Sunday 21 March 2004

Dear Jaspers,

The jasper jottings email list has (588 who take mail directly + 510 who are like AOL (which reportedly does funny stuff to jottings from time to time) and are difficult to get email into + 6 slim – 2 duplicates set up for the receiver's convenience equals) 1,104 subscribers.

 =========================================================

This issue is at: http://ferdinand_reinke.tripod.com/jasperjottings20040321.htm

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Fr Apr 16 Manhattan College Young Alumni
           (classes of 1988-2003) 
           [JR: I protest the age discrimination! Where is Layer Mike? ]
           Quarterly Happy Hour Party
           Metro 53 307 E. 53rd St. (between Second & First Ave.)

           (212) 838-0007
           www.murphguide.com/manhattan_alum.htm
           RSVP: Events@MurphGuide.com
           (212) 288-0893

Th, May 6th Kevin O'Shea fundraiser


Sa Jun 12 '04 National Alumni Council meeting
         please contact Peter Sweeney ’64  (973) 353-7610

Please submit your events to events@jasperjottings.com

=========================================================

My list of Jaspers who are in harms way:

- Afghanistan
- - Cote, Richard A. (1990)
- - Feldman, Aaron (1997)

- Iraq
- - Esposito, Steven G. (1981)
- - Mortillo, Steven F., son of Mortillo, Steve (1980)

… … my thoughts are with you and all that I don't know about.

=========================================================

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ManhattanCollegeAlumni/

Alumni and Friends of Manhattan College, located in the Bronx, a borough of New York City, are all welcome here. The group has no official connection with the College. The group is operated by John Reinke at the direction of a steering committee who's membership varies.

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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Manhattan_Prep/ 

Manhattan College Preparatory High School Alumni (from any year)

=========================================================

My process for composing jottings -- the news part -- is to push everything into a Yahoo Group. Perhaps, we – the collective us – should think about changing to one or more Yahoo groups as an alternative to the current content push method which appears time-consuming, inefficient, and ineffective. This week's 45 sports stories as really brought that to my field of vision. May I have anyone's thoughts? CIC

=========================================================

An unknown source

===<Begin Quote>===

<snip>

Victor Frankl, the Austrian psychiatrist who conditioned his circumstances in a Nazi concentration camp by choosing the attitude he would take in relationship to his oppressors and the lessons he would learn from his terrible losses, including the extermination of his wife. Frankl could not change his circumstances, but it was his intention to survive with dignity and grace. And his choices enabled him to do that.

<snip>

===<End Quote>===

If you want to read a truly, read his "man's search for meaning" (or something like that). It's a short read. But, I am not sure if I'll ever understand it. The difference between "liberty" and "freedom" are profound. To the point. What choices have I made that are making my current circumstances? I hope that I can make the future ones with the "dignity and grace" of Victor Frankl. Lest you think I am more of a nut than you already do. I am adding Senor Frankl to my mental board of directors. When I make decisions now, I find a quiet spot, usually the head, and consult with my "mental BofD", and consider their opinions in the decision. I hope each of us make "Frankl" class decisions. And, if not that we all have the ability to bear the result with "dignity and grace".

Reflect well on our alma mater, this week, every week, in any and every way possible, large or small. God bless.

"Collector-in-chief" John
john.reinke@att.net

=====

CONTENTS

 

1

Formal announcements

 

1

Bouncing off the list

 

0

Updates to the list

 

3

Messages from Headquarters (like MC Press Releases)

 

1

Jaspers publishing web pages

 

1

Jaspers found web-wise

 

1

Good News

 

2

Obits

 

8

"Manhattan in the news" stories

 

0

Resumes

 

54

Sports

 

12

Emails

 

[PARTICIPANTS BY CLASS]

Class

Name

Section

????

FitzGerald, Thomas

Announcement1

????

Kirincich, Zelko

News4

????

Streichler, Kenneth

WebPage1

1952

Maddia, Bernie

Email09

1960

Burns, Robert W.

Email11

1962

Gildea, William T.

Email04

1963

Santoro, Carmelo J.

Found1

1966

Cox, Jim

Email08

1969

McCorkell, George

Bouncing

1969

McCorkell, George

Email12

1969

Zino, Mike

Email12

1972

Guzman, Dexon B.

Email08

1973

Chin, Dennis

Email02

1973

Chin, Dennis

Email03

1978

Ello, George

Email10

1978

Lombardi, Ralph

Email10

1981

Maddia, Rick

Email09

1983

McCann, Jean M.

Obit1

1987

Menchise, Louis

Email01

1992

DiAlto-Schmidt, Jennifer

Birth1

1992

McGrath, Erin

Email06

1992

Muccilo, Lisa

Email06

1993

Sapone-Taylor, Sandra

Email07

1993

Taylor, Sandra

Email07

1998

Velasquez, Liz

Email05

1998

Velasquez, Liz

Email07

2001

Holmquist,  Jake

Email02

MCfac

Lennon, Joseph

Obit2 mentioned

x MCfc

Tuohy, John

News3

 

 

[PARTICIPANTS BY NAME]

Class

Name

Section

1960

Burns, Robert W.

Email11

1973

Chin, Dennis

Email02

1973

Chin, Dennis

Email03

1966

Cox, Jim

Email08

1992

DiAlto-Schmidt, Jennifer

Birth1

1978

Ello, George

Email10

????

FitzGerald, Thomas

Announcement1

1962

Gildea, William T.

Email04

1972

Guzman, Dexon B.

Email08

2001

Holmquist,  Jake

Email02

????

Kirincich, Zelko

News4

MCfac

Lennon, Joseph

Obit2 mentioned

1978

Lombardi, Ralph

Email10

1952

Maddia, Bernie

Email09

1981

Maddia, Rick

Email09

1983

McCann, Jean M.

Obit1

1969

McCorkell, George

Bouncing

1969

McCorkell, George

Email12

1992

McGrath, Erin

Email06

1987

Menchise, Louis

Email01

1992

Muccilo, Lisa

Email06

1963

Santoro, Carmelo J.

Found1

1993

Sapone-Taylor, Sandra

Email07

????

Streichler, Kenneth

WebPage1

1993

Taylor, Sandra

Email07

x MCfc

Tuohy, John

News3

1998

Velasquez, Liz

Email05

1998

Velasquez, Liz

Email07

1969

Zino, Mike

Email12

 

 

FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

[Announcement1]

Copyright 2004 Dolan Media Newswires 
The Daily Record of Rochester (Rochester, NY)
March 12, 2004 Friday
SECTION: NEWS
LENGTH: 254 words
HEADLINE: FitzGerald and Roach join Rochester office of Hiscock & Barclay
BYLINE: Staff

Intellectual property attorneys Thomas FitzGerald and Laurence Roach have joined the Rochester office of Hiscock & Barclay, LLP as of counsel.

 Both FitzGerald and Roach have the advantage of substantial engineering experience in the semiconductor, electronic component and automotive industries. Both focus on patent law, including the preparation and prosecution of patent applications, drafting patentability and non-infringement opinions, and litigation support. Counseling clients on trademark and copyright protection as well as intellectual property matters is a large part of their practice.

FitzGerald and Roach are admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and have been successful in obtaining many issued patent for their clients.

FitzGerald earned his law degree from Fordham Law School in 1972 and completed his engineering degree at Manhattan College He is admitted to practice in New York, Texas, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second and Federal Circuits as well as the U.S. District Court for the Western, Southern, and Eastern Districts of New York. He is co-chair of the Rochester Chapter of the Licensing Executives Society and is past-president of the Rochester Intellectual Property Law Association.

<extraneous deleted>  

LOAD-DATE: March 12, 2004

 

Bouncing

[JR: The following people have "bounced off" the list. Some bounces expose my poor administrative skills and I can not "who" bounced off. Thus the subscriber total may change more than are shown in this section. I have done what I can to notify them. If you can help "reconnect" – or "connect" new people -- I really appreciate it. And as always, I need your "news".]

1969

McCorkell, George

 

 

 

Updates

[JR: The following people have updated their information. To conserve space, "please change my email from X to Y" which isn't very interesting, and to alert you that they are here, I have listed them here. As always, I need your "news" and "recruits".]

 

<none>

 

 

 

[Messages from Headquarters
(Manhattan College Press Releases & Stuff)]

MANHATTAN COLLEGE TO HOST DISCUSSION THAT EXAMINES THE PATRIOT ACT AND U.S. CIVIL LIBERTIES

RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Manhattan College will host a panel discussion, “The Patriot Act: Tool Against Terror or Threat to Civil Liberties?,” on Tuesday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the College’s Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers.  This event is free and open to the public.

The panel is comprised of David Kelley, U.S. Attorney-Southern District of New York, and Udi Ofer, project director for the New York Bill of Rights Defense Campaign. The two will address concerns in favor and against the Patriot Act and other legislation enacted by the federal government in the name of national security.

Mr. Kelley joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1988.  From 1993 until 1995, Mr. Kelley served as deputy chief of Organized Crime and Violent Gangs Unit.  Shortly thereafter, he was named chief of the newly formed Organized Crime and Terrorism Unit where he personally prosecuted or supervised terrorism and organized crime cases.  U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft appointed Mr. Kelley in 2003 to his current position as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Mr. Ofer is an attorney at the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) as well as director of the New York Bill of Rights Defense Campaign.  The New York Bill of Rights Defense Campaign was created to ensure that government antiterrorism initiatives uphold civil liberties and civil rights and that constitutional rights are not sacrificed in the name of national security.  Mr. Ofer, a Crowley Advocate in International Human Rights Law, speaks frequently on post-9/11 civil liberties issues.

This discussion is sponsored by Manhattan College’s government and peace studies programs.  For further information about this event, please contact Dr. Margaret Groarke at (718) 862-7943.  If you are a member of the press and would like to cover this discussion, please contact Melanie A. Farmer or Amy Massey at (718) 862-7232.   Manhattan College is located at West 242nd Street near Broadway in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, one mile from the Westchester County line and accessible by MTA subway lines 1 and 9.

Manhattan College was founded in 1853 upon the Lasallian tradition of excellence in teaching, inspired by St. John Baptist de La Salle.  Manhattan College is an independent, Catholic, coeducational institution of higher learning offering more than 40 major programs of study in the areas of arts, business, education, engineering and science.  For more information about the College, visit us online at http://www.manhattan.edu.

=

MANHATTAN COLLEGE JOINS THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY IN FIRST ANNUAL RELAY FOR LIFE

The College Hosts Overnight Event To Raise Funds for Cancer Research

RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Manhattan College is joining forces with the American Cancer Society to hold its first annual Relay For Life event on Saturday, March 27 beginning at 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, March 28 ending at 10:00 a.m in the College’s Draddy Gymnasium.  Partly led by Manhattan College students with the guidance of the College’s campus ministry and social action department, the overnight event is designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research, programs and awareness for the local office of the American Cancer Society.  Manhattan College is only the third university in New York City and the first college in the Bronx to host Relay For Life on its campus.

Relay For Life, a community-based program designed to be a fun-filled overnight event, involves teams of people who will take turns walking or running laps in the College’s gym.  Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.  Cancer survivors, including some Manhattan College students, will speak about their experiences winning the battle against cancer.  Meanwhile, attendees throughout the night will enjoy food, live entertainment and other programming such as games, belly dancing sessions, karaoke, kickboxing and free massages while their teammates walk for the cause.

Each dollar raised from the relay will support the American Cancer Society as it leads the fight against cancer and aims to empower more people to conquer the disease in their own lives.  The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based health organization headquartered in Atlanta, Ga.  The organization has state divisions and more than 3,400 local offices.  Relay For Life, which was established more than 15 years ago, continues to be the group’s largest and most popular event.

All are encouraged to participate.  To find out how to form a team or join one, please contact Kinah Ventura in the College’s campus ministry and social action department at (718) 862-7477.  If you are a member of the press and wish to cover this event, please contact Melanie A. Farmer at (718) 862-7232.

Manhattan College is located at West 242nd Street near Broadway in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, one mile from the Westchester County line and accessible by MTA subway lines 1 and 9.

Manhattan College was founded in 1853 upon the Lasallian tradition of excellence in teaching, inspired by St. John Baptist de La Salle.  Manhattan College is an independent, Catholic, coeducational institution of higher learning offering more than 40 major programs of study in the areas of arts, business, education, engineering and science.  For more information about the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life fund-raiser, please visit http://www.cancer.org.  For more information about the College, visit us online at http://www.manhattan.edu.

= =

From: Jasper Recruiting [mailto:jasperrecruiting@manhattan.edu]
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 1:17 PM

Analyst/Trader

New, rapidly growing hedge fund specializing in computerized trading systems for global stock index, foreign exchange, interest rate and energy markets seeks research analyst\trader.

Specific duties will include but are not limited to:

1.         Assisting with the research and design of new trading and risk management algorithms. Including time series analysis.  

2.         Trade support, including trade execution, real time monitoring of the firm’s position. Candidate must be very very detail oriented.  

A master’s degree in computer science, applied mathematics, or engineering is desired but will consider bachelor’s as well. Strong programming skills are very desirable. 

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious, self motivated, creative thinker who enjoys problem solving. Knowledge of financial markets desired but not required. We will invest in training the right person.

Compensation: Salary and bonus structure with strong upside potential for right person.

Pls email resume only to proganalyst@earthlink.net

 

WEBPAGES

[WebPage1]

http://www.northstarlogistic.com/

Kenneth Streichler has over 30 years of retail and manufacturing experience with concentration in providing assistance to manufacturers, retailers and catalogers in all phases of distribution and logistics. In addition Kenneth Streichler sits on the Retail Advisory Committee for Business Management at Westchester Community College and has taught International Logistics at that same institution. He is also an active member of the National Defense Transportation Association, JFK Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, and the Materials Handling and Management Society. Kenneth completed COBOL computer programming, and System Analysis and Design at the State University of New York College at Purchase. He received his Masters Degree from Manhattan College and was a University Teaching Fellow at St. John's University.

=

Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 7:55 PM
To: Streichler
Subject: What year did you graduate ... ...

from Manhattan College? I am planning to feature you and your website in my Manhattan College Alumni Ezine. You can see some back issues at http://www.jasperjottings.com and if your interested, I can send you an invite. John Reinke MC1968

[JR: No response  ]

 

FOUND

[Found1]

Carmelo J. "Carm" Santoro

Dr. Carm Santoro has been a member of the Proponent Software Board of Advisors since July 2001. Dr. Santoro has long been a leader in the California high technology business community. He is a co-founder of the Technology Leadership Council, a group dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. high technology businesses.

Dr. Santoro served as Chairman, President or Chief Executive Officer of Ashton-Tate, Inc. at various times from 1983 until the company's merger with Borland International Corporation in 1991. He is also the former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AST Research, Inc., Platinum Software, Inc. and Silicon Systems, Inc., respectively.

Dr. Santoro currently serves on the board of directors of SONICblue (SBLU), Attensity, Inc. and STSN, Inc. He has previously served on the board of directors of many public companies, including Dallas Semiconductor Corporation, Mentor Graphics, Inc., Seagate Technology, Inc., Smartflex Systems, Inc. and Techniclone, Inc. In addition, Dr. Santoro has served on the board of directors of several private companies, including Abrizio, Inc., Diamond Seal, Inc. and Paradigm Technology, Inc.

Dr. Santoro received a B.S. degree from Manhattan College in 1963. He received a Ph.D. in Solid State Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1967.

 

Honors

[No Honors]

 

Weddings]

[No Weddings]

 

Births

[Birth1]

From: Jennifer DiAlto-Schmidt (1992)
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 11:29 AM
Subject: Re: This issue is at: http://ferdinand_reinke.tripod.com/jasperjottings200403...

On February 18, 2004 Jennifer DiAlto-Schmidt (1992 grad) gave birth to her first child, Anthony Robert Schmidt.  Jennifer, an HR Manager, and her husband Robert, a Lieutenant in the NYC Fire Department, live in Yorktown Heights, NY.

[JR: Congrats. I much prefer these to O's. As a matter of fact, at one time I gave serious consideration to making these "sticky" until they rolled off. But, I thought if there were problems that I would be forcing parents to tell us about sad things in their lives. Which was never my intent in this section. I love a good baby story. You've made my week. Even more so than the Jaspers advancing to the Final Four. Excuse me, Mike and Liz are on the phone. <Loud hubhub in the background.> My fact checkers tell me that we have not yet advanced that far. I am sure that that is just a "timing error". But again congrats and good wishes.]

 

Engagements

[No Engagements]

Graduations

 [No Graduations]

 

 

[OBITS]

[Collector's prayer: And, may perpetual light shine on our fellow departed Jaspers, and all the souls of the faithful departed.]

Your assistance is requested in finding these. Please don’t assume that I will “catch” it via an automated search. Sometimes the data just doesn’t makes it’s way in.

Obit1

Copyright 2004 Bergen Record Corporation
The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
March 16, 2004 Tuesday
All Editions
SECTION: LOCAL; OBITUARIES; Pg. L05
HEADLINE: OBITUARIES

<extraneous deleted>  

JEAN M. SHANNON McCANN, 42, of East Brunswick, formerly of Hackensack, died Sunday. She was a programmer for UBS/Paine Weber, New York City. She was a graduate of Manhattan College and received a master's degree from Pace University. Arrangements: Brunswick Memorial Home, East Brunswick.

<extraneous deleted> 

LOAD-DATE: March 16, 2004

[Mike says: I believe that Jean M Shannon McCann was in the Class of 1983. RIP]

 

Obit2

Copyright 2004 The New York Sun, One SL, LLC
All Rights Reserved
The New York Sun
March 11, 2004 Thursday
SECTION: OBITUARIES; Pg. 17
HEADLINE: Eye on Irish Poetry
BYLINE: mailto:gshapiro@nysun.com

GATHERED ROUND CAHILL Friends, family, and colleagues gathered at the American Irish Historical Society in celebration of "Gather Round Me: The Best of Irish Popular Poetry"(Beacon Press), an anthology edited by Christopher Cahill.

Mr. Cahill is editor in chief of the Recorder, the journal of the American Irish Historical Society, and executive director of the Institute for Irish American Studies at City University of New York. He is also co-chairman of the annual broadcast of the New York City St. Patrick's Day parade, which will air next Wednesday on Channel 4.

Among those present were the executive director of the AIHS, William Cobert; and the editor's father, Dr. Kevin Cahill, the president-general of the AIHS, who was talking with the deputy consul general of Ireland, Gerry Staunton. At one point, the two were seen examining a painting of a saint and a dolphin.

Also seen was a vice chancellor emeritus of City University of New York, Donal Farley, and a professor of Manhattan College, Joseph Lennon, who has a forthcoming book called "Irish Orientalism: A Literary and Intellectual History" (Syracuse University Press), focusing on Ireland's relationship with the British Empire. Before the Irish were understood to be Celts, he said, many thought of them as Scythians.

Enjoying the event were poet George Franklin, talking with painter Michael Hafftka; John and Vanessa Lilly, who had come from a museum event downtown; the headmaster of the American School in England, Barry Breen; a dean at Fashion Institute of Technology, Dympna Bowles, and Julia McNamara, whose photography book on the Irish face will be published by Time Warner (Christopher Cahill and his two daughters will appear in it).

