Fordham University School of Business - Aries Yearbook (New York, NY)

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6' 9, the Brat tum- Fofdh m 3 . m In One- H0119 ' ' two POsi A mi' Au out SHOW tion Warm ing up, X Junior Metropolitan , A.A U Champions A. F0rd1 , Yumng on S966 mm gam 257 in

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CQQSS COUHU2 Front Row: Iohn Curran, Stan Fitzgerald, Arthur Cunningham, Edward Kilkelly Back Row: Coach Artie O'Connor, Walter Kocher, Ed McGuirk, Tom Ward Best everf, said Coach Artie O'Connor! He was speaking of the 1955 varsity cross-country team, after he surveyed the impressive finish of the team in the I.C.4A. Championship. Fordham had just attained 9th position in the team standings out of a field that comprised 41 schools. This was one of the highest finishes that Ford- ham has ever achieved. The overall balance and depth of the Ram team in its final showing is what gained for it the well deserved praise of all. Yet, this was not the only outstanding performance of the squad. It had started out well by defeating Rhode Island soundly, placing six men ahead of Rhodyis first. Art Cunningham, a highly touted Soph, led the way, and set a Rhode Island course record in the process. F ordhamis balance again was too much the following week as it continued its winning ways by downing St. Iohn's and City College. Once more it was Art Cunning- ham leading the Way, closely followed by Ed McGuirk, Art O'Conner, Ed Kilkelly and Pat Melley. The hill and dalers had to wait two Weeks for their next competition as a triangular meet with Princeton and St. Ioseph's was washed out by Hurricane Diane. The lay off proved harmful as an inspired Yale team upset the surprised Fordham squad. Walt Kocher was able to win the race but this was not enough to prevent the final outcome. Manhattan, the defending I.C.4A. champs, the next foe, showed too much strength. Even though the Maroon Al Fitzgerald and Walt Kocher. Captain Val Simons, Artie O'Connor, Ir., Manager Eugene Kane squad ran their best times of the year, they went down to defeat. Walt Kocher led the hill and dalers home, finish ing fifth in the race, yet running fast enough to set the Fordham cross-country dual meet record. Things brightened up as Georgetown bowed and the junior Metropolitan A.A.U. title was won again for the second straight year. Captain Val Simons running his best race of the season prevented certain defeat by beat ing out thes, Georgetown man for third spot. This coupled with F ordham,s taking the next seven spots turned the tide in the favor of the home team. The next day a balanced squad once again put in a fine team effort and defended its A.A.U. Championship, Walt Kocher, Art O'Conner, Art Cunningham, Tom Ward and Stan Fitzgerald performing admirably. The Metropolitan Collegiate Championship was adis appointment to Coach O,Connor's men as they could dq no better than fourth. This, however, turned out to be an inspiration which drove the Rams on to their fine showing in the finale of the season, the I.C.4A. Cham pionships. The seniors, Captain Val Simons, Walt Kocher, Art O'Connor, Pat Malloy and Al Fitzgerald, turned in some of the best performances of the season. It'is hoped that the fine group of freshmen, Richie Kraus, Wally Bryant, Tom Brennan, Paul Bopko, john MacNeil and Frank McGinty, will more than compensate for the loss of the graduating men. Manager Eugene Kane, Captain Val Simons, Coach Artie O'Connor. 256 I, .,,.. , .ll,., ,,.,,,.,. ...,l..w..w.3.., Ira... .W .WMf f- 4-fmfvs..-44.1111 ,fmlWnm,...,mA

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Coach Iack Coffey BASEBAH With the coming of Spring we naturally look for- ward to the baseball season. This year the 85th under the managerial reins of Jack Coffey, promises to be a big one. After posting a fine 14-5 record last year, and narrowly missing an N.C.A.A. bid, the prospects of this yearis club are very promising. The only lettermen lost from last year's squad were Bill Hanrahan, mainstay of the pitching staff, hurler, Haut Happymayer, outfielder, Pat O,Leary and catcher, Red Conners. We can look forward to a veteran team returning this year. The infield seems well set with the return of lettermen like Senior Cap- tain, Ioe Penacchio, at first base, Gene Caifia at third, shortstop, Jerry Bochicchio and second baseman, Bay Halland. The outfield is strong with returning letter- men Don Haig in centerfield and Paul Hunter in left, who can also take an occasional turn on the mound. The right field spot is up for grabs among Bill Bren- nan, Jerry Muro and Mark Verechio. The pitching staff is strong with Jack McQuade, Bill Crawley, john Currie, Bill Bowan and Marty Hosenfuss. Added to them are Don Riddle and Tony Balsano of last year,s Freshman team. Qln the catching departmentj Ierry Saviola, a fine receiver and sound batter, will handle the tools in the catching depart- ment. On the whole, Coach Jack Coffey wonit have to do much worrying over the prospects of his club. Its a strong veteran array defensively sound with good speed and better than average power. The club will play a 24 game schedule leading off against Hofstra away. Coach Coffey expects to better last year's fine record and make the N.C.A.A. playoffs which managed to elude his group last year. 258