St. John's University Athletics
Thousands Of Fans Greet Carnesecca At Columbus Day Parade
10/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 13, 2008
NEW YORK - They cheered in English, Italian and in many other dialects, but the clear fan favorite of the 2008 Columbus Day Parade was recognizable in any language - "Looie!"
St. John's Hall of Fame basketball coach Lou Carnesecca greeted thousands of fans while riding the St. John's University float in Monday's parade, and the cheers were long and loud for the longtime Redmen mentor. Joined by Athletics Director Emeritus John W. Kaiser, current Director of Athletics Chris Monasch and many former St. John's basketball players on the float, Carnesecca was honored many times over as the drive to renovate the arena that bears Carnesecca's name on the St. John's University campus hits full stride.
"What a wonderful day for everyone with an association to St. John's," said Carnesecca, who posted a career record of 526-200 and led the Redmen to postseason appearances in all 24 of his seasons. "It was wonderful to have so many of our former players in attendance, and magnificent to see all the fans who came out to meet us."
Carnesecca's parade compatriots included former players Walter Berry, Gerry Calabrese, Tom Calabrese, Carmine Calzonetti, John Farmer, Jerry Houston, George Johnson, Bernard Rencher, Bill Schaeffer, Billy Singleton and Jayson Williams. The St. John's float party also included Associated Press national college basketball writer Jim O'Connell, George Pietramala of the St. John's School of Law, Dean Robert Mangione of the School of Pharmacy, criminal justice professor Oscar Holt, the Honorable Guy Mangano, and former STJ coaches Brian Mahoney and Ron Rutledge.
University Vice President for Community Relations Joseph Sciame and current St. John's students representing the Italian Cultural Society also walked with the float along the parade route. Once the St. John's float made its way through the parade, Carnesecca appeared on NBC-4, answering questions from reporter Michael Gargiulo.
Headed by former St. John's All-American and longtime NBA star Mel Davis, who also rode the float up Fifth Ave. with his former mentor, the Carnesecca Initiative is the University's major fundraising venture to support a $30 million renovation to Carnesecca Arena, home to the St. John's basketball program since 1961. Early leadership gift commitments have helped to move the first phases of the renovations forward and additional gifts will be needed to complete the full vision. For information about upcoming Carnesecca Initiative events, naming opportunities in the new Carnesecca Arena, or to make a donation, please contact Davis at 718-990-2374 or the St. John's Athletic Development staff at 718-990-7566.