DePaul Loses Big Man Bob Kampa

DePaul University Men’s Basketball lost one of its big men with the passing of Bob Kampa on December 21, 2009. The 6-4 center/forward, who lettered for DePaul from 1948-51, played alongside some of the greatest players in Blue Demon history. The 1950-51 team featured Hall of Fame honorees Bato Govedarica, Ron Feiereisel, and Bill Schyman.

Going into his senior season, the DePaul media guide commented on Kampa as, “One of the most under-rated ball players on the DePaul team.” He would end his career with 384 points in 61 career games.

During the 1949-50 season, Kampa compiled the top individual performance notching 27 points against Boston College in the Boston Garden on January 14, 1950, the best Blue Demon effort since Ed Mikan’s 31-point effort against Notre Dame in 1947. In the game against BC, Kampa made 10-of-13 field goals and seven-of-10 free throws.

Prior to enrolling at DePaul University, Kampa prepped at DePaul Academy where he earned two letters as a center for legendary coach Frank McGrath.

Obituary from Legacy.com -

Robert F. "Bob" Kampa, 80, of Homer Glen, passed away Dec. 21Robert is survived by his wife, Margaret "Marge", nee Majka; daughters Roberta (William) Keith and Kristine (Dr. Kevin) Watt; sons Lawrence (Dr. Daisy) and John; dear grandchildren Tim (Valerie) and Matthew Keith, Katie (Keith) Bentley, Sarah, Zachary and Emily Watt and Jonathan and Jacklyn Kampa; great-grandchildren Lily Margaret Bentley; a sister, Rita (the late John) Gorman; also brothers-in-law, sisters- in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Kampa.Robert was a Korean War Veteran, a member of the Old Timers Sports Club, Homer Seniors and St. Bernard's Mens Club. He was a former varsity and record-holding player for DePaul University from 1948-51, a former professional basketball player with the Minneapolis Lakers and the Kentucky Generals, also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Robert was remembered during a funeral service from Modell Funeral Home in Homer Glen to St. Bernard Church.In lieu of flowers, donations to the DePaul University Athletic Department are appreciated.

Basketball Alumni Set to Support Blue Demons

More than 40 DePaul men's basketball alumni, managers and staff will attend DePaul's game against Georgetown on Sunday. The alumni will be welcomed to the Champions Club Room north of Allstate Arena prior to the game. The Champions Club Room is open 75 minutes prior to each men's game for Champions Club and D-Club members. The room features speeches by head coach Jerry Wainwright, Athletic Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto and Assistant Coach David Booth. Prior to each game, food is available for purchase for $10. For more information, call Thad Dohrn at 773-325-1456.

Headlining the alumni are All-Americans Dick Triptow, Emmette Bryant and David Corzine. The alumni will join the current team for the national anthem and then be recognized subsequently at halftime.

Men's basketball alumni may request tickets by calling Thad Dohrn at 773-325-1456 or by email at tdohrn@depaul.edu.

Confirmed Guest List as of Dec.30
Cherita Banton
Al Baris
David Booth
Larry Bresnahan
Doug Bruno
Emmette Bryant
Patsy Burns
Bill Burns
Dave Corzine
Eric Courts
Kevin Edwards
Dick Flaiz
Jim Flemming
Melvon Foster
Greg Goldman
Russ Hartigan
Mary Hie
Nick Hirtzig
Kevin Holmes
Tom Kleinschmidt
Lemone Lampley
Jack Lattner
John Lawler
Larry Li
Jim Marino
Jim Martin
Jim Mazik
Kevin McCann
Ray McCoy
William McNabola
Tom Monforti
Shaun Napahtal
John Nasshan
John Naughton
Joe Ponsetto
Curtis Price
Randy Ramsey, Sr.
Joe Reuter
Paul Ruddy
Mike Salzinski
Robert Sloan
Donald Swanson
Ray Szydlo
Dick Triptow
Vincent Vasquez

Blue Demon Christmas Party

The Blue Demon Christmas party was held on Monday, December 7 in McGrath gymnasium. In addition to great food, festive décor, lively Christmas music, and a visit from Santa; guests enjoyed skits, songs, and dance from the student athletes, staff, and children.

Men’s basketball enthralled the crowd with a lovely rendition of “The Christmas Song” with forward Eric Wallace taking the lead. Women’s basketball joined the fun as they performed a Christmas poem using various candy bars to describe the coaching staff and players. The children in attendance put on a show as well!

Madison and Thad Dohrn dazzled the crowd with witty Christmas jokes, while Peyton Sakamoto, Oscar Blazer, Julian Blazer, and Stella Blazer with direction from Bob Sakamoto, performed “Jingle Bells”.

The night concluded with staff and coaches singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” to those in attendance!!

Enjoy the Holiday Season!!

DePaul Track & Field Alumni Dinner

DePaul track & field and cross country alumni & friends gathered on November 28 for the annual Fall Alumni Track Dinner in the Hall of Fame Foyer of the Sullivan Athletic Center.

The night was filled with nostalgia and recognitions. The evening began with remarks from Director of Athletics Jean Lenti Ponsetto. She introduced two of DePaul’s current track student-athletes that were in attendance, Brad Millar and Matthew Graham. The Blue Demon A.D. recognized Millar as a two-time BIG EAST Champion and lauded Graham for winning an unprecedented five cross country meets in 2009.

Jean also saluted John Caldow for his pending induction into the Illinois High School Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame. Caldow will join fellow Blue Demons Patrick Savage, Bill Drennan and George Gabauer.

Following her remarks, head coach and track alum Pat Savage took the stage. Savage recounted the cross country season and previewed the upcoming track & field seasons. Savage introduced his coaching staff and made special recognition of Mark Buciak and his nomination as Chicago Athlete Magazine’s Male Athlete of the Year. He then asked each track alum in attendance to introduce themselves to the group.

The night was capped by a generous presentation from David Cherry of the Cherry Family Foundation. The foundation has been instrumental in DePaul’s advancement in track and field through its contributions to the indoor and outdoor track projects.

Click here to view the picture slideshow.

