
The Future of Lacrosse Officiating: Corcoran’s Legacy
As Frank Corcoran continues to officiate with no immediate plans for retirement, he sets an inspiring example for both current and aspiring officials. His dedication to the sport, physical fitness, and ongoing learning serve as a model for longevity in officiating.
Corcoran’s approach to officiating – focusing on player development and sportsmanship rather than just enforcing rules – offers a valuable perspective for the future of lacrosse officiating. It emphasizes the role of officials not just as rule enforcers, but as facilitators of a positive sports experience for young athletes.
Lessons from Corcoran’s Career
What can aspiring officials learn from Frank Corcoran’s career? Here are some key takeaways:
- Maintain physical fitness through consistent activity
- Embrace a lifelong learning mindset
- Focus on player development and sportsmanship
- Build positive relationships with players and coaches
- Find joy and peace in officiating
By embodying these principles, future generations of officials can help ensure the continued growth and positive impact of lacrosse.
The Enduring Appeal of Lacrosse Officiating
Why does Frank Corcoran continue to officiate at 82 years old? For him, it’s about more than just the game – it’s a source of peace and focus. “When I’m on the field, nothing else exists,” he explains. “It’s only about the game and there’s no other worries. I’m not thinking about anything else. There’s really a great peace of mind.”
This sentiment captures the unique appeal of sports officiating. It offers a chance to be fully present in the moment, focused on a clear set of objectives, and contributing to a larger community. For Corcoran and many others, this combination of mental focus, physical activity, and community involvement provides a fulfilling and enriching experience.
The Broader Impact of Officiating
Beyond the personal benefits, officiating plays a crucial role in the sports ecosystem. Officials like Corcoran:
- Ensure fair play and adherence to rules
- Contribute to player safety
- Help maintain the integrity of the sport
- Serve as role models for sportsmanship
- Facilitate the growth and development of young athletes
By continuing to officiate into his 80s, Corcoran demonstrates the lifelong value and impact that sports officiating can have, both for the individual and for the broader community.
Octogenarian Frank Corcoran Still Throwing His Flag
Frank Corcoran, left, and his NFLOA colleague Tim Hoover pictured prior to a high school game.
If you’re a boys’ lacrosse player in the Buffalo, New York area, it’s probably not a good idea to loaf your way down the field. Those that do may find themselves getting left in the dust by an octogenarian wearing black-and-white stripes.
Meet Frank Corcoran, the 82-year-old sprinter who is, based on USA Lacrosse membership records, the nation’s oldest, on-field high school boys’ official. Not that age means anything to Corcoran, a member of the Niagara Frontier Lacrosse Officials’ Association.
“On the field, I feel like I’m still 50,” said Corcoran, who is in his 32nd year as a lacrosse official. “I can still sprint 60 yards. I run like an antelope.”
Corcoran attributes his longevity as an official to the natural blessing of good health – he’s never incurred a major injury – and an active lifestyle. In addition to working as a boys’ lacrosse official, he also serves as a football official in the fall and a girls’ basketball referee in the winter.
“Those other sports keep me loose and in shape,” Corcoran said. “I don’t have any weird diets or anything. I just stay as active as I can.”
Workouts on days with no games are primarily from brisk dog walks with his 11-year-old Shih Tzu, Cesar.
“We will walk from one telephone pole to the next one, then jog from that pole to the one after that,” Corcoran explained. “Sometimes we’ll walk two poles and then jog two poles.”
Originally from Boston but now a longtime Buffalo resident, Corcoran had no exposure to lacrosse until his sons began playing in high school. Initially, he just enjoyed the game as a parent.
“I wouldn’t have known lacrosse if it had stepped on me,” he said. “I didn’t know anything about the game.”
He credits some of his football officiating buddies who also worked lacrosse games as the ones who eventually convinced him to also put on the stripes for lacrosse.
He had come to understand the game pretty well after years of watching his sons play.
“The transition wasn’t hard since throwing the flag was not a new thing for me,” Corcoran said.
Ironically, the games he enjoys best are the ones where his flag never hits the ground.
“I love the games where the lads just play and I don’t have to throw the flag,” Corcoran said. “I’m there to simply help young men develop good sportsmanship.”
He’s also a valued member of his officials’ organization and eager to assist in the development of fellow zebras.
“Frank is a true professional and prides himself on preparedness and passing his knowledge onto the next generation,” said Chris Clark, president of the NFLOA. “Frank’s insights carry the weight of a man who has seen the game transition through multiple decades.”
His commitment is appreciated by his colleagues, especially during an era when finding new officials is getting more difficult in almost all sports.
“We face unprecedented times in finding officials to support the exponential growth of youth sports,” Clark said./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60794897/LXM18_PENN_037_.0.jpg)
“Frank’s drive should be an inspiration to all.”
Corcoran officiates at all levels of play, from youth games for the youngest participants to high school varsity games. He also gets summer tournament assignments and often works multiple games in one day during some summer events.
Tim Hoover has worked many games with Corcoran through the years and appreciates his partner’s experience and consistency.
“Frank brings his decades of his accumulated wisdom to bear on every game. No matter the level, date, weather, he’s always ready to go and in sync with his fellow officials,” Hoover said. “He has excellent rapport with players and coaches, and I can personally attest that Frank moves better than officials half his age. You know that when you have a game with Frank on the crew, you’re going to have a great day.”
Corcoran’s love for the game and appreciation for the skills of the players is still as high as ever.
““I marvel at the stick skills these players now have.
It’s just unbelievable.,” Corcoran said. “Seeing the development of some of the boys through the years is just very satisfying for me. It’s a joy to see how they improve and to follow them, even as some of them move into college play.”
