From generation to generation, one Powless to another, you learned to play the game of lacrosse. Respect for the game was something Welcome Powless passed down to son Irving, Sr., who ingrained it in his son Irving Jr., and so it became a part of Welcome's great grandson, Barry.

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A member of the Onondaga Nation and Eel Clan, Barry Powless was an All-American attack for LaFayette High School, who earned a scholarship at Syracuse University, where he played three seasons.

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Powless had a lengthy lacrosse career, suiting up--with the support of wife Sue--at age 50. Barry played eight years in the Canadian Box Lacrosse League and won three of 10 appearances in the Presidents and Mann Cup championships. He was a member of two Native American Lacrosse Association title teams and two World Championship teas.

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In 1991-92, he coached LaFayette High School and played for Buffalo (NLL/MILL)/ In 1997 he coached Rochester to the MILL title.

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The '95 MILL championship game brought Barry and fellow Hall of Fame inductee Gary Gait together, but on opposite sides. Barry coached Rochester's expansion team, which received a boost with the additionof Paul Gait from Philadelphia. But it was Gary Gait's goal in sudden death that gave Philly the title at Powless' expense. Two years later, Barry and Rochester won it all, defeating defending champion Buffalo before an HSBC sellout of 18,000.

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For three years, Powless served as the NLL's vice-president/lacrosse operations, working out of Buffalo and New York City.

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In '03, he was an assistant coach as the Iroquois Nationals won the silver medal in the World Indoor Championships.

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Being in front of the cameras is also no big deal for Powless. He was an extra in the '91 remake of "Last of the Mohicans." He also had a role in the '92 made-for-TV movie "Broken Chain."

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These days, Powless is employed by Casino Niagara as a Player Development Executive. 

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Barry was an Ontario Hall of Fame inductee in 1999.