Remembering Jack Curran One Year Later

On March 14, 2013, the Stanner community lost one of its most beloved mentors and friends in Mr. Jack Curran. Molloy’s Varsity baseball and basketball coach for 55 years, Curran was a legend in every sense of the word. Everyone knows the numbers: 2,680 total wins in baseball and basketball, 36-0 in 1970, dozens of divisional, CHSAA and city championships, 68 consecutive league victories, and induction into nine Halls of Fame. But Curran’s impact was far deeper than simply wins and losses. He inspired generations of student-athletes. He coached teens who became fathers and later coached their sons, sometimes acted as a father, remained a teacher and friend to his former players as they became men, and along the way changed the lives of so many members of our community for the better. According to numerous anecdotes, you didn’t even have to play for Coach to learn from him. Kids from surrounding Briarwood apartments watched his practices. Opposing coaches and players were often in awe of his style. Colleagues at Molloy, including the Marist Brothers, had the utmost respect for his character. Curran carried himself with a certain presence and tenacity that was revered by all. Yet despite all of his unbelievable achievements, Jack was human after all. His passing was a shock to all of us, but the outpouring of love and support from his family and friends was not. Everyone at Molloy was so grateful for all the kindness shown by our community, as well as the great care and dedication displayed by Hall of Famers such as Kevin Joyce ’69, Kenny Smith ’83, Bob Carver ’68, Jim Larranaga ’67, and Brian Winters ’70. Their actions showed how deeply they continue to hold Curran, and Molloy as a whole, in their hearts.

Curran’s passing meant that the task of picking up where he left off must begin. In June 2013, it was announced that Mike McCleary and Brad Lyons would take the helm of the boys Varsity basketball and baseball teams respectively. Many in our community, and around New York City, wondered how Molloy would respond to being without the man that nurtured these storied athletic programs for 55 years. Fortunately, both Coach McCleary and Coach Lyons were ready to take the teams forward. “I felt comfortable this year as head coach,” said McCleary, who worked with Curran as his assistant coach for many years. “I was very confident in large part because of directly working with Jack. He taught me a lot.” McCleary’s first team, which you can learn more about here, was also mostly made up of members of Curran’s final team. They not only won the city championship as freshmen together, but they also had the privilege of learning from Curran, even if only for a short time. They came to understand his legacy at Molloy, and they remained driven in the way they played during this season. Under the guidance of McCleary, the Varsity squad finished with a 20-7 record while earning a trip to the quarter-finals of the city playoffs. “There wasn’t a day or a practice that went by that I didn’t quote Coach Curran,” explained McCleary. “I tried to carry myself in the model of Curran, but it was also important for me to be Coach McCleary. Still, Jack provided many great lessons for generations of athletes at this school, so it remains important to emulate that. The kids helped by being attentive and respectful. They quickly bought in to what we were trying to do this year.” Most members of the team are still being recruited by colleges, but CJ Davis ’14, one of Curran’s last great stars, has already committed to playing ball at Columbia University. No doubt Jack would be proud.

McCleary also noted that many of the athletic program’s most storied players, including the aforementioned Hall of Famers, are still in regular contact with him and the school. “Their interest in our season is always very high and that hasn’t changed,” said McCleary. “I would have liked to put a few more wins up on the board, but myself and others were pleased with the effort of our players.” Among those who are still in regular contact with Molloy is Russ Smith ’09, the talented 6 ft Louisville guard who became Molloy’s second NCAA Tournament Championship in 2013 (Tommy Kearns ’54 was the first with North Carolina in 1957). That sensational run came shortly after Coach Curran’s passing, which Russ publicly stated weighed heavily on his mind during the tournament. It spoke to his ability and his relationship with Curran, however, when he cut the net just a few short weeks later. Russ is supremely confident in Louisville’s chances for a repeat during this year’s March Madness (despite their 4th seed), and he exchanged several texts with Coach McCleary to let him know that he is ready for the challenges ahead. “Russ had another great year,” said McCleary of the budding star. “He’s most likely in line for another All-American award, a successful NCAA tournament, and hopefully after that an NBA career.” Russ is another prime example of Curran’s living legacy. (Photo: Associated Press)

So what lies ahead for our Varsity baseball team? We’ll be watching as the Stanners toe the rubber and hit the batter’s box this spring, but if the performance of our Varsity basketball team is any indication, it looks like the baseball squad will be as driven as ever. It doesn’t hurt when you’ve had Coach Curran shaping the program for 55 years. His impact is still present every day on the court and field in the lessons and philosophy relayed by our coaches. The continued success of our Varsity basketball and baseball programs is a true testament to the passion Curran dedicated to Molloy throughout his life.

Stanner players Present: You Can’t Take It With You

• When: April 3rd, 4th & 5th @ 7:00pm | April 6th @ 2:00pm
• Admission: $5 for Molloy students & children under 12 | $10 for adults
• Contact: stannerplayers@gmail.com

This spring, the Stanner Players present You Can’t Take It With You, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. A Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner, the 3 Act comedy is set in 1930’s New York City. The Sycamore family can only be described as eccentric, building fireworks in the basement, taking ballet lessons in the living room, and housing a wide assortment of houseguests on a daily basis. One Sycamore in particular will fall in love with her boss’s son, but when she invites her future in-laws over to her parents’ house for dinner, chaos (and hilarity) ensues! Tickets can be reserved in advance by emailing stannerplayers@gmail.com or calling (347) 441-0015. When calling, please leave a voicemail with your name, the date of the show, and the number of tickets you are requesting. Come out and support our talented and hardworking Stanner Players this April!

Michael J. Cawley Memorial Foundation 13th Annual Benefit 

• When: April 5th, 2014 | 3pm – 8pm
• Where: Mulcahy’s (3232 Railroad Avenue, Watagh, NY)

The 13th Annual Benefit in honor of the late Firefighter Michael J. Cawley ’87 will take place on Saturday, April 5th, 2014 at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, Long Island. Michael selflessly gave his life in a courageous attempt to save others in the World Trade Center towers on September 11th, 2001. Michael had a wonderful passion for life, and his amazing spirit continues to touch the lives of his family, friends and neighbors. He will always be known as a hero. Please help our community remember Michael J. Cawley by attending this special benefit. For more information please click on the attached flyer to the right.

Click Here to support Molloy’s Firefighter Michael J. Cawley Memorial Scholarship Fund.

12th Annual Tommy Ashton 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

• When: April 25th & 26th, 2014
• Where: St. Sebastian Parish Center, 39-60 57th Street, Woodside, NY 11377

From its beginning, the Tommy Ashton 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament’s goal has been to remember and honor Tommy Ashton ’97, a bright young man who was tragically killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. In memory of Tommy, the generosity of so many friends and family has helped the Tournament to donate over $260,000 to worthwhile charitable organizations and local projects.

This year’s proceeds will be donated to worthwhile programs/projects benefiting St. Sebastian Parish and the Woodside, Queens community. In addition, a donation will be made to Delete Blood Cancer DKMS, a non-profit organization that leads the fight to delete blood cancer by empowering people to take action, donate bone marrow and save lives. With over 3 million registered bone marrow donors worldwide, Delete Blood Cancer DKMS is part of the world’s largest bone marrow donor center. Teams can register online through April 1st or find more information at www.thomasashtonfoundation.com.

Around the School

SADD Awareness Day

On Friday, March 7th, students and faculty were encouraged to wear a red ribbon in support of SADD Awareness Day. Also known as “Students Against Destructive Decisions,” SADD is a national organization that offers an after-school club in a many different schools. SADD is open to all students at these schools and aims to give teenagers the opportunity to talk to their peers one on one and in groups to raise awareness about the causes and effects of poor decision making. It also encourages them to think about how they can consciously make better decisions “in the moment.” SADD previously stood for “Students Against Drunk Driving,” and while the club at Molloy still discusses underage drinking as a threat to young people, they also breach other issues facing teens today including bullying, violence, difficulties relating to mental health, and more. On SADD Awareness Day, each pin distributed by one of our club members was accompanied by a brief quote that stated, “Let this pin be a reminder to us all to make good decisions in our daily life.” Important information was also posted for students in the main hall outside the cafeteria. We hope that our students’ work to raise awareness for SADD and its mission will continue to benefit them, their peers, and others in their lives.

We are saddened to share the passing of Charles Harms Sr., father of Charlie ’73 and grandfather of Emily ’09. Mr. Harms was a longtime Stanner Games official and looked forward to volunteering for Molloy each year. We ask that you please keep Charles Harms Sr. and his family in your thoughts and prayers.