In honor of Men’s Health Month, the Newsletter will highlight Seneca men in our communities that have contributed to mental and physical health. Historically, Seneca men had a reputation of being fierce warriors with an intimidating military presence in the Northeast. They could run uphill to chase enemies and canoe upriver to get where they needed to be. They were also highly skilled diplomats and traveled as congregations to meetings with America’s founding fathers. Seneca men earned the respect of many leaders from all walks of life.
Pictured above: Glen Lay at Lacrosee Hall of Fame induction 2019
Glen Lay is the son of the late Edgar T. Lay & late Myrtle (Cook) Lay. Growing up in Newtown with his siblings Veronica “Ronnie” Cook-Williams, Jeffrey Gill, and Douglas Lay. Lacrosse was always around during his upbringing. Having an older brother, Jeff, many uncles, cousins and a father who all played.
Glen’s lacrosse career started when his dad signed him up for Newtown Golden Eagles and he began playing for the Newtown Minors System. He played for his local high school team, Gowanda – as a midfielder. In 1982 the Gowanda Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team had a winning season of 10 wins and 1 singular loss to clinch to Western New York League Championship and furthering them to State Semi-Finals, securing the win against Rush-Henrietta Sperry. The team to beat after that was West Genesee. Gowanda could not come out with the victory and ended their season.
In 2025 the 1982 Gowanda Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team was induced into the Gowanda Central School District Hall of Fame. Lay was also awarded the High School All-American in 1981 & 1982. In 1982 Glen also received The Chuck Rowan Award, while playing for Newtown Golden Eagles. This award is given annually since 1966 to a midget or intermediate player that demonstrates a high proficiency in box lacrosse combined with outstanding achievement in citizenship, together with high standards in academics or chosen profession. Lay was also playing for the Junior A Team, Oshawa Green Gaels.
Throughout his lacrosse career he also had gone to Can-Am’s Presidents Cup numerous times and played on the Champion team twice. Once in 1994 and another in 2000. In 1994 Lay played with the Tuscarora Thunderhawk team in Hamilton, ON, playing against the Burnaby Lakers (WCSLA). The team was inducted into the Can Am Hall of Fame in 2019. Then again in 2000 while playing for the Newtown Golden Eagles. These games took place in Kahnawake, QC and the team took victory over the Brooklin Merchants (OSBLL) with a final score of 13-6.
The most noted milestone of his lacrosse career is his 1993-1995 run as a Buffalo Bandit. Glen Lay had secured 12 goals and recorded 7 assists in his 17-game career with the Buffalo Bandits. He began playing during the 1993 season and last took the field during the 1995 campaign. The Buffalo Bandits secured a Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL) Championship in 1993 against the Philadelphia Wings.
Lay also coached various teams and would play for the Newtown Masters. He has since retired from his lacrosse career but enjoys helping the community and hanging out with friends and family. He still has love and passion for the game and encourages all youth to get out there and do their best. Sharing knowledge, skills and techniques with those who ask.
By Norah Stevens
