Christian Brothers Academy -- Syracuse, NY

2007 Men’s & Women’s Alumni Basketball Games The CBA gym was filled with hoots and hollers on Saturday, December 29 when the men and women alumni hoopsters took to the hardwoods. Ten women and 23 guys showed tenacious spirit, great sportsmanship, and good humor both on and off the court. Tom Niland ’65 provided entertaining and informative play-by-play for both games.

Tom Niland ’65, emcee for the Alumni games, interviews Manny Leone ’51 as he watches his sons Ed ’74 and Joe ’68 play ball.

The women players pounded the floor without substitution, ending the game with a tie score. Courtney Palladino ’01, all-time leading scorer for the Lady Brothers with a career total of 1128 points, came all the way from Corona Del Mar, California to revisit her alma mater. Also traveling from California was Brittany Aungier ’04, a senior at the University of California at Berkeley. Brittany’s sister, Brigitte ’98, a graduate of the US Naval Academy serving her tour of duty as a naval officer, left the warmth of Jacksonville, Florida to join the purple team.

Front row (l to r): Stacy Gradoville Zdep ’96, Mary McGowan ’07, Sarah McGowan ’03, Brigitte Aungier ’98, Brittany Aungier ’04, Laura Sindoni ’01. Back row (l to r): Meredith Mosley ’07, Courtney Palladino ’01, Kathleen Niland ’06, Caitlyn Carrick ’06.

Sarah McGowan ’03, a graduate of Notre Dame, and her sister, Mary ’07 a freshman at Notre Dame, faced off against each other. Stacy Gradoville Zdep ’96 showed an impressive level of stamina as she was cheered on by her two young daughters and supported on the court by Laura Sindoni ’01, a law student at Holy Cross. The teams were rounded out with recent CBA grads: Meredith Mosley ’07, a student at the Syracuse University Newhouse School, Caitlyn Carrick ’06 at Colgate University, and Kathleen Niland ’06 at Nazareth.

The spectators were then treated to the athletic prowess and skilled ball-handling of the men’s teams, whose game also ended in a tie. Alums of varying ages, occupations, and skill levels came together to enjoy the warm camaraderie and a good workout. As Tom Niland pointed out several times during the game, the oldest player on the men’s teams was Joe Leone ’68. Joe was joined on the court by his brother, Ed ’74. Their father, Manny ’51, heckled them mercilessly from the stands.

1st row (l to r): Greg Orlicz ’98, Mike Burns ’79, Joe Leone ’68, Larry Stirpe ’73, Marty Headd ’77, Rob Romeo ’77. 2nd row (l to r): T.J. Niland ’00, Shaun Chase ’00, Pat Delmonico ’02, David Marshall ’02, Danny Sizing ’90, Tim Giarrusso ’77. 3rd row (l to r): Jeff Silvaggio ’88, Casey Fallon ’87, Matt Matthews ’88, Carl Hummel ’86, Ed Leone ’74.4th row (l to r): Tom Robb ’86, Tom Anderson ’02, Mark Pitonzo ’76.Back row (l to r): Leo Massaro ’91, John Niland ’74, Bud Wleklinski ’75.

Additional superlative awards go to: Casey Fallon ’87 for the most children under 12 years of age attending the game (5)….Casey and his wife are expecting their 6th child this month; and to Larry Stirpe ’73 for the most number of successfully completed three-point shots.

The players and their families were treated to pizza and wings in the cafeteria, following the games. Thanks to all the players and supporters for a fun and festive evening sponsored by the Alumni Association. Look for more of the same next holiday season!!