Lawson sets new Albany High coaching mark

Congratulations to Albany High School girls’ basketball coach Decky Lawson for setting a new program record for coaching wins!

Lawson earned his school-record 215^th career victory with the Falcons’ win at Schenectady on Jan. 27. That moved him past City School District of Albany Hall of Famer Leslie Bogucki, who won 214 games during her stellar coaching career. 

In his 13^th season as Albany High’s head coach, Lawson now has 219 career victories heading into the Section 2 playoffs next week. He has led the Falcons to three Section 2 titles, and to the championship game five times overall. 

Lawson also has coached Albany High’s girls' flag football team in its first two seasons, helping lead the Falcons to the Section 2 title game both years and winning the championship last spring.

A former Falcon himself, Lawson also enjoyed a championship season as a student-athlete, leading Albany High’s boys’ basketball team to the Section 2 title in 1993. 

“Beyond his championships and his coaching victories, Decky is an exceptional leader,” said Kim Pilla, director of health, physical education and athletics. “He has been tireless for decades in helping to build and sustain one of the premier girls’ basketball programs in the Capital Region. That includes his commitment to our Junior Falcons program.

“Decky cares deeply about every student-athlete in our program. He strives to help each of them grow and succeed in the classroom, on the court and in life.”