Molloy College Head Coach Carole Gerrity (right) says something to make Stony Brook Head Coach George Lukemire (left) laugh. Ironically, it is Lukemire who usually supplies the one-liners in what is now known as Zone 2, Region 4.

RETIREMENT STORY NUMBER TWO: STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY HEAD COACH GEORGE LUKEMIRE

When George Lukemire got involved with what was then the State University of New York at Stony Brooks' Equestrian Team, LBJ was in the White House, the Beatles were still touring and Bob Cacchione was still an undergraduate at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Teaneck campus. Lukemire, a Cornell graduate who had spent time in the Air Force, would coach the Seawolves with Joan Johnson from 1966 through the beginning of the new century. The first time Stony Brook competed against Cacchiones' FDU team the IHSA did not yet exist in name. When the organization became known as the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association in early 1967, Stony Brook was perhaps the best team save for Cacchione's FDU-Teaneck team and Jack Fritz's FDU-Madison squad. The Seawolves would be the best team in the entire organization for 1970-71 and runner-up to the University of Connecticut in 1971-72.

Following the 1971-72 season, the IHSA began to split into separate geographic regions. Lukemire and Johnson's Seawolves remained good but found themselves kept off the top spot for eight seasons by the likes of Bucks County Community College, Northampton Area Community College, Centenary College, Suffolk County Community College, the United States Military Academy and FDU-Teaneck in what was referred to at the time simply as 'Region 1.' However in 1979-80 Lukemire and Johnson (known simply as 'JJ,' for whom an award is now named since her passing in 2003) returned to the top and in a big way. The duo co-hosted IHSA Nationals at their Smoke Run Farm in Stony Brook. The Seawolves went on to tie Southern Seminary College for High Point Team at 1980 Nationals, beginning what is still an IHSA record for most consecutive trips to IHSA Nationals with a full hunter seat team. The Lukemire/Johnson-led Seawolves would win their region 16 consecutive seasons, also an IHSA record for a hunter seat team until Centenary College broke it this season.

Though the Seawolves have not won a National Team Championship since 1980, Lukemire can claim a large number of Individual National Champions, some of whom were in the winner's circle prior to 1980. Seven Stony Brook undergraduates have won classes, three alumni have won classes, and three more won the Cacchione Cup, including Kelly Mullen, who won it twice.

With 19 Regional Championships under his belt, the 2005-06 season will be Lukemire's last full campaign at Stony Brook. Lukemire, who has been part of the IHSA Executive Board since the organization was formed, will have a rider at Nationals. Open rider Rachel Cresswell won a close race versus Columbia's Chris Peregrin to capture the Zone 2, Region 4 entry into the Cacchione Cup Competition.

Though George Lukemire has been a part of the IHSA since day one, many do not look at him as the long-time IHSA Treasurer. Nor do they look at him as the long-time Stony Brook Coach. People see Lukemire coming and they know he is going to make them laugh!

This writer approached Lukemire with some questions during the final Region 4 Regular Season Show on March 26th. When asked how the IHSA has changed since 1966, he responded "Bigger and Better!" When asked to elaborate, Lukemire was more precise. "The quality of rider has improved. The Horses. The Facilities."

On the subject of his region being re-named for the fifth time since he started coaching: "Our Region gets bounced around. We've got more labels than cookies!"

On the subject of IHSA Rules changing to accomodate growth within the organization: "As you come to a problem you make a rule. That's how it comes to be bible."

When asked how he became the IHSA Treasurer, Lukemire responded "I guess I was sitting at the wrong chair at the table!"

On the subject of the formation of the team, Lukemire is more direct: "Gloria Manning (who would be the first Head Coach at C.W. Post College) called about the (Stony Brook) Phys Ed Program in '66. It sounded like a good outlet for the kids." Students in this Physical Education class would make up the first Stony Brook team to compete against the FDU's, C.W. Post and one or two others.

In those very early days of the IHSA, the divisions had not been thought out quite the same way as today. "We had Three divisions of Walk-Trot: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced."

Lukemire, whose Stony Brook team won their 2005 regular-season finale with only five riders on their point sheet ("I was just giving the rest of the teams a chance," said Lukemire that day), may be ending his 40-year relationship with Stony Brook, but he is not necessarily finished with the IHSA. Since he and his wife are moving down south, there is always the chance a Zone 5, Region 2 team could benefit from his expertise as well as his humor.

"I've Purchased a place in Simpsonville, South Carolina. I have yet to introduce myself!"

--Steve Maxwell