Sad Anniversary

NYCRedmen

NYCRedmen

Well-known member
On March 17, 1989, St. John's Sports Information Director Katha Quinn, lost her battle with cancer at age 34, one day before her 35th birthday. A few days later St. John's would give Lou Carnesecca his first post season title by winning the 1989 NIT Championship. Earlier that season Katha was honored by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. Over the last few days there has been a lot of negativity on this board. Some of it is understandable given the last 2 games, the Obekpa suspension, and rumors of a fight between teammates. We all love St. John's basketball & we probably always will. That said, it's always a good idea to take a step back and realize some of the other things that are important to us. Below is Katha's speech from her recognition by the Basketball Writer's Association.

 
Pure St.John;s love. I remember arguing with her regarding Bobby Kelly running the point and she was feisty, A real competitor lost way too soon. Luckily never saw the name change.
 
I have a friend that knew Katha very well. He gushed about how great a person she was. I was traveling frequently then in and out of New York. I only met her briefly, and wish now that I had a chance to get to know her too.
 
Pure St.John;s love. I remember arguing with her regarding Bobby Kelly running the point and she was feisty, A real competitor lost way too soon. Luckily never saw the name change.
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She was quite a person.

Salty, you don't know how many times I had the same "Bobby Kelly" exchanges. :)
 
Katha Quinn = St. John's
Chris Mullin spoke very warmly of Katha most recently at the HOF day. She clearly made a huge impact on the players, coaches and the school.
RIP.
 
I also knew Katha relatively well.

As an undergrad she was Sports Editor of The Torch.

God rest her soul.

One of a kind.

I believe (not 100% certain) there is a Katha Quinn scholarship at St. John's
 
I remember Matt Brust saying how Katha's spirit inspired the team during their OT win at Ohio State in the NIT soon after her passing. He said something like, "she must have put some of our shots in." SJU trailed by 13, sent the game to OT, and eventually won 83 - 80. SJU eventually won the NIT that year.
 
Pure St.John;s love. I remember arguing with her regarding Bobby Kelly running the point and she was feisty, A real competitor lost way too soon. Luckily never saw the name change.
Click to expand...

She was quite a person.

Salty, you don't know how many times I had the same "Bobby Kelly" exchanges. :)
Click to expand...

Two St. John's players gave our courtside group the finger for chanting something about wanting Larry Washington. I won't tell you their names, but one of them quizzed me in person about LW and Bobby Kelly out of the blue. I'm guessing he reads this board and was guessing who I was.
 
I worked closely with Katha during the 1982 NCAA tournament at the Nassau Coliseum when St. John's was the host school. Despite the result, it was something I will always treasure because a privilege and an honor to work with Katha. A great lady and a true professional.
 
I remember Matt Brust saying how Katha's spirit inspired the team during their OT win at Ohio State in the NIT soon after her passing. He said something like, "she must have put some of our shots in." SJU trailed by 13, sent the game to OT, and eventually won 83 - 80. SJU eventually won the NIT that year.
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I believe the game was on radio only. It was one of the more thrilling wins in my time of following the program. I think one or two key players fouled out in OT.
 
I remember Matt Brust saying how Katha's spirit inspired the team during their OT win at Ohio State in the NIT soon after her passing. He said something like, "she must have put some of our shots in." SJU trailed by 13, sent the game to OT, and eventually won 83 - 80. SJU eventually won the NIT that year.
Click to expand...

I believe the game was on radio only. It was one of the more thrilling wins in my time of following the program. I think one or two key players fouled out in OT.
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You're right OLV. I remember listening to that game on the radio. Ohio St took at shot at the buzzer for the win that missed. I still remember the announcer (Ed Ingalls I think) yelling "it almost went it"
 
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