Around the World with Gordon

We wanted to share something special from Gordon’s friend and mentor Charlie Obermayer.

Charlie is a longtime official, lacrosse advocate, and friend. He was one of the officials at the 2023 Men’s World Championships in San Diego, California. The World Games are the pinnacle for athletes, coaches, fans, and officials from around the globe.

I talked with Charlie the day after our USA Team beat Team Canada, and he shared with me that the night before the games, the officials gathered for a meeting. Charlie gave every official “Take care of your crew” bracelets in honor of Gordon.

He asked if anyone had stories about Gordon because everyone has a Gordon story.

Officials from around the world shared that if it wasn’t for Gordon, they never would have been chosen to officiate the World Games. Videos that Gordon made in high school and later as an official were shared thousands of times and watched by countless officials. We consistently receive emails, texts, and social posts on how Gordon helped people with everything from how to throw a penalty flag to mental health.

Charlie’s roommate at the World Games was from Hong Kong. He said that Gordon and his videos made him a better official, even though they never met in person.

I’ve watched the World Games many times and was so proud to watch Gordon as a young official during the 2014 games in Denver, Colorado. This year, it was amazing to watch the games on TV and see the officials sporting Gordon’s bracelets. These stories from Charlie and other officials made me smile knowing Gordon was up there smiling and taking care of his crew.

It comes as no surprise that Charlie was selected by his peers to win the Graham Lester Heart & Spirit of Lacrosse Award at the World Championship. He told me that this award was for Gordon and that after the officials’ meeting, the Corsetti family just got a lot bigger.

Thank you Charlie for taking care of us, and remember to take care of your crew.

And if you have a Gordon story, we’d love to hear it.

To donate to The Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation, click here.