Downtown Demon Luncheon II: A reflection on performance, team composition, and recruiting

On Monday, December 7, Blue Demon supporters gathered at the Cliff Dwellers to dine with Coach Wainwright, Coach Bruno and Athletic Director, Jean Lenti Ponsetto. Like the previous luncheon, supporters of the program enjoyed a delectable meal and breathtaking views; all while listening to each coach discuss team dynamics, on-the-court performances, injuries, and their upcoming schedules.

Coach Bruno opened things up by thanking Chicago Sun Times sportswriter Steve Tucker, for being an advocate of female collegiate sports and then proceeded to jokingly invite him to travel to California and Las Vegas, NV with the team. Bruno continued by discussing the season-ending injury of senior guard Deirdra Naughton; their two week road trip out west (the team plays Stanford on Sunday, December 13 and then the Duel in the Desert tourney in Las Vegas starting December 19); and the recruits who have committed for next season.

Coach Wainwright started his address by thanking Athletic Academic Advising (AAA) for helping the team reach one of the highest team GPA's during his tenure. He then discussed the loss at Vanderbilt; the BIG EAST/SEC challenge and their opponent Mississippi State; and their upcoming bout with in-state rival UIC on December 13. Upon Jerry's conclusion, both coaches allowed for fans to ask questions and/or comment.

The next Downtown Demon Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

Start the New Year off Blue Demon style...come join us for lunch at the Cliff Dwellers! Tickets are $25 per person. To RSVP for the next Downtown Demon Luncheon, please contact Marge Mazik at 773-325-7240 or mmazik@depaul.edu.

NEW HOOPLA AVAILABLE ON ISSUU

The most current HOOPLA is available for preview on Issuu. CLICK HERE to view.

Go Blue Demons!!

Volleyball Alumnae/Senior Day Celebration

On Sunday, Nov. 15 DePaul recognized its volleyball alumnae between match two and three, of their final match of the season.

Caitlin Callaghan, Shelia Chambers, Amy Doyle, Patti Hie, Morgan Ingersoll, Corrine Markoff, Stacy Pando, Nancy Wilke and Director of Athletics, Jean Lenti Ponsetto were acknowledged for their dedication to the women’s volleyball program.

Following the game, alums, family, friends and staff gathered at the new Alumni Center to thank the lone senior, Sarah Cullen for her leadership and four great years of play. Head Coach Amy Hardison, thanked the alums for their unyielding support and love for the program.

Thanks to all of the alums who helped make this day so special! We look forward to seeing you next year!

Bruno Stunned by Special Honor

DePaul figured out a way to repay Doug Bruno for the last 24 years as one of the top women's basketball coaches in the country and an inspirational mentor to several hundred players.

Athletics Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto carefully orchestrated a Kodak moment that left even the normally loquacious Bruno virtually speechless.

At the end of the annual Doug Bruno Challenge Dinner fundraiser Monday night at the Cubby Bear, Ponsetto announced that next season, the floor at McGrath Arena will be formally named Doug Bruno Court.

Bruno stared straight ahead, then used a blue cloth napkin to stem the tide of emotion streaming down his cheeks.

"He was so shocked," said his wife, Patty Bruno. "First came the tears, then his body started quivering. Nobody said anything about the surprise, and nobody slipped up.

"We did tell Doug that tickets to the dinner weren't doing so well. Doug was pretty down. I just let him vent because I couldn't say a word."

Ponsetto played her role to perfection, looking very concerned and asking Bruno to reach out to friends. She told him that to build up the crowd he could invite all of his sons---Bryan, Kevin, David, Brendan, Patrick and Bradley

"Jeanne set me up," Bruno said. "She kept telling me that I've got to help fill the room. When she said that all my boys could come, that really threw me off.

"I'm shocked, humbled---I'm not worthy. I don't think DePaul owes me anything."

The measure of this man was evident in a crowd three times the size of the usual Challenge Dinner.

It was evident in the looks of respect and admiration on the faces of his former players, and the colorful anecdotes they shared about a most memorable time in their lives.

It was reflected in the good-natured barbs and old-school stories from lifetime friends such as Dr. Jack Raba, Quigley South teammates Kevin Moore, Jerry Girsch, Mike Ivers and their coach, Dick Flaiz.

There were ex-DePaul teammates and friends Jim Marino and John Lawler along with Jim Corgel and Mary Sarna. The guys from Rogers Park---Larry Swoboda, Dan Irmiter, Marty Halston, Don Bosco, Louie Rego, Paul Vickrey, Paul Kelly, Tim Roti and Dan Murphy---couldn't miss this special occasion.

Standing off in the background was Jack Fitzgerald who also coached Dwyane Wade at Richards.

These are the folks that have supported Bruno at every step on his incredible journey to 479 career wins along with 18 appearances in postseason tournaments. They have delighted in his every accolade, including being named to the coaching staff of the USA Women's National Team.

Bruno was the best hockey player at Quigley South who got cut from the sophomore basketball team as a sophomore. That drove him to become a hard-nosed, overachieving 6-foot, 2-inch rebounding specialist after giving up hockey and baseball.

"I was working at Ray Meyer's camp the summer after I graduated from Quigley, and Illinois State and Winona State kept calling me," Bruno said. "Coach Meyer came over one day and said: 'I'm tired of that phone constantly ringing. Why don't you just come to DePaul.'

"My parents dropped me off at the corner of Webster and Fremont in 1968, and just like that, my life was changed forever."

Bruno transformed himself from an undersized power forward into a Division I point guard with sheer determination and force of will. And with the exception of a two-year stint coaching the Chicago Hustle women's professional team, has been at DePaul ever since.

"I came up with the idea of the Doug Bruno Court during a golf outing in Chicago last spring," said Harry Shields, a close friend of Bruno's the last 43 years who lives in Nashville, Tenn. "Doug has done so much for the university and been so loyal.

"He has had offers to coach elsewhere but Doug really believes in DePaul and all that it stands for. I told Jeanne about the idea and she did a great job putting it all together.

"What kind of a guy is he? I'd trust Doug with my life."

There was one very special person who couldn't make it to the Cubby Bear on Monday night.

"His dad (Richard) just passed away," Patty Bruno said. "I wish he could have been here. He would have been so proud of him."

