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This year’s annual Alumni Basketball games took on a special spin, as the evening’s goings-on were enhanced by a ceremony and reception honoring long-time hardwood fixture, Ed Leone ’74, recipient of a 2009 Alumni Association Purple & Gold Award. The festivities were tipped off with a spirited shooting contest by 4 women alumni players: Brittany Aungier ’04, Meredith Mosley ’07, Christina Sutphen ’05, and winner, Christina West ’07.
L to R: Christina West ’07, Christina Sutphen ’05, Meredith Mosley ’07, and Brittany Aungier ’04 pose for a group photo after the women’s alumni basketball shooting contest.
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Immediately following the contest, close to thirty male alums hit the floor for an exhilarating game (especially for the older players), with traditional sardonic play-by-play commentary offered by Tom Niland. Leo Massaro ’91 had a particularly strong first quarter, thus clinching an early MVP nod. Standout performances were also turned in by Erik Estabrook ’05, Sen. John DeFrancisco ’64, Dave Fine ’04, Matt Harrigan ’04, and TJ Niland ’00, ensuring a fast-paced, highly competitive contest.
Several CBA legacy families were well represented on the court such as: the Andersons with 2 members – Mike ’04, and Tom ’02; the Leones with 4 members - Ed ’74, Greg ’00, Joe ’68, and Joe ’97; and the Paulus clan with 4 members – Chris ’03, Greg ’00, Matt ’00 and sister, Sarah ’09, on the sidelines with an injury. This annual holiday event continues to grow and bring ‘Brothers’ together with spirited competition and jovial camaraderie.
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2009 Men’s alumni basketball players
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(Front Row L-R): Mark Pitonzo ’76, Matt Paulus ’00, TJ Niland ’00, Greg Leone ’00, John DeFrancisco ’64, Larry Stirpe ’73, and Tom Niland. (2nd Row L-R): Greg Paulus ’05, Joe Leone ’97, Sean Anderson ’97, JD Delmonico ’99, Erik Estabroook ’05. (3rd Row L-R): Buddy Wleklinski ’75, Tom Robb ’86, Matt Harrigan ’04, Mike Anderson ’04, Carl Hummel ’86. (4th Row L-R): Tim Giarrusso ’77, David Fine ’04, Griffin Chase ’05, RJ Mosley ’04, Robert Romeo ’77. (5th Row L-R): Bill Kearney ’03, Jon Wolf ’98, Tom Anderson ’02, Joe Leone ’68. (Back Row L-R): Leo Massaro ’91, Jeff Brown ’04, Ed Leone ’74, Chris Paulus ’03. |
After the game, a crowd of close to 100 alums, friends, students, and members of the CBA community gathered in the Callahan gym to honor Ed Leone. The group enjoyed a delicious feast of Italian specialties from the Emerald City restaurant, co-sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Booster Club. Board members Paul Drescher, Kevin Harrigan ’65, Ed Moses ’61, John Sindoni, AFSC ’63, and Bob Waters ’66 joined in the festivities.
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Young alumni hoopsters enjoy the feast at Ed Leone’s Purple & Gold Award reception.
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The newest Leone family member, 2 week old Taelyn Rose, daughter of Tricia and Greg Leone ’00, attends her great-uncle’s reception.
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 Ed Leone ’74 (center) is joined by nephews Joe ’97 and Greg ’00, his cousin, Matt, and his brother, Joe ’68, to celebrate his Purple & Gold Award.
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The Leone family gathers en masse to honor Ed.
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Just prior to the CBA Syracuse vs. CBA Albany game, the group assembled in the John Lynch gym, along with players and fans from both schools, for the Purple & Gold Award ceremony. Buddy Wleklinski ’75, fellow coach and long-time friend of Ed’s, read the award citation. Ed’s humble acceptance speech belied how honored he felt, referring to himself as the ‘luckiest guy in the world’ to be able to continue be a part of the proud CBA tradition, both on and off the court.
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 Ed Leone ’74 is visibly touched as friend and fellow coach, Buddy Wleklinski ’75, reads his Purple & Gold Award citation
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Ed Leone ’74 is humbled by a standing ovation led by Buddy Wleklinski ’75 at the Purple & Gold Award ceremony.
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Ed Leone ’74 delivers a gracious acceptance speech for the Purple & Gold Award. |
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