Cornell University Athletics

Boiardi played four seasons of varsity lacrosse for the Big Red, earning the team's Cornell Lacrosse Club Most Improved Player Award in 2001. He was posthumously given the Dr. Ray Van Orman Memorial Award as team MVP in 2004. In 44 career games, he posted 40 ground balls as a shortstick defender and his teams went 36-19 (18-6 Ivy) with a pair of Ivy League titles, including the program's first in 16 years. That started a run of nine consecutive Ancient Eight titles for the program. His presence on the team was key, but the mark he left after tragically losing his life during a game on March 17, 2004 on Schoellkopf Field, was indelible. His name has become synonymous with hard work, dedication, humility and selflessness not only within Cornell lacrosse, but also the entire athletics department.  The number 21, worn by Boiardi as a student-athlete, was retired by Cornell lacrosse, but continues to be used in many other ways. The Class of 2007, the last to play with Boiardi, put together a 21-minute video to inspire future Big Red players. Shortly before his death, Boiardi started a program called the Big Red Readers. That program has continued, with the annual 21 Run helping support that initiative as well as the Family Reading Partnership . To date, that grassroots program has raised more than $21,000. Three former Big Red teammates created the Mario St. George Boiardi Foundation to empower the next generation through academics and athletics, funding the Foundation through a series of events – the 21 Dinner, the 21 Run West, Team 21, the Boiardi Open Golf Tournament and the Capital Lacrosse Invitational. The proceeds from those events are distributed to charitable organizations whose missions align with that of the foundation. The department of athletics established an award given to the senior student-athlete who most embodies leadership, athleticism and a strong work ethic in his name, and the top assistant men's lacrosse coaching position was endowed in his name. Even the Wall of Records in the Friedman Strength and Conditioning Center took his name. His legacy off the field stands at the center of the Cornell lacrosse program.