Bruno stayed late into the night, making sure to personally thank everyone.

"I will never forget what happened on this special night." Bruno said.

Women’s Basketball Gives Back to the Community

In support of the DePaul Blue Demons Reading Club- “Read and Achieve”- three women’s basketball players, Felicia Chester, Deanna Ortiz and Anna Martin, accompanied Dave Corzine, Assistant to the Athletics Director for Community Outreach, to Glenn Westlake Middle School. The group spoke to the entire school population (about 650 kids) about the importance of reading and staying in school. The players also spoke to the students about having a balance and being a scholar and an athlete. “It went really well…the girls were great and the students were receptive,” said Dave Corzine.

Blue Demon Hall of Famer John Caldow Adds To Trophy Case

DePaul University Track and Field Hall of Famer John Caldow will be recognized for his lifetime service to the track and field community with his induction into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame on January 9, 2010.

Caldow will be honored at the ITCCCA’s annual clinic and luncheon. The 1970 education graduate will be recognized as he enters his 39th year coaching. Following his graduation fro DePaul, he began coaching at Calumet High School in 1970-71. After a stint at King High School, Caldow began an 11-year career at the head of the DePaul track and field program. He then returned to the prep ranks; including time at Jones Prep, St. Scholastica and Whitney Young where he is currently the assistant girl’s track and cross country coach.

The Blue Demon has led a distinguished career in service to the track and cross country community. Among the organizations that he has served are: CPHS Track and Cross Country Committees 1974-78, The NITCCCA Treasurer (1976-78), IHSA Track Advisory Committee (1977-78), IHSA State Meet Official (1977-78) and an official at a NCAA cross country championship in 1985.

Caldow’s women’s teams had unprecedented success while he was at the helm of DePaul track and cross country. His squads captured North Star Conference Championships in cross country from 1986-89. In 1986, his men’s squad captured the Illinois State Cross Country Championship.
Always known as a great teacher and motivator, Caldow has coached 23 high school athletes to all-state recognition with seven earning All American honors.

While at DePaul , he was honored as the North Star Conference Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1986 and received runner-up accolades in 1987 and 1988. Under his tutelage, Jane Murphy won the 1983 North Star individual title in cross country. In all his women student-athletes would be named all-North Star Conference 17 times while 12 of his men student-athletes would earn all-Central Collegiate Conference honors.

Caldow’s induction will mark the fourth Blue Demon inducted into the ITCCCA Hall of Fame. He was preceded by fellow DePaul Hall of Famers Don Amidei, Pat Savage and Bill Drennan, who were inducted in 1977, 1989 and 2006, respectively. DePaul University Athletics inducted Caldow into the DePaul Hall of Fame in 1986.

For more information, please go to http://www.itccca.com/halloffame.htm or contact Bob Geiger at bgeiger357@hotmail.com.

John Caldow File

Coaching File:
1970-71 Calumet HS Track/CC Boys
1971-78 King HS Boys Track/CC
1977-78 King HS Girls Track/CC
1979-1989 DePaul Univ.Mens Track/CC
1982-89 DePaul Univ. Women's Track/CC
1999-2003 Jones CC Boys and Girls
1999-2000 Jones Boys and Girls Track Coach
2000-2006 St.Scholastica Asst.Track
2005-2006 St.Scholastica CC
2006-present Asst. Coach Girls Track/CC at Whitney Young

Organizations Served:
1974-78 CPHS Track Committee
1974-78 CPHS CC Committee
1976-78 NITCCCA Treasurer
1976-78 Ill.Coaches Ass. District 1 Rep
1976-78 IPI Meet Official/Coach
1977-78 IHSA Track Advisory Committee
1977-78 IHSA State Meet Official
1985 NCAA CC Championship Official

Team Accolades:
1974-78 CPHS Indoor/Outdoor Track Varsity Top Five
1974-78 CPHS Indoor/Outdoor Track FS Top Five
1974-78 CPHS CC Varsity Top 3
1974-78 CPHS CC FS Top 3
1975 IHSA State Boys 40th Place
1976 IHSA State Boys 5th Place
1977 IHSA State Boys 4th Place
1978 IHSA State Boys 13th Place
1986-89 Womens North Star Conference Champs
1986 Men's Illinois State CC Champs
2000 Boys JV CC City Runner -up
2000 Girl's JV CC City 3rd Place
2001 Girl's JV CC City Champs
2001 Boy's JV CC 3rd Place

Individual Accolades:
All State (IHSA)
1973 Mike Spencer Calumet HS 120HH
1975 Ed Thomas King HS 120HH
1976 Ed Thomas King HS 120HH 330LH
1977 Jerome Brown 120HH, Cedric Walker 4X400 440,James gage LJ-TJ, Keith Whitfield 4X440, EugeneLiddell 4X400, Art Stewart 4X400, Greg Clark (Q) Mile King HS
1978 Eugene Liddell 220-4X100, James Gage LJ-TJ, Greg Cotton 4X100, Marvin
Rogers 4X100, Mike Irby 100 (Q) King HS
1980 Antionette Broadnex 100m-200m King HS
1980 Darren Kern 800m King HS
2000-01 Daisy Zamora AA CC Finalist Jones HS
2000 Daisy Zamora AA 1600m-3200m (Q)
2007 Stephanie Omueti 100-200 All State (Whitney Young)
2009 Raena Rhone 400 M. and 4 x 400 Relay All-State
2009 Porsha Irvin 400 M. and 4 x 400 Relay All-State
2009 4 x 400 Relay All-State

All American:
1973 Mike Spencer 120HH
1976 Ed Thomas 50HH,60HH,120HH,330 LH, Mike West 50yd-60yd
1977 Cedric Walker 400m, Jerome Brown 120HH, James Gage 50yd-60yd
1980 Darren Kern 800m

All Central Collegiate Conference:
1982-84 Jim Birgans 60yd, 100m,400m 4X100m,4X400m
1982-83 Jim Fox 1500m-5000m
1983 Daryl Robinson 4X400, Sammie Wayne 4X400, Zamon Gray 4X400
1984 Kerry Sloan 400IH, Jim Dzwierzynski 1500m, Kurt Roderich 5000m,
1985 Kerry Sloan 400IH,
1987-88 Bryan Becker 400m
1987 Dale Tobias 100m-200m,Mark Gant HJ

