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OWU Lacrosse Alumni Association Reunion and Homecoming Weekend 2008

The alumni, current players and their families, coaches and high school recruits attending the Annual OWU Lacrosse Alumni Association reunion and awards luncheon couldn’t have asked for a better weekend in all respects of the event. The sunshine and great weather only added to an event-packed weekend tied to the inauguration of Dr. Rock Jones as the 16th President of the University in its 166 year history. As alumni arrived into Delaware for a fun filled weekend, they all managed to converge either at “The Backstretch” or “Hoggy’s” (formerly The Brown Jug) for the obligatory cold one and to greet one another since they last time we were in Delaware.

Following the competitive Red & Black intra-squad varsity lacrosse game on Saturday morning, the players, their families, friends, high school recruits and alumni headed over to Selby Stadium for the OLAA Awards Luncheon catered this year by Hoggy’s in a large tented venue arranged by OLAA Board member, John Schlegel – Class of 2005. Great food consisting of barbeque pulled pork sandwiches with a spicy sauce and a variety of salads was a great way for many of the recent alumni to “break bread” with the juniors and seniors on the 2008-2009 varsity squad.

The program included welcoming remarks from Dr. Rock Jones, our newly inaugurated President, who took time from his very busy Homecoming weekend schedule to spend some time with us and the over 100 folks in attendance for the luncheon. Also introduced to those gathered were OWU alumni who were being inducted into the OWU Athletic Hall of Fame later that evening: Tom Peyton – Class of 1972 (football and lacrosse) and Kevin Finneran – Class of 1990 (lacrosse) and newly elected OWU Lacrosse Alumni Association Chairman, Bob D’Antonio, Class of 1974.

The highlight of the luncheon was the annual recognition awards presented to OWU lacrosse alumni for their time, energy, commitment and passion which makes up the “Pride and Tradition” of OWU lacrosse. The 2008 OLAA Award recipients honored were:

The 2008 Fred Myers Award – presented to an alumnus or friend of the lacrosse program for their outstanding leadership role in promoting the national reputation of the team. The 2008 recipient honored was Zach Gagel, Class of 2000.  Making the presentation to his former player and assistant coach for the past 6 years was Head Coach, Sean Ryan.

The 2008 OWU Legends Award – presented to an alumnus or friend of the University Lacrosse program who exemplifies the Alumni Lacrosse experience and acts as a catalyst for the traditions surrounding OWU Lacrosse. The 2008 recipient honored was Jim Loffredo, Class of 1995. Due to other family priorities and coaching commitments, Jim’s award will be mailed to him by the University.

The 2008 Benefactors Award – presented to an alumnus or an individual who as enhanced the current and future student athletic experience. The 2008 recipient honored was Jan Baran, Class of 1970. His generous contribution provided for a netting system in Selby Field that enable the team to practice on the field while other OWU spring sports were able to use the track and other facilities in Selby Stadium. Due to work-related priorities in Washington DC, Jan’s award was accepted by Annie Griffith-Seiler, OWU alumnae, who will be personally presenting the award to him in the very near future on OLAA’s behalf.

The 2008 Alumni Award – presented to a recent graduate and player who best exemplifies OWU’s desire to reach an NCAA Championship. The recipient honored was senior Trevor Jones, Class of 2008 and his award was presented by the 2007 honoree and teammate, Adam Guy – Class of 2007.

Following the awards presentation, it was apparent to all those gathered that time was drawing near for the annual alumni-varsity game following the Homecoming football game (the Bishops easily defeated Kenyon University by a score of 24-8.) Many alumni were observed getting prepared for the annual contest with at least a couple of bottles of water in hand to begin the hydration process before the game (not to mention the need to off-set the prior evening’s mandatory celebration at the local watering holes.) By 4:00 pm, with the competing alumni circled about him, Alumni Coach Bob D’Antonio (filling in for absent winning alumni Coach Fred Watkins – ’74) after taking a deep breath, which confirmed his other senses (l’eau de hops and barley) that this would be a rough game, offered his words of encouragement: “Boys, to survive today’s game, with an ever so slight chance of competing with the varsity team, we need to remember to be safe out there. Our mantra for the game will be from the 1960’s era title instrumental performed by the rock and roll group, The Ventures – “Walk Don’t Run!”

Embodying Coach D’Antonio’s words, the alumni team slowly walked out onto the field but quickly fell behind 3-0 before Trevor Jones (’08) put the first goal in for the alumni team. What followed shortly there after were exchanges and flurries of goals (John Schlegel [‘05] putting in 3 unbelievable shots for the alumni) between the alumni team and the varsity team (exclaimed in dismay by sideline observing alumni, George Conrades – ’61 – “Boy, those varsity guys are even faster when compared to the recent alumni players who are also pretty darn quick!”) The alumni team mounted a comeback with strong defensive long-stick work from Zach Gagel (2000), Adam Guy (’07) and solid goal tending from Pat Kennedy (‘03), Ryan Perone (’08) and a couple of key saves by one of the founding Bishop goalies, Thorpe Mitchell – ’60. The offensive minded work of alumni John Narwicz – ’74, Chuck Narwicz – ’77 and All-World Kevin Finneran – ’90, and additional assists from Harrison Iuliano (2008) and goals keyed the offense for the alumni. However, at the end of the day, the varsity, led by Coach Ryan and Assistant Coach Chris Gallagher celebrated a 2+ goal victory over the alumni team. The 2008 alumni-varsity game is dedicated to those alumni who returned, played, supported and coached the traditional alumni varsity game for 2008.

The final Homecoming event of the weekend was the celebration and induction of two lacrosse alumni into the 48th Annual OWU Athletic Hall of Fame: Tom Peyton – Class of 1972, and Kevin Finneran – Class of 1990, along with ten other worthy OWU alumni athletes.  Supported by his family and football teammates from the Class of 1972 and lacrosse alumni, Tom Peyton proudly was inducted into the OWU Athletic Hall of Fame. Kevin Finneran was equally proud to be a member of the Hall of Fame Class for 2008 as he put this honor into perspective for all attendees:  “I want to thank the Hall of Fame Committee for presenting me for induction into the Battling Bishop Hall of Fame. To be so honored is one of my greatest achievements and the thought that in a special way I am connected with the likes of Branch Rickey is humbling.”

As the weekend drew to a close and time almost reaching the midnight hour, the echoes and strains along South Sandusky Street could still be heard emanating from the local watering holes: “Go Bishops!” – “Red & Black Attack” – “OWU.”

OWU Lacrosse Alumni Needed for National Tournament Teams

Additionally, efforts are underway to fill out the rosters of the OWU Lacrosse Legends Tournament teams to compete in national tournaments in 2009.

For any of the divisions representing the OWU Lacrosse Legends, contact:

• Women’s Open Division: contact Jenna Narwicz – ’08 (stevecorrigan2@hotmail.com)
• Elite Division (ages 22-32): contact Chris Cortina chriscortina29@hotmail.com
• Masters Division (ages 33-44): contact Jim Loffredo, laxjack3@yahoo.com)
• Grand Masters Division (ages 45-50) and Super Grand Masters (ages 50+):  Steve Corrigan, stevecorrigan2@hotmail.com

NOTE: If you want to start a Legends team for a tournament in your area, contact Steve Corrigan and he will help with the organization and future planning as well as the business end of the organization.

Watch for details for these future events or contact Brenda DeWitt, Alumni Relations Office at bedewitt@owu.edu.