Ed Van Tine, the first head coach of the Canisius College men's lacrosse team, passed away late Friday night. Van Tine started the Golden Griffin lacrosse program in 1990 and served as head coach for three seasons.

Van Tine lost his long battle with cancer late Friday night in Buffalo.

"Coach Van Tine was a tremendous individual that was selfless in his acts of fatherhood and mentorship and will be sadly missed," said current Canisius head coach Randy Mearns, who also played three seasons for Van Tine from 1990 to 1992. He touched the lives of thousands of kids and coaches and is the foundation of the Western New York Lacrosse Community. He willingly gave his time, his heart and his soul to countless individuals and this glorious sport that connects all of us. His spirit lives on in all that he has touched."

The "Godfather of lacrosse in Western New York," Van Tine led the Golden Griffins from 1990 to 1992, serving as head coach for the first three seasons in the program's history. Van Tine complied a 12-27 record during his tenure at Canisius.

Information regarding services were not immediately available.