Standing in a salon overlooking Fifth Avenue, Dr. Cahill used what he called a "Bronx whistle" to get everyone's attention. It worked. He proceeded to introduce his son, the book's editor, who recalled learning many of the poems while his father recited them or his mother sang them in car rides to the beach or upstate.

In describing the anthology, which begins with "The Dawning of the Day" and ends with "The Parting Glass," Mr. Cahill said it traverses an entire day, like Joyce's "Ulysses," but that "it's a lot easier to read."

In his remarks, Mr. Cahill referred to portraits in the room, including that of John Philpot Curran (1750-1817), whose poem "Let Us Be Merry Before We Go" is in the book. Curran was a statesman and trial lawyer who defended some of the United Irishmen after the 1798 rebellion.

Others present at the celebration included Mr. Cahill's brother, Denis, who returned to the city after acting as a human rights attorney in Sri Lanka; a former editor in chief of the New York Daily News, Mike O'Neill, who described Mr. Cahill as "a talented young fellow," and polymath Geoffrey O'Brien, author of "Sonata for Juke Box: Pop Music, Memory, and the Imagined Life" (Counterpoint Press). He said he especially liked the poem "The Workman's Friend" by Flann O'Brien - no relation - with its line "a pint of plain is your only man."

The producer of the St. Patrick's Day parade telecast, Michael Mathis, said the parade features about a million marchers and no floats. With eight cameras, he said, the telecast covers four of the parade's five hours.

Mr. Cahill told an amusing anecdote that is included in the book as a footnote to "The Parting Glass," concerning his great friend and mentor, the novelist and storywriter Benedict Kiely, to whom the book is dedicated. The footnote reads, "At the end of a party in Dublin in 1996, Ben Kiely asked those assembled, 'Have you ever heard me sing "The Parting Glass"?' - to which a beautiful woman named Frances Daly answered, 'Moments ago, Ben.'"

Like the American Irish Historical Society itself, Mr. Cahill's book brings treasures of cultural heritage to a wider audience.

***

<extraneous deleted>   

LOAD-DATE: March 11, 2004

 

[News from Web and Other Sources]

News1

Found 1 new netnews article about: '"manhattan college"'
Subject: Re: Go Jaspers
Author: Peter L
Newsgroup: alt.sports.basketball.nba.la-lakers
Date: Mar 18, 2004
Excerpt: I went to high school around the corner from Manhattan College. We used to go drinking in the bars down on Broadway that catered to the jesuits. ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Branden Wolner (dewey_deweyNOSPAM@netzero.net)
Subject: Go Jaspers
Newsgroups: alt.sports.basketball.nba.la-lakers
Date: 2004-03-18 11:40:16 PST
I went to high school around the corner from Manhattan College. We used to
go drinking in the bars down on Broadway that catered to the jesuits.
Jaspers all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!
--
We've been together
Ohh, we've been together
But seperate's always better
when there's feelings involved
 - A3K
Say 'I do' and kiss me quick
'Cause baby's on its way
 - Dixie Chicks ("White Trash Wedding")

[JR: Sounds like a wannabe. "high school around the corner", "catered to the jesuits",  "on Broadway". Hmmm?? Sounds like a Fordham drop out? Wanting to be "cool", like us.]

 

News2

From: Murphguide Events [mailto:events@murphguide.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 7:18 PM
To: Murph@murphguide.com
Subject: Manhattan Jasper - NCAA Viewing Party - March 18

You are invited to join a bunch of Jaspers gathering to
watch the Manhattan College basketball game at The Town
Crier in NYC. Feel free to invite fellow Jaspers...

Thursday, March 18
NCAA Tournament
Manhattan basketball viewing party
Manhattan College vs. Florida
12:20pm
at:
The Town Crier
303 E. 53rd St. (between First & Second Ave.)
(212) 223-3157
www.murphguide.com/manhattan_alum.htm

To help the Town Crier prepare,
please RSVP: events@murphguide.com

 

News3

ALSO By this Reporter:

Bayou Buzz - Metairie,LA,United States

... IDM, a demolition company. He also taught at Manhattan College and

Stevens Institute of Technology. Additionally, for more than ...

<http://www.bayoubuzz.com/articles.aspx?aid=1319>

--------

Louisiana Business Shorts: Shawgroup, Tech in Lafayette, Advertising

Program, City Hall Gets Cyber State Business

Author: Stephen Sabludowsky  |  3/17/2004

--------

<extraneous deleted> 

BATON ROUGE, La--March 17, 2004--John M. (Jack) Tuohy, Jr., vice president and director of Nuclear Design Services for Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure (Shaw E&I), a subsidiary of The Shaw Group Inc. (NYSE:SGR), has been named a Fellow of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). The Fellow Grade recognizes significant engineering achievements and contributions to the engineering profession.

Mr. Tuohy joined Shaw E&I in July 2003 and is currently leading the Company´s pursuit of several strategic Department of Energy project acquisitions. "Jack´s expertise, professionalism and vision have contributed significantly to Shaw´s leadership role in the revitalization of the government nuclear engineering and design marketplace," said Tim Barfield, President and COO of The Shaw Group Inc. "Jack´s contributions to the nuclear industry span more than three decades and we are pleased that he has been recognized by his peers with such a distinguished honor."

Mr. Tuohy previously held positions at Burns and Roe, a privately owned A/E company, which focuses on the power industry, and at IDM, a demolition company. He also taught at Manhattan College and Stevens Institute of Technology. Additionally, for more than 25 years, Mr. Tuohy volunteered in his hometown of Park Ridge, N.J., where he served as a Public Utility Commissioner, running the town´s electric and water company.

Mr. Tuohy recently served on the prestigious DOE GEN IV Committee, which is seeking out the next generation of nuclear reactors.

The Shaw Group Inc. is a  provider of consulting, engineering, construction, remediation, and facilities management services to government and private sector clients in the environmental, infrastructure, and homeland security markets. Shaw is also a vertically integrated provider of comprehensive engineering, consulting, procurement, pipe fabrication, construction, and maintenance services to the power and process industries worldwide. The Company is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and employs approximately 15,000 people at its offices and operations in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. For further information, visit the Company´s website at www.shawgrp.com.

<extraneous deleted> 

 

News4

Copyright 2004 Times Publishing Company 
St. Petersburg Times (Florida)
March 17, 2004 Wednesday
SECTION: BUSINESS; Pg. 1
HEADLINE: Tampa Port Authority picks interim director
BYLINE: JEFF HARRINGTON
Zelko Kirincich, the No. 2 to the departed George Williamson, is named as a national search begins.

TAMPA - Zelko Kirincich, an eight-year veteran at the Tampa Port Authority, was named interim port director Tuesday as commissioners launched a national search to replace George Williamson.

Williamson resigned from the top job at the port last month to join Rinker Materials Corp., a construction materials company based in West Palm Beach.

The board also approved seeking an executive search firm to lead the search for Williamson's successor.

"We deserve the very best," said Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, a port commissioner. "Tampa should (have) the best port director in the United States."

As the No. 2 to Williamson, Kirincich, 45, was seen as top internal candidate for interim director. Yet his appointment was not without intrigue.

Fassil Gabremariam, a former GTE executive and former port commissioner, first surfaced as the leading candidate for the interim post. Late last week, however, his candidacy was jeopardized by concerns about potential conflicts of interest because he had advised developers on two port-related projects.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms, the port's newest commissioner, said Gabremariam sent her a letter Monday asking to be removed from consideration.

Gabremariam said Tuesday that he was approached by several people and asked if he was interested in the interim job. "I thought about it for a while . . . but I felt that the situation was such that it may not be right at this time," he said. "It was really not a very serious consideration on my part."

Gabremariam disputed having any conflicts and said that issue was not a factor in his decision.

Williamson had offered to help with the transition until April 9. But after some discussion the board decided to transfer port duties to Kirincich on March 26 to avoid a lingering transition.

Storms said she was dismayed by the "loosy-goosey way" the port handled Williamson's departure, calling for a firm policy in the future that outlines how long a transition period should be.

"It should not be just flying by the seat of our pants," she said.

As the search for a permanent port director begins, two groups of port users, the Propeller Club and the Port of Tampa Maritime Industries Association, asked to be included in vetting candidates.

Before Kirincich's appointment, the group also asked that whoever is appointed interim director be removed from consideration for permanent director so other candidates would not be dissuaded from applying.

Yet commissioners left open the possibility Kirincich could vie for the permanent position.

"I can see how it could have a chilling effect (on other applicants), but do you punish someone for doing a good job?" Commissioner Joseph Diaz asked. "It'll all depend on performance. We're into spring training."

Kirincich said he was not planning any major changes or new initiatives as interim director. Nor has he decided whether to apply for permanent director, he said.

Kirincich was hired in March 1996 as deputy port director and added the post of chief operating officer three years later. A graduate of Manhattan College, Kirincich previously worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

His current pay is $170,060 a year. Pay as interim director has not yet been determined. Williamson was earning $195,000 a year.

 <extraneous deleted>

- Jeff Harrington can be reached at harrington@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3407.

LOAD-DATE: March 17, 2004

 

News5

Copyright 2004 The New York Sun, One SL, LLC
All Rights Reserved
The New York Sun
March 15, 2004 Monday
SECTION: HEALTH & FITNESS; Pg. 20
HEADLINE: Irish Sports Are Alive and Kicking in New York
BYLINE: By TOM DEIGNAN

Like thousands of Irish immigrants before her, Nollaig (pronounced Null-agh) Cleary spends many weekends each year at Gaelic Park, at Broadway and 240th Street in the Bronx.

Since the days of Al Smith's run for the White House, Gaelic Park has been a crossroads for the Irish in New York City. The main attraction of the 6,000-seat stadium has always been ancient Irish sports such as hurling and gaelic football.

These games, sanctioned by the international

Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), survived the journey across the Atlantic and thrived as thousands of Irish immigrants and their children moved to the north Bronx and Yonkers.

Soon, however, the New York GAA expects to have a new home. A state-of-the-art $40 million GAA complex is currently being planned for Randall's Island.

For all of Gaelic Park's history and lore, most GAA officials agree it is a facility whose time has come and gone.

First of all, Gaelic Park has only one field - or "pitch," as the Irish would call it. Inevitably, each weekend during the GAA season, there are too many matches and not enough "pitch" time.

There are other factors as well.

"The pitch surfaces are really, really bad. It's dangerous," Ms. Cleary says of the park. She should know. Aside from serving as the head of the New York Ladies GAA, Ms. Cleary is also a physiotherapist, with a practice in the Bronx. Many of her clients are weekend warriors (who also practice several evenings each week) nursing assorted aches, pains, sprains, and strains.

GAA games are not for the faint of heart or body. Of course there's soccer - "football," to the Irish. But there's also hurling, a rough-and-tumble 2,000-year-old game similar to lacrosse. (Women's hurling is called "camogie.") Then there's gaelic football, a kind of rugby/soccer, which is even older than hurling, and played with little protective equipment.

It is estimated that as many as 5,000 athletes - men and women, adults and teens - take part in New York GAA games each year; as many as a million compete annually from Boston to Australia to Dublin.

Since 1928, Gaelic Park has hosted GAA games, as well as concerts and countless other events for the area's tight-knit Irish community. After September 11, an emotional memorial mass was held there, to remember the many Irish and Irish Americans who perished in the attacks.

However, recent population shifts have drained the area around Van Cortlandt Park South of many Irish.

In addition, the sustained popularity of the New York GAA has made field space, as well parking, a big issue.

"It would just be so difficult to expand," said Monty Maloney, a past GAA president who is playing a key role in planning the Randall's Island stadium.

Currently, the New York GAA rents space at Gaelic Park from Manhattan College, which also uses the facility. This, too, cuts into GAA pitch time.

"All in all, I'd say everyone's really excited about the new facility," added Mr. Maloney.

By the summer, GAA officials expect to submit a financial proposal for the Randall's Island complex. If things go according to current plans, the new GAA facility could open late next year.

City officials, meanwhile, are almost as excited about the proposed Randall's Island facility as Irish sports enthusiasts.

The city Parks Department will receive at least $300,000 a year in rent from the GAA, plus a share of all other revenues, according to Ron Lieberman, Director of Revenue and Concession for the Parks Department.

The Randall's Island project was officially launched late last year at a reception hosted by Irish Consul General Eugene Hutchinson.

Mr. Moloney told the packed room that the Randall's Island complex would be a "mecca of sports in the greatest metropolis in the world."

The New York GAA will pay for, operate, and maintain the new facility, which will include two pitches as well as a clubhouse, banquet room, restaurant, fitness center, sports shop, and Irish Cultural Center with museum and library.

This is expected to be the only regulation-sized Gaelic sports field in America, which officials hope will attract top international talent. The aim is to make New York City the capital of Gaelic sports outside of Ireland.

The large Randall's Island stadium will ultimately seat 10,000 spectators; a smaller one will seat 3,000. Current plans will also allow city youth to use the facility every day for soccer and other sports.

City and GAA officials also noted that these new facilities on Randall's Island can only enhance New York's bid for the 2012 Olympics.

LOAD-DATE: March 15, 2004

 

News6

Copyright 2004 Post-Standard, All Rights Reserved. 
The Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY)
March 14, 2004 Sunday Final Edition
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. A11
HEADLINE: THE WAR TOUCHES HOME CNY'S HOME FRONT
SERIES: WAR IN IRAQ: ONE YEAR LATER
BYLINE: Staff reports

The medic: Donna Hunter

Staff Sgt. Donna Hunter landed in Kuwait in January 2003 to help set up one of the first combat support hospitals in the area.

Once the invasion of Iraq began in the spring, the hospital was ready for the stream of wounded soldiers and Iraqi civilians.

Hunter, 35, spent half of last year in Iraq and Kuwait as a medic. She says she still feels strong emotions when she talks about the experience of serving in a war zone.

"The toughest thing was ... working in the emergency room knowing that the next person who comes through could be someone that you know," she says.

It never happened. But she saw many casualties - American and Iraqi - come through her emergency room. Shrapnel wounds, broken bones and burns were common.

Conditions were severe, she says.

It was hot all the time. To escape the heat and get some sleep, she'd curl up in the back of the climate-controlled emergency room.

Hunter has served in Korea and Bosnia during her six years in the Army. Now she lives in Liverpool and works as an Army medical technician at the Syracuse Military Entrance Processing Station on Clinton Street.

Hunter says she would go back to the Persian Gulf if called on. "I didn't like the fact that I was in a war," she says. "But I learned a lot over there. ... It was an experience I would not have wanted to give up."

Staff writer Pedro Ramirez III

The spouse: Kira Fiutak

At first, Kira Fiutak, 36, of Skaneateles thought her husband would be gone for six months.

That tour in Iraq with the Army Reserve became nine months, then, a year.

Thirteen months later, Kira's husband, Maj. Geoffrey Fiutak, 36, is homebound. Word has it he'll be home in three weeks.

"It seemed so long, insurmountable," she said. "It's the longest we've been separated."

It's the longest the Fiutaks' daughters - Brenna, 10, Kaela, 9 - have been without their father.

"(Brenna) used to say, "This is the worst decision Daddy ever made,"' Kira recalled.

For the first 10 months, Kira slept in her daughters' room.

"It made us feel better to be close to each other at night," Kira said.

She worked diligently at running the household. But she wasn't prepared for power outages, a flooded house and car breakdowns.

"Winter without him seemed like a huge hurdle," she said.

Although those emergencies were challenging, what was worse for Kira was the constant worrying about her husband.

And yet, Kira would endure it again if she had to.

"He felt he really had something he needed to do," she said. "I couldn't stand in his way, although I wanted to.

"Somebody has to sacrifice," she added. "He really believes it. ... It was worth it because my husband now feels he's done his part. ... If he feels that call (again), I'd be there for him."

Staff writer Pedro Ramirez III

The soldier: Noel Ellis

In the movie theater, Noel Ellis sits in the very back so he can keep a wary eye on the crowd. He finds himself snapping at his friends without knowing exactly why. He goes out less, craving the peace and quiet of his home, the pleasure of his parents' company. He's in the same college courses interrupted last spring when he was called to duty in Iraq, but his grades are worse. His stride is off. His mind drifts in class.

The Rev. Larry Ellis and his wife, Paulette, understand. Noel, 24, is their son, and they are closer now.

"When you're around death like that and you smell it and see it," the father said, "you can't get those things out of your head. He's still there."

Explosions regularly rocked the road between Baghdad and the airport where the Mattydale-based 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, part of the U.S. Special Operations Command out of Fort Bragg, N.C., was camped. They called it the "Highway of Death" before renaming it the "Purple Heart Express."

Working in the thick of bombed-out Baghdad, Noel's unit delivered fresh water, handed out clothing and shoes to children, aided starving zoo animals and assessed hospitals, including one housing children with disabilities who had been abandoned.

During his eight months there, tension settled into his muscles, knowing that as he shook one Iraqi's hand another could be pointing a rifle at his head. He carried a 25-pound machine gun everywhere. He grew so used to the resounding booms of war that he could continue a casual conversation with a friend while the ground trembled and tracer fire lighted the sky.

The Ellises' emotions are still tender, four months after "God put him back," as the reverend called Noel's November homecoming. "We know just up the way somebody's baby's coming home in a box. Someone's folding the flag," said the pastor of God's Way Church of Jesus. "It's not just here, it's in Iraq. Tears are transparent. They have no nationality and pain has no race. Anguish is anguish."

Staff writer Jennifer Jacobs

The family: The Kaplans

Hasan Kaplan had hoped to visit his native Turkey during the summer, but the U.S.-led war with neighboring Iraq changed his mind.

"I was afraid of not being able to get a visa," he said. "I wanted to go, but we're scared. It's risky."

Kaplan, 33, is a Syracuse University doctoral student in religion. He and his wife, Hava Kaplan, who are Muslim, have three children and have lived in Syracuse for five years. He follows news of Iraq mostly by reading the Internet and watching BBC and PBS, he said.

"Innocent people are losing their lives and their homes," he said. He is also distressed by the looting of Iraqi museums and universities.

"Those historical books and items are lost, gone forever," he said. "You can't replace them."

He said people from Turkey worry about the fate of the Kurds. They also felt caught in the middle after Turkish officials last year declined to let the United States use space in their country to attack Iraq.

"It was very stressful for us," he said over cups of Turkish tea in his Hidden Valley apartment in Syracuse. His children, 8, 7, and 3, watched television nearby and "Zaman," a Turkish newspaper sat on a coffee table.

Hasan considers it an improvement that Iraq's new government includes Shiite and Sunni Muslims as well as Kurds.

"It is much, much better than Saddam," he said. "But life in Iraq is worse. People are still suffering."

Staff writer Renee K. Gadoua

The teacher:

Vincent Monterosso

Jamesville-DeWitt High School teacher Vincent Monterosso encourages his students to discuss politics openly and respectfully.

Monterosso, a social studies teacher and department chair, said many of his students have differing views on the war in Iraq. During heated discussions, he encourages tolerance.

