Back before the two high schools in the Corning School District merged into one high school and became the Hawks, there were Trojans and Vikings making a lot of noise during runs at state titles.
With state titles in five different sports from 1990 to 2006, Corning was gaining the reputation as Title Town. This week we’re going to take a look at the first state title winning team in the history of the school district. In the weeks to come, we’ll be highlighting the state championship teams that helped Corning lay claim to the moniker – Title Town.
Coach Bob Streeten knew from the beginning of the season that he had a reasonable chance to grab the golden ring. He was returning the nucleus of a team that lost by one goal in the state championship game to one of the top programs in New York State, Yorktown. They were a powerhouse lacrosse program located on Long Island. That loss left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Trojans as they knew they could play with them on any given day.
That 1990 regular season was one of the Trojan’s best ever as they posted a 21-2 record against some of the best teams in the state. However, one of those two losses came at the hands of Yorktown. It was a humbling 11-2 setback but it may have set the tone for what was coming down the road.
When Corning East arrived at Hofstra University, the site of the championship game, they saw on the field what they took as lack of respect from the Yorktown squad. Their best player, all-American attackman Dom Finn, who was headed to Syracuse University on a scholarship, was warming up on the field with a goalie stick sporting a bandana with no helmet, making behind the back passes and shots with said stick.
Coach Streeten let his team know that obviously this player and his team had no respect for the Trojans and did not take them seriously at all. Apparently he didn’t need to tell them. They already knew and took it personally to the tune of a 10-1 halftime lead. Lesson learned, Huskers. Never underestimate any team, especially one that had as much talent as this 1990 version of the Corning East Trojans. Led by stellar play from all of their key players, the Trojans took home the district’s first ever state championship with a 13-7 victory. You can bet the humble pie didn’t taste very good that day on Long Island.
The Trojans offense was led by the three-headed monster of Dom DiNardo, Casey Donegan and Todd Cavallaro. This trio accumulated a staggering total of 371 goals during the season and they didn’t disappoint when it counted the most. Dom led the way with seven goals including the back breaker late in the third quarter when Yorktown was trying to attempt a comeback. Casey netted two markers and assisted on four others while Todd dominated the face-off circle and scored three goals while nursing a few nagging injuries.
According to Coach Steeten, Dan Burnside was a brick wall in the goal while making 17 saves during the game. He had plenty of help from his defensemen and midfielders, Doug Altmansberger, John Hall, Chris Guzlak, Tony Ruocco, Ed Castellana and Mike Bange. Their head coach told the press that each of the key players on his squad played their best games of the season and some had the best games of their lacrosse careers. And, that’s what it takes to win a state title.
Next week we will take a look back at Corning West High’s first ever state title, the 1995 Girls basketball team.
We lost an icon last week in Joe Lando Jr.
Last week this community lost one of its most recognized figures when Joe Lando Jr. passed away at the age of 83. One of the best people you could ever meet.
Joe was an icon in the city of Corning. One of its pillars. He and his brother Don co-owned one of the most popular nightspots this city has ever seen for over 50 years. Lando’s was the place to go on weekends.
But Joe was more than a bar owner. A lot more. He was a friend to everyone. He had that personality that just vibrated wherever he was. It was stated that Joe never met a stranger. He was just that guy that everybody knew and liked and wanted to be around. He did more things for more people than you could count.
Joe served on a number of different committees in the city, including eight years as a director on the Corning-Painted Post Sports Hall of Fame, Board of Directors. His contributions were never ending.
He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
This article originally appeared on The Leader: Looking back on historic 1990 Corning East lax team, state champions
Reporting by Larry French, Special to The Leader / The Leader
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Larry French, Special to The Leader | USA TODAY Network
