Throughout much of his life, as a student, an athlete, and then a coach, Joe Breschi was in control.

A lacrosse standout, he was a two-time All-American at the University of North Carolina in 1989-90, captaining the Tar Heels as a senior. Breschi was a member of the United States national team in 1994 and ’98, and in 2002 he was selected to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 50th anniversary team.

Since taking over as coach of the Ohio State men’s lacrosse team in 1998, Breschi has led the program into prominence, as the Buckeyes shared a piece of the Great Western Lacrosse League title in 1999 and 2003, when OSU made its first appearance in the NCAA tournament.

But shortly into his seventh season at OSU, Breschi was powerless as his life was forever changed.

Breschi’s 3-year old son, Michael, died tragically March 1, 2004 in an auto accident in the parking lot of the Columbus preschool he attended. The boy was struck when he wandered into the path of a sport utility vehicle that was backing out of a parking spot.

Michael R. Breschi Scholarship Fund
Since the Michael R. Breschi Scholarship fund was created, more than 500 contributions have come from 26 states. The scholarship will be awarded annually to an OSU lacrosse player - most likely a rising senior who fits head coach Joe Breschi’s criteria.

“It was started in memory of Michael and what he meant to me and my family in the 3 1/2 years that he was with us,” Breschi said. “And it’s a way to keep his memory alive in all of us, in the Ohio State program, in what I do here at Ohio State. And it’s a tribute to him and an opportunity to give to a young man who exemplifies the spirit of Michael.”

To make contributions to the Michael Breschi Scholarship Fund send to:
Rm. 235, St. John Arena
410 Woody Hayes Dr.