All North Star CC Conference:
1983 Jane Murphy (Champ), Laura Grove
1984 Jane Murphy
1985 Lori Pascoe,Laura Grove
1986 Anne Kuiken, Gloria Kuiken, Lori Pascoe
1988 Anne Kuiken, Gloria Kuiken. Eileen Murphy, Karen Tjarksen
1987 Anne Kuiken, Gloria Kuiken, Kim Wilkeson, Beata Kielar, Patti O'Connell

1986 North Star Conference CC Coach of Year
1987-88 North Star CC Coach of the Year Runner-up

Plus numerous Sectional CC Titles Varsity -FS in Cross Country at King

All research courtesy of track alum Bob Geiger (’94)

Women's Soccer Alums Gather to Celebrate Alumnae/Senior Day

Beautiful weather, funny stories, and laughter were all displayed as the women’s soccer alums gathered to celebrate Alumnae Day.

Jill Litowski (class of ’98) set the tone as she “snaked” down the field while being announced during the half-time presentation. This act was just a minute part of the enthusiasm and excitement the alums displayed as Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Director of Athletics, and Kathryn Statz, Associate Director honored them for their dedication, commitment and support of the program.

After the game, the alums enjoyed lunch with the current players and their families, and watched the current seniors, Molly Borchardt, Kelly Semko, and Dominique Locascio, honored for their outstanding accomplishments.

A special thanks to all of the alums in attendance. Your continued support of the women’s soccer program and DePaul athletics is greatly appreciated!

Men's Soccer Alumni Day

Rain and cold temperatures weren’t enough to keep men’s soccer alums from participating in Alumni day!

At 9:30 a.m. more than 25 alums gathered on Wish Field to participate in their annual alumni game. Cold, blistering temperatures didn’t stop these alums from giving their all on the field; in fact, it actually propelled them to play harder. The alums split into even teams and went at it for over an hour. After the game the alums were invited to eat, drink, and fellowship until the start of the DePaul/Syracuse match-up.

Reminiscing; sharing of new happenings; and amazement over the development of the campus since the “old” days, were common topics addressed during this time.

During halftime, all alumni were honored at mid-field by Jean Lenti Posetto, Diretcor of Athletics, and Kathryn Statz, Associate Director of Athletics.

Following the Men’s soccer victory over Syracuse, all alums, players, and parents gathered in the Hall of Fame Foyer to celebrate the seniors and to thank the alumni for their unyielding support of the program.

Thanks to all of the alums who helped make this day so special! It was great seeing each of you; and we look forward to your continued support of the men’s soccer program!

World Series Special - Uncovering a Blue Demon Baseball Legend - Part I

Tonight as I sat watching the World Series, I thought how many major league baseball players had DePaul produced? Wouldn't that make a great blog entry or possibly a good trivia question on our Twitter account.

Little did I know what I would find with a little Google work.

In fact, DePaul University has had five student-athletes play major league baseball. My search began with pitcher Grant Bowler (DePaul 1927-31) pitched in 17 games in 1931 and 1932 for the White Sox. His best performance a September 17, 1931 complete game loss to the Cleveland Indians – his only career decision.

Art Bramhill (DePaul 1934-34) was an infielder that played in a “Moonlight” Graham-like two games with one single career at bat for Philadelphia Phillies in 1935.

When I saw Tony Murray (DePaul 1922-23) played for the Cubs in 1923, I knew my assistant Marge Mazik would be so proud when I returned with this gem in the morning. An outfielder, Murray played two games in the final two days of the 1923 campaign, but he did amass one career hit. Murray’s lone hit came batting ninth behind a young catcher Gabby Harnett who was batting eighth. Harnett would become a Hall of Famer. Murray would become a policeman and attorney.

Bill Steinecke (DePaul 1926-31) caught in four games in 1931 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Unfortunately he went hitless in four at bats with a strikeout in his four-game major league career. Steinecke didn’t quit with his four at bats. Steinecke would become one of baseball’s lifers, toiling for a total of 23 years in the minor leagues as a player. He would then coach and serve as a scout for another 17 years.

I saw that Joe Wilhoit (DePaul 1906-11) was my final Blue Demon to play in the major leagues. His stats clearly indicated that he was going to outdistance his Royal Blue peers, having an accomplished four-year career from 1916-1919. The outfielder donned a uniform for four different teams (Boston Braves & Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Giants).

It wasn’t until I googled that I realized the treasure that I found – Joe Wilhoit.

My first gem was that he played in the 1917 World Series for Hall of Fame manager John McGraw – and of all teams, against the Chicago White Sox. Ultimately, Joe lined to “Black Sock” Buck Weaver to start a double play and earned a walk in two plate appearances in the Giants loss to World Series Champion White Sox.

The World Series info was truly just the beginning of the excitement. Wilhoit actually has the distinction of owning the longest hitting streak in the history of organized baseball, which includes major leagues, minor leagues and college. He is even featured in Ripley’s Believe it or Not!.

On June 14, 1919, playing for the Wichita Witches of the Western League, Wilhoit began the streak with an unassuming single. No one could have guessed that he would hit safely for the next 10 weeks – a total of 69 games. Only Joe DiMaggio would challenge his mark, hitting in 61 straight while playing for the Pacific Coast League’s San Francisco Seals.

Wilhoit was simply unstoppable during the streak, hitting .512 with 153 hits in 299 at bats. He didn’t set the record quietly, picking up two or more hits in 50 games.

This research on Wilhoit is just beginning. I have emailed Bill Rabinowitz, the researcher from the Columbus Dispatch, that scoured the papers of the Midwest to document Wilhoit’s exploits.

Then I found a website dedicated to the “Wichita Wonder”.

http://www.joewilhoit.com/joe.htm

It was written by a relative David Wilhoit. Next step was finding this relative to see if I can find out even more about this new Blue Demon treasure. Little did I know that David is the CEO of Siltronic-Samsung Wafer in Singapore. A quick e-mail through LinkedIn hopefully will provide the next step in the fast-paced research.

