In Memoriam

Barry "Bulldog" Ilse

The end of an era was experienced October 26. Johnson City Wildcat Lacrosse Legend, Barry Ilse, to some "A Pioneer of Southern Tier Lacrosse", decided to resign from his properous tenure as Head Coach, effective immediately. The lacrosse community of the Souther Tier was shocked beyond belief at this shocking revelation. The beloved Barry, head coach to some, friend to all, is and shall continue to be revered by all who know him and reverence his impact.

In addition to this unbelivable news, Assistant Coach Mike McGill chose to step down along with Ilse. It seems that Coach McGill would be too broken up at the thought of coaching without his comrade Ilse, that he could not fulfill his post as "The Guy Who Warms Up The Goalies". On this extremely sad event, we contacted former Wildcat players to ask them of their thoughts on both men.

-Jason Fedish, Midfielder (Class of 1998): "The Bulldog was a good man. I remember that my uncle, when he was a student of Barry's in high school, pushed Barry over the back of my uncle's friend who was on all fours. Barry had to be taken from the school on a stretcher. And that's why Barry walks with a limp to this day. And that's why I never played."

-Nate Dickson, Attack (Class of 2000): "I like McGill's daughter...A LOT."

-Greg Burden, Midfielder (Class of 1996): "We beat Maine Endwell in a great game, and it is tradition for the 'Hey Song' to be sung as we come up the hill at the High School. We started as normal, and when it came time for everyone to yell 'Hey', Barry turned around and gave a fist pump and shouted 'Hey!' louder than anyone on the bus."

-Mike Cooke, Midfielder (Class of 1998): "I always wondered why Barry's car had Florida plates."

-Brad Bruce, Attack (Class of 1997): "I remember that we nicknamed Barry's kid 'Chad', so we could make fun of him in front of Barry."

-Cal Heinle, Goalie (Class of 2000): "I didn't play much in '98. One time, Ferris made a tricky play, and Barry yelled to him "Jesus Christ, Ferris!!", but the whole sentence was CRACKED. Usually McGill had the reputation for cracking at least one syllable of a word, but Barry cracked a whole sentence at the top of his lungs!"

-Kevin Stein, Midfielder (Class of 1997): "I remember how I missed the net a lot, but my shot was so hard!" -Frank Berdine, Defense (Class of 1996): "Barry got the 'Bulldog' nickname from the permanent bulge in his tight, nut-hugging sweats. That bulge was always there, because he never took off those pants. And when he did, he put on the maroon speedo shorts for games."

-Adam Warholic, Midfielder (Class of 1997): "I loved it when we all yelled 'Barry's got a Bulldog - stretch it out!!'."

-Chris Ferris, Defense (Class of 2000): "Barry has been called the 'Bulldog' since starting the JC program. And he never knew we were talking about him."

-Brian Bundy, Defense (Class of 1997): "During warmups for a Binghamton game, I was hit in the groin area by a Greg Burden shot. I immediately fell down on my knees and let out a "YOOOWL". The guys on the bench cracked up a bit, but Barry was right out there to help as soon as his gimpy ass could humanly make it."

-Josh Oryhon, Defense (Class of 1998): "Barry gave me the imfamous 'Barry Grip' - he put his arm around my waist and reeled me into a hip-to-hip location - from the entrance of Green Field all the way to the bench."

-Dan Waterman, Junior Varsity Coach: "At the Turkey Shoot in 1996, when I still had a teaching gig, I made fun of the subs that Barry and his wife made for the team, with the one piece of meat, soggy lettuce and moldy bread."

-Lloyd Friedah, Attack (Class of 2000): "McGill called me 'Floyd' at practice."

-Mike Kutney, Goalie (Class of 1999): "I will miss him very m*uch." (* equals a voice crack)

That was a tremenous walk down memory lane. However, instead of being sorrowful at Barry's exit, we must remember how the fellow changed our lives, and all the knowledge that he gave us. Here is a collection:

"Um....errr.....Let me give you a little hint..."

"Uh, Mr. (insert name)..."

"We are going to have a Coke Shoot today."

"Mr. McGill, do you have anything to add?"

"Jesus Christ!"

"Use your left hand!"

"They are not pinees - they are PRACTICE JERSEYS."