Look which redmen.com poster ended up getting quoted in the last paragraph. lol
http://www.stjohns.edu/pr_alu_061112.news_item@digest.stjohns.edu%2falumni%2fpr_alu_061112.xml?context_date=6/28/2012
The legendary Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON is synonymous with St. John’s Athletics, so it’s no surprise that the golf outing named in his honor has become one of the University’s most popular fundraising events.
Held at the beautiful North Hempstead Country Club, this year’s Carnesecca Golf Classic raised approximately $250,000 for Red Storm sports, benefitting the student-athletes from the University’s 17 Division I athletic programs. Alumni and friends enjoyed a fun day on the golf course and mingled with a star-studded guest list including the New York Knicks’ Earl “the Pearl” Monroe and Larry Johnson and former St. John’s student-athletes like Walter Berry ’10CPS and Felipe Lopez ’98SVC.
Additionally, the event honored two beloved members of the St. John’s community: Richard Chapdelaine ’84HON and John W. “Jack” Kaiser ’49C.
“Every year, this outing proves to be a wonderful opportunity for us all to get together, do a little golfing and tell some stories,” said Carnesecca. “And the people we’re honoring today – Dick and Jack – are great people. All their lives, they’ve done things for others, which make them marvelous representatives of the Vincentian spirit.”
Currently serving as Athletic Director Emeritus, Coach Kaiser has been a member of the St. John’s community for nearly 70 years. As a student-athlete, he was captain of the University’s first College World Series baseball team in 1949 and later served as the University’s Athletic Director and Manager of the Baseball team.
Kaiser thanked the guests for their support and spoke glowingly of the recent success of St. John’s Athletics.
“I’m truly honored that so many people came out to support our sports teams,” Kaiser said. “But what I’m most proud of is this: 16 of our 17 teams maintained a GPA above 3.0. They completed over 2,365 hours of community service, and that goes to show you the type of young people we’re recruiting. They’re learning how to become good adults and good citizens, and I’m so proud of them.”
Chapdelaine served as a member of the Board of Trustees at both Niagara University and St. John’s and has spent his life committed to the Vincentian ideals of caring and compassionate service.
“All of the education in my life has been Vincentian,” Chapdelaine told the guests. “It’s something that comes very natural to me, and it’s fantastic to see the Vincentian spirit in action tonight as we support student-athletes. It’s important to make sure that they’re fully equipped to tackle their lives beyond college.”
The alumni and friends in attendance enjoyed hearing from these esteemed honorees, and many of them shared their thoughts on why they support St. John’s Athletics.
“Our sports programs help to put St. John’s on the map, both nationwide and on a global basis,” said Thomas Cahill ’75CBA. “When I was a sophomore at St. John’s, Coach Carnesecca returned to the Johnnies after being with the Nets, and there was such a buzz and renaissance surrounding the team. Games were sold out and the crowds were always great, so it made my time there quite memorable. I think sports are an essential part of the student experience and I’m happy to help the cause.”
As a former St. John’s lacrosse player, T.J. O’Shea ’07TCB knows firsthand how important it is to support student-athletes. Now, as an alumnus, he’s glad to participate in events like the Carnesecca Golf Classic and do his part to pave the way for today’s students.
“To be honest, witnessing the growth of the facilities and the community in recent years has been astonishing,” O’Shea explained. “And an event like this, with legends like Coach Carnesecca and Coach Kaiser in attendance, reminds you how strong our athletic tradition is. We were great back then and we’re still great today – just look at this past year’s Men’s Soccer team and Baseball team. It’s tremendous, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
After enjoying a day on the links, most participants agreed that the main attraction was having the chance to reminisce and catch up with old friends.
“Any type of event where you get people out in a social atmosphere is a great one,” said Michael Maher ’92CBA. “Connecting with people outside of the office in a very comfortable environment is a real treat. And friendship, ultimately, is the key. You come back to see your friends and to honor these legendary figures, and you have a whole lot of fun in the process.”
Dominic Camera ’64C was Chairman of this year’s event and Christopher Heckman ’82SVC served as Co-Chair.
hmy: