24th Annual Andrew Harvey Memorial 5K Fun Run
On Sunday, October 2nd members of the Stanner community including current students, alumni, families and friends came out to Briarwood to participate in the Andrew Harvey Memorial 5K Fun Run. Andrew Harvey ’98 was an exceptional student, athlete, and volunteer who was tragically killed in an accident during his junior year at Molloy. Frank Gambino ‘74, longtime teacher and track coach at Molloy, knew Andrew well and was dedicated to making his memory live on at Molloy through the annual 5K Fun Run. The Harvey family also established a scholarship in Andrew’s name.
The day began with Mass where those in attendance prayed for Andrew, his family, and for all participants in the upcoming race. Just before 9:00 AM runners traversed around the school and the local neighborhood of Briarwood – including a pesky hill that is part of many Molloy runs. Members of the Harvey family as well as all other runners took to the streets for the race while family members cheered them on along the route. Some runners paced themselves while others relied on their experience and training to grab the best times. “It’s not a marathon, but it’s not easy either,” shouted Br. Pat Hogan as his students ran by with determination. Following the conclusion of the 5K and the one mile, the younger runners got their shot at glory by sprinting down the track as part of the Little One’s Dash, which grouped kids by age to make the race fair, safe and fun.
After the youngsters had their moment, everyone gathered in the cafeteria for coffee, juice, bagels and rolls and to applaud the top winners on the day. The top overall times went to three recent alumni in Tyler Bay ’11 (17:17), Peter Kramer ‘10 (17:22) and Joseph Mayer ‘09 (17:31). To view a full list of all the top times, click here. Winners received medals and plaques to commemorate their achievement while everyone in attendance received an event t-shirt. It was a great day that provided fun for the whole family, made even more special because of Andrew’s lasting memory. Frank made sure to let everyone know that next year the Fun Run will celebrate its 25th anniversary, so he hopes to make it extra special. We hope to see you and your family at Molloy next October for the 25th! If you have questions about this year’s event or next year, email Frank at fgambino@molloyhs.org.
Special thanks to Frank Gambino, the Harvey family (pictured above), Anne and Bob Lonergan, and all of Molloy’s track coaches who were out in full force on Sunday. Click here to view our FULL PHOTO GALLERY. Pictured below: top winners Joe Mayer, Pete Kramer and Tyler Bay, and Mr. Frank Gambino.
Around the School
Freshman Field Day
Following their first Mass together last week, the freshman class enjoyed the annual Freshman Field Day tradition at Molloy. With track events, basketball and soccer shootouts, potato sack and wheelbarrow races, and the ever-popular high jump, students had their pick of sports to make sure that their skills were fully tested. The high jump records were not bested this year (they’re still held by Willie Hall ’58 at 5’6 and Jaclyn Scagnelli ’04 at 4’8”), but regardless the event still provided the most drama as every homeroom, despite squaring off against each other, cheer on the last remaining challengers to break the record. There were also chess matches hosted by Mr. Mike Harrison and a history challenge hosted by Mr. Jeff Gallagher ’88 in various classrooms for the more cerebral Stanners to make their mark. Special thanks to Mr. Brian Klimas ’98, Mr. Brian Kelly’ 94, Br. James Maher, Br. Bob Andrews and all other Molloy faculty who helped to carry out the day’s events. Browse some of our favorite photos from the day below:
Activities Fair
For the second time in as many years, students enjoyed an opportunity to find the club of their choice during an activities fair in the Jack Curran Gymnasium. Mr. Ed Cameron, Director of Student Activities, was the lead organizer for this event and felt that it was important to visualize the activities and expand the fair so students could really see what Molloy’s after-school clubs are all about. According to Mr. Cameron, “St. Marcellin Champagnat…had a policy of sending Marist brothers only to schools that provided for a student’s ‘whole education’…Molloy is committed to providing the opportunities students need to expand their education and enrich their high school experience.” With over 50 clubs and activities for Stanners to participate in, there is truly something for everyone. Some of these offerings include: Health & Fitness Club, I AM Green, SMILE, Briarwood Shelter Program, Liturgy Committee, S.A.C., Bagpipe Band, Dance Team, Chorus, Art Club, Stanner Players, Guitar Ensemble, Theater Arts & Improv Club, Student Council, Science Olympiad, Mock Trial Team, “The Stanner” Newspaper and many more. Sign-up sheets around the gym were filling up quickly so it’s safe to say that every student in attendance found their niche. Pictured below: recycling enthusiasts with I AM Green and the Dance Team’s impromptu performance on stage.
Sports Update
Girls Tennis: 8-0
Girls Varsity Soccer: 4-3-1
Girls JV Soccer: 5-3
Boys JV Soccer: 5-4
Boys Varsity Soccer: 4-3-4
Varsity Bowling: 3-1
JV Bowling: 3-1
Varsity Volleyball: 4-1
JV Volleyball: 5-0
Upcoming Events
Stanner Class Reunion & Hall of Fame Induction
Register Online Now! The reunion will be here before you know it. We’ve already received a huge response from our alumni in anticipation of this year’s reunion. By now you should have received your invitation in the mail (pictured to the right) so it’s time to register ASAP! We have a large number of Stanners registered to come, and we expect even more of you to sign up in the days leading up to the event. This year’s reunion will take place on Saturday, November 5th and include the classes of 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006. There will also be a special reunion for the class of 1979, who have been active in recruiting class members. We also welcome back all alumni that have ever run track and field for a very special reunion. You can view the list of your classmates attending the reunion by viewing the event page specific to your class year. We hope that you plan to attend and come out to reconnect with your classmates and your favorite faculty members, and also to see what will be the completely modernized William J. Murphy library! Former Molloy President John Sherry ’61 is doing a great job in leading the class of 1961 committee to return for their 50th anniversary. Jerry Walsh ’56 is also doing his own detective work in tracking down his friends from the class of 1956.
The day begins with check-in at 4:30 PM (remember to register online first!) and the annual Mass of Remembrance taking place at 5:00 PM in the Ralph DeChiaro Theater. After Mass at 6:00 PM there will be a very special Stanner Hall of Fame induction for legendary Molloy track coach Frank Rienzo. Mr. Rienzo will be in attendance to receive this honor, which has already drawn a big crowd (especially among our track alumni) The 50th and 25th anniversary medal presentations will take place immediately following Mr. Rienzo’s induction in the theater. At 6:45 PM alumni will enjoy their cocktail receptions in designated areas, followed by dinner, dancing, and open bar at 7:30 PM in the Jack Curran Gymnasium. Click here to find your class’ registration page, or contact Maria Ford at 718.441.9210 or via email at mford@molloyhs.org for more information.
Baseball-Alumni Softball Game
All Molloy baseball alumni, who once upon a time played under Coach Curran, are invited tomorrow, October 8th to come out and see our Varsity boys take on Fordham Prep and then participate in a special alumni softball game – all on our Stanner Field at Molloy. First pitch for the Varsity game is scheduled for 11:00AM with the alumni softball game tentatively scheduled to begin at 1:30PM. For the $35 registration fee you will enjoy food and refreshments including catered heroes, snacks, sodas and water and also be able to participate in the softball game, or you can simply hang out with your fellow baseball alumni and watch the game unfold. Online registration for this event is currently closed. Please note that additional space for this event is limited, so if you’d like more information about the possibility of attending please contact Joe Sommo ’03 at jsommo@molloyhs.org or Steve Strohm ’99 at steven.strohm@us.bnpparibas.com. Special thanks to Mike McCleary, Steve Strohm and James Arrante ’99 for helping to plan this event. All proceeds from this event will be put towards the continued maintenance and upkeep of our Stanner Field, home of the legendary coach Jack Curran.
Molloy Lawyers Alumni Event
Attention all Molloy Lawyers, Attorneys, students of law and all those in law/legal sector! Online registration is now available for our Inaugural Molloy Lawyers Alumni Event on Wednesday, November 9th at 6:30 PM at Archbishop Molloy High School. This event will give interested Stanners the opportunity to network and discuss the industry in a friendly and professional forum. The evening will include a panel of distinguished individuals working in law and discussions will be facilitated by The Honorable Henry B. Pitman ’71 (US Magistrate Judge / Southern District of NY) and moderated by Reaz Jafri ’83. The main topic of the evening will be “Making Your Mark.” Admission is free and attendees will enjoy light refreshments and hors’ d’oeuvres in addition to good company. Those interested should register online or RSVP to Craig Katinas ’93 at 718.441.9210 or email ckatinas@molloyhs.org. Please also join our new Molloy Lawyers Alumni sub-group on LinkedIn for more direct networking opportunities with Stanners. Simply sign into or register with LinkedIn and search for Molloy Lawyers under “groups.”