"I try to remind (students) that it's OK if you don't agree, but you have to respect other people's opinions," he said.

Many students have changed their original views on Iraq. Some students are now against what they see as a pre-emptive strike. Others want to know when the weapons of mass destruction will be found.

Monterosso, 62, has been teaching social studies for 38 years in the J-D district.

Although Monterosso has opinions on President George W. Bush and Iraq, he does not force his ideas on students.

"As a social studies teacher, you make sure every point of view is heard," Monterosso said. "You owe it to them."

Monterosso expects his students to learn about current events. Knowledge of local, national and international news fulfills about 10 percent of their final grade.

Students in Monterosso's U.S. history class have been following the situation in Iraq for the past year. Monterosso said many are worried about U.S. soldiers dying. Some students question if the draft will return, while others wonder how Iraq's new constitution will solve or not solve its problems.

Monterosso wants his students to think and question historical events because the issues are not cut and dry, he said.

Staff writer Ngoc Huynh

The protesters:

Mallory Brown and Meaghan Goodnough

Mallory Brown and Meaghan Goodnough have not done much protesting in the year since they led a student rally at Clinton Square against what was then a looming war in Iraq.

"We went to another protest after that in Clinton Square a few weeks later," Brown recalled. "After that we kind of got involved in college things."

Applying to colleges, that is.

Brown and Goodnough were juniors at Westhill High School when they turned their qualms about U.S. policy into action.

Now seniors, the two friends from Westvale have completed their post-high school plans.

On Saturday, they plan to renew their protests at an anti-war rally in New York City.

Neither Brown nor Goodnough had protested anything before they formed Syracuse Students for Peace early in 2003.

"I was a little nervous when some kids at school weren't very supportive of what we were doing," Goodnough said. "I just realized how hard it was going to be, to be a minority opinion. But, I don't know - I just wanted my voice to be heard."

It was. On March 8, 2003, about 20 students from Westhill, Corcoran and Fayetteville-Manlius high schools waved placards at motorists in Clinton Square.

These days, Brown is preparing to enter Manhattan College, where a "Peace Studies" program caught her eye. Goodnough plans to study criminal justice and pre-law at Medaille College in Buffalo. Now 18, both say they'll vote.

Both say they think the Bush administration should have gathered more evidence, lined up more international support and drawn clearer post-war plans before it acted in Iraq.

"We haven't accomplished anything that Bush set out to do," Goodnough said: "Find weapons of mass destruction, you know; return Iraq to a state of a peaceful country with a democracy."

Staff writer John Mariani

GRAPHIC: PHOTO; John Berry/Staff photographer; DONNA HUNTER: The U.S. Army staff sergeant prepares to take blood from Jeff Moore for testing at the Syracuse Military Entrance Processing Station in the federal building. Hunter, who lives in Liverpool, was a medic in Iraq and Kuwait.; PHOTO; Frank Ordonez/Staff photographer; KAPLAN FAMILY: Hasan Kaplan, a Syracuse University doctoral student in religion, holds two of his three children - Sena (left), 7, and Enirhan, 3, at their Syracuse apartment. Kaplan wanted to return to his native Turkey but felt the war made travel risky. He also worried about getting a visa. He and his wife, Hava Kaplan, have lived in Syracuse for five years.; David Lassman/Staff photographer; VINCENT MONTEROSSO: The Jamesville-DeWitt High School social studies teacher said he encourages students to discuss the war. He also tells them to respect differing views.; PHOTO; Gloria Wright/Staff photographer; KIRA FIUTAK: The Skaneateles wife of Army Reserve Maj. Geoffrey Fiutak has been caring for their two daughters and home for 13 months; originally he was going to be gone six months. She's dealt with power outages, floods and car breakdowns.; PHOTO; Jim Commentucci/Staff photographer; NOEL ELLIS: Ellis (bottom right), who served with Mattydale's 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion in Baghdad, finds it hard to put the war behind him and adjust to being back home in Syracuse. He's with his father, the Rev. Larry Ellis and his mother, Paulette.; PHOTO; Peter Chen/Staff photographer; MEAGHAN GOODNOUGH; & MALLORY BROWN: The two Westhill High School students, shown at the Westvale home of Goodnough (left), led a student rally last year in Clinton Square against the approaching war. Saturday, they plan to go to an antiwar protest in New York City. Color.

LOAD-DATE: March 16, 2004

 

News7

Copyright 2004 ALM Properties, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 
New York Law Journal
March 10, 2004, Wednesday
SECTION: NEWS; Vol. 231; Pg. 5
HEADLINE: JUDGMENT RECORD

<extraneous deleted>   

Mathias, Binay; Manhattan College; $17,984.

<extraneous deleted> 

LOAD-DATE: March 16, 2004

 

News8

ATHLETICS: Nike Announces High School Team Nationals
RunnersWeb - Ottawa,Ontario,Canada
... Others include the Great American Cross Country Festival in Cary, North Carolina; Manhattan College high school cross-country invitational in New York and ... <http://www.runnersweb.com/running/news/rw_news_20040314_NikeNationals.html>
Posted: March 14, 2004

Athletics: Nike Announces High School Team Nationals

Nike today announced its sponsorship of a new national high school team cross-country championship to be held December 4 in the Portland, Oregon area. The Nike Team Nationals is a post-season invitational showcasing 20 boys teams and 20 girls teams, with more than 300 runners from all parts of the country. The races will be 5000 meters and the specific race course will be determined shortly.

"The Nike Team Nationals will motivate hundreds, if not thousands, of runners nationwide to seek new levels of excellence year-round," said Josh Rowe, Nike's youth running manager and founder of the Nike Team Nationals. "We at Nike also hope to foster values of teamwork that are important to young runners on and off the course."

The championship will be sanctioned by USA Track & Field, running's national governing body. "As many high school runners will be involved and interested in this event, we hope many more athletes will be convinced to continue their running in college and beyond," said Bill Roe, president of USATF.

Teams will compete as USATF-affiliated clubs and Nike will provide team racing uniforms. Meet management will be handled by the National Scholastic Sports Foundation (NSSF), which conducts several national high school events including this weekend's Nike Indoor Championships in Landover, Maryland.

Teams will be chosen based on regional rankings published by The Harrier Magazine and invitations will be awarded to teams after their state meets are held. The top 2 boys teams and top 2 girls teams from each of 8 regions, plus 4 at-large selections each for boys and girls, will make up the 20-team fields for the nationals.

The Nike Team Nationals is the latest high school event in Nike's youth sponsorship program. Others include the Great American Cross Country Festival in Cary, North Carolina; Manhattan College high school cross-country invitational in New York and Mount San Antonio College high school cross-country invitational in Walnut, California, all held in October.

"We applaud Nike for understanding that cross-country is a team sport," said Linda Kranick, who with her husband Art coaches the national #1-ranked Saratoga Springs girls team from upstate New York. "It's not just one or two individuals that factor into the scoring. There's a lot of camaraderie in cross-country and this event underscores the value of teamwork. We're very excited about a national team competition."

The Nike Team Nationals meet management executive committee is headed by Rowe. Other members, among the nation's foremost authorities on high school running, are: Jim Spier and A.J. Holzherr of the NSSF, John Dye of DyeStat.com, Arcadia (CA) Invitational director Rich Gonzalez of DyeStatCal.com, The Harrier editor Marc Bloom who compiles the national team rankings and Danny Green who has coached The Woodlands High School of Texas for more than 30 years.

NIKE, Inc. based in Beaverton, Oregon is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan(r), which designs, markets and distributes fine dress and casual shoes and accessories; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.

For more information on the Nike Team Nationals, visit www.dyestat.com or contact Maggie.Mahler@nike.com, (503) 671-3289.

[JR: This probably news worthy because it will bring people and press to the College. It would be nice if Brother President has lots of people who want to go to MC after seeing it. There is no such thing as "bad press".]

 

[SportsSchedule]

The only reason for putting this here is to give us a chance to attend one of these games and support "our" team.

Date Day Sport Opponent Location Time/Result
3/21/04 Sunday W. Tennis   Albany   Albany, NY   1:00 PM
3/23/04 Tuesday W. Lacrosse   Wagner   HOME   4:00 PM
3/24/04 Wednesday Baseball   Lehigh   Bethlehem, PA   3:00 PM
3/26/04 Friday W. Tennis   Loyola (MD)*   HOME   TBA 
3/26/04 Friday M. Tennis   Loyola (MD)*   HOME   3:00 PM
3/27/04 Saturday Track & Field   Navy Invitational   Annapolis, MD 10:00 AM
3/27/04 Saturday Baseball   Niagara* (DH)   HOME   12:00 PM
3/27/04 Saturday W. Lacrosse   Mt. Saint Mary's   HOME   2:00 PM
3/27/04 Saturday M. Lacrosse   Siena*   Loudonville, NY   2:00 PM
3/28/04 Sunday W. Lacrosse   Longwood University   HOME   10:00 AM
3/28/04 Sunday Baseball   Niagara*   HOME   12:00 PM
3/28/04 Sunday Softball   Yale   New Haven, CT   1:00 PM
3/28/04 Sunday W. Tennis   Fordham   Bronx, NY   1:00 PM
3/30/04 Tuesday W. Tennis   Fairfield*   Fairfield, CT   2:30 PM
3/30/04 Tuesday Baseball   Fordham   Bronx, NY   3:00 PM
3/31/04 Wednesday M. Tennis   Stony Brook   Stony Brook, NY   2:00 PM
3/31/04 Wednesday Softball   Saint Francis (NY)   HOME   2:30 PM
3/31/04 Wednesday Baseball   Pace   HOME   3:00 PM
3/31/04 Wednesday W. Lacrosse   LIU Brooklyn   HOME   3:30 PM

 

[Sports from College]

MEN'S BASKETBALL DOWNED FLORIDA IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE NCAA TOURNAMENT, 75-60

Senior Luis Flores tallied a game high 26 points

Raleigh, NC (March 18, 2004) – In the first round of the 2004 NCAA Tournament the Manhattan Jaspers men’s basketball team downed the the number five seed, University of Florida, with the score of 75-60. This marks the first time the Jaspers have advanced to the second round since 1995 when they defeated Oklahoma, 77-67. Senior Luis Flores led the way for Manhattan with a game-high 26 points. The Jaspers will take on Wake Forest in the second round.

Manhattan jumped out early with a Peter Mulligan three point play giving the Jaspers the 3-0 lead. The first half began in a see-saw affair, in the first 4:10 minutes of action the lead changed three times. After Anthony Roberson nailed a three pointer to bring the Gators within one at the 6:33 mark, the Jaspers went on a 12-4 run extending their lead to nine to make the score 34-25. Manhattan ended the half with two free throws by Mulligan, making the score 36-29.

The Jaspers jumped out on a 10-4 run to start the second half putting them up 46-35 with 16:02 remaining. With another three pointer by Roberson the Gators pulled within ten at the 12:01 remaining, marking the closest Florida would get. Manhattan with two free throws by Mike Konovelchick increased their lead to 19, marking their largest lead of the game, 63-44. Kenny Minor made a layup and Dave Holmes made one free throw with under a minute remaining, clinching the 75-60 victory for Manhattan.

Including Flores’s 26 the Jaspers had four players in double figures; junior Peter Mulligan tallied 17 points, senior Dave Holmes recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Mike Konovelchick posted 11 points. Manhattan outrebounded the Gators by ten, 46-36.

With the win, the Jaspers advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament to face #4 Wake Forest on Saturday March 20, thirty minutes after the 1:15 second round game.

1--------

MANHATTAN WINS QUARDRUPLE-OVERTIME THRILLER AGAINST MT. ST. MARY'S, 9-8

Otto Scores Game Winner

Emmitsburg, MD (March 18, 2004) -The Manhattan men's lacrosse team won a quadruple-overtime thriller against Mt. St. Mary's, 9-8, at the Mount's Alumni Field on Thursday afternoon. Manhattan's Justin Otto scored with 1:10 left in the fourth overtime to give the Jaspers the sudden-victory win.

Manhattan (3-1, 1-0 MAAC) converted a Mount St. Mary's turnover to score the winning goal. John Crotty scooped up a ground ball, raced to the other end, and fed Otto for the game-winner. The Mount had 11 shots in the four overtime periods, but Manhattan goalkeeper Robert Busweiler had to make just one save.

The Mount (0-4, 0-2 MAAC) rallied from a late two-goal deficit to force the extra sessions. Billy Jautze scored twice in the final 3:23 to knot the score at 8-8. Jautze took a Tilghman Herring feed and buried the shot with 57 seconds left to tie the game.

Manhattan held a 4-3 advantage at the half and took a 7-5 lead heading into the fourth quarter. After Matt Warner cut the deficit to 7-6, Otto scored his first of two goals on the day with 6:27 left to give the Jaspers an 8-6 advantage. Otto, Sean Crowley and Greg Lewis each had two goals for the Jaspers while Eugene Tanner chipped in a goal and two assists in the win. Jautze and Warner paced the Mount offense with two goals each while Jay Duffy had a goal and two assists.

Busweiler made 15 saves for the Jaspers while Chris Channing had strong effort in goal for the Mount off the bench. Channing made five saves and allowed just two goals in 31:08 minutes of action.

The Jaspers return to action on Saturday, March 20, when they play Canisius in Buffalo, NY at 1 pm.

2-----

SOFTBALL GAME ON SATURDAY CANCELLED

Riverdale, NY (March 18, 2004)-The softball game scheduled to be played on Saturday, March 20 at St. Joseph's has been cancelled due to bad field conditions. The Lady J's do not play again until Sunday, March 28 against Yale in New Haven, CT at 1pm.

3-----

BRADLEY TOPS BASEBALL, 6-3

Homestead, FL (March 18, 2004)- Bradley scored two runs in the top of the first taking the first lead of the game and held on to beat Manhattan 7-2 Wednesday night at the Papa John's Homestead Challenge in Homestead, FL. The Jaspers fall to 4-8 while the Braves improve to 7-3.

Manhattan tried to rally from a 5-3 deficit in the fourth inning by putting runners at second and third with two outs when the Braves Brandon Magee (1-0) entered in relief of Bradley starter Brian Spielmann. The Jaspers could not get another hit off of the new Braves pitcher to bring the runners on first and second home to tie the game.

In the bottom of the ninth, Manhattan tried to get back in the game one more time. Right fielder Frank Cappello led off the ninth by reaching on the last of shortstop Adam Uscicki's three errors, then advanced to second when Nick Derba followed with a single to right field. Again with two Jaspers on base Manhattan could not get another hit.

Manhattan will return to action Friday, March 19 playing in the Florida Invitational at 7pm.

4-----

MEN'S LACROSSE GAME AGAINST MT. ST. MARY’S ON 3/17 HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED

Riverdale, NY (March 16, 2004) – The men's lacrosse game scheduled for this Wednesday, March 17 at 3 pm against Mt. St. Mary's in Emmitsburg, MD has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 18 at 3 pm. The Jaspers are 2-1 overall.

5-----

 

[Sports from Web]

LACROSSE Upset By Manhattan College, 11-9 Columbia Daily Spectator - New York City,NY,USA By Tara Krieger. Lacrosse senior tri-captain Ellen Lowrey admitted that the team might have gotten a bit complacent before their ... <http://www.columbiaspectator.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/03/11/40503b6 920856> 

Sports Lacrosse Upset By Manhattan College, 11-9 By Tara Krieger  Spectator Staff Writer  March 11, 2004 

Lacrosse senior tri-captain Ellen Lowrey admitted that the team might have gotten a bit complacent before their home game against Manhattan yesterday afternoon. The Lions, after all, had beaten the Jaspers decisively in three past seasons, and had eked out wins in their first two games of this year as well. But Manhattan surprised everyone, narrowly upending Columbia 11-9. 

"We went into the game thinking it was already won," Lowrey said, "and as a result we didn't play the game that we were more than capable of playing. We were definitely the better team; they just played with a lot more heart." 

The game had been relocated last minute to Wien Stadium because Gaelic Park, Manhattan's grass field, had not been completely restored after the recent harsh weather. Columbia plays on artificial turf. 

The Lions, in fact, outshot Manhattan 28-25, in a game that was never quite out of their grasp. Sophomore midfielder Carrie Anderer tallied up a career and team-high five goals, including the Lions' first goal, which put them on the board 1-0, just 52 seconds into play. 

But Columbia's lead was short-lived, as the Jaspers' Jenny Carman, who herself totaled four goals and an assist on the day, capitalized on a free-position shot just 38 seconds later to even the score. Manhattan's Nora Jacquette gave her team the lead off another free-position shot at 5:31. 

First-year Katie Warner, who had a goal and an assist in the game, tied it up again at 9:45, only to see the Jaspers go ahead again at 10:58. Four minutes later, two quick goals within 15 seconds of each other by Manhattan's Catherine Dunbar and Molly Pheterson made it 5-2. 

But the Lions chipped away at the lead; senior tri-captain Adie Moll netted the ball at 15:49. After another Manhattan goal, first-year Kate Lombard, assisted by Warner, gave Columbia another point at 2:33, and senior-tri captain Maggie Via brought the Lions within one with another free-position shot. Anderer answered another Manhattan goal at 28:49, by Victoria Carman--who scored twice in the game--with a goal of her own, at 29:07.  

At halftime, the Lions only trailed 7-6. 

"Our defense really picked it up in the second half of the game," said Anderer. "We had a lot of fouls called on us in the first half, but in the second half we each had really good body positioning on defense." 

"Mostly our problem today was just finishing," Anderer continued. "We could get to the goal, but then we were just shooting at the goalie and just not finishing. We weren't really capitalizing on our scoring opportunities." 

Anderer was responsible for the Lions' three goals in the second half. The first, at 34:16, tied up the game. But Manhattan put four more goals on the board, a lead that would prove insurmountable. The Lions made a last-ditch effort at a comeback within the final five minutes, as Anderer scored goals at 56:01 and 59:46, the second assisted by first-year Elyse Pultz, but as the seconds on the clock ran out, so did their rally. 

"The underclassmen have definitely been stepping up this year," Lowrey said. "We've had a lot of great individual performances, but overall as a team we really need to bring the game together." 

First-year Sydney Linder totaled nine saves for Columbia in the losing effort, while winner Ashley Devlins saved 14, including ten in the second half. 

Manhattan made 22 turnovers to Columbia's 16. 

"This was a team that we definitely should have beat," Lowrey said. "but we played very flat, and as a result they were just able to take it away from us. If anything, it was a huge wake-up call for us, and I think we're going to respond and it's going to light a fire under [us]." 

The Lions, now 2-1, depart for Florida over spring break, where they will play Fairfield and Bucknell in preparation for the Ivy season, which begins Mar. 24 against Princeton. 

Lacrosse Upset By Manhattan College, 11-9   

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GONZALEZ would listen to St. John's USA Today - USA RIVERDALE, NY - Bobby Gonzalez is expected to turn from a highly regarded mid-major coach into a very good listener whenever Manhattan College's season ends. ... <http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/bigeast/2004-03-1 1-gonzalez-st-johns_x.htm> 

Gonzalez would listen to St. John's  By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Bobby Gonzalez is expected to turn from a highly regarded mid-major coach into a very good listener whenever Manhattan College's season ends. 

