It’s now time to take a look back to nearly 30 years ago with 18 Sports Flashback. On this edition, we flashback to 1987 and the annual Empire State Games. 

Each year, the best amateur athletes in New York State converged on the Empire State Games showcasing the best of the best in their respective sports.  Several athletes, coaches and members of the Twin Tiers represented the area with pride as they competed and won several events. 

The first ever Empire State Games began in 1978 in Syracuse and ended in 2010. The games were slated to come back in 2013, but several corporate sponsorships at that time opted to provide funds for Hurricane Sandy relief. To this day, the Empire State Games remain a memory. 

Check out some classic lacrosse video from 1987 along with a shot of local wrestling legend Mark Stephens coaching his team.