OUR INSPIRATION

A member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Richard F. Garber coached at UMass from 1955-90. A native of Harrisonburg, Va., he compiled a 300-142-3 overall record in 36 seasons at UMass and retired in 1990 as the winningest coach in college lacrosse history.

Garber led UMass to nine NCAA Tournament appearances and 13 New England championships. He coached 80 All-America selections, 105 All-New England choices and 40 USILA North-South All-Star Game participants. A three-time USILA National Coach of the Year (1969, 1976, 1989) and 14-time New England Coach of the Year, Garber served as the leader of the North All-Stars at the USILA North-South game twice (1965, ‘83).

During Garber’s tenure, UMass was ranked in the top-15 nationally in 17 of his final 18 seasons. In 1969, Garber led UMass to its only undefeated lacrosse season, posting a perfect 10-0 mark in the year. In 1992, “Upper Boyden Field” was renamed Richard F. Garber Field in his honor. The team was given the nickname Garber’s Gorillas, and Coach Garber focused on teaching the game of lacrosse, in a way that helped prepare his players for the success and adversity we face in our everyday life. We will forever embrace Coach Garber’s spirit, and is the standard we coach and live by.