Lonnie Warner

Children:- Daughter Chloe - Three Grandkids

Lonnie Warner, a member of the class of '65, was a dedicated coach and educator. He began wrestling in junior high and continued through high school, competing as a varsity freshman. Wrestling became his passion. He achieved an impressive dual meet record of 90 wins and only 12 losses. Reaching 90 wins in the '60s was a significant milestone that few accomplished.

Lonnie was captain of the remarkable 1965 team, which Coach Robertson described as his most accomplished team. This statement carries weight, as Coach Robertson himself was inducted into the NY State & the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, highlighting the exceptional talent of the '65 team.

Lonnie's high school accomplishments are extensive. He was a 3-time Susquenango League Champion, two-time Center State Tournament winner, Windsor Christmas Tournament champion, and four-time Section IV place winner. His leadership abilities were recognized when he was voted team captain and named the most valuable wrestler by his teammates in '65. What an honor!

A dedicated coach and community leader, Lonnie has made a significant impact on wrestling and youth sports at Jordan-Elbridge High School in Jordan, NY. With a coaching career spanning several levels, he established the Pee Wee wrestling program, laying the foundation for young athletes to develop their skills and passion for the sport. This initiative, paired with the establishment of a cheerleading program, reflects a strong commitment to fostering talent and promoting sportsmanship among young people.

From 1971 to 1976, Lonnie served as the Varsity Wrestling Coach at Jordan-Elbridge High School, achieving an impressive dual meet record of 59 wins, 8 losses, and 1 tie. Under his leadership, the team claimed the Onondaga County South Championships in 1974 and 1975, including a remarkable undefeated season in 1974 with a perfect 15-0 record. During this time, Jordan Elbridge also experienced its longest winning streak, at 23 matches, further solidifying the program's legacy in local sports. Recognized for outstanding coaching abilities, Lonnie was awarded the Onondaga County South Coach of the Year in 1975 and coached the school's first Sectional Champion in 1976, Mark Blair. This played a crucial role in the development of numerous athletes, many of whom advanced to compete at NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, as well as junior college competitions, achieving remarkable success on both conference and national stages.

In addition to their coaching responsibilities, Lonnie has actively volunteered at the Special Olympics and coached participants in the Odyssey of the Mind program. He received the Camillus 2016 Erie Canal Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication to community service and the empowerment of young individuals through sports.

A former wrestler at SUNY Oswego, Lonnie placed 2nd in the 1967 SUNY Tournament, contributing to a team that finished the 1965-66 season undefeated, achieving victories over prestigious opponents like Cornell University and Syracuse University. Notably, also earned a 3rd place finish at the Army Plebe Tournament held at West Point, NY.

Throughout his career, he has received various accolades, including the Onondaga Coaches Achievement Award in 1988 and a Coaches Certificate of Recognition, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the coaching community. Lonnie has assisted in achieving significant team accolades, including coaching J.E.'s first Class C Sectional Team Title in 1970 and five consecutive Class C Sectional Team Titles from 1984 to 1988. With 11 of Jordan Elbridge's total 15 sectional final champions developed under his guidance, Lonnie's legacy mirrors the success and growth of the athletes he coached.

With 8 League Titles and 6 Class Titles to his name, Lonnie continues to inspire present and future generations through a commitment to excellence in coaching and mentoring young athletes. As an educator, Lonnie taught science for 33 years. We congratulate Lonnie Warner as a member of the 2025 Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame class.