June 11, 2012
Photo Gallery
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.