Other Joe Wilhoit sites
http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&pid=15190&bid=30
http://www.independent.com/news/2009/aug/11/where-have-you-gone-joe-wilhoit/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Wilhoit

I only wonder where this research will lead… stay tuned!

Blue Demon Track Alum Dave Behof Honored with Coaching Award

DePaul Track Alum Dave Behof ('93-96) was honored as The Frank J. Amato Excellence in Coaching Award at Loyola Academy's annual Hall of Fame Banquet on October 23. The award is presented annually to the Loyola Academy coach whose outstanding performance on and off the field represents the highest traditions of Loyola Academy athletics as well as the core values and ideals of the school's Ignatian mission. The final selection from the list of nominees is made by the President, the Athletic Director, Coach Frank Amato,and benefactor Tim Haggerty '81.

Behof remains active in his support of DePaul Athletics serving on statistics crews, assisting with the game production for men's basketball games and managing the timing system for Blue Demon cross country events.

Below is the text from the program, recognizing Behof's efforts and achievement.
To the track and field and cross country teams of Loyola Academy, he is indispensable and irreplaceable.With an uncompromising commitment to getting the job done right and an unwavering dedication to the young people he serves, David A. Behof has been for fourteen years the quiet force behind the scenes, one whose tireless work on behalf of Loyola and its

athletes has for too long gone unrecognized and unheralded.

Demanding and caring, Dave couples a comprehensive knowledge of the sport with an uncanny ability to connect with his athletes. Armed with a wealth of experience and expertise as well as a keen understanding of the high-school athlete, Dave has demonstrated again and again those qualities fundamental to coaching excellence.

Meticulous and thorough in his preparation for practice and meets and attentive to each athlete under his watch, he has proven himself a young master of the coaching arts. Simply put, his impact as an assistant coach for the cross country and track programs has been profound. In cross country, Dave has had a hand in twenty-three championship teams, including eight as the head coach of the freshman team. In track, he has helped guide Loyola to twenty-two team championships, and is responsible for coaching four Ramblers to individual conference titles and one to an All-State performance.

His work as a meet administrator has earned Dave a reputation for reliability and efficiency throughout the CCL, the GCAC, and the IHSA, where he is recognized for his painstaking professionalism in organizing, seeding, and scoring track and cross country meets. His expertise in using the FAT (Fully Automatic Timing) system has even brought calls from state track officials requesting his services at the state track meet. That the reputation of Loyola Academy has been burnished in the process has been a significant yet ancillary benefit. However, his primary motivation has always been to serve the needs of his athletes, and to give them the best athletic experience possible. In the end, the perfectionism that defines Dave's approach to meet organization is ultimately about the athletes themselves, about the obligation to provide the finest environment in which to compete. It is about giving his kids the competitive playing field that they deserve and that he feels responsible for providing as their coach.

Last winter, after a summer of painstaking research involving countless hours of sifting through fifty years of meet results, Dave delivered one of the most important off-the-field contributions ever made to Loyola track and field: a record book of the top fifty all-time performances in each event, indoor and outdoor, beautifully and carefully arranged. The motivating effect on the athletes was instantaneous-here it was in black and white, a history, a record of a tradition that they could aspire to be a part of. With his book, Dave has produced an historical record of athletic achievement that will have a lasting impact on Loyola's track athletes long after he is gone from the scene.

In his tenure at Loyola, Dave has left an indelible mark on the cross country and track programs of Loyola Academy, and the on the athletes with whom he has worked. With an unstinting dedication to his vocation and an abiding loyalty to Loyola and its athletes, he has coached with honor and integrity. Weariless in his devotion to his school, his athletes, his fellow coaches, and his sport, Dave has proven himself a worthy and fitting recipient of the Frank J. Amato Excellence in Coaching Award.

A 1992 graduate of Loyola, Dave returned to his alma mater to teach mathematics after earning his B.S. in mathematics from DePaul University in 1996, and his M.Ed. from DePaul in 2000. An elite miler at Loyola who went on to a fine running career at DePaul, he understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. Recently, Dave completed the Chicago Marathon in a personal record of 2 hours, 52 minutes.

DePaul Loses Hall of Famer Ron Sobie

DePaul lost one of its great when Hall of Famer hoops legend Ron Sobie passed away on October 23. The esteemed Blue Demon cager amassed 1,222 career points and ranks No. 4 all-time at DePaul in career scoring average at 18.2 points per game, trailing only Mark Aguirre (24.5), Howie Carl (20.0) and George Mikan (19.1).

"We lost a true DePaul legend today," Athletic Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto said. "I think the fact that he was inducted into the first class of DePaul's Hall of Fame with names like George Mikan and Ray Meyer speaks volumes of his impact as a Blue Demon."

Born on September 21, 1934, Sobie attended Saint Bonaventure Academy in Sturtevant, Wisconsin before matriculating to DePaul University. He played as Blue Demon from 1953-56. Sobie was only the second Blue Demon to amass more than 300 points in each of his varsity seasons.

"I knew him from way back. When I was coaching high school he killed us," said DePaul Hall of Famer Jim Seri. "Ron was a great ball player, but more importantly, he was a great man."

The captain of the 1956 squad finished 29th in the country in scoring and propelled DePaul into the NCAA Tournament. Additionally he finished the season ranked 13th in free-throw shooting and ninth in rebounding.

After completing his senior year, Sobie was tabbed to play in the World Series of basketball, a 21-game tour of games between the Harlem Globetrotters and a team of College All-Stars coached by DePaul legend Ray Meyer. Sobie was named MVP of the 1956 Series. He would later return to court against the Globetrotters as a member of the Washington Generals.

Sobie was drafted by the Fort Wayne Pistons in the first round with the sixth overall selection of the 1956 NBA draft. On draft day, he was traded to the New York Knicks for Gene Shue. The 6-4 guard played parts of four seasons for the New York Knicks, appearing in 192 games and scoring more than 1,600 career points. Sobie's best NBA season statistically was in 1957-58 when he averaged 11.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. He finished in the NBA's top ten in free-throw percentage, shooting .820 for that season. His NBA career was cut short by a knee injury.

