by By Dan Ninham, contributing writer
Vern Cooke, 16, is a member of the Onondaga Nation and beaver clan. “My oñgwehoñwe name is Gaihwa•de,” said Vern.
“I have a lot of people who have inspired me throughout my life so far,” said Vern. “The list of people who have inspired me is too long to talk about everyone so here are a few. I’d like to start with my father Vern Cooke Sr., and he has had the most impact on my lacrosse career and has always pushed me to be the best I can. He taught me how to be a good father and would always tell me ‘I want you to be able to do what I couldn’t do growing up.’ He also showed me that when times get tough to not give up and keep pushing through it.”
Vern Cooke Jr. had 36 goals and 36 assists for Lafayette HS last season. His foundation are his culture, his parents and his coaches and all guide him on his journey.
Dad Vern Cooke Sr. talked about his son and his lacrosse attributes. He said: “Vern has been self-motivated and working hard to develop his game and his strength. I’ve always been proud of his unselfish play and his ability to see the open man and make the plays. He sometimes has just as many goals as assists. He is a natural leader and can pump up his team if need be. I’ve enjoyed coaching him on and off the field and I’m most proud of his scholastic achievements and the young man he is becoming.”
“My mother was the same way,” said Vern. “She also didn’t have the ideal lifestyle growing up. When she would tell me stories it would make me realize how appreciative I was of both of my parents and what they did for me. My mom showed me how to always keep a positive attitude whenever things are going wrong.”
“She would always tell me to keep my head up and stay positive because my teammates look up to me and if I don’t stay positive then it will bring the team down. During a lacrosse game when we didn’t have the momentum I would try to remain positive and remember what she had told me so often,” added Vern.
“I have always instilled Vern to have a positive attitude,” said mom Karen Thomas. “He is a team leader and optimistic whether it is on the lacrosse field, home, or school. Vern has worked so hard to be where he is now. He is coming into his senior year with many opportunities in front of him.”
“Vern is a great role models for his siblings. No matter how busy he is, he makes time for his siblings and family. I could not be more proud Vern and his accomplishments,” added Karen.
“I started playing lacrosse when I learned to walk,” said Vern. “Growing up coming from the Onondaga Nation we are taught at a young age about lacrosse. We would always be playing in the backyard. I remember when my parents and uncles would tell me stories about when I was younger playing outside and they would be rough on me and make me cry but I wouldn’t be the lacrosse player I am today without that.”
“I was given a lot of free time with COVID and that allowed me to work on my game,” said Vern. “I was always told that nobody’s perfect and everyone has things that they can work on. I would watch film from previous events and tournaments that I had participated in. I would watch the film and recognize what mistakes I made throughout the games and would go in the backyard and try to work on those mistakes so they won’t happen again”
“I also took into consideration what other people who wanted to see me succeed told me things I could work on from watching me play,” said Vern. “I would then try to go work on those things in the backyard.”
“My high school coach Louie Geswaldo during those shoot arounds told me that I would need to work on getting faster feet and dodging instead of just backing my guy down,” said Vern. “He said that won’t work at the next level. During my free time I was working on a lot of dodging and became one of the main dodgers on the high school team the following year.”
Louie Geswaldo talked about his star lacrosse athlete. He said: “I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Vern since he was a sophomore. Vern as a junior stepped up to be our leader. He led the team in all aspects, vocally and through making big plays on the field when we needed them. He did this through the adversity of being moved from attack to midfield to help the team on both ends of the field.”
“Many players would have crumbled under the pressure of that adjustment. Vern accepted the role and worked on his speed and footwork all season. He developed a defensive IQ along with improving his offensive IQ. Not only did he play both ends of the ball, he split face offs throughout the season and did exceptionally well,” added Louie.
“By the end of the season he completely transformed into a well-rounded player that you could put in any situation,” said Louie. “Now going into his senior season he is without a doubt a go-to guy. Vern’s role is going to be huge within every game plan we put together. Once again it will be an honor to coach such a great young man who gives 110% every single day.”
“Vern has been working on his off hand, dodging, shooting, and much more in preparation for the upcoming season. It’s very rare to have this young of a man so dedicated to his craft. We are looking forward to seeing Vern lead this team to the ‘promised land’ along with having an outstanding season that he rightfully deserves due to his hard work. Vern is one of the best players I’ve ever been able to coach,” added Louie.
“To keep motivated throughout school I just want to make my family proud,” said Vern. “I want to attend college and be one of few in my family to do so. I also want to set a good example for the younger kids in the community to show that they can also do the same.”
“To keep motivated throughout sports I also want to make my family proud,” said Vern. “This past year was very difficult with the passing of two very close family members. My uncle would call me before and after every game. He would call me before my games and say ‘score goals’ and then after my games he would tell me what I could do better and say good game to me.”
“My grandma would always ask me how my games went and would sit down with me and listen when I told her stories about the games. So just knowing that they are still watching my games makes me play that much harder,” added Vern.
“My goals this year are to do well in school and maintain my grades that I’ve had throughout my high school career,” said Vern. “I want to be able to walk across the stage in June. Sports-wise I want to win sectionals this year for lacrosse because I already know that feeling of losing in that game. After winning sectionals I want to go and try to win another state championship for our school.”
“Next year I hope to be going into my freshman year at college and continuing my dream to play professional lacrosse and Division 1 lacrosse,” said Vern. “I’d finally graduate high school and hopefully leave my high school career on a high note and have a state championship ring for lacrosse.”
Photo Credit: Pat Spadafore and syracuse.com
