Lacrosse
Inducted Inaugural Class of 1990
Dr. J. Byington Covert is a legendary figure in the development of lacrosse at Hobart College and Geneva High School. He was team captain and played in Hobart’s first lacrosse game in 1898…a 2-1 win over Cornell University. He was a stellar attackman and high scorer for both Hobart and then at Columbia University, where he received his medical degree. Dr. Covert was also outstanding at Hobart in football, baseball, and track.
Upon returning to Geneva to start his medical practice he resumed his interest in Hobart lacrosse. He not only coached the team for a couple of years but also refereed lacrosse games for his Alma Mater. In 1922 he started lacrosse at Geneva High School. Dr. Covert served as its first coach and continued to support the team for many years as team doctor and booster. He also served as the Hobart team doctor for many years. Dr. Covert has been called “the father of Geneva lacrosse.”