"He was a great player," Said DePaul Hall of Fame Center Jim Flemming (1958-61). "He was a big guard and he could shoot from anywhere."

In addition to his skill as basketball player, Sobie was a first-rate softball player. He owned a renowned sports bar in Cicero called Sobie's Bar and Grill which often sponsored one of the top 16-inch softball teams in the country. Sobie's won the ASA Major 16" National Championship in 1966, 1967 and 1968.

Sobie was inducted into the inaugural class of the DePaul Athletic Hall of Fame in 1976 and was added to the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

The wake for Ron Sobie will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace (17 West Roosevelt Road) from 3-9 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 26. The funeral will be held Tues., Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 4801 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515.

Ron Sobie also will be memorialized as a part of the 2010 Hall of Fame Memorial Mass on January 31.

2009 Open Practice

Let the Good Times Roll…or should I say Bounce!

On Sat., Oct. 17, men’s and women’s basketball kicked off their respective seasons with an “Open” practice, which allowed fans first-hand insight on what the prospects look like for 2009-10.

The first 300 guests to enter McGraw Arena received complimentary lunch and T-shirts. The fans were then allowed to take their lunch inside the gymnasium and catch a glimpse of both the men’s and women’s squads.

The women took the floor first as they displayed an array of shooting and fast break drills. Coach Doug Bruno wrapped up the women’s practice by thanking all of the fans who were in attendance and by expressing his expectations for the season.

Next, the men’s team took the floor. Coach Jerry Wainwright went through staff and team introductions, prior to the beginning of practice. Once introductions were finished, each of Wainwright’s assistants led the team in a drill focusing on their expertise. Fast break drills, shooting, and defensive slides were all part of the hour-long men’s session. Upon completion, Wainwright also thanked the fans for attending and for their continued support of the program.

2009 Ice Cream Social

What better way to celebrate the academic accomplishments of DePaul student-athletes…I scream, you scream, they all scream for ICE CREAM!

On Thurs., October 15, the Athletics Academic Advising (AAA) staff along with the Director of Athletics, Jean Lenti Ponsetto, celebrated the outstanding academic accomplishments of the DePaul student-athletes.

The DePaul staff, faculty and coaches were in attendance as Jean Lenti Ponsetto, honored various student-athletes for their hard work in the classroom. Jean challenged the student-athletes to continue to excel in the classroom and the importance of striving for academic excellence.

The event was as sweet as it could be with the main course consisting of ice cream plus all the fixings. All in attendance were treated to an ice cream sundae buffet, which consisted of three flavors of ice cream, crushed Oreos, nuts, fudge, whipped cream, and multi-colored sprinkles!

Many of the student-athletes’ professors were in attendance who were recognized for their leadership and support of the student-athletes.

Men's Basketball Alum Honored

DePaul Men’s basketball alum George Poulos (‘66-68) will be recognized for his lifetime of service to Wells Park and the Chicago Park District with a ceremonial naming of a stretch of West Sunnyside near Wells Park. The celebration will be held on November 7 at 11:30 a.m. at Sunnyside and Oakley Ave. in Chicago. Coffee and cake will be served immediately following in Welles Park.

That evening, a reception will be held from 5- 10 p.m. at La Villa Restaurant & Pizzeria at 3632 N Pulaski Rd. For more information, please call John Giordano at 1-773-415-4203 or John Moran at 1-773-418-1575. Tickets are $25 which includes appetizers, beer, wine, soda, and coffee.

Poulos was at home in Lincoln Park, playing basketball for both DePaul University and DePaul Academy. George played high school ball at DePaul Academy, actually playing lights and heavyweights, for Coach Bill Gleason. Poulos then attended DePaul University where he lettered from 1965-68 under Basketball and DePaul Hall of Famer Ray Meyer. The team combined for a 48-28 mark, including a 1966 NIT berth.

After graduating from DePaul, he married Michelle Turone and George started out teaching, but soon switched to working at Wells Park until he retired from the Chicago Park District in 1998. While at Wells, he started many innovative programs and was commonly known as real student advocate, especially the underprivileged. After retiring from the Park District, he was hired by DePaul graduates Principal John Butterfield and Assistant Principal Betty Martinez, to be the Director of Guidance at Mather High School.

If you have photos to share or what to make a video testimonial to George, please email giptribunephotos@gmail.com.

Free Throws Galore! World Record Acheived!

DePaul University continued its celebration of the "POWER OF WE WEEK" with the second annual free throw marathon. Nearly 200 students, faculty and staff came together on Thursday to participate in the Free Throw Marathon. This year the DePaul University community attempted 18,659 free throws!

The Free Throw marathon wasn't the only activity creating a buzz around campus. The event concluded with an attempt to break the world record for the biggest game of Knock-out. In June, the New York Knicks set the record for the longest game of Knock-out played, with 101 contestants. But with the support of the DePaul staff, coaches, fans, and students, the record now belongs to DePaul!

With a total of 112 contestants the Knicks record was smashed Thursday night at McGrath Arena. The game featured players of various skill level and age. Approximately nine rotations were completed before the line was narrowed down to the final five players. Shots, rebounds, and put-backs were constant observances as each player fought to make it to the final round of two. Joe Anhalt was crowned the 2009 world record attempt Knock-out champion and Ryan Darcy was the runner- up. Third and fourth-place finishes went to Drew Olson and Alexander Ruiz, respectively.

For their efforts and skills on the hardwood Anhalt received a skybox at All State arena to one non-conference men's basketball game; Darcy was awarded court-side tickets to both a men's and women's basketball game; and both Olson and Ruiz received Free Throw Marathon jackets.

Cross Country Welcomes World Champion Eammon Coghlan

DePaul Cross Country welcomes three guest speakers Eammon Coghlan, a three-time Olympian and world championship winning /Gold Medal athlete, spoke to the Cross Country team about the importance of persevering and maintain a positive attitude in the bleakest of moments.

Coghlan used his experience as a collegiate student-athlete to effectively convey his message to the DePaul Cross Country Team. His delivery was genuine and his message powerful… “Have Tunnel Vision; Believe in yourself and your abilities; and never, ever worry about the other runners.”

