HOF Class of 2025: Tony Scazzero

(Photo by Dave Adams)

ATLANTA – Tony Scazzero enters the MCLA Hall of Fame as an outstanding coach.

The longest-tenured coach in the association’s history, Tony Scazzero is synonymous with both the Texas A&M program and MCLA. From 1982 through 2024, Scazzero amassed a 530-228 record with the Aggies – a win total that will never be approached – along with 11 Southwest Lacrosse Conference and Lone Star Alliance championships. A&M qualified for the MCLA championships nine times during his reign. In his 46 years with the program, he has 37 All-Americans and countless all-conference selections.

Scazzero has been instrumental in the growth of the sport in Texas and in College Station, where his program was the first and only one to feature a team in all three MCLA divisions. He was a member of the USA Lacrosse Board of Directors from 1993-98 and was the MCLA president from 2012-2017.

“When my term as the second president of the MCLA ended, Tony stepped up to become the third and led the league through its next phases of development,” said former Michigan coach and fellow Hall of Fame inductee John Paul. “It’s not an easy job, but he brought his passion for the MCLA and the game, and that commitment benefitted literally thousands of college lacrosse players.

“In a league where long term coaches can make an enormous difference in the competitiveness and stability of a program. His 46 years with the Aggies are unmatched. He led teams that played hard for a purpose and he brought perspective and life lessons to his approach.”

Scazzero was also the tournament director at three MCLA national championships along with being the LSA conference director.

“He didn’t coach simply to win games-he coached to serve the lacrosse community and to invest in the lives of his players,” said former A&M player Dustin Childers ‘03. “The game was never about him. And everyone who had the privilege of playing for him knows we are better people because of him.”

Added Phil Peter ’95: “With Tony, it was never about lacrosse. It was him watching over boys becoming men and always giving so selflessly of his time to teach, mentor, and guide every one of use and teach those lessons. It was never about the game for him, it was about us.”

Scazzero, who resides in the Fort Worth area, is still a member of the MCLA executive board and assists the MCLA in any way he can.

“First, I'm honored to be recognized by my peers,” Scazzero said. “Standing amongst this year's Hall of Fame group is recognition on a national level to the goals and achievements of the MCLA. From the beginning there was always something special about the MCLA. My effort over all these years was to give back to the game, through coaching and administrating that gave me so much.

“Second, to promote and grow the MCLA and its predecessors so that the many players I coached with, and against, could experience collegiate lacrosse on their terms. Thank you to the MCLA. I will continue to serve as the organization moves into the future.”

The induction for the MCLA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will take place on Friday, May 9, in Round Rock, Texas. The class will be honored on Saturday in between the title games at the 2025 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance.

Information about the championships can be found HERE.