Gonzalez is viewed as one of the leading candidates to take over beleaguered St. John's after transforming Manhattan into the leading program in New York in his five years there. It helps, too, that he has coached in the metropolitan area at both the high school and AAU levels.              "There are a lot of rumblings and a lot of talk," said Gonzalez, 40, who is taking his team to the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive year. "But I've sort of let it be known that I will do what I have to do with my team from now until the season ends." 

Although the Red Storm just completed a nightmarish campaign, he sees intriguing possibilities there. 

"If you are in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and a Big East school is interested," Gonzalez said, "you have to be honest and say you would listen because of the magnitude of the step up that it is." 

Manhattan athletics director Bob Byrnes said the school has not received any formal or informal contact concerning Gonzalez, who is under contract through next season. He added that discussions are "well along" concerning an extension that would last until 2007-08. 

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SULLIVAN steps down at UMBC Baltimore Sun - Baltimore,MD,USA ... in 1989. Described as fiery and hard-nosed, he also ran basketball programs at New Hampshire College and Manhattan College. His ... <http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/basketball/bal-sp.umbc12mar1 2,0,874096.story?coll=bal-sports-more> 

Sullivan steps down at UMBC School paper: Coach made 'discriminatory comments'  By Mike Klingaman Sun Staff Originally published March 12, 2004 Tom Sullivan, the men's basketball coach at UMBC, resigned yesterday, 10 days after the university had placed him on paid administrative leave.  Sullivan, 53, stepped down the day after an article appeared in The Retriever Weekly, the campus newspaper, alleging that the coach had made "discriminatory comments" to his players. University officials would not confirm those allegations yesterday.  

Kathy Zerrlaut, associate athletic director for compliance at the Catonsville school, would not comment on the resignation except to say that "there have been no [NCAA] rules violations committed."  

A prepared statement from the school about Sullivan's departure did not mention the turmoil surrounding the Division I basketball program.  

The coach did not accompany the team last week to the America East tournament, where the Retrievers (7-21) ended their season in a first-round loss under assistant coach Randy Monroe.  

"Tom Sullivan provided UMBC basketball with many fine moments during his tenure here," athletic director Charles Brown said in the news release. "We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."  

Brown had been instrumental in hiring Sullivan nine years ago and in cobbling together a controversial contract extension in July 2002 that would have kept him at the school through 2007.  

In nine seasons under Sullivan, the Retrievers won 106 games and lost 145. Their best season was 20-9 in 2001-02.  

The coach did not return calls made to his home or office.  

"I want to thank the university for affording me the opportunity to have coached so many fine student-athletes," Sullivan said in the statement. "It has been a very challenging experience. I hope I leave my players with skills that will serve them well as they go through life."  

A native New Yorker, Sullivan arrived at UMBC from Seton Hall, where he served as an assistant coach during that school's run to the NCAA championship game in 1989.  

Described as fiery and hard-nosed, he also ran basketball programs at New Hampshire College and Manhattan College. His 19-year record as a head coach is 260-270.  

Steve Levy, UMBC's sports information director, said the university will decide next week on a strategy to hire a new coach.  

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BASEBALL Tops Iona 6-3 PittsburghPanthers.com - USA ... Pittsburgh returns to action with a 3:30 game against Iona at the Homestead Sports Complex before taking on Manhattan College at 7 pm in the 2,000 th game in ... <http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/baseball/release.asp?RELEASE_I D=10063> 

Baseball Tops Iona 6-3  

3/12/2004  

Mike Zambriczki had two hits and four RBIs in the win as P.J. Hiser earned his second win of the season.  

MIAMI-The University of Pittsburgh baseball team used solid pitching and timely hitting to top Iona College 6-3 Friday afternoon at Florida International.  

Pittsburgh (6-3) starting pitcher P.J. Hiser (Hagerstown, MD/Hagerstown CC) had another good outing as he went seven innings allowing only four hits and two earned runs. Hiser struck out a season-high eight Gael hitters on his way to his second win of the season. 

In relief of Hiser, junior relief pitcher Eli Friedman (Pittsburgh, PA/Shadyside Academy) worked two scoreless innings allowing only one hit and striking out four Gael hitters. 

The Panthers' offense was led by catcher Mike Zambriczki (Philadelphia, PA/Council Rock) who went two-for-four from the plate including a double and a career-high four RBIs. Senior designated hitter Bryan Spamer (Harrisburg, PA/Redland) also added two hits in four plate appearances including a double. Sophomore centerfielder Ben Copeland (Bradford, PA/Bradford) had a double in the game to extend his hitting streak to nine games. 

Pittsburgh returns to action with a 3:30 game against Iona at the Homestead Sports Complex before taking on Manhattan College at 7 p.m. in the 2,000th game in the history of the Homestead Challenge in the main stadium. 

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BASEBALL Tops Manhattan 15-10 PittsburghPanthers.com - USA HOMESTEAD, FLA.—The University of Pittsburgh baseball team overcame a nine-run deficit to defeat Manhattan College by a score of 15-10 in the 2,000 th ... <http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/baseball/release.asp?RELEASE_ID=10067> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client=google&num=30&newsclusterurl=http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/baseball/release.asp%3FRELEASE_ID%3D10067> 

Baseball Top Stories Baseball Tops Manhattan 15-10  3/13/2004 The Panthers used a nine-run sixth inning to down the Jaspers.  

HOMESTEAD, FLA.—The University of Pittsburgh baseball team overcame a nine-run deficit to defeat Manhattan College by a score of 15-10 in the 2,000th overall game in the Homestead Challenge at the Homestead Sports Complex Saturday night. 

 Pittsburgh (8-3) used a nine-run sixth inning and a six-run seventh inning to overcome its largest deficit of the season. The Panthers’ offense came to life and finished with 14 hits, which all but two came after the fifth inning.  

 Freshman Peter Parise (Bronx, NY/Cardinal Spellman) belted three hits in five plate appearances including a 2-run triple to finish with a team-high four RBIs.  

Senior third baseman Mike Scanzano (Marlton, NJ/Louisburg College) added three hits of his own including a double and a season-high three RBIs. 

 Ben Copeland (Bradford, PA/Bradford) extended his hitting streak to 11 games as he turned in a two-for-three performance from the plate that included two walks, two RBIs and a stolen base. 

 Relief pitcher Jimmy Blue (Washington, PA/Trinity) earned his first win of the season in relief of starter Nick Evangelista (Shoemakersville, PA/Louisburg College). Blue tossed four innings of one-hit baseball and allowed only one earned run with two strikeouts. 

 Pittsburgh finishes its season-high 14-game road trip Sunday night when it takes on Rider University at 5:30 p.m. at the Homestead Sports Complex. 

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FSU rallies in ninth, wins on Wardell's three-run, walk-off homer South Florida Sun-Sentinel - Fort Lauderdale,FL,USA ... FAU 8, MANHATTAN COLLEGE 0; FAU 2, NORTHERN IOWA 0: Jessica Braggins had two homers and five RBI in the Owls' win over Manhattan College in the FAU Worth ... <http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-statecol13mar13,0,5491252.story?coll=sfla-sports-headlines> 

FSU rallies in ninth, wins on Wardell's three-run, walk-off homer 

staff and wire reports  Posted March 13 2004 

<extraneous deleted>     

FAU 8, MANHATTAN COLLEGE 0; FAU 2, NORTHERN IOWA 0: Jessica Braggins had two homers and five RBI in the Owls' win over Manhattan College in the FAU Worth Doubletree Classic in Boca Raton. In the second game, the Owls (23-10) defeated Northern Iowa. 

<extraneous deleted>     

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TEMPLE'S Wilson wins his 1,000th Philadelphia Inquirer - Philadelphia,PA,USA ... Jason Connor with a two-out hit off the left-field wall at Florida International University in Miami, giving Temple a 10-9 victory over Manhattan College. ... <http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/8187916.htm> 

Temple's Wilson wins his 1,000th His Owls beat Manhattan, 10-9, for the baseball milestone. By Mike Jensen Inquirer Staff Writer 

Temple baseball coach Skip Wilson got his guys together yesterday and said a few familiar words: "Great win - another day at the ballpark." 

In his 43d year of coaching the sport at Temple, Wilson became the 29th Division I coach, and 14th active one, to win 1,000 games. It happened in dramatic fashion when Owls designated hitter Jason Adamek drove in teammate Jason Connor with a two-out hit off the left-field wall at Florida International University in Miami, giving Temple a 10-9 victory over Manhattan College. 

"I'm just glad it's over," Wilson said. "The kids, they were pressing." 

The Owls had lost a game in the ninth inning the day before. 

"They were thinking about the 1,000 wins more than me," Wilson said. "I told them, 'Look, fellas, it's going to come. If it takes to May, we'll get it. Just relax and play ball.' " 

"All the kids were congratulating him," said Owls assistant coach John McArdle. "He was very kind of low-key. Coaching third base, I was pretty excited [during the game]. He kept motioning to me, like, 'Calm down. It's another game.' " 

The Owls finished their trip with a record of 6-5 and are to open their new field on Temple's Ambler campus tomorrow afternoon, facing Philadelphia University in a 3 p.m. game. 

Temple baseball alumni talk about how Wilson, 74, always made them work on the little things, over and over. Hitting hundreds of fungoes. Explaining not only what had happened but why it happened. Temple has gone to 14 NCAA tournaments and has made two trips to the College World Series under Wilson. 

Reached by phone in Miami, Wilson said he was thrilled for the all the players he had coached who are part of the milestone. His wife, Suzanne, was with him on the trip. 

Even the postgame celebration will be a familiar one, he said. 

"I think I'll have a cold one with John [McArdle] and my wife," he said. 

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 WHAT Does It All Mean? It's Bracket Time Tampa Tribune - Tampa,FL,USA ... Lions. Back to the Gators, who open Thursday in Raleigh, NC, against the up-tempo Jaspers of Manhattan College in New York City. ... <http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGA12643URD.html> 

What Does It All Mean? It's Bracket Time MARTIN FENNELLY  Published: Mar 15, 2004 

Well, bust my brackets.  

It's tourney time.  

Time to care about college basketball. Most of you, including the wife who'll win her husband's office pool by putting down $5 worth of grocery-change pennies and picking winners based on cutest team mascots, have ignored the game for months. And for good reason.  

What did it mean, anyway? This is the same reaction of the Incredibly Angry Aggies of Utah State, who went 25-3 but didn't make the 65-team NCAA field. Utah State was hurt by Air Force being chosen by the tournament selection committee, which claims it paid no attention to the stealth bomber circling the committee's hotel.  

There's always drama on Selection Sunday, as with its ancient ancestor, Natural Selection Sunday, held aboard the H.M.S. Beagle in 1835. Tournament chairman Charles Darwin listed man a No. 1 seed and the Galapagos tortoise as a bracket buster.  

What's A Jasper, You Ask? 

Back to the tourney. Florida, coming off a surprising rush to the SEC title game and not so surprising drubbing by Kentucky, landed a No. 5 seed. Florida State landed the NIT, rightly so for having as much success on the road as an armadillo trying to cross one. Squish, squish. 

 Two other Sunshine teams made the NCAA field. UCF enters as champ of the Atlantic Sun Conference, for those of you who didn't adjust your dish for the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament. Then there are the death Rattlers of Florida A&M.  

FAMU, 14-16, is in its second tournament. In 1999, the Rattlers also made the field with a losing record, so they're the first school to make it twice with a losing record. Last time, they were crushed by Duke. This time, FAMU must beat Lehigh in Tuesday's play-in game to earn the right to get crushed by Kentucky. Reminds us of when the Christians had to beat Lehigh to the face the Lions.  

Back to the Gators, who open Thursday in Raleigh, N.C., against the up-tempo Jaspers of Manhattan College in New York City. Manhattan's nickname, Jaspers, is for one of Manhattan's famous figures, Brother Jasper of Mary, who served at Manhattan in the late 19th century and made a truly great contribution to sports history. Seriously.  

True story: One warm day when Manhattan was playing a semipro baseball team, Brother Jasper, who apparently was Mr. Two Bits before there was a Mr. Two Bits, noticed that Manhattan students were restless as Manhattan came to bat in the seventh inning. To relieve tension, Brother Jasper told the students to stand and stretch for a few minutes until the game resumed. It was picked up by the old New York Giants. Then by all of baseball.  

The seventh-inning stretch.  

Florida Is Vulnerable 

What any of this has to do with basketball is a real question, but Manhattan isn't bad at hoops, either. Granted, I have a rooting interest. My late father graduated from Manhattan in 1938. This is the Jaspers' second NCAA appearance in a row. I'm sure if dad was alive, he'd beam with pride and say, ``Hey, what's up with Gruden?''  

Back to the Gators. Florida is a vulnerable 5 seed, especially with Matt Walsh's injured foot. Then again, the Gators were vulnerable in 2000. They were a 5 seed then, too, and some thought they'd be upset in the first round. By Butler.  

And Butler was beating Florida, right up until Mike Miller hit The Shot. Florida eventually played for the national championship. It just shows that you never know. And I've got the brackets to prove it. 

Write a letter to the editor about this story http://tampatrib.com/opinion/lettertotheeditor.htm 

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FLORES, JASPERS BACK IN BIG TIME New York Post - New York,NY,USA ... And yet, Flores plays at Manhattan College and thus remains one of the best-guarded secrets of March Madness, even after setting the school record with 2000 ... <http://www.nypost.com/sports/17179.htm> 

FLORES, JASPERS BACK IN BIG TIME  

March 15, 2004 -- He grew up on 183rd Street in Washington Heights, on the very block where Alex Rodriguez was born, and if you needed to find Luis Flores in the summertime, you looked on the outside court on 185th and Broadway.  The lessons Flores learned playing The City Game there were never forgotten.  

"Never to back down to anybody or anything or any type of situation," Flores said. "Coming up, they would not allow you, when you were young, to play with the so-called big boys. I wanted to always step on the court with the big boys and big fellas, but I wasn't given the opportunity. So one day one kid got hurt and no one took me out of the court from that day on."  

And yet, Flores plays at Manhattan College and thus remains one of the best-guarded secrets of March Madness, even after setting the school record with 2000 career points.  

"I think nationally, across the country," Jaspers coach Bobby Gonzalez was saying last night, "most people still don't really know who he is; maybe they just see his name, that he's a fourth-leading scorer in the country, he's some kid that plays at Manhattan that can score the ball. But I don't know if they know how special he is. So he's still somewhat of a secret to the rest of the nation."  

But come Thursday in Raleigh, Flores and the 12th-seeded Jaspers get one last chance against Billy Donovan and the No. 5 Florida Gators in the East Rutherford regional to shock the college basketball world and land on Dick Vitale's map.  

Flores was eight years old when he left the Dominican Republic to live with his beloved grandmother Juanita. During his junior year at Norman Thomas High School, Flores once asked coach Keith Griffin to conduct 6 a.m. practices because his teammates complained that the three-hour afternoon practices were too late. No surprise to Gonzalez.  

"We came back from the [Wisconsin]-Milwaukee game, and I gave the guys off the day we traveled, and that night I went back to the office about 10:30 at night to pick up a film, and he was in the gym in a dead sweat with a friend of his . . . the lights were barely on, and he was just working on his game," Gonzalez said.  

Flores originally planned to attend Manhattan when Kevin Bannon and Rutgers called at the 11th hour. Flores soon grew frustrated sitting behind Todd Billet, and transferred.  

"I'm very poised and patient and tend to pick my spots," the 6-2 senior said. "I try to be a leader by example."  

A year ago the Jaspers gave Syracuse, the eventual national champion, fits in the first round. This time they are dreaming Sweet 16. "I'm greatly excited; it gives us a chance to play on the big stage," Flores said.  

A-Rod, no doubt, will be rooting for him.  

"My father [Pedro] used to play [baseball] with his father," Flores said. "I can't wait for him to come back to New York and get to meet him."  

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WAITING to see your name ESPN - USA ... round opponent for No. 4 seed Maryland in Denver on Thursday. In 1995, my Manhattan College team lost to St. Peter's in the Metro ... <http://sports-att.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney04/columns/story?id=175984 3> 

Monday, March 15, 2004 By Fran Fraschilla Special to ESPN.com 

The last 24 hours were among the toughest Billy Gillispie has ever had to endure. I know. I've been where the UTEP coach was Sunday. 

After losing to Nevada in the WAC championship game, Gillispie and his UTEP Miners (24-7) had to sweat out Selection Sunday and then watch the NCAA Tournament selection show with one eye closed until their school popped up on to the screen as the first-round opponent for No. 4 seed Maryland in Denver on Thursday. 

In 1995, my Manhattan College team lost to St. Peter's in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship game on the Monday before Selection Sunday. Even with a 25-4 record, we had to wait an excruciating six days to find out if we were in the field of 64. And to make matters worse, no MAAC team had ever received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Needless to say, things looked bleak. 

Time seemed to pass very, very slowly all week as we waited and watched tournament games all over the country and tried to figure out who was in and who was out. I wore out various legal pads with all sorts of calculations of RPIs, strength of schedules, and anything else that related to picking the field. The only thing missing was psychological profiles of the members of the selection committee. 

I remember driving to Baltimore on Friday afternoon to recruit a prospect. My assistant and I stopped at a restaurant in New Jersey to watch Georgia Tech burst Virginia's tournament "bubble" by knocking them out in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament. We celebrated, as Jersey natives wondered why these two strangers were cheering so hard for a ACC team in Big East country. 

On that Saturday before the bracket was unveiled, heavily-favored Texas came from behind to overtake a game Texas Tech team that was trying to steal a bid by winning the old Southwest Conference Tournament. I remember being in my office, watching the game and thinking, "I like James Dickey (the Texas Tech coach) but bye, bye Red Raiders." 

To keep ourselves occupied, we began to practice again on Thursday knowing that, at worst, we were still in the NIT. It was hard to gear it back up and practice with all that uncertainty hanging over us. To the players credit, they were ready to go so it was one less thing I had to worry about. 

Championship Week is also a time when coaches who are in the NCAA Tournament or who are on the "bubble" fill up sports radio talk shows all over the country. So, I talked with Hank in Miami, Mike in Portland, and, I even think, Billy Joe in Galveston. Anyone who wanted to hear my spin on why the Jaspers were worthy of an at-large bid got a piece of me at any hour of the day or night. I think it's called "spin." 

By Sunday, we were mentally drained and ready for the process to be over with. Our team gathered together in a dormitory lounge on campus. Because our situation was tenuous, we eschewed any formal tournament watching party. I did negotiate with a local TV station to allow them in the room with us. But, I made a deal with them that they could only show our reaction IF we got in. 

It was very quiet in the room as teams jumped up on the screen. No Manhattan College yet and the Buffalo wings were getting cold. Finally, when Andrea Joyce (we still remember you, Andrea) announced that "No.4 seeded Oklahoma would take on No.13 Manhattan in Memphis," it was the greatest feeling I experienced as a coach. The room went ballistic and uncertainly gave to euphoria. 