Coghlan reminisced about his journey to Villanova from Dublin, Ireland to run track. He talked about his ups and downs…and encouraged the student-athletes to listen to the people closest to you, because “they’re the most important.”

Coghlan who is the author of “Chairman of the Boards” was in town for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Track Alumni Meet to Celebrate Columbus Day and Coach Amidei

In attendance from (left to right): Ryan Rupcich (asst. coach), Pat Savage, Stephanie Williams, Jim Barry, Bob Geiger, John Caldow, Bill Drennan, Nate Blackman, Fred VanDenHende, Ralph Motto, George Gabauer, Lloyd Schlegel, Jim Faron

In what has become a tradition, fourteen DePaul track alumni celebrated Columbus Day at the Cliff Dwellers. The alumni use the annual holiday as a chance to get together and to celebrate Blue Demon Track and Field.

The celebration began in the early eighties at the invitation of the late Hall of Fame track coach Don Amidei. A member of the Cliff Dwellers, Amidei would invite his alumni that worked as educators since he knew they would have the day off.

"It was a thrill to see so many of our alumni come out for our Columbus Day Reunion," Coach Pat Savage said. "It is fun to see old friends and talk about the growth of Blue Demon track & field and cross country."

This year, DePaul track expanded the invitation to all its track alumni. Alumni ranging from Nate Blackman from the class of 1951 to Stephanie Williams class of 2009 enjoyed the chance to meet and talk about Blue Demon track & field and cross country.

Track Alumni are invited to mark their calendar for the 2009 Track & Field and Cross Country Alumni Dinner on November 27 at 7 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Foyer of McGrath Arena. For more information, call Marge Mazik at 773-325-7240.

Help Support the Free Throw Marathon and Blue Demon Community Service

On Thursday, DePaul Athletics will host its annual Free Throw Marathon from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. The Free Throw Marathon raises gifts to fund DePaul's community service efforts. Annually our student-athletes preform thousands of hours of community outreach.

One of the biggest and most recognizable outreach efforts is hosting area students for home contests. Annually, we have hosted students from disadvantaged schools for a home women's basketball game, giving them a taste of college life. We don't just provide students with free tickets, all students receive transportation, a tickets and a DePaul t-shirts. The games are often the first time students are exposed to a college campus.
The youth day game is just one of the many community service projects in which our student-athletes participate. With your help, we can increase those efforts and provide greater outreach on behalf of DePaul.

In addition to the young people that these efforts touch, the value is also in developing the leadership skills of our student-athletes in the spirit of St. Vincent dePaul. Any donor making a gift of $100 or more receives membership in the Champions Club!

Click this link to support the 2009 Free Throw Marathon!
http://www.depaulbluedemons.com//quest/Questionaire.dbml?SPSID=68823&SPID=7777&&QID=68850&DB_OEM_ID=15600

D-Club Represents in Chicago Marathon

Mazik Family Finishers: Chris and Jim Mazik and proud mother Development Associate Marge Mazik

DePaul Athletics was well represented in the 32^nd running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11. In a race that featured nearly 33,419 finishers, more than 20 of DePaul’s D-Club members completed the test of endurance. In addition to participants, numerous members of the track & field team served as volunteers, headed by DePaul’s track coach Pat Savage who served as the Referee and Chairman of the Games Committee.

“It is a thrill to see that so many of DePaul’s former student-athletes have stayed involved in running,” Savage said. “It is a wonderful event and as I always say, there is never a good day without running.”

Dave Behof was the first of the Blue Demon alumni to break the tape in 2:52:21, followed by DePaul’s first woman finisher All-American Erin Moffet clocking a 2:59:36.

“Hats off to all who braved the challenge of completing a monumental test like the marathon. Great Job!” Savage added.

DePaul D-Club members that competed in the 2009 Chicago Marathon

Dave Behof - track & field 2:52:21

Erin Moffet - track & field 2:59:36

Jason Lohner - track & field 3:13:51

Christine Kachinsky - volleyball 3:21:00

Jim Mazik - men’s basketball manager 3:30:05

Cicero Chimbanda - men's soccer 3:39:11 - NEW ADDITION

Chris Mazik - women’s basketball manager 3:45:45

Tom Schaeffer – men’s basketball manager 3:59:18

Emily Prettyman – track & field 4:21:04

Marty Murphy - athletic facilities 4:26:25

Tommy Hosty – manager 4:29:26

Jenny Dyer – soccer 4:32:54

Lauren Spacht – soccer 4:47:55

Karen Falduto - tennis 4:48:54

Stephanie Bishop - volleyball 5:01:09

Dana Jakusz - softball 5:01:09

Katie Engle - volleyball 5:01:09

Mary Anne Flanigan – volleyball 5:01:09

Kara Jakusz – volleyball 5:01:11

Colleen Shields - track & field 5:05:49

John McQuinn - golf 5:08:29

Liz (Bouck) Jagielski - softball 5:17:25

Lara (Marks) Beutler – volleyball 5:20:11

Tami (Bouck) Slager – softball 5:33:15

Agatha Mankiewicz – basketball missing results- chip issue

Children of Judy Hendrickson (Hojnowski) - volleyball

Peter Hendrickson 3:58

Jack Hendrickson 3:48

DePaul Athletics Staff and Student-Athletes that assisted with the Marathon

Head Coach Patrick Savage – Referee and Chairman of the Games Committee

Track and Field team – aid station volunteers

Coach Stephanie Williams - aid station volunteer

If you completed the Chicago Marathon or know of a DePaul Athlete that did, please send results to Thad Dohrn at tdohrn@depaul.edu and we will add you to the list.

Hoopla - Pre-season Issue

2009 D-Club Golf Outing

Familiar faces, fun stories, a Wii 3 point shoot off, and a Perfect Hole in one!

More than 80 alumni, faculty and friends came out to the 2009 D-CLUB Golf Outing at Ruffled Feathers on Wednesday to showcase their skills on the green and to support DePaul Athletics.

