Don’t tell Syracuse lacrosse fans about curses. Don’t dare pull out ‘Curse of the Bambino’ tales or ‘Billy the Goat’ fables. It wouldn’t be nearly as eerie as SU lacrosse’s ‘Curse of 22.’

It’s not officially enthralled in the media hype machine of odd consequences, but it certainly qualifies. Last season was the first time in 22 years that no SU men’s lacrosse player wore No. 22. It turned out to be the first time they didn’t make the Final Four in – get this – 22 years.

What in the name of Emmitt Smith happened?

‘I know, it is strange,’ Syracuse head coach John Desko said. ‘We didn’t want to put that pressure on anyone and, as a result, we didn’t make it to the Final Four.’

Desko’s right, though: It would have been pressure. The player who wore No. 22 until last season was Michael Powell, the Orange’s career leader in points. He wore it from 2001-2004. Before him, brother Ryan Powell wore it from 1999-2000. Before Ryan, the oldest Powell, Casey, wore the number from 1995-1998.

All three were four-time All-Americans. All three won national champions. All three wore No. 22.

The same can be said of Charlie Lockwood, who wore it from 1991-1994, earning All-American each season. The legend was created by Gary Gait – one of SU’s most iconic players – who wore it from 1988-1990.

The names of 22s from the past fill Syracuse’s record books. It’s uncanny, how the most famous number in football – and to an extent, basketball – is 44, which cut in half makes 22. Even the final page of the Media Guide was devoted to the number. The donors of the program join ‘Club 22.’

The number is engrained in the program’s lore. It haunted the team last season, and Desko wouldn’t take the risk again. He issued No. 22 to touted freshman Dan Hardy, whose father and brother played for the Orange.

‘Twenty-two has been part of the program for a long time,’ Desko said. ‘When we recruited Dan Hardy, we recruited him with No. 22 in mind, and he was one of the guys who was excited to wear it. You’ll see No. 22 get better and better as the year goes on.’

Published on February 21, 2006 at 12:00 pm