The Cazenovia Republican
by Janey Hurd

Jason Longo graduated from Cazenovia High School in 2002. Last year at the Senior Athletic Awards dinner Longo was the recipient of the Best Senior Attitude Award.

His stats for his senior year at Cazenovia were 39 goals and 61 assists, leading the team with a combined 100 points. He got 81 ground balls and was #1 attack. This was accomplished in 20 games. Longo was voted OHSL All-Star for Division III, MVP on offense, team captain and led the team for his junior and senior years into the playoffs. Longo was voted MVP for offense in the GBLAX Tournament for 2001 ans 2002.

Cazenovia lacrosse coach Mark Evans coached Longo for five years.

"He has been one of the pioneer players with the heart of a warrior," said Evans. "He has been a blessing for our program and it has been an honor to coach this young man."

The story beyond the numbers is amazing as school came hard for him and what he overcame academically ia amazing," said Evans. "Longo is a very good lacrosse player who always (enjoys) the game no matter what the outcome. He was always happy for other kids that had a good game on his team and his opponents. Longo is one of the top players I've ever coached."

He is now attending Onondaga Community College where he has excelled beyond anybody's expectations. Longo is coached by OCC lacrosse coach Chuck Wilbur. The team finished the season with an 11 and 3 record winning the Mid State Conference Championship for the third year in a row, finishing fifth in the nation. Wilbur said Longo has taken care of things in the classroom as well with a 3.0 gpa.

"I went into this relaxed not trying to push myself, concentrating on what I needed to do," Longo said. "I wanted to get my grades up and achieve a couple of things so I could get into a good four year school. I didn't expect all this. I was shocked."

Longo had 54 goals and 41 assists for a combined 95 points, leading the NJCAA in scoring. Longo was named Conference Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Region, and 2nd Team All-American. Longo and teammate Dean Mancini* are the first to be named All-American in OCC history.

"Longo has been a major contributor who's doing really well in school, also," said Wilbur. "We are looking forward to next season and Longo will be one of the leaders the talented team OCC should have."

*(JLC Editor's note: OCC Defenseman Dean Mancini (West Genesee) was named 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All-Region, and 2nd Team All-American.)