The day-long event proved a success with DePaul professor Dan Strunk sinking a hole in one, and the foursome of Sam Davidson (tennis alum), Eric Huffman (tennis alum), Josh Scarborough (golf alum), and Bob Kruse (soccer alum) taking home first -place honors.

Golf wasn’t the only activity taking place at Ruffled Feathers. Once participants finished the course, they had the opportunity to challenge each other to a three-point showdown, via Nintendo Wii during the cocktail hour. Golfers were allowed to compete in the shoot- off using the avatars of either Quentin Richardson or Bobby Simmons. The game was such a hit, that Hall of Famer and co-chair of the Athletic Advisory board, Ron Griggs (golf alum) challenged Lemone Lampley (basketball alum) to a Wii three-point shoot-off when the Wii becomes part of the fun in the Champions Club room this winter.

The outing concluded with dinner and drinks, and remarks from Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Director of Athletics. Nicci Hays-Fort, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach and Jerry Wainwright, Head Men’s Basketball Coach also spoke about their expectations for the upcoming season.

Both coaches acknowledged how hard their teams had worked in the off-season and that they looked forward to the continued support of the alumni. Coach Jerry Wainwright summed the night up in one sentence, “…we take a lot of pride in taking care of our own.”

Special thanks to all of the alumni in attendance, sponsors, faculty, and friends of the program! We cannot continue the legacy without the support of the individuals who have paved the way.

RESULTS

First Place: Sam Davidson, Eric Huffman, Josh Scarborough, & Bob Kruse

SCORE: 59

Second Place: Ron Griggs, Jim Wicklander, Matt Wormley, & Troy Temple

SCORE: 60

Third Place: Randy Ramsey, Justin Thomas, Craig Robinson, & Stan

SCORE: 62

HOLE WINNERS

Closest to the Pin #3: Ron Griggs

Longest Putt Made #4: Bob Mattingly, Laura Warren, Jack Lawlor, & Jack Padilla

Closest to the Hole #6: Paul Pomplin

Longest Drive (Men) #9: Josh Scarborough

Longest Drive (Women) #18: Melinda Miketinac

Blue Demon Win Dallio Memorial - Watch Video

Third Round Highlights - Click Here

DePaul senior Greg Doherty birdied three of his last four holes to come from behind and win the individual title while leading the Blue Demons to the team crown at the John Dallio Memorial at Ruffled Feathers GC. Doherty fired a three-round total of 217 to finish a stroke ahead of teammate Charles Boucher, Western Illinois' Kyle Peterman and David Byrne from Detroit.

Blustery conditions hampered play throughout the day on Monday as even par was the best score of the afternoon. Following rounds of 68 and 73 on Sunday, Doherty shot a 76 in the final round for a tournament total of 217 (+1). He stood at five-over par overall heading into the final four holes of the tournament before carding birdies on 15, 17 and 18. The win for Doherty was his first outright championship as a collegiate player.

Boucher finished in a group at second place, just one stroke behind Doherty, with a two-day score of 218 (+2). He finished the windy third round with a 75 to tie Peterman and Byrne for the tournament's second-best total score.

DePaul Athletics to Host Power of We Week

DePaul Athletics will host The Power of We Week to kick-off basketball season October 11-18. The week will consist of a number of events designed to build community for Blue Demon alumni, fans and friends and will coincide with Family Weekend and Alumni Reunion Weekend 2009. For more information and schedule of all Alumni Reunion events, Click Here and Family Weekend , Click Here

The Power of We - “We-Are De-Paul!” Cheer
The now legendary cheer of “WE ARE ...” of many of the nation’s top Catholic Universities, started at DePaul at a 1975 road game against Coach Dick Vitale and Detroit. A small contingent of Blue Demon fans shouted the phrase in unison for the first time. Soon after, Lorraine Ramsey mother of point guard Randy Ramsey made and distributed signs that would seal the cheer in DePaul lore forever!

The Power of We Events

Rummage Sale: October 13-15 - Hall of Fame Foyer of McGrath Arena

Purchase Blue Demons game-worn gear and practice equipment. All adidas gear must go.

October 13 & 14 - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

October 15 - 8 a.m. - noon

Free Throw Marathon: October 15 - McGrath Arena

Annually DePaul Athletics has hosted the Free Throw or Golf Marathon to raise funds to benefit Blue Demon Community Service Efforts. DePaul’s student-athletes perform thousands of hours of community service each year. None are more visible than the annual Youth Day at a women’s basketball game, where DePaul provides tickets, transportation and a t-shirt for a gym full of students from across Chicago.

Last year, The Free Throw Marathon raised nearly $50,000 while shooting more than 18,000 Free Throws. We hope to exceed those numbers in our second year by increasing the activities around the Free Throw Marathon.

Fans and alumni are asked to participate in the Free Throw Marathon and our efforts to fund our community service efforts. You can participate at the following levels:

1. Coach Level - $5,000 - Responsible for shooting 1,000 - You can provide the team or we can provide shooters for you

2. Shooter Level - $500 - Responsible for shooting 200 free throws

3. Donor - You make a donation in support of our departmental volunteers.

4. Volunteer - Volunteer to shoot 100 Free Throws or support the operational needs of the Free Throw Marathon

Choose how you will participate - On Line

World Record Attempt for the Largest Game on Knock-out 6 p.m.

One of the additions for the 2009 Free Throw Marathon will be an attempt to break the World Record for the largest game of Knock-out beginning at 6 p.m.. The mark is currently held by the New York Knicks fans at 100 players. Fans and alumni are invited to reserve their spot in the World Record attempt.To reserve your spot, register on-line here.

Blue Madness: October 16 - McGrath Arena

Don't miss out on the campus favorite kick-off of the 2009-10 season. Doors open at 7:30 for the annual event celebrating the start of basketball season. Meet the Teams, Dunk Squad, Fun Contests and More.

Blue Demon Hoops Open Practice: October 17 - McGrath Arena

In conjnuction with Family Weekend and Alumni Reunions, DePaul basketball will host an open practice on Saturday, October 17 in McGrath Arena. Admission is free. Catch a glimpse of the men's and women's basketball teams in action. Doors open at 12:30. RSVP to Marge Mazik at 773-325-7240 or sign-up online by clicking HERE.