The Marist men\’s lacrosse program announced that senior James Lyons will wear jersey number 34 for the 2022 season to honor the legacy of the late Eddie Coombs. This announcement was made prior to the start of the program\’s first team meeting. Eric Coombs, Edward Coombs\’ father, awarded Lyons the jersey.
The recipient chosen to wear Eddie Coombs\’ number 34 jersey each year is the Marist men\’s lacrosse senior who best represents the outstanding characteristics that Coombs showed every day: passion, determination, energy, and a great teammate and member of the community. Eddie died in a car accident in 2011 just before the start of his sophomore year at Marist. He was a well-respected member of the college community.
Lyons burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2019, appearing in all 17 of the team\’s games and leading the Red Foxes in assists (14) on the season. He also scored 13 goals, totaling 27 points which was good for fifth on the team. The Sayville product had a career-high four points in the MAAC Semifinals victory over Canisius, and was a key part of Marist\’s offense that went on to be crowned MAAC Champions. Following the conclusion of the season, Lyons also was named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team. The last two seasons have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Lyons has appeared in four games over the last two years, scoring seven goals, dishing four assists, and scooping seven ground balls, all while displaying characteristics akin to Eddie Coombs.
\”James Lyons is an absolute warrior, and he possesses many of the amazing traits that made Eddie such a tremendous player and teammate,\” Head Coach Keegan Wilkinson said. \”His loyalty to his teammates and this program is unmatched. The fraternity of amazing men that have had the honor to wear the #34 jersey over the last seven years, along with the Coombs family, unanimously agreed that James was the perfect recipient for the 2022 season. We have such a special group of upperclassmen leaders this year that all understand the significance of carrying on Eddie\’s legacy, and James will lead that charge this season with the full support of the entire program.\”
The tradition dates back to the 2015 season, with current assistant coach Dave Scarcello being the first recipient. Past honorees also include Joseph Radin \’16, Jimmy Murphy \’17, Brian Corrigan \’18, Matthew Selts \’19, and Joe Tierney \’20 and \’21.
Coombs\’ legacy lives on through the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation, which honors student-athletes who exemplify Eddie\’s same strong character. The nonprofit organization provides outstanding scholar-athletes financial assistance to pursue their higher education goals so they can reach their full potential, and works with high school students around the issues of responsible decision making through seminars, forums, videos, and other education programs.
