Georgetown University Athletics

General 10/22/2007 12:00:00 AM

Hoya Rocks!

October 22, 2007

If you haven't been to the front of McDonough Memorial Gymnasium in recent months, stop and take a gander the next time you are in the neighborhood.

For a building that first opened in 1952 and with only a handful of cosmetic changes since then, the most recent improvement on the edifice's front exterior is well done. The landscaping between the sidewalk and the building has been built up and a retaining wall constructed adjacent to the sidewalk. The knee-high wall is built of fitted stones of pink-gray granite that connect with the red brick of McDonough itself. It features wide capping stones that invite one to come sit and rest on them. I like not only the look and feel of the improvement but, in the chainlink fence world of Hoya athletics, the sense of permanence it provides is reassuring.

Hoya Saxa!

McDonough wall facing west

I might even stretch the wall idea to stand as a metaphor for our rock-solid student-athletes, teams, and supporters. One week ago Saturday, that was my reaction to attending the annual athletic recognition dinner on campus, where the top scholar-athlete, outstanding coach, exceptional volunteers, captains, and team MVP's were all recognized. It was truly an inspiring evening shared with these honorees. What rocks!

McDonough wall facing east

Master of ceremonies Joe Lonardo '69 introduces the 2007-08 Georgetown team captains

Joe Guarriello '71, recipient of the Greg Carroll outstanding volunteer service award presented by Hoop club president Al Bozzo '85

Track & field alum Mary Taylor Behrens '83, awardee for outstanding contribution to athletics

Senior basketball guards Tyler Crawford and Jon Wallace presented the award for outstanding Georgetown coach of 2007 to John Thompson III

The Duffey Scholar-Athlete for 2007, sailor Caroline LaMotte '07

Men's lacrosse captains Chris Taylor '09, Matt McBride '08, and Jerry Lambe '08

2007 Awardees: Joe Guarriello, John Thompson III, Caroline LaMotte, and Mary Behrens

Just last Thursday, while attending a gathering of past and present athletic and university staff, I was again reminded of the words of Ed Villani '68, chairman of Georgetown's board of directors. In describing Georgetown's assets, he frequently refers to the University's human capital as its greatest strength.

McDonough wall facing north

That human capital was on full display last week as the lobby of McDonough filled with coaches, staff, and administrators to pay tribute to the retiring T.C. Chisley, a member of the athletic support staff for nearly 40 years.

What Rocks indeed!

Senior Associate Director of Athletics Patricia Thomas welcomed all to retirement celebration for 36-year staff member TC Chisley

TC accepts citation from Assistant AD Brian McGuire '72


Assoc. director of Hoyas Unltd. Paul Muite, asst sports info director Jim Donatelli, asst. director of marketing Andrew Rowden, asst. ticket manager Maurice Wharton, sports info asst. Drew Wiseman

TC with athletic department executive assistant Beverlyn Ross

University registrar John Pierce '72 with head crew coach Tony Johnson

Hoop seniors Jon Wallace and Roy Hibbert with TC

Corporate sponsorship and marketing: asst director Steve Hines, account executive Jordan Jarry '05, ticket sales director Steve Alleva '05, and director Dan O'Neil

Finance executive assistant Cornell Burke and receptionist Donna Clark

Operations and facility support crew: Mario Matel, building manager Jose Aviles, TC, and field manager Luis Mendez

Head coach of women's golf Patty Post with associate AD Kyle Ragsdale

Volleyball head coach Arlisa Hagan and softball head coach Pat Conlon

Director of athletics emeritus Frank Rienzo with TC

Pat Thomas applauds as Lynn Bourdon, director of equipment and transportation, presents retirement jersey to TC

Yates duo: facilities director Chas Kennedy '74 and field house director Jim Gilroy '72

Coach John Thompson III with registrar John Pierce

Lacrosse asst coaches: Michi Ellers '04, Matt Rienzo '97, Erin Hellmold, Scott Urick '00

Former senior assoc. AD Denis Kanach with TC

Trackmen Michael Banks '08 and Mike Krisch '09 with TC

Head coach of men's lacrosse Dave Urick, senior sports communications director Bill Shapland '77, and former athletic director Joe Lang

Head coach of women's basketball Terri Flournoy and Kim Frank, director of ticket operations

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Players Mentioned

#22 Tyler Crawford: Guard/Forward; 6' 4"; Freshman

#55 Roy Hibbert: Center; 7' 2"; Freshman

#10 Jordan Jarry: Tight End; 6' 5"; Senior

#3 Jerry Lambe: D; 6' 0"; Senior

#15 Matt McBride: A; 5' 10"; Junior

#20 Chris Taylor: M; 6' 1"; Sophomore

Caroline LaMotte: Senior

Players Mentioned

#22 Tyler Crawford
: 6' 4"; Freshman
: Guard/Forward

#55 Roy Hibbert
: 7' 2"; Freshman
: Center

#10 Jordan Jarry
: 6' 5"; Senior
: Tight End

#3 Jerry Lambe
: 6' 0"; Senior
: D

#15 Matt McBride
: 5' 10"; Junior
: A

#20 Chris Taylor
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: M

Caroline LaMotte
: Senior