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I can still remember when Gordon received his first NCAA lacrosse assignment and how excited he was. Like so many officials, he worked his way up through the ranks, starting as a youth official, then becoming a high school official, and ultimately earning the opportunity to officiate at the NCAA level. He loved the game, respected the craft of officiating, and worked tirelessly to improve every year.
One of his proudest accomplishments was receiving his first NCAA playoff assignment while working at USA Lacrosse in Baltimore. It was a significant milestone in a journey that he had earned through hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for the game.
During his time at USA Lacrosse, Gordon was fortunate to be surrounded by incredible mentors. His manager, Charlie Obermayer, was not only an outstanding leader but also someone who truly cared about Gordon as a person. Charlie understood Gordon's struggles with mental health and stood by him during difficult times. He was always in Gordon's corner, and over the years their professional relationship grew into a genuine friendship.
Gordon was equally blessed to learn from some of the most respected names in lacrosse officiating, including Walt Munze, Jim Carboneau, Al Blau, Matt Palumb, Mike Hyland, and of course Kevin Forster, who became one of Gordon's closest friends. Kevin is a straightforward, no-nonsense official affectionately known throughout the lacrosse officiating community as "The Dream Crusher." Naturally, Gordon eventually earned the nickname "Junior Dream Crusher."
For lacrosse fans, the final two weeks of the college season are sacred. The playoffs culminate on Memorial Day Weekend and the Final Four, the biggest stage in the sport for both the men's and women's Division I, II, and III championships. Those of us who are true lacrosse mavens never miss it. There is simply nothing else like it.
This year, Charlie did something incredibly thoughtful. He secured a game ball from the NCAA Men's Final Four semifinal between Princeton and Duke in Charlottesville, Virginia, and had Gordon's initials placed on it. The officiating crew for that game, Referee Joe Cieslak, Umpire Josh Blaisdell, Field Judge Dan Bennett, and Box Official David Taibl, all knew Gordon well. What made it even more special was that each of them wore Gordon's "Take Care of Your Crew" bracelets during the game.
Every week, I receive notes, emails, social media messages, and texts from people around the country, and often around the world, sharing stories about Gordon. They tell us how much he impacted their lives, how much they learned from him, and how deeply they miss him.
Those messages make me smile. They make me cry. Most of all, they remind me what a beautiful soul Gordon is. I rarely speak about my son in the past tense because his influence is still very much present in the lives of so many people.
Charlie's gesture filled my heart in a way that is difficult to describe. I have always believed that Gordon would have worked a Final Four and eventually a National Championship game. As his father, perhaps I am biased, but I also know how talented and respected he was. He was that good.
While Gordon is no longer with us physically, I have no doubt he was smiling down on that crew, proud of the game they were working and wishing them all a great day on the field.
Charlie, thank you for this incredible tribute to Gordon. It meant more to our family than you will ever know. Moments like these remind us that Gordon's legacy continues to live on through the people he influenced, the friendships he built, and the lessons he shared.
And perhaps no lesson was more important than the one he repeated so often:
"Take Care of Your Crew."
Please consider donating to the Gordon J. Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation to help us keep Gordon’s legacy alive.
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for help. In an emergency, please call 911.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website, or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).
For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357).