Jim Larranaga Inducted into NYC Basketball HoF
On Thursday, September 22nd legendary basketball Coach Jim Larranaga ’67 was inducted into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame at the New York Athletic Club. Larranaga, a native of the Bronx, is currently coaching at the University of Miami after spending 14 seasons as head coach at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Prior to coaching the Patriots to 13 consecutive winning seasons, Larranaga coached at Davidson College, University of Virginia, and American International College in addition to spending a year coaching in Europe. Over his 40 year career Larranaga has compiled a 470-334 (.584) winning percentage and lead his teams to many honors including the CAA Tournament Championship (1999, 2001, 2008), CAA Regular Season Championship (1999, 2000, 2006, 2011), MAC Regular Season Championship (1997), and an appearance in the Final Four (2006). The Patriots appeared in five NCAA Tournaments in the last decade alone. His other honors including the Clair Bee Coach of the Year (2006), CAA Coach of the Year (1999, 2001) and MAC Coach of the Year (1997) simply solidify his status among the greats and make his induction into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame long overdue. Larranaga joins 7 other members of the Stanner community in the Hall of Fame including sports writer Peter Vecsey ‘61, coaches Lou Carnesecca ’43 and Jack Curran, and players Kevin Joyce ’69, Brian Winters ’70, Kenny Smith ’83, and Kenny Anderson ’89. Larranaga and his wife, Liz, have two sons – Jay, who played for his father at Bowling Green, and Jon, who played for his father at George Mason.
Non scholae sed vitae
Tomas Liogys ’91 recently checked in with the Stanner Alumni Center and told us he was promoted to Assistant Fire Management Officer for the Mid-Atlantic Fire Management Area duty stationed at Gateway National Recreation Area in Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island. “Essentially I am the equivalent of a Deputy Fire Chief of wildland fire for all National Park Service sites in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island,” said Tomas, who is thrilled about the opportunity. Previously Tomas was working in the field with the FDNY. While he will be working on Gateway NRA’s first Fire Management Plan, he will also be assisting the FDNY, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, DEP, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, part of NYC’s first Community Wildlife Protection Plan. Tomas explains, “It’s a plan designed to help mitigate and reduce the effects of wildland fire on local communities through an interagency approach.” He continued, “Managing a fire program is quite the endeavor, but I am looking forward to the challenge. I credit Molloy, especially Mr. John Gibbons and Br. Juan Salvador, with developing my critical thinking skills and instilling me with a sense of service to others – two things that have driven me in everything I do.” Elsewhere in Tomas’ life, his wife Sarah began her 11th year working as a guidance counselor at New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math. Their youngest daughter, Juliet, just turned 1 in August and their 3 ½ year old daughter Sofia just started Pre-K3. Tomas is looking forward to attending his 20th Anniversary Reunion in on November 5, 2011. “I haven’t been back to see Molloy and am excited to see all of the changes that have made to school.” Pictured are Tomas (from the front page of the Pocono Record while working with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area) and Tomas’ family.
Class Updates
Christina Gonzalez ’09 and Richard Cardenas ’09 (pictured below from their Molloy days) have both recently become members of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) at CUNY Queens College. Both Stanners will be honored during an induction Convocation this fall at QC. NSCS is described as “a symbol of academic achievement” which gives members access to a number of benefits including career and networking resources, scholarships, travel and service projects in the community. Qualified first and second year college students rank in the top 20% of their class year. NSCS is part of the Association of College Honor Societies and its membership is invitation only. Congratulations to Christina and Richard!
We are saddened to share news of the passing of one of our current students, Christian Ponce, Class of 2013. Christian had been struggling with his health throughout his sophomore year and hoped to return to Molloy this year, but sadly he passed away last week. Sister Elizabeth Bickar had been in close contact with Christian and his family throughout their ordeal, and according to her, “Christian was a lovely kid, low key, pleasant, and he loved Molloy. That’s what struck me about him the most, how much he wanted to come back to Molloy. I know that Christian and his parents were grateful for the relationship they had with Molloy.” We ask that the Stanner community please say a special prayer for Christian and his family as they deal with such a devastating loss.
James M. Gallagher ‘63, passed away on Friday, September 23rd, 2011 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville. He was born and raised in New York City and lived in the Bronx before moving to Pine Brook, NJ in 1985. James received his BA from Fordham University, his LLM from St. John’s School of Law and his MBA from the Columbia Business School at Columbia University. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 2/2/1967 before being honorably discharged on 1/30/1970. He was an Attorney for 37 years but most recently, he owned and operated Pine Brook Associates, LLC for the past 7 years.
David Riordan ’80 asks the Stanner community to please pray for his mother. Mrs. Rita Riordan passed away earlier in September.
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