for The Daily Orange
The Marist men’s lacrosse team was headed to Eddie Coombs’ funeral, and incoming freshman Dave Scarcello called head coach Keegan Wilkinson because he wanted to reserve a seat on the team bus. Coombs, a midfielder for the Red Foxes, had just died in a car accident in the summer of 2011 as a rising sophomore, and Scarcello wanted to help his future teammates cope.
The Legacy of No. 34
When Eric Coombs, Eddie’s father, and Wilkinson were deciding who to award Coombs’ No. 34 to this season, Eric Coombs remembered his son’s funeral and how Scarcello attended before he was even on the team. Prior to this season, players and coaches gathered in an auditorium-like classroom, and Eric Coombs announced that Scarcello, now a senior, would wear No. 34.
Scarcello’s Performance Under Pressure
Scarcello has lived up to his number, ranking fourth in Division I with a save percentage of 58.7 and fifth in the country with a 7.79 goals-against average. He held Bryant to just six goals on Wednesday night in an NCAA tournament play-in game, helping to push the Red Foxes (14-3, 6-0 Metro Atlantic) to the first round, where they will play No. 2 seed Syracuse on Sunday night.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Coombs’ No. 34 had stayed on Marist’s roster for the past three seasons, awarded to the most deserving player each week. But after Coombs’ class graduated in 2014, Eric Coombs and Wilkinson decided the number should go to one player for the whole season. Wilkinson praised Scarcello for handling the responsibility with class and resilience.
Commemorating Coombs on and off the Field
To remember Coombs, Marist has a flag in its locker room with the No. 34 on it and the phrase “Play fast, live slow.” Every Marist jersey has a patch near the left shoulder that says “EC,” and Coombs’ locker remains behind a Plexiglas wall. Coaches also honor Coombs by making players do 34 reps of an exercise when practice becomes challenging.
Scarcello’s Dedication to No. 34
Scarcello said the best way to recognize Coombs is by trying to play the same way he did, getting every ground ball and winning every sprint. While Scarcello acknowledges that wearing No. 34 is an honor, he also understands it’s a privilege he must earn every day.
Final Thoughts
Dave Scarcello’s journey with the No. 34 jersey is a testament to the enduring legacy of Edward Coombs. Through his dedication, Scarcello honors not just the memory of a fallen teammate but also the values that Coombs embodied. As he continues to carry the weight of the jersey, Scarcello’s commitment serves as an inspiration to his teammates and the Marist lacrosse community.
