Grow the Game®

air_gait_lacrosse
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on reddit
Share on whatsapp

Air Gait – 1988 Syracuse vs UPenn

We’re throwing it way back to 1988 today with this epic Syracuse Vs Penn footage! It’s well worth a watch, if for not other reason than seeing some Gait magic. It’s 42 minutes long, and there is great stuff from Gary and Paul smattered throughout the video, including the LEGENDARY Air Gait goal!

Here are a couple of can’t miss moments:

– 7:12 mark – Gary Gait scores the “Air Gait” goal to cut the gap to 2-1.

– 10:47 mark – Gait to Gait to Goal.

– 14:30 mark – ANOTHER Air Gait goal. Seriously!

– 16:40 mark – Gary being Gary around the crease. So Canadian!

– Ok, I could go on, but I won’t. Just watch the video below!

Air Gait Goals – 1988 Syracuse

[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=y2EIT-P8PAc” splash=”https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y2EIT-P8PAc/hqdefault.jpg” caption=”1988 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Semifinals Syracuse versus Penn”]

Syracuse would go on to defeat Cornell in the NCAA Finals (this was the 1988 NCAA Semifinal game) in front of over 20,000 people. After this game, the Air Gait move was being practiced by thousands of lacrosse-loving kids, and it was part of the game until crease dives were outlawed by the NCAA.

Other guys who did great Air Gaits? Chazz Woodson certainly comes to mind!

The crease dive was one of the most exciting plays in lacrosse, and it’s a shame it’s no longer an option in college lacrosse. For the pros, it’s still a viable move, and it definitely helps the league when those types of plays end up on SportsCenter.

Now, if you have to pick out ONE play from the above Syracuse Vs Penn game, which one would it be? Which goal or hit or save was the prettiest? Sure, you can pick a play by Penn if you want, but I’m going Air Gait. Now the question is, WHICH Air Gait was better? The Air Gait move… it’s for the people!

Side note: I love this Answers.com response to “What is an Air Gait?”:

An Air Gait is a lacrosse move that involves coming from behind the goal and jumping through the air, and dunking the ball into the goal. The Air Gait was first attempted by in 1988, by Gary Gait, world famous lacrosse player, in front of a crowd of over 11,500 people.

Classic!