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!!