We caught a lot of heat, as did Bob Frederick and the NCAA Tournament committee, for our inclusion in the field. Various experts, including Billy Packer, thought it was ludicrous that we were selected over teams from the various "power conferences." (Air Force and UTEP are getting a little of that criticism this week.) It didn't matter because we were off to Memphis. 

And in case you've forgotten, Mr. Packer, my Jaspers knock off Oklahoma in the first round. I remember walking down to the opposing bench to shake hands after the game with Kelvin Sampson, who has since become a good friend, and catching a glimpse of Frederick sitting courtside and instinctively winked at him.  

At the postgame press conference, I remember saying, "I guess the committee wasn't quite as dumb as everyone thought." For a mid-major school, this was our One Shining Moment. 

The great thing about March Madness is that there are a thousand stories the next three weeks. There are teams that can win the whole thing and will be disappointed if they don't like Duke and UConn. There are teams that are here for the first time in forever like Alabama State and Air Force. There are teams that will come from nowhere to sneak into the Sweet 16 like maybe East Tennessee State and Nevada. 

But second-year head coach Gillispie has capped off one of the best turnarounds in college basketball history by taking UTEP that lost 24 games last season and making it a 24-game winner this season. The Miners came up short against Nevada, but their ticket to the tournament has been punched. 

And, to think, he only had to wait 24 hours to find out.  

ESPN.com  ESPN Plaza Bristol, CT 06010 http://espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/espn.com.html support@espn.go.com 

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OLD friend, new foe St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg,FL,USA ... ATLANTA - In one of his rare spare moments last week, Florida coach Billy Donovan took time out to watch Manhattan College in the MAAC tournament championship ... <http://www.sptimes.com/2004/03/15/Sports/Old_friend__new_foe.shtml> 

Old friend, new foe Fifth-seeded UF won't get much rest before opening Thursday vs. Manhattan, coached by friend of Billy Donovan's. By ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times Staff Writer Published March 15, 2004 

ATLANTA - In one of his rare spare moments last week, Florida coach Billy Donovan took time out to watch Manhattan College in the MAAC tournament championship game, trying to get a glimpse of the team coached by one of his good friends. 

Little did he know he could have used it as a scouting report. 

Despite its roller-coaster season, Florida rallied well enough in the final stretch to earn a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Gators play 12th-seeded Manhattan on Thursday in the first round in Raleigh, N.C. It is the Gators' sixth straight NCAA appearance. 

Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez, a former New York City high school coach, and Donovan are close friends, and Donovan said he has great respect for the job he has done. 

"Other than watching his team just out of interest last week, I'm going to obviously need to find out a lot more about his team, but I know they've had some very good teams the last couple of years," Donovan said. "This is their second year making the NCAA Tournament and they have a great, great scorer in Luis Flores." 

Flores is the Jaspers' leading scorer, averaging 24.1 points. He was the MAAC tournament MVP (47 points in two games) and has scored 2,000 in three seasons. 

Sunday's announcement was both exciting and troubling for Donovan. Though thrilled to be among the 65 teams selected, he had hoped to be chosen for a region that plays Friday. 

Since their March 7 game at Kentucky, the Gators have practiced or played six consecutive days, including games Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

"I've often said for anybody playing a Sunday afternoon game for a conference tournament championship, they should be awarded the right to play on Friday and Sunday," Donovan said. "It will be tough to turn around and play on Thursday and Saturday, and that's exactly what's happened. We've got a lot of recovering to do. We have played basically three games in 39 hours. It's been a physically grueling weekend for our guys and they've given everything they have, their heart and soul to try and compete in the SEC tournament. 

"But we've got an unbelievable challenge mentally, physically and emotionally to turn around and play on a Thursday, but we're going to try to do the best job we can." Although CBS commentators chose Florida as a prime "upset" candidate Thursday, ESPN analysts Dick Vitale and Digger Phelps said the Gators should survive the first round. 

"Anthony Roberson can flat-out play, and I love Matt Walsh, but he can't go (1-for-15) the way he did against Alabama," Phelps said during a Sunday night telecast. "But I think the key has got to be David Lee inside. He's got to find a way to establish points in the paint and be a lot tougher than he is. He doesn't take it to the rim that much, but in this first game against Manhattan, they will not get challenged inside like they would against a (team like) Kentucky. The up and down game favors Florida." 

Florida won't know until at least today whether Walsh can play. He has tendinitis and a bruised bone in his right foot and a torn callous that left a gaping hole in the foot after Sunday's game. 

The Florida players said they know they're considered underdogs. 

"We've got a battle ahead of us and we've got to stick together and fight it out," said Roberson, the team's leading scorer. "We'll be ready. We've beaten the odds to get as far as we got (Sunday). We were picked to lose in the first round of the SEC tournament. We're going to beat the odds again. 

"A lot of people are going to say Florida is going to do the same thing we did last year (lose in the first round), and we know the odds are going to be against us. We all have that in our mind, I have it in my mind. We've got a lot to prove." 

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GONZALEZ in demand Press & Sun-Bulletin - Binghamton,NY,USA He has earned a chance to leave his bracket-busting Camelot at Manhattan College for the social circles traveled by his basketball uncles, Rick Pitino and Pete ... <http://www.pressconnects.com/today/sports/stories/sp031604s75401.shtml> 

Gonzalez in demand Tier native deserves a big-time coaching job BY IAN O'CONNOR Commentary   

Win or lose against Florida, Bobby Gonzalez is ready for the big time.  

He has earned a chance to leave his bracket-busting Camelot at Manhattan College for the social circles traveled by his basketball uncles, Rick Pitino and Pete Gillen, even if he cannot do to the Florida Gators what Fran Fraschilla once did to the Oklahoma Sooners.  

Gonzalez, a member of Binghamton North High School's Class of '81, wasn't ready last year because his persona was larger than his body of work. Now his substance has caught up to his style. Gonzalez still talks and walks at light speed, still wears his extra-large ambitions on his sleeve. But his record will speak for itself no matter what happens Thursday afternoon in Raleigh, N.C., where the 12th-seeded Jaspers will play the fifth-seeded Gators with so many people seeing the court as a stage for a coach on the come.  

Only Gonzalez has already arrived. His team plays defense, practices hard, and wins a lot of games. Gonzalez has gone from 20-9 to 23-6 to 24-5. He's gone 6-0 against a tough-minded Niagara team across the last two seasons, and he's won back-to-back MAAC tournaments when Manhattan had everything to gain and yet so much more to lose.  

"Bobby's a much better coach than people give him credit for," Fraschilla said. "People need to look past Bobby's energy and flashiness. The most pressure in college basketball is coaching in a mid- or low-major league with an automatic bid on the line, where every possession is critical and the teams in the conference know you so well. The pressure of that is absolutely excruciating, and Bobby's survived it two straight years. That's a phenomenal feat."  

At Manhattan, Fraschilla could only win one MAAC tournament in a row. Steve Lappas didn't win any. Gonzalez has done things at Manhattan no coach has ever done. For that, he deserves serious consideration at St. John's, the kind he's not about to get.  

St. John's doesn't like its track record with Manhattan coaches -- even if Fraschilla returned the Red Storm to the NCAA tournament -- and by holding something so irrelevant against Gonzalez, university president Father Donald J. Harrington and his minions are only proving how unqualifed they are to make this choice.  

Chances are, Gonzalez will get his crack at Providence (if Tim Welsh goes to St. John's). Pitino is a not-so-false god at Providence -- he took the Friars to the Final Four -- and has a great deal of influence there.  

But Gonzalez shouldn't need Pitino's clout anymore, even as the Louisville coach spends more time campaigning for Gonzalez than he does scouting his first-round opponent, Xavier.  

"It's a huge compliment that Rick does that," Gonzalez said by phone. "Rick's name was floated for the St. John's job, and he basically said, 'I'm not interested, but here's the coach I'm endorsing.' People may not believe this, but I didn't call Rick Pitino and say, 'Coach, will you fight for me?' I didn't call Sonny Vaccaro and say, 'Sonny, can you push for me?' They just believe that I can get it done wherever I go, and that's the ultimate compliment."  

Gonzalez was bothered by a recent USA TODAY story headlined, "Gonzalez would listen to St. John's." The Manhattan coach remains sensitive to the perception that he's forever obsessing over his next step up the Division I ladder. He's just not as sensitive about it as he used to be. 

 "I've grown up a lot about that stuff," Gonzalez said. "Last year, I didn't know how to handle it. When we played Syracuse in the tournament, nobody expected me to come back. I knew I wasn't running around just worrying about my next job, but I don't get offended anymore. (Reporters) have a job to do and those questions have to be asked.  

"Pete Gillen used to tell me, 'The best job is the one you have; keep winning and you'll have choices.' Rick used to say, 'Chase winning. Don't chase money or a better job.' You never say never, and if a special situation comes along you have to look at it. But I don't feel like I have to get out now. I think I can return to Manhattan and we can win it again."  

Truth is, Gillen and Pitino have done their fair share of job hopping and money grabbing, meaning Gonzalez should feel free to pursue a bigger gym, a bigger conference and a bigger wage. Just like Fraschilla and Lappas did at Manhattan. Just like Welsh did at Iona, and Paul Hewitt did at Siena.  

But last March, when he played the Syracuse Orangemen about as tough as anyone would play them in the tournament, Gonzalez did his cause no favors by embracing a sideline demeanor that would make others look tame.  

"I know there's a certain perception of a guy who's jumping around a lot," Gonzalez said, "and so I think I've gotten better. I didn't do too good of a job in the (MAAC) championship game against Niagara, but I've heard from athletic directors and refs who've said I've improved by staying in the box and not jumping on officials as much."  

Gonzalez is about to hear from athletic directors whose programs expect to be seeded fifth, not 12th. Dick Vitale was on ESPN Sunday night shouting that Gonzalez was a "rising star" who would make for the "perfect hire" at St. John's.  

Gonzalez can beat Florida by 30 and he won't get the St. John's job. That's the bad news.  

The good news? The Manhattan coach doesn't need Dickie V. or Ricky P. or anyone else calling in favors on his behalf. Gonzalez has a record that speaks for itself, and you can hear it loud and clear above the March Madness din.  

O'Connor is a columnist for The Journal News in Westchester.  

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BRACKETS for men and women's NCAA Tournament unveiled News 12 The Bronx - The Bronx,NY,USA In men's hoops, Manhattan College, the only NYC team to make it to the big dance, will play Florida in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament. ... <http://www.news12.com/BX/topstories/article?id=103220> 

Brackets for men and women's NCAA Tournament unveiled    

(03/15/04) THE BRONX - It's that time of the year again as March Madness action is set to begin later this week.  

In men's hoops, Manhattan College, the only NYC team to make it to the big dance, will play Florida in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament. That game is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The 12th seed Jaspers are going to try and upset the 5th seeded Gators in that game. 

In the women's tournament, UCONN will play Penn in the East Region. In the Midwest region, Old Dominion will take on Marquette. And in the west region, Villanova plays Mississippi, and Temple will go up against TCU. 

Share your views   http://forum.news12.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=news12bx 

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THE Bronx bombers Newsday - Long Island,NY,USA ... candle. Up in the Bronx, Manhattan College, tucked away next to the mansions in Riverdale, is the only school that gets it. Bobby ... <http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/ny-spppow0316,0,7336727.column ?coll=ny-sports-columnists> 

The Bronx bombers Shaun Powell                 

March 16, 2004 

Imagine if they held a beach volleyball national tournament and all the sun-tanned California schools had sand kicked in their faces. 

It could be worse. Florida, for example, would never recover from its shame if none of the state schools received a bowl invitation. Could the NCAA actually hold a wrestling championship without anyone representing the Midwest? There would be an investigation if none of the Ivies could bluster their way into a debate tournament. Why even hold a marching band battle without Stanford or Florida A&M? 

Now you have a better understanding of the image crisis that confronts the supposed basketball mecca of the planet. Not only will the NCAA Tournament dribble forward without much help from New York, but you wonder if the area's reputation can survive many more repeated hits. 

Apparently, we can build basketball courts, create basketball players and feed the perception that we're the center of the basketball universe. But with regard to the biggest basketball event of the year, here's the truth: New York might as well be New Hampshire. 

Thankfully, when it comes to basketball in this part of the world, someone is still holding a flickering candle. Up in the Bronx, Manhattan College, tucked away next to the mansions in Riverdale, is the only school that gets it. 

Bobby Gonzalez is still nurturing a winning program he built almost from the ashes. Luis Flores took the clever moves and shooting touch he learned on the cracked pavement in Washington Heights and made himself into a college player who demands respect. 

There will be one team worth rooting for, in the provincial sense, when the NCAA tourney begins Thursday. 

"I guess this means," Manhattan College guard Jason Wingate said, "we're the kings of New York." 

While Fordham, St. John's, Hofstra and the others are searching for answers, the Jaspers are busy trying to figure out how to beat Florida in the first round. They've won at least 20 games for the third straight time in five years under Gonzalez and will get another crack at the tourney. 

They had the misfortune of meeting Syracuse, the eventual national champ, in the first round last year but hardly embarrassed themselves. In fact, the most satisfying sight for Manhattan in that game was an angry Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim turning red well into the second half. 

"The driving force to get us back into the tournament was the fact we got a taste of it last year and we liked it," Gonzalez said. 

Manhattan is also going to the tourney with home-grown players. That, said Gonzalez, creates plenty of pride for him and the program, and it can only help a small mid-major school in recruiting. 

Among the regulars: Flores is their leading scorer and a two-time Metro Atlantic MVP. Wingate is from Harlem and shares the point guard duties. Peter Mulligan, a former star at St. Raymond's, developed into a dependable secondary option the last few months. 

Wingate and Mulligan preferred to play away from home once they left high school but ended up at Manhattan, for different reasons. That seems to be the current trend among city kids. 

"The top players like Sebastian Telfair are going to consider Duke and Kentucky and the rest," Gonzalez said of the star Lincoln point guard, who said he'll play at Louisville if he doesn't turn pro. "I'm just surprised the middle players have left. You'll get the top three players leaving but the next four usually stick around. That's what I think college basketball in New York is missing right now, those four through 10 guys." 

Getting Flores to stay home was the foundation Gonzalez needed for his program, and for the moment, anyway, Manhattan is the only solid college program in the area. 

"I'm a little surprised about the others," Gonzalez said. "I can only speak for us. Momentum is a big part of it. We got the right players and worked them and built them. We caught fire and kind of evolved." 

The test for Manhattan will come after its next defeat, which will be the last for Flores, a senior. We'll see if Gonzalez built enough credibility for himself and the Jaspers to keep the program running smoothly. 

Still, there's no denying what's happening at the moment, and what isn't. Manhattan is playing and the others aren't. The heartbeat of basketball, in an area that cares deeply about it, is confined to a small school in the Bronx. 

How symbolic is this: On the left arm of Mulligan is a tattoo bearing the city skyline, a basketball and a crown. Mulligan had it made when he was named Mr. Basketball in high school. 

"The king of New York," he explained. 

From a college basketball standpoint, all the Jaspers know the feeling.  

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MANHATTAN Jaspers head out to play in NCAA Men ' s Basketball ...  News 12 The Bronx - The Bronx,NY,USA (03/16/04) RIVERDALE - The Manhattan College Men's Basketball team left Tuesday for their first-round NCAA tournament game. The ... <http://www.news12.com/BX/topstories/article?id=103326> 

Manhattan Jaspers head out to play in NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament   

   Play the video (03/16/04) RIVERDALE - The Manhattan College Men's Basketball team left Tuesday for their first-round NCAA tournament game. 

The Manhattan Jaspers are the 12th-seeded team in the East Rutherford Region of the 2004 NCAA tournament. The Jaspers will play the 5th-seeded Florida Gators on Thursday afternoon in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

The Manhattan Jaspers are led by two local players, Jason Wingate and Peter Mulligan. Wingate, the starting point guard, won a championship while a senior at Rice High School. Mulligan, who finished third on the Jaspers in scoring and rebounding this season, won a state title while playing for St. Ray's.  

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UNKNOWN Flores flourishes for Jaspers Palm Beach Post - Palm Beach,FL,USA GAINESVILLE -- Manhattan College senior Luis Flores arrived to the United States in 1989 knowing very little English and even less about the game of basketball ... <http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/auto/epaper/editions/wednes day/sports_04755d818137517e00db.html> 

Unknown Flores flourishes for Jaspers By Edgar Thompson, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Wednesday, March 17, 2004 

GAINESVILLE -- Manhattan College senior Luis Flores arrived to the United States in 1989 knowing very little English and even less about the game of basketball. 

Florida coach Billy Donovan and his players will be learning all they can about the Manhattan shooting guard before the teams play at 12:20 p.m. Thursday in Raleigh, N.C., during the first round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Flores is the main reason many pundits are picking the small Catholic school to keep the Southeastern Conference power from advancing to the second round. 

"Flores is one of those guys who's as good as anyone in the country, but people haven't heard of him," said Donovan, who didn't become a household name himself until he led Providence to the 1987 Final Four. "He's just a special player because of his ability to score." 

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Flores ranks fifth nationally with a 24.1 scoring average, which is second to Vermont's Taylor Coopenrath (24.8) among players in the NCAA Tournament. 

Flores, who grew up in New York City, has averaged 20 points or more for three consecutive season since transferring from Rutgers. He is Manhattan's all-time leading scorer with 2,000 points. 

"No matter what conference you're in, if you're averaging 20 over the last three years at the D-I level, you're a pretty good player," UF sophomore Matt Walsh said. 

Flores, who turns 23 on April 11, also knows how to win. 

Led by Flores, Manhattan (24-5) won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference -- and its automatic berth into the NCAAs -- for the second season in a row for the first time in school history. 

"Luis gives you a chance every night," Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez told USA Today. "You know you are going to get 20-25 points on the board from someone, and from a coaching standpoint, that's very important." 

Flores is doing many of the right things from an NBA scouting standpoint, too. He possesses a nice shooting touch, good range (119 three-pointers as a junior and senior) and a knack for getting to the free-throw line, where he's shooting a combined 88.6 percent (420-for-474) the past two seasons. 

Flores, who came with his grandparents to New York from the Dominican Republic when he was 8, never expected a chance to play basketball professionally. Growing up, he played baseball before he began playing basketball on the blacktop courts of Washington Heights. 

"I lived out more than I ever felt I would accomplish," Flores told USA Today. 

Now, he would like to live one more dream before leaving college. It's no surprise Flores has little fear of Florida (20-10). 

"I think we have a pretty good chance if we do what we do," he said. 

edgar_thompson@pbpost.com 

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RISING Stars Montreal Gazette - Montreal,Quebec,Canada ... 8, 235-pound forward from Montreal scored a game-high 26 points, but it wasn't enough as the Niagara University Purple Eagles lost 62-61 to Manhattan College ... <http://www.canada.com/montreal/specials/athlete/story.html?id=4836EA3C- 8D83-4E65-A613-93CBA94C6FEC> 

Rising Stars The Gazette   Wednesday, March 17, 2004 

<extraneous deleted>    

Basketball 

Juan Mendez 

The 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward from Montreal scored a game-high 26 points, but it wasn't enough as the Niagara University Purple Eagles lost 62-61 to Manhattan College in the final of the HSBC Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship this month in Albany, N.Y. It was the 16th 20-plus point game of the season for Mendez, who added 12 rebounds for his 11th double-double of the year. The Purple Eagles bring a 21-9 record into this week's National Invitational Tournament. 