Corcoran also treasures the game’s influence on his own family. In addition to his initial entrée into the sport through his sons, he now has two grandsons who play the game in high school and college, and a granddaughter who played and now coaches.
“Lacrosse has been a wonderful experience for my family,” he said.
Despite his longevity, Corcoran, a retired mechanical engineer, has no plans on retiring his whistle anytime soon.
“When I’m on the field, nothing else exists,” he said. “It’s only about the game and there’s no other worries. I’m not thinking about anything else. There’s really a great peace of mind.”
Like any well-trained official, he then quickly runs down his checklist.
“My legs are good, my knees are good, my ankles are good,” Corcoran said.
“Based on how I feel, I’m hoping to go until I’m 85. Then I’ll re-evaluate.”
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They are also called stadium blankets since
You do not have to order a lacrosse fleece
00 for carrying strap
All Rights ReservedFourth-generation Buick LaCrosse large sedan released for China The new model is built on the Epsilon platform, the design of the car impresses with bold decisions in the front of the body.
© Car.ru
The engineering team has redesigned the exterior and interior of the sedan. The car received the same wheelbase – 2905 mm, like the third generation model.
Video of the day
The overall design concept is called Pure. It was developed by a team of specialists from the Chinese division of the American concern GM. Its characteristic feature is the front part of the body, similar to the nose of a large shark.
The wide, trapezoidal grille resembles an open mouth. In addition, it was installed with a negative slope. The headlights are two narrow “g”-shaped strips located horizontally. Below them are two-level running lights, even lower are the direction indicators.
The length of the LaCrosse sedan has been reduced by 32 mm to 4995 mm.
Vehicle width – 1860 mm, height – 1470 mm. The track of the car has become wider by 8 mm in front and 9 mm in the rear. According to some experts, the body contours of the fourth generation Buick LaCrosse are 90% the same as the eighth generation Toyota Camry.
The interior of the “Chinese-American” car has become larger. The designers left the conservative style and made the interior according to the requests of Chinese motorists.
Two-tone interior: white combined with dark grey. The front seats and the rear sofa are trimmed with white material, the door armrests, the central massive tunnel and the “torpedo” are of the same color.
Eyemax’s long curved 30-inch 6K screen catches the eye. Its left side is a digital instrument panel, which displays the virtual scales of the tachometer, speedometer, thermometer and level gauge.
The right segment of the display belongs to the multimedia complex and is periodically used in the navigation mode.
Electronic systems are controlled by the Snapdragon 8155 microchip.
5G communication is provided, there is an over-the-air application update function.
The fourth-generation large Chinese Buick LaCrosse sedan received a rich set of standard options. It, among other things, included heating, ventilation and vibration massage of the front seats and the rear sofa.
Instead of a gearshift lever, a sensor lever is located to the right of the steering wheel. “Baranka” is multifunctional, with many control buttons. On the central tunnel there is a platform for charging a smartphone and tablet.
Under the hood is a standard 1.5-liter engine with 180 hp. with., a more efficient engine with a working chamber of 2.0 liters with a potential of 237 liters is also provided. With. The transmission is an automatic transmission.
The big Buick LaCrosse SUV will enter the Chinese market this summer. The third generation sedan in China costs 221.1-290.2 thousand yuan (32-42 thousand dollars, depending on the configuration).
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The fourth generation Buick LaCrosse large sedan was released for China
Car.ru
In China, Buick launched the fourth generation LaCrosse large sedan , although in the US a similar project was closed in 2019. The new model is built on the Epsilon platform, the design of the car impresses with bold decisions in the front of the body.
© Car.ru
The engineering team has redesigned the exterior and interior of the sedan. The car received the same wheelbase – 2905 mm, like the third generation model.
Video of the day
The overall design concept is called Pure. It was developed by a team of specialists from the Chinese division of the American concern GM.
Its characteristic feature is the front part of the body, similar to the nose of a large shark.
The wide, trapezoidal grille resembles an open mouth. In addition, it was installed with a negative slope. The headlights are two narrow “g”-shaped strips located horizontally. Below them are two-level running lights, even lower are the direction indicators.
The length of the LaCrosse sedan has been reduced by 32 mm to 4995 mm. Vehicle width – 1860 mm, height – 1470 mm. The track of the car has become wider by 8 mm in front and 9 mm in the rear. According to some experts, the body contours of the fourth generation Buick LaCrosse are 90% the same as the eighth generation Toyota Camry.
The interior of the “Chinese-American” car has become larger. The designers left the conservative style and made the interior according to the requests of Chinese motorists.
Two-tone interior: white combined with dark grey. The front seats and the rear sofa are trimmed with white material, the door armrests, the central massive tunnel and the “torpedo” are of the same color.
Eyemax’s long curved 30-inch 6K screen catches the eye. Its left side is a digital instrument panel, which displays the virtual scales of the tachometer, speedometer, thermometer and level gauge.
The right segment of the display belongs to the multimedia complex and is periodically used in the navigation mode.
Electronic systems are controlled by the Snapdragon 8155 microchip. 5G communication is provided, there is an over-the-air application update function.
The fourth-generation large Chinese Buick LaCrosse sedan received a rich set of standard options. It, among other things, included heating, ventilation and vibration massage of the front seats and the rear sofa.
Instead of a gearshift lever, a sensor lever is located to the right of the steering wheel. “Baranka” is multifunctional, with many control buttons. On the central tunnel there is a platform for charging a smartphone and tablet.
Under the hood is a standard 1.5-liter engine with 180 hp.
