[1][2] He earned All-America honors as he helped Syracuse to a 10–5 record in 1979 and the school's first NCAA playoff berth.

[14] Desko also coached Team USA to a runner-up finish at the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship.

[18] Desko was named USILA Division I Coach of the Year for 2008 after guiding the Orange to a title over Johns Hopkins.

[26][27][28] Desko is the third Syracuse head coach to be inducted into their respective sport's hall of fame after Jim Boeheim and Gary Gait.

[3] Desko resides in Syracuse with his wife, Cindy, and their four children; Tim (Timothy), Nicole, Casey and Ryan.