<extraneous deleted>     

If you know of an amateur athlete who deserves to be recognized as a Rising Star, please let us know. E-mail sports editor Stu Cowan at scowan@thegazette.canwest.com or by mail: 1010 Ste. Catherine St. W., Suite 200, Montreal, H3B 5L1. 

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Copyright 2004 Cox Enterprises, Inc.   Cox News Service   March 16, 2004 Tuesday   SECTION: Sports   LENGTH: 462 words   HEADLINE: Unknown Flores flourishes for Jaspers   BYLINE: EDGAR THOMPSON   DATELINE: GAINESVILLE, Fla

Manhattan College senior Luis Flores arrived to the United States in 1989 knowing very little English and even less about the game of basketball.   These days, word is spreading about Flores.   Florida coach Billy Donovan and his players will be learning all they can about the Manhattan shooting guard before the teams play at 12:20 p.m. Thursday in Raleigh, N.C., during the first round of the NCAA Tournament.    Flores is the main reason many pundits are picking the small Catholic school to keep the Southeastern Conference power from advancing to the second round.   "Flores is one of those guys who's as good as anyone in the country, but people haven't heard of him," said Donovan, who didn't become a household name himself until he led Providence to the 1987 Final Four. "He's just a special player because of his ability to score."   The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Flores ranks fifth nationally with a 24.1 scoring average, which is second to Vermont's Taylor Coopenrath (24.8) among players in the NCAA Tournament.   Flores, who grew up in New York City, has averaged 20 points or more for three consecutive season since transferring from Rutgers. He is Manhattan's all-time leading scorer with 2,000 points.   "No matter what conference you're in, if you're averaging 20 over the last three years at the D-I level, you're a pretty good player," UF sophomore Matt Walsh said.   Flores, who turns 23 on April 11, also knows how to win.   Led by Flores, Manhattan (24-5) won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference _ and its automatic berth into the NCAAs _ for the second season in a row for the first time in school history.   "Luis gives you a chance every night," Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez told USA Today. "You know you are going to get 20-25 points on the board from someone, and from a coaching standpoint, that's very important."   Flores is doing many of the right things from an NBA scouting standpoint, too. He possesses a nice shooting touch, good range (119 three-pointers as a junior and senior) and a knack for getting to the free-throw line, where he's shooting a combined 88.6 percent (420-for-474) the past two seasons.   Flores, who came with his grandparents to New York from the Dominican Republic when he was 8, never expected a chance to play basketball professionally. Growing up, he played baseball before he began playing basketball on the blacktop courts of Washington Heights.   "I lived out more than I ever felt I would accomplish," Flores told USA Today.   Now, he would like to live one more dream before leaving college. It's no surprise Flores has little fear of Florida (20-10).   "I think we have a pretty good chance if we do what we do," he said.   Edgar Thompson writes for the Palm Beach Post. E-mail: edgar_thompson(at)pbpost.com   LOAD-DATE: March 17, 2004

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Copyright 2004 Daily News, L.P.  Daily News (New York)   March 16, 2004 Tuesday  SPORTS FINAL EDITION   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. 76   LENGTH: 486 words   HEADLINE: MANHATTAN IS IN TO WIN ALL BUSINESS ON RETURN TRIP   BYLINE: By SEAN BRENNAN DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER   BODY:   

Jason Wingate has one. So does Peter Mulligan and Mike Konovelchick.   Jason Benton has a pair of them and Kenny Minor, Manhattan's mercurial 5-8 guard, accumulated three during his high school career in Baltimore.    They are championships.   Rings, banners, hardware - symbols of excellence. The Manhattan roster is loaded with players who know success.   "A lot of us are used to winning," said Mulligan, the Jaspers' junior swingman. "It's a good thing to be used to."   Especially this time of year when 65 teams, especially those of the mid-major variety like Manhattan, are looking for their next great moment when the NCAA Tournament tips off Thursday.   "Having the success we had before coming here really does help," said Konovelchick, a two-time New Hampshire Player of the Year. "That's what I like about this team. We're all winners. We all know what it takes to win."   Last year, when the Jaspers (24-5) entered the tournament as a 14 seed and faced eventual national champion Syracuse in their opener, it was more a feeling of awe than one of belonging.   "Last year everyone was looking at us as maybe we could be a Cinderella team," said Wingate, whose Rice team captured New York City's CHSAA crown in 2002. "It was (Manhattan's) first time there since 1995 and we were just hoping to stay around a little while. But this year we know what it takes. We've been there before and we'll be hungrier this time."   When the Jaspers take the court at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday at 12:20 p.m., they will stare across the court at Florida's Matt Walsh, Anthony Roberson and David Lee. That is about as formidable a scoring trio as there is in the tournament. But Mulligan, who will be making his first tournament appearance for the Jaspers, says they will treat the Gators (20-10) as just another opponent.   "We're a good team. We're quick, we force turnovers, play great defense and we make our foul shots," said Mulligan, who was named New York State's Mr. Basketball following his senior year at St. Raymond's HS in the Bronx. "We can play with a lot of teams and we're not afraid to play anybody."   This year it will not be enough for the Jaspers just to play well. They say they are more focused on the task at hand and not the hoopla.   "This is more like a business trip this time," said Jaspers forward Dave Holmes, whose Oak Hill Academy team finished No. 2 in the country his senior year. "People will know that when you play us, it's going to be a tough 40-minute game."   Beginning Thursday, the Jaspers will be looking to equal or better Manhattan's 1995 team that upset Oklahoma in the first round before losing to Arizona State. They are determined to make their stay in Raleigh, and the tournament, an extended one.   "We have a bunch of winners on this team," said Minor, who won three state championships with Dunbar HS in Baltimore. "We want to show people in the tournament that we didn't go 24-5 for no reason."   GRAPHIC: ANGEL CHEVRESTT HUNGRY FOR MORE Manhattan guard Jason Wingate knows Jaspers are ready to improve on last year's NCAA showing.   LOAD-DATE: March 16, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 News & Record (Greensboro, NC)   News & Record (Greensboro, NC)   March 16, 2004 Tuesday ALL EDITIONS   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. C1   LENGTH: 2226 words   HEADLINE: 65 QUESTIONS; ABOUT THE NCAA TOURNAMENT   BYLINE: By Rob Daniels Staff Writer  

<extraneous deleted>

Q 30: Got any good upset picks to offer other than Manhattan over Florida?   A 30: Not many. The Pod System has screwed it up again. In another era, we might like East Tennessee State over Cincinnati, but the game's in Columbus, Ohio. Ditto on Richmond over Wisconsin, a contest to be played in Milwaukee. Numerically speaking, a slight upset is No. 10 Nevada over No. 7 Michigan State.   

<extraneous deleted>

LOAD-DATE: March 16, 2004 

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Newsday (New York)   March 16, 2004 Tuesday  ALL EDITIONS   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. A82   LENGTH: 769 words   HEADLINE: The Bronx bombers;  Gonzalez, Jaspers again carry torch as only representative of the city game in upcoming tourney   BYLINE: SHAUN POWELL   BODY:   

Imagine if they held a beach volleyball national tournament and all the sun- tanned California schools had sand kicked in their faces.   It could be worse. Florida, for example, would never recover from its shame if none of the state schools received a bowl invitation. Could the NCAA actually hold a wrestling championship without anyone representing the Midwest? There would be an investigation if none of the Ivies could bluster their way into a debate tournament. Why even hold a marching band battle without Stanford or Florida A&M?    Now you have a better understanding of the image crisis that confronts the supposed basketball mecca of the planet. Not only will the NCAA Tournament dribble forward without much help from New York, but you wonder if the area's reputation can survive many more repeated hits.   Apparently, we can build basketball courts, create basketball players and feed the perception that we're the center of the basketball universe. But with regard to the biggest basketball event of the year, here's the truth: New York might as well be New Hampshire.   Thankfully, when it comes to basketball in this part of the world, someone is still holding a flickering candle. Up in the Bronx, Manhattan College, tucked away next to the mansions in Riverdale, is the only school that gets it.   Bobby Gonzalez is still nurturing a winning program he built almost from the ashes. Luis Flores took the clever moves and shooting touch he learned on the cracked pavement in Washington Heights and made himself into a college player who demands respect.   There will be one team worth rooting for, in the provincial sense, when the NCAA tourney begins Thursday.   "I guess this means," Manhattan College guard Jason Wingate said, "we're the kings of New York."   While Fordham, St. John's, Hofstra and the others are searching for answers, the Jaspers are busy trying to figure out how to beat Florida in the first round. They've won at least 20 games for the third straight time in five years under Gonzalez and will get another crack at the tourney.   They had the misfortune of meeting Syracuse, the eventual national champ, in the first round last year but hardly embarrassed themselves. In fact, the most satisfying sight for Manhattan in that game was an angry Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim turning red well into the second half.   "The driving force to get us back into the tournament was the fact we got a taste of it last year and we liked it," Gonzalez said.   Manhattan is also going to the tourney with home-grown players. That, said Gonzalez, creates plenty of pride for him and the program, and it can only help a small mid-major school in recruiting.   Among the regulars: Flores is their leading scorer and a two-time Metro Atlantic MVP. Wingate is from Harlem and shares the point guard duties. Peter Mulligan, a former star at St. Raymond's, developed into a dependable secondary option the last few months.   Wingate and Mulligan preferred to play away from home once they left high school but ended up at Manhattan, for different reasons. That seems to be the current trend among city kids.   "The top players like Sebastian Telfair are going to consider Duke and Kentucky and the rest," Gonzalez said of the star Lincoln point guard, who said he'll play at Louisville if he doesn't turn pro. "I'm just surprised the middle players have left. You'll get the top three players leaving but the next four usually stick around. That's what I think college basketball in New York is missing right now, those four through 10 guys."   Getting Flores to stay home was the foundation Gonzalez needed for his program, and for the moment, anyway, Manhattan is the only solid college program in the area.   "I'm a little surprised about the others," Gonzalez said. "I can only speak for us. Momentum is a big part of it. We got the right players and worked them and built them. We caught fire and kind of evolved."   The test for Manhattan will come after its next defeat, which will be the last for Flores, a senior. We'll see if Gonzalez built enough credibility for himself and the Jaspers to keep the program running smoothly.   Still, there's no denying what's happening at the moment, and what isn't. Manhattan is playing and the others aren't. The heartbeat of basketball, in an area that cares deeply about it, is confined to a small school in the Bronx.   How symbolic is this: On the left arm of Mulligan is a tattoo bearing the city skyline, a basketball and a crown. Mulligan had it made when he was named Mr. Basketball in high school.   "The king of New York," he explained.   From a college basketball standpoint, all the Jaspers know the feeling.   GRAPHIC: 1) Photo by Errol Anderson - THAT'S US! Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez and his players react at ESPN Zone after team is announced on Selection Sunday. 2) AP FILE PHOTO - COACH BOBBY GONZALEZ has sold Manhattan to city kids and his Jaspers will represent NYC in the NCAA Tournament again. (BACK COVER PHOTO)   LOAD-DATE: March 16, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 Philadelphia Daily News  All Rights Reserved     Philadelphia Daily News   March 16, 2004 Tuesday 4STAR EDITION   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. 75   LENGTH: 933 words   HEADLINE: Rich Hofmann / Alphabet full of Madness   BODY: ON A DAY when AI and TO are in the news again, alphabetical reminders about what we don't like about pro sports, it is time again for the NCAA Tournament, from A to Z.   A is for arrogance, which is   Billy Packer's middle name. Everybody get this straight now: You get seeded in this thing based upon actual, tangible accomplishments, not theoretical ability. That's why St. Joe's is on the top line of the bracket, and that's why St. Joe's deserves to be on the top line of the bracket.   B is for backdoor cuts, which are guaranteed to be diagrammed in both Denver newspapers in the next few days, seeing as how both Princeton and Air Force - coached by former Tigers assistant Joe Scott - play there on Thursday.    C is for coaches' sons who have followed their fathers into this tournament: Jeff Capel III at Virginia Commonwealth, John Thompson III at Princeton, and Murry Bartow at East Tennessee State.   D is for the dunce who insisted on removing East, West, South and Midwest from the regional bracket designations and inserting the city names instead. Why? If you're going to do that, you might as well go all the way. Next year: Patrick, Norris, Adams and Smythe.   E is for Emeka Okafor, of Connecticut, the great junior big man who almost no one in the tournament has anymore. If his back is OK - and if teammate Ben Gordon is in place - the Huskies should win this thing.   F is for the No. 5 seeds: Providence, Syracuse, Florida and Illinois. At least one of them will go down - a five almost always does.   G is for good first-round upset picks: No. 10 Louisville over No. 7 Xavier; No. 10 South Carolina over No. 7 Memphis; No. 11 Western Michigan over No. 6 Vanderbilt; No. 12 Manhattan over No. 5 Florida; and No. 13 Illinois-Chicago over No. 4 Kansas. No guarantees, of course - and all complaints go to the Complaint Department.   H is for the Hawks, for whom there is this fervent hope: that they can ignore the doubters and the Packers and just play; and that when it is all over, however it ends, they can remember the ride.   I is for interim, which is the tag carried by Utah coach Kerry Rupp (who replaced Rick Majerus last month after Majerus retired for health reasons). But Rupp can take heart: another interim coach, Steve Fisher, once took Michigan to the Final Four.   J is for J.J. Redick, the Duke guard you absolutely, positively don't want to foul at the end   of a close game, seeing as how he missed only six free throws all season (130-for-136, 95.6 percent).   K is for Bob Knight, the Texas Tech coach who is shuffling off to Buffalo again. The last time   he played there, in 2000, marked the last game he coached for Indiana, a first-round NCAA loss to Pepperdine that occurred in the same week that former Hoosier Neil Reed accused Knight of choking him.   L is for lowly No. 16 seeds, who still have never won a game (0-76).   M is for the Manhattan Jaspers. Three things you need to know: that Manhattan College is actually in the Bronx; that the Jaspers are named after Brother Jasper, the man who supposedly invented the seventh-inning stretch, and that Luis Flores (24.1 points a game) is the leading scorer in the tournament. Florida, beware.   N is for Northern Iowa, which might be the first tournament school whose athletic director is an active referee (Rick Hartzell). So he won't be working any NIU games in the tournament, just as another elite official, Ed Hightower, won't be working any Southern Illinois games, seeing as how he is on the school's Board of Trustees.   O is for the odds on this puppy, courtesy of the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas. It makes Kentucky a 3-1 favorite, followed by UConn and Duke at 7-2, Oklahoma State at 5-1, Stanford and Pitt at 8-1 and St. Joe's at 10-1. Neither the Hawks nor Stanford is favored to win their regions.   P is for parity. Of last year's   Final Four, Texas is a No. 3 seed, Kansas is a No. 4, Syracuse a No. 5, and Marquette is in the NIT.   Q is for this quiz: Without peeking, who is Kirk Speraw, who does he coach, what is his team's nickname and what   conference do they play in?   R is for Western Michigan's Ben Reed, the most accurate three-point shooter in the tournament, at 46.6 percent.   S is for screwed, which is what Pittsburgh got. Playing Wisconsin at Milwaukee in the second round? Come on.   T is for twins - Ronell and Donell Taylor, who both come off the bench for UAB. It is said that the best way to tell them apart is that Ronell wears two pairs of socks and Donell wears one.   U is for the University of Central Florida Golden Knights of the Atlantic Sun Conference, which is the team Kirk Speraw has coached for the last 11 seasons.   V is for Valparaiso, whose presence in the field makes it the only school from Indiana in the tournament, which ought to be impossible.   W is for the Wisconsin Badgers, who had two 20-win regular seasons between 1898 and Bo Ryan, and who have had two more in the last 2 years under the man from Chester.   X is for Xavier University or Xavier Oliver, of Alabama State; some years are easier than others.   Y is for you-gotta-be-kidding-me-with-this-Florida A & M-again. Twice the Rattlers have been to the tournament, 12-18 in 1999 and 14-16 this season. Enough already.   Z is for Zakee Wadood Jr., of East Tennessee State. Growing up, Wadood's father - Zakee Wadood Sr. - went to prison on a drug conviction, and the son had to carry the burden of   sharing that name. Now, he's on track to graduate with a business degree and scores nearly 15 points a game for a 27-win team. Nice story. Nice time of the year.   Send e-mail to hofmanr@phillynews.com   LOAD-DATE: March 16, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 Daily News, L.P.  Daily News (New York)   March 15, 2004 Monday  SPORTS FINAL EDITION   SECTION: SPECIAL; Pg. 5   LENGTH: 505 words   HEADLINE: JASPERS JUMP AT GATOR BAIT   BYLINE: By SEAN BRENNAN DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER   BODY:   

They sat in front of the television in the Skybox at the ESPN Zone in Times Square last night, a Manhattan Jaspers team decked out in brand new threads - new white sweat suits, green and white T-shirts spelling out 2003-2004 MAAC champions and green hats also giving claim to the Jaspers' title this season.   There were even gaudy new rings, with a big gleaming "M" in the middle, a testament to last year's MAAC championship.   "We just got them (yesterday) morning," Manhattan guard Kenny Minor said, modeling his new jewelry.    Yes, the Jaspers were ready - head to toe - to see where the NCAA selection committee would send them. Then came a technical glitch, and instead of the one-team-at-a-time tease CBS uses to reveal the matchups, an entire bracket flashed on the screen, and only Manhattan's Peter Mulligan saw what others soon noticed.   "We got Florida," Mulligan said from his spot on the big leather couch.   And just like that, the MAAC-champion Jaspers, the 12th seed in the East Rutherford Regional, were headed to Raleigh, N.C., to face No. 5 Florida on Thursday in a first-round matchup.   "They took a little wind out of finding out who we were going to play," Manhattan's Dave Holmes said of the TV slip. "But I think Florida is a good matchup for us. They like to go up and down the court just like we do. They're a very talented team but so are we. I think it could be a great game."   Billy Donavan's Gators (20-10) were, at one time this season, the nation's No. 1 team. But that little factoid didn't seem to faze the 24-5 Jaspers as they reveled in a second straight tournament appearance last night.   "Florida is a great team but there are a lot of great teams in the tournament or they wouldn't be playing in the first place," Jaspers senior center Jason Benton said. "They're a bigger team that us but we can run with them. We're a talented team, too."   As they entered the tournament last season, drawing eventual national champion Syracuse in the first round as a 14 seed, the Jaspers had the look of a team that was just happy to be in the tournament. It was, after all, Manhattan's first tournament invite since the 1995 season when it went in as an at-large bid and upset Oklahoma in a first-round game.   But this year the Jaspers have no intention, they say, of being caught up the bright lights and the big stage, SEC opponent or not.   "This year it's more like a business trip," Holmes said. "Guys will be more focused this time. It's all about getting wins now. That's what we're going there for."   If Manhattan does get by Florida, the Jaspers would face the winner of Wake Forest-Virginia Commonwealth on Saturday.   Benton, something of a bracket aficionado, was working the crowded room, regaling those in attendance with the fact that the 5-12 game, which Manhattan is playing in, has had its share of surprises. While he wouldn't guarantee a Manhattan victory, he didn't rule one out, either.   "Statistics show that the 5-12 game is a game with a lot of upsets in past years," Benton said. "We hope to be one this year."   GRAPHIC: COREY SIPKIN DAILY NEWS SNEAK PEEK Dave Holmes (l.) congratulates teammate Luis Flores as Manhattan learns, somewhat prematurely, it will play Florida in first round of tourney.   LOAD-DATE: March 15, 2004 

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The New York Post   March 15, 2004 Monday   SECTION: All Editions; Pg. 93   LENGTH: 509 words   HEADLINE: FLORES, JASPERS GO GATOR HUNTING   BYLINE: Steve Serby    BODY:   

He grew up on 183rd Street in Washington Heights, on the very block where Alex Rodriguez was born, and if you needed to find Luis Flores in the summertime, you looked on the outside court on 185th and Broadway.    The lessons Flores learned playing The City Game there were never forgotten.    "Never to back down to anybody or anything or any type of situation," Flores said. "Coming up, they would not allow you, when you were young, to play with the so-called big boys. I wanted to always step on the court with the big boys and big fellas, but I wasn't given the opportunity. So one day one kid got hurt and no one took me out of the court from that day on."    And yet, Flores plays at Manhattan College and thus remains one of the best-guarded secrets of March Madness, even after setting the school record with 2000 career points.    "I think nationally, across the country," Jaspers coach Bobby Gonzalez was saying last night, "most people still don't really know who he is; maybe they just see his name, that he's a fourth-leading scorer in the country, he's some kid that plays at Manhattan that can score the ball. But I don't know if they know how special he is. So he's still somewhat of a secret to the rest of the nation."    But come Thursday in Raleigh, Flores and the 12th-seeded Jaspers get one last chance against Billy Donovan and the No. 5 Florida Gators in the East Rutherford regional to shock the college basketball world and land on Dick Vitale's map.    Flores was eight years old when he left the Dominican Republic to live with his beloved grandmother Juanita. During his junior year at Norman Thomas High School, Flores once asked coach Keith Griffin to conduct 6 a.m. practices because his teammates complained that the three-hour afternoon practices were too late. No surprise to Gonzalez.    "We came back from the [Wisconsin]-Milwaukee game, and I gave the guys off the day we traveled, and that night I went back to the office about 10:30 at night to pick up a film, and he was in the gym in a dead sweat with a friend of his . . . the lights were barely on, and he was just working on his game," Gonzalez said.    Flores originally planned to attend Manhattan when Kevin Bannon and Rutgers called at the 11th hour. Flores soon grew frustrated sitting behind Todd Billet, and transferred.    "I'm very poised and patient and tend to pick my spots," the 6-2 senior said. "I try to be a leader by example."    A year ago the Jaspers gave Syracuse, the eventual national champion, fits in the first round. This time they are dreaming Sweet 16. "I'm greatly excited; it gives us a chance to play on the big stage," Flores said.    A-Rod, no doubt, will be rooting for him.    "My father [Pedro] used to play [baseball] with his father," Flores said. "I can't wait for him to come back to New York and get to meet him."    ----    MANHATTAN IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT    1956: Lost in First Round to Connecticut    1958: Lost in Regional Opener to Dartmouth    1993: Lost in First Round to Virginia    1995: Lost in Second Round to Arizona State    2003: Lost to Syracuse in First Round    GRAPHIC: Luis Flores [AP]    LOAD-DATE: March 15, 2004 

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Newsday (New York)   March 15, 2004 Monday  ALL EDITIONS   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. D20   LENGTH: 510 words   HEADLINE: On a Gator hunt;  No. 12 Jaspers enjoy their spotlight as they draw No. 5 Florida in first-round contest in Raleigh Thursday   BYLINE: BY JOHN BOELL. STAFF WRITER   BODY:   

Ah, the beauty of live television.   The Manhattan College men's basketball team, which has played about 10 regional broadcast games and one nationally televised game already this season, experienced a different kind of feeling while watching the NCAA Tournament Selection Show from the ESPN Zone in Times Square, last night.   After CBS went through the St. Louis Regional game by game and went to a commercial, the network came back to the East Rutherford, N.J., Regional. The tension continued to mount with each passing minute for more than 60 Manhattan players, coaches, administrators, families and friends who packed a private Skybox room.    As selection show host Greg Gumbel began to announce St. Joseph's as the top-seeded team in East Rutherford, instead Duke appeared on the screen. To cover its mistake, CBS quickly displayed the top portion of the regional bracket at 6:20 p.m. and, surprise, the Jaspers learned their fate.   "We got Florida," shouted junior forward Peter Mulligan, one of the first Jaspers to see the name of their next opponent.   Manhattan, seeded 12th, meets No. 5 Florida (20-10) in a first-round game in Raleigh, N.C., on Thursday. One minute later, CBS shot the Manhattan players and coach Bobby Gonzalez, still in full applause, as a live look-in.   "There wasn't much of a drum roll, it popped up so fast," sophomore point guard Jason Wingate said. "We're very excited to play Florida. They're fast-paced, just like us. I feel it should be a very good game." Wingate has one connection with the Gators, who lost to Kentucky, 89-73, yesterday in the SEC Tournament title game. The former Rice High standout played with Florida sophomore forward Matt Walsh at Nike Camp in Indianapolis during the summer between their sophomore and junior seasons of high school, and also played against Walsh in a few AAU tournaments.   But the personal relationships don't end there. Gonzalez is friends with Florida coach Billy Donovan, who grew up in Rockville Centre, L.I., and Donovan's father.   "We go to the [horse] track together," Gonzalez said. "It should be interesting."   The Jaspers (24-5) are making their second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament (losing to the eventual national champs, Syracuse, last season) and sixth appearance overall in program history, after holding off Niagara, 62-61, last Monday in Albany to win their second consecutive MAAC Tournament championship.   The week off was good for the Jaspers, who rested a bit before practicing three times during the week without knowing their first-round opponent.   "We didn't get into all that," senior shooting guard Luis Flores said. "We did our job, and we can't control anything that happens. Who we play and where we play, whatever we get, we deserve."   The Manhattan group enjoyed the evening: being on national TV, the catered meal, and the throng of media in attendance.   "This is what we worked for all year," said sophomore guard Kenny Minor, still sporting a swollen lip after receiving 15 stitches during the MAAC title game. "We just want to take this all in and get ready to play."   GRAPHIC: PHOTO BY ERROL ANDERSON - COACH Bobby Gonzalez enjoys the news at the ESPN Zone with the rest of the Jaspers.   LOAD-DATE: March 15, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 Philadelphia Inquirer  All Rights Reserved     Philadelphia Inquirer   March 15, 2004 Monday CITY-D EDITION   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. E02   LENGTH: 325 words   HEADLINE: Temple's Wilson wins his 1,000th; His Owls beat Manhattan, 10-9, for the baseball milestone.   BYLINE: By Mike Jensen; Inquirer Staff Writer   BODY: Temple baseball coach Skip Wilson got his guys together yesterday and said a few familiar words: "Great win - another day at the ballpark."   In his 43d year of coaching the sport at Temple, Wilson became the 29th Division I coach, and 14th active one, to win 1,000 games. It happened in dramatic fashion when Owls designated hitter Jason Adamek drove in teammate Jason Connor with a two-out hit off the left-field wall at Florida International University in Miami, giving Temple a 10-9 victory over Manhattan College.    "I'm just glad it's over," Wilson said. "The kids, they were pressing."   The Owls had lost a game in the ninth inning the day before.   "They were thinking about the 1,000 wins more than me," Wilson said. "I told them, 'Look, fellas, it's going to come. If it takes to May, we'll get it. Just relax and play ball.' "   "All the kids were congratulating him," said Owls assistant coach John McArdle. "He was very kind of low-key. Coaching third base, I was pretty excited [during the game]. He kept motioning to me, like, 'Calm down. It's another game.' "   The Owls finished their trip with a record of 6-5 and are to open their new field on Temple's Ambler campus tomorrow afternoon, facing Philadelphia University in a 3 p.m. game.   Temple baseball alumni talk about how Wilson, 74, always made them work on the little things, over and over. Hitting hundreds of fungoes. Explaining not only what had happened but why it happened. Temple has gone to 14 NCAA tournaments and has made two trips to the College World Series under Wilson.   Reached by phone in Miami, Wilson said he was thrilled for the all the players he had coached who are part of the milestone. His wife, Suzanne, was with him on the trip.   Even the postgame celebration will be a familiar one, he said.   "I think I'll have a cold one with John [McArdle] and my wife," he said.   Contact staff writer Mike Jensen at 215-854-4489 or mjensen@phillynews.com   LOAD-DATE: March 15, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service   Philadelphia Inquirer   March 15, 2004, Monday   SECTION: SPORTS   KR-ACC-NO: K1916   LENGTH: 336 words   HEADLINE: Temple baseball coach reaches 1,000 won game   BYLINE: By Mike Jensen   BODY: Temple baseball coach Skip Wilson got his guys together yesterday and said a few familiar words: "Great win _ another day at the ballpark."   In his 43d year of coaching the sport at Temple, Wilson became the 29th Division I coach, and 14th active one, to win 1,000 games. It happened in dramatic fashion when Owls designated hitter Jason Adamek drove in teammate Jason Connor with a two-out hit off the left-field wall at Florida International University in Miami, giving Temple a 10-9 victory over Manhattan College.    "I'm just glad it's over," Wilson said. "The kids, they were pressing."   The Owls had lost a game in the ninth inning the day before.   "They were thinking about the 1,000 wins more than me," Wilson said. "I told them, 'Look, fellas, it's going to come. If it takes to May, we'll get it. Just relax and play ball.' "   "All the kids were congratulating him," said Owls assistant coach John McArdle. "He was very kind of low-key. Coaching third base, I was pretty excited (during the game). He kept motioning to me, like, 'Calm down. It's another game.' "   The Owls finished their trip with a record of 6-5 and are to open their new field on Temple's Ambler campus tomorrow afternoon, facing Philadelphia University in a 3 p.m. game.   Temple baseball alumni talk about how Wilson, 74, always made them work on the little things, over and over. Hitting hundreds of fungoes. Explaining not only what had happened but why it happened. Temple has gone to 14 NCAA tournaments and has made two trips to the College World Series under Wilson.   Reached by phone in Miami, Wilson said he was thrilled for the all the players he had coached who are part of the milestone. His wife, Suzanne, was with him on the trip.   Even the postgame celebration will be a familiar one, he said.   "I think I'll have a cold one with John (McArdle) and my wife," he said.   ___   (c) 2004, The Philadelphia Inquirer.   Visit Philadelphia Online, the Inquirer's World Wide Web site, at HYPERLINK "http://www.philly.com/"   JOURNAL-CODE: PH   LOAD-DATE: March 15, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 Times Publishing Company   St. Petersburg Times (Florida)   March 15, 2004 Monday 0 South Pinellas Edition   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. 1C   LENGTH: 621 words   HEADLINE: Old friend, new foe   SERIES: NCAA TOURNAMENT   BYLINE: ANTONYA ENGLISH   DATELINE: ATLANTA   BODY: In one of his rare spare moments last week, Florida coach Billy Donovan took time out to watch Manhattan College in the MAAC tournament championship game, trying to get a glimpse of the team coached by one of his good friends.   Little did he know he could have used it as a scouting report.   Despite its roller-coaster season, Florida rallied well enough in the final stretch to earn a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Gators play 12th-seeded Manhattan on Thursday in the first round in Raleigh, N.C. It is the Gators' sixth straight NCAA appearance.    Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez, a former New York City high school coach, and Donovan are close friends, and Donovan said he has great respect for the job he has done.   "Other than watching his team just out of interest last week, I'm going to obviously need to find out a lot more about his team, but I know they've had some very good teams the last couple of years," Donovan said. "This is their second year making the NCAA Tournament and they have a great, great scorer in Luis Flores."   Flores is the Jaspers' leading scorer, averaging 24.1 points. He was the MAAC tournament MVP (47 points in two games) and has scored 2,000 in three seasons.   Sunday's announcement was both exciting and troubling for Donovan. Though thrilled to be among the 65 teams selected, he had hoped to be chosen for a region that plays Friday.   Since their March 7 game at Kentucky, the Gators have practiced or played six consecutive days, including games Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   "I've often said for anybody playing a Sunday afternoon game for a conference tournament championship, they should be awarded the right to play on Friday and Sunday," Donovan said. "It will be tough to turn around and play on Thursday and Saturday, and that's exactly what's happened. We've got a lot of recovering to do. We have played basically three games in 39 hours. It's been a physically grueling weekend for our guys and they've given everything they have, their heart and soul to try and compete in the SEC tournament.   "But we've got an unbelievable challenge mentally, physically and emotionally to turn around and play on a Thursday, but we're going to try to do the best job we can."   Although CBS commentators chose Florida as a prime "upset" candidate Thursday, ESPN analysts Dick Vitale and Digger Phelps said the Gators should survive the first round.   "Anthony Roberson can flat-out play, and I love Matt Walsh, but he can't go  (1-for-15) the way he did against Alabama," Phelps said during a Sunday night telecast. "But I think the key has got to be David Lee inside. He's got to find a way to establish points in the paint and be a lot tougher than he is. He doesn't take it to the rim that much, but in this first game against Manhattan, they will not get challenged inside like they would against a (team like) Kentucky. The up and down game favors Florida."

   Florida won't know until at least today whether Walsh can play. He has tendinitis and a bruised bone in his right foot and a torn callous that left a gaping hole in the foot after Sunday's game.   The Florida players said they know they're considered underdogs.   "We've got a battle ahead of us and we've got to stick together and fight it out," said Roberson, the team's leading scorer. "We'll be ready. We've beaten the odds to get as far as we got (Sunday). We were picked to lose in the first round of the SEC tournament. We're going to beat the odds again.   "A lot of people are going to say Florida is going to do the same thing we did last year (lose in the first round), and we know the odds are going to be against us. We all have that in our mind, I have it in my mind. We've got a lot to prove."   GRAPHIC: PHOTO, Associated Press; PHOTO; UF's Adrian Moss watches from his back as Chuck Hayes scores in Kentucky's SEC tournament championship win.; Billy Donovan   LOAD-DATE: March 15, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 MediaNews Group, Inc.   Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, CT)   March 14, 2004 Sunday   SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS   LENGTH: 335 words   HEADLINE: By TARA DRISCOLL tdriscoll@ctpost.com; NEW BRITAIN   BODY: A few months after a 1-0 loss in the state soccer finals and a couple of Fairfield girls basketball players were ready for redemption.   Seniors Meghan Dobson and Susan Starr were a part of that soccer team and its loss to Cheshire. The difference between that soccer team and this basketball squad was that everyone expected Fairfield to win the Class LL soccer title, but not many bet on the Fairfield basketball team to get to the title game.    In fact, the only other time Fairfield advanced to the championship was in 1998 when it lost to New Britain.   But on Saturday at Central Connecticut State, No. 9 Fairfield had to get through No. 2 Windsor for its first basketball championship. The senior-led group came up short, falling 53-38 in a loss reminiscent of last fall.   "It's like dj vu," Dobson said. "We cried then and we cried tonight. To be honest, though, I think it was a surprise to everybody that we got here. It wasn't to us because we wanted it so bad."   Dobson had a team-high 15 points and Starr grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds for Fairfield [19-7]. The Mustangs' only other senior, Katlyn Klecha, finished with five points and three assists.   Windsor [23-2] went ahead 22-18 at the half and started to run away in the third, capitalizing on the inside. Fairfield lost the rebounding battle 44-26.   "We had a good run in this tournament," Fairfield coach Dave Danko said. "We put ourselves in a position where we had a shot."   For Dobson, a loss in the championship cannot erase what it took to get there. Only eight teams in the state were left playing on Saturday and Fairfield has been in that situation twice already this year.   So while Dobson will play soccer next year at Manhattan College and try to walk on to the basketball team, and Starr is off to play soccer at Yale, the memory of getting to the championship is something to savor.   "It's been so much fun," Starr said. "Everyone worked so hard to get here. We pulled it together when others thought we couldn't."   LOAD-DATE: March 14, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 The Miami Herald  All Rights Reserved     The Miami Herald   March 13, 2004 Saturday F1 EDITION   SECTION: D; Pg. 14   LENGTH: 308 words   HEADLINE: HR in ninth lifts FSU; COLLEGES   BYLINE: Staff and Wire Reports   BODY: Danny Wardell hit a walk-off, three-run home run with two outs in the ninth to give host Florida State a 5-4 comeback win over Michigan State on Friday.   Aaron Cheeseman led off the rally with a base hit to center field, but the next two batters were retired without advancing pinch runner Brandon Manasa. Shane Robinson singled to left to keep the inning alive for the Seminoles (14-5) and set up Wardell's game-winning homer.    Gibbs Chapman had three hits to lead Florida State, which trailed the Spartans (4-5) until the final inning.   * Florida 14, Brown 8: Brain LeClerc and Ben Harrison each homered during an eight-run third inning as the host Gators (16-3) beat the Bears.   * Florida Southern 13, Barry 8: Matt Joyce homered twice, leading the Moccasins (13-10-1, 3-1 Sunshine State) over the Buccaneeers (16-6, 4-3).   SOFTBALL   * Miami Dade 0-6, Palm Beach 1-2: Heather Tucker hit a two-run homer as the Sharks earned a split of their doubleheader in Lake Worth.   * Nova Southeastern 3, Ferris State 2: Krystal Lamb hit an RBI triple in the bottom seventh to lift the Knights (21-9) over Ferris State (0-8-1) in Orlando.   * Florida 6-6, Cal State Northridge 1-1: Lindsey Cameron's RBI single in the second inning of the first game started the Gators on their way to a sweep.   * Tampa 2, Barry 0: Kristin Law homered in the first, leading the Spartans (12-2, 6-1 SSC) over the host Bucs (17-11, 2-5).   * FSU 9, Robert Morris 1; FSU 8, Texas A&M 0: Jessica van der Linden and Lesley Palmer each had two RBI as the Seminoles won their second game on the first day of the Florida State Invitational in Tallahassee.   * Florida Atlantic 8, Manhattan College 0; FAU 2, Northern Iowa 0: Jessica Braggins homered twice in the opener as the Owls (23-10) won their first two games at the FAU Worth Doubletree Classic in Boca Raton.   LOAD-DATE: March 13, 2004  -

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Copyright 2004 The Omaha World-Herald Company   Omaha World Herald (Nebraska)   March 13, 2004, Saturday SUNRISE EDITION   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. 4c;   LENGTH: 434 words   HEADLINE: Bluejays win 13th straight   DATELINE: KISSIMMEE, Fla.   BODY: Bluejays win 13th straight   The Creighton softball team is off to its best start since the 1995 season after picking up two wins Friday at the Rebel Spring Games.   The Bluejays are 14-4 and have won 13 games in a row.   Creighton defeated Holy Cross 8-0 and Sacred Heart 6-1. The Bluejays look to continue their longest winning streak since the 1981 season today with a doubleheader to conclude the tournament against Columbia and Gardner-Webb.    Another strong outing from pitcher Tammy Nielsen and a six-run fifth inning guided Creighton past Holy Cross. Nielsen went five innings due to the mercy rule, allowing just two singles and no runs with seven strikeouts.   In CU's second game, Abby Johnson allowed one run in five innings to improve to 4-0 and Nielsen picked up the save, striking out the last six batters of the game.   Staci Rybar hit her third home run and Kari Shank drove in two runs.   Nebraska tops St. Louis   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The 17th-ranked Nebraska softball team used a four-run first inning and a nine-run third inning to defeat St. Louis 13-2 in five innings and improve to 2-0 in pool play after day one of the Florida State Invitational.   Sophomore right-hander Summer Tobias (3-4) earned the win for NU (13-8), allowing one hit and striking out two in three shutout innings. Kristin Rossi (1-4) took the loss for St. Louis (6-7), which fell to 0-2 in pool play.   NU finished with 13 hits, the second highest total of the season. Nebraska tallied 15 hits in a 19-0 win over Manhattan College on Feb. 21.   Seven different Huskers drove in runs, including Sheena Lawrick (three), Trisha Tannahill (two), Katie Linke (two) and Jessica Yoachim (two), who each had multi-RBI games.   TENNIS   CU men win sixth straight   The Creighton men's tennis team earned its sixth straight victory Friday by stopping South Dakota State 7-0.   Vinny Meens and Richard Gonzalez each posted 6-0, 6-0 victories. Meens and Gonzalez also posted an 8-1 win at No. 2 doubles.   The Jays improved to 8-3.   SWIMMING   Mavs in 10th after 3rd day   BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Mavericks placed two individuals in the top 10 and the team finished the day in 10th Friday, the third day of the NCAA II swimming and diving championships.   The University of Nebraska at Omaha gathered 120 points. Defending champion Truman State leads with 459.   Ashley Renshaw finished 10th in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:06.10 and Jamie Grogan came in at ninth in the 1-meter dive with a 298.65 score.   The Mavericks will close out competition today.       GRAPHIC: Mug/1 Nielsen   LOAD-DATE: March 13, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 Palm Beach Newspapers, Inc.   Palm Beach Post (Florida)   March 13, 2004 Saturday FINAL EDITION   SECTION: SPORTS, Pg. 11B   LENGTH: 351 words   HEADLINE: CANADIANS EDGE AMERICANS FOR NATION'S CUP TITLE   BYLINE: Palm Beach Post Staff Reports   DATELINE: WELLINGTON   <extraneous deleted>       

Softball: Jessica Braggins had two home runs and five RBI to lead Florida Atlantic to an 8-0 victory against Manhattan College in the FAU Worth Doubletree Classic in Boca Raton. In a second game, the Owls (23-10) defeated Northern Iowa 2-0.   <extraneous deleted>     LOAD-DATE: March 15, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 Sun-Sentinel Company   Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)   March 13, 2004 Saturday South Broward Edition   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. 8C   LENGTH: 808 words   HEADLINE: FSU RALLIES IN NINTH, WINS ON WARDELL'S THREE-RUN, WALK-OFF HOMER   BYLINE: STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS   DATELINE: TALLAHASSEE   BODY: Danny Wardell hit a walk-off, three-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to give Florida State a 5-4 comeback win over Michigan State on Friday.   Aaron Cheeseman led off the rally with a base hit to center field, but the next two batters were retired without advancing pinch-runner Brandon Manasa. Shane Robinson singled to left to keep the inning alive for the Seminoles (14-5) and set up Wardell's game-winning homer.   FLORIDA 14, BROWN 8: Brain LeClerc and Ben Harrison each homered during an eight-run third inning and the Gators (16-3) held on to beat the Bears (0-1) in Gainesville.    LeClerc's three-run homer and Harrison two-run shot were the big hits as the Gators opened a 12-0 lead after three innings.   FLORIDA ATLANTIC 3, CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY 2: With the game tied and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning, a passed ball allowed the Owls' (17-1, 1-0 A-Sun) Anthony Albano to score in a win over the Camels (8-8, 2-2) in Boca Raton.   NOVA 9, ECKERD 2: Right-hander Kyle Ruwe, a junior from Sunrise, threw a complete-game two-hitter, striking out nine in the Knights (14-9) victory over Eckerd (9-16) in Fort Lauderdale.   ST. THOMAS 9, ST. AMBROSE 5: Junior Chris Martinez was 2 for 4 with three RBI as the Bobcats (17-6, 5-1 FSC) defeated St. Ambrose in Miami.   FLORIDA SOUTHERN 13, BARRY 8: Matt Joyce homered twice and drove in five runs for the Moccasins (13-10-1, 3-1 SSC) in a victory over the Buccaneers (16-6, 4-3) in Miami Shores.   SOUTH FLORIDA CC 11, BCC 5: Justin Ferreira had two hits as BCC dropped to 12-9.   Softball   TAMPA 2, BARRY 0: Kristin Law's solo home run in the first inning was all the Spartans (12-2, 6-1 SSC) needed for the victory over the Buccaneers (17-11, 2-5) in Miami Shores.   FAU 8, MANHATTAN COLLEGE 0; FAU 2, NORTHERN IOWA 0: Jessica Braggins had two homers and five RBI in the Owls' win over Manhattan College in the FAU Worth Doubletree Classic in Boca Raton. In the second game, the Owls (23-10) defeated Northern Iowa.   NOVA WINS TWO: Nova Southeastern captured two games at the Rebel Spring Games in Orlando, defeating Bloomsburg 2-1 and Ferris State 3-2. Krystle Lamb went 3 for 4 with two RBI against Ferris State.   ST. THOMAS 3, AQUINAS COLLEGE 0; ST. THOMAS 5, ROBERT MORRIS COLLEGE 4: The Bobcats (8-9-1) won twice at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Fort Myers.   FIU 4, VIRGINIA TECH 2; FIU 6, MIAMI (OHIO) 4: The Golden Panthers (9-14) made it four straight wins with two victories on the first day of the Blue & Gold Coca-Cola Classic in Miami.   Gymnastics   GATORS SET BEST: The No. 7 University of Florida gymnasts (13-6, 3-3 SEC) set the Gator all-time best team score for the second consecutive meet, but it wasn't quite enough as defending NCAA champion and current No. 1 UCLA (9-4, 5-1 Pac 10) claimed the dual meet title in Gainesville. The Bruins edged the Gators by the narrowest margin possible, 198.25-198.225, to win the meet. Florida set school event records for vault (49.65) and floor exercise (49.625) plus equaled the balance beam record of 49.525 for the third time in the last four meets.   Tennis   LYNN MEN STUMBLE: Lynn was never able to seize control of the match, dropping three singles matches to No. 21 Presbyterian College as the match was stopped in Jacksonville.   NORTHWOOD SWEEPS: The Northwood women and men defeated Kenyon College of Ohio, winning 9-0, 6-2 and 8-1, 6-0.   FSU TOPS UM: Eric Hechtman upset Mat Cloer at No. 1 singles but could not lead the Hurricanes (9-1) past the Seminoles (8-5) in Coral Gables.   Swimming   'CANES DIVE WELL: The University of Miami men's and women's diving teams concluded day one of the NCAA Zone B diving trials with three top-15 finishes in Athens, Ga. Junior Miguel Velazqez turned in a seventh-place finish in the men's 3-meter springboard with a total score of 550.50. Freshman Derek Starks placed 15th, posting a mark of 508.60 in the final round. Senior Emily Spychala placed 11th in the women's 1-meter finals, recording a score of 531.85.   Track and field   UM ALL-AMERICANS: University of Miami junior Lauryn Williams earned All-America honors in the 200 meters, and freshmen Tabia Charles and Brenda Faluade both earned All-America honors in the long jump at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, Ark.   Rowing   NOVA SWEEPS UCONN: The Knights' women's rowing team swept the Huskies in a pair of races at the First Annual Hurricane Invitational Regatta in Miami Beach. The Knights won the women's novice eight and novice four.   UM stars return   Clinton Portis, Santana Moss and Jim Kelly are among more than 23 ex-UM players scheduled to appear for a flag-football fund-raiser March 20 at Lockhart Stadium, 5201 NW 12th Ave. Proceeds will benefit the Al Blades Memorial Scholarship Fund and the University of Miami Endowment. Call 954-253-1281.   LOAD-DATE: March 13, 2004 

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Copyright 2004 Gannett Company, Inc.   USA TODAY   March 12, 2004, Friday, FINAL EDITION   SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. 10C   LENGTH: 217 words   HEADLINE: Gonzalez would listen to St. John's   BYLINE: Tom Pedulla   DATELINE: RIVERDALE, N.Y.   BODY: RIVERDALE, N.Y. -- Bobby Gonzalez is expected to turn from a highly regarded mid-major coach into a very good listener whenever Manhattan College's season ends.   

Gonzalez is viewed as one of the leading candidates to take over beleaguered St. John's after transforming Manhattan into the leading program in New York in his five years there. It helps, too, that he has coached in the metropolitan area at both the high school and AAU levels.   

"There are a lot of rumblings and a lot of talk," said Gonzalez, 40, who is taking his team to the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive year. "But I've sort of let it be known that I will do what I have to do with my team from now until the season ends."   

Although the Red Storm just completed a nightmarish campaign, he sees intriguing possibilities there.   

"If you are in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and a Big East school is interested," Gonzalez said, "you have to be honest and say you would listen because of the magnitude of the step up that it is."   

Manhattan athletics director Bob Byrnes said the school has not received any formal or informal contact concerning Gonzalez, who is under contract through next season. He added that discussions are "well along" concerning an extension that would last until 2007-08.   

GRAPHIC: PHOTO, B/W, AP; Gonzalez: Has team in tourney.   LOAD-DATE: March 12, 2004   

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-       Copyright 2004 Columbia Daily Spectator via U-Wire  University Wire   March 11, 2004 Thursday   LENGTH: 644 words   HEADLINE: Columbia lacrosse upset by Manhattan College, 11-9   BYLINE: By Tara Krieger, Columbia Daily Spectator; SOURCE: Columbia U.   DATELINE: NEW YORK    BODY:   

Lacrosse senior tri-captain Ellen Lowrey admitted that the team might have gotten a bit complacent before their home game against Manhattan Wednesday afternoon. The Lions, after all, had beaten the Jaspers decisively in three past seasons, and had eked out wins in their first two games of this year as well. But Manhattan surprised everyone, narrowly upending Columbia 11-9.   "We went into the game thinking it was already won," Lowrey said, "and as a result we didn't play the game that we were more than capable of playing. We were definitely the better team; they just played with a lot more heart."    The game had been relocated last minute to Wien Stadium because Gaelic Park, Manhattan's grass field, had not been completely restored after the recent harsh weather. Columbia plays on artificial turf.   The Lions, in fact, outshot Manhattan 28-25, in a game that was never quite out of their grasp. Sophomore midfielder Carrie Anderer tallied up a career and team-high five goals, including the Lions' first goal, which put them on the board 1-0, just 52 seconds into play.   But Columbia's lead was short-lived, as the Jaspers' Jenny Carman, who herself totaled four goals and an assist on the day, capitalized on a free-position shot just 38 seconds later to even the score. Manhattan's Nora Jacquette gave her team the lead off another free-position shot at 5:31.   First-year Katie Warner, who had a goal and an assist in the game, tied it up again at 9:45, only to see the Jaspers go ahead again at 10:58. Four minutes later, two quick goals within 15 seconds of each other by Manhattan's Catherine Dunbar and Molly Pheterson made it 5-2.   But the Lions chipped away at the lead; senior tri-captain Adie Moll netted the ball at 15:49. After another Manhattan goal, first-year Kate Lombard, assisted by Warner, gave Columbia another point at 2:33, and senior-tri captain Maggie Via brought the Lions within one with another free-position shot. Anderer answered another Manhattan goal at 28:49, by Victoria Carman--who scored twice in the game--with a goal of her own, at 29:07.   At halftime, the Lions only trailed 7-6.   "Our defense really picked it up in the second half of the game," said Anderer. "We had a lot of fouls called on us in the first half, but in the second half we each had really good body positioning on defense."   "Mostly our problem today was just finishing," Anderer continued. "We could get to the goal, but then we were just shooting at the goalie and just not finishing. We weren't really capitalizing on our scoring opportunities."   Anderer was responsible for the Lions' three goals in the second half. The first, at 34:16, tied up the game. But Manhattan put four more goals on the board, a lead that would prove insurmountable. The Lions made a last-ditch effort at a comeback within the final five minutes, as Anderer scored goals at 56:01 and 59:46, the second assisted by first-year Elyse Pultz, but as the seconds on the clock ran out, so did their rally.   "The underclassmen have definitely been stepping up this year," Lowrey said. "We've had a lot of great individual performances, but overall as a team we really need to bring the game together."   First-year Sydney Linder totaled nine saves for Columbia in the losing effort, while winner Ashley Devlins saved 14, including ten in the second half.   Manhattan made 22 turnovers to Columbia's 16.   "This was a team that we definitely should have beat," Lowrey said. "but we played very flat, and as a result they were just able to take it away from us. If anything, it was a huge wake-up call for us, and I think we're going to respond and it's going to light a fire under [us]."   The Lions, now 2-1, depart for Florida over spring break, where they will play Fairfield and Bucknell in preparation for the Ivy season, which begins Mar. 24 against Princeton.   (C) 2003 Columbia Daily Spectator via U-WIRE   LOAD-DATE: March 11, 2004 

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     Copyright 2004 Northeastern News via U-Wire  University Wire   March 11, 2004 Thursday   LENGTH: 512 words   HEADLINE: Northeastern racksters finish 19th at 53-team IC4A meet   BYLINE: By Jeff Powalisz, Northeastern News; SOURCE: Northeastern U.   DATELINE: BOSTON    BODY:   

At the annual showcase of track excellence, the IC4A Championships last weekend at Boston University, it's difficult for most to stand out in such a wide-open, star-studded field.   However, Northeastern Huskies' Derek Anderson, Idris Payne and Tom Pratt did just that in placing high atop the standings in their respective events and giving 15 points for the No. 19-ranked Northeastern team.   Manhattan College won the event with 60 points, while UConn (55), Seton Hall (47), Penn State (42) and Army (34) rounded out the top five teams in the 53-team event.    Anderson threw for 56-11 1/4 feet in the finals of the shot put, good for third place overall. Josh Russell of Wagner (58-7 1/2) and Uzoma Orji of MIT (57-7) were first and second, respectively.   "Derek is a picture of consistency," said Northeastern coach Sherman Hart. "I'm very pleased at placing 19th at the competition. I think with the guys coming in it was about qualifying, and with over 90 schools in the IC4A, it says a lot for us being in 19th place."   Payne, coming off of record-setting weeks in the 400, continued his strong work in the event with a fourth-place finish of 47.12 in the finals.   Obra Hogans (45.83) and Quentin Bowens (46.40), both of Seton Hall, and Eric Porter of Navy (46.72) composed the three ahead of Payne.   Pratt came up strong in the 1000 with a fifth-place time of 2:26.61 behind Joel Legare (UConn, 2 minutes, 22.58 seconds), Tyler Raymond (Manhattan, 2:24.14), Mike LoSapio (LaSalle, 2:24.34) and Eric Heely (Army, 2:24.39).   "I think we competed well overall," Hart said. "Tom had a great two days and I think he was going in that direction after good work at the New Englands and the America East championships."   Over the weekend of Feb. 27 and 28, the Huskies competed in the New England Championships at BU. Backed by another strong day from Anderson, Northeastern gained 38 points for seventh place.   UConn won the first-place trophy by an overwhelming margin with 162 points, ahead of second-place finisher Rhode Island (86), BU (68), Providence (51) and UMass-Lowell (48).   Anderson placed third in the shot put with a throw of 55-4 1/4, and then fifth in the weight throw at 56-6 1/2. MIT's Orji was the meet champion in both events with a throw of 57-3 1/2 in the shot put and 58-5 3/4 in the weight.   Steve Langton also did well in multiple events, as he placed third in the long jump (22-10.5) and sixth in the 55-meter dash (6.53). Obaro Emenike placed third in the dash (6.48) and Bismark Osei seventh (6.53) to add points to the team's score.   Peter Jasmin had strong performance in the 55-meter hurdles with a fifth-place finish of 7.74, while Conrad Dalton grabbed two points in the 400 with a seventh-place time of 48.97. Roscell Lopez-Pitts added another in an eighth-place leap in the long jump (21-10 1/4).   The team's 4x400 team placed sixth on the day at 7:46.51. BU was the champion in the event (7:41.69).   "The New Englands were really about running to qualify for the IC4As," Hart said. "We competed well and accomplished what we had to do."   (C) 2003 Northeastern News via U-WIRE   LOAD-DATE: March 11, 2004   

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MANHATTAN'S Flores demands perfection Newsday - Long Island,NY,USA ... Gonzalez is a demanding coach at Manhattan College, constantly pushing his team and always trying to squeeze major-college production from players stuck with ... <http://www.newsday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/ny-sppow0318,0,337 55.column?coll=ny-sports-big-pix> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client=google&n um=30&newsclusterurl=http://www.newsday.com/sports/college/mensbasketbal l/ny-sppow0318,0,33755.column%3Fcoll%3Dny-sports-big-pix> 

Manhattan's Flores demands perfection Shaun Powell                

March 18, 2004 

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The perfect small-school basketball player dug his fingertips into the crease of the ball, eyed the rim, released and then relaxed. Luis Flores shot 100 free throws exactly like this. He missed three. So much for perfection. 

"Three?" said Bobby Gonzalez, almost in shock. The coach, faking disappointment, then shook his head. 

"Bad day, Lu," Gonzalez said. "Bad day." 

Gonzalez is a demanding coach at Manhattan College, constantly pushing his team and always trying to squeeze major-college production from players stuck with small-college talent. And yet, even his standards fall slightly below those of the Jaspers' senior guard. The only person on the planet who could really find fault with Flores missing three of 100 is Flores. 

"Should've had them all," he said. And while you waited for him to crack a just-kidding smile that never came, he repeated: "Should've had them all." He doesn't waver in his quest for perfection because, if he did, he'd never be what he is now: the ideal mid-major player, a possible NBA draft pick and more importantly for Manhattan, the best argument for the Jaspers on Thursday against Florida in their NCAA Tournament opener. 

The only reason to watch the NCAA Tournament first round, and what makes it the best weekend in sports, is the upset. There's nothing more heartwarming in college basketball than a small school celebrating madly and the unveiling of a star player. This can happen this afternoon at the RBC Center because the Jaspers, and mostly Flores, are due for such a moment. Being from New York, they don't suffer stage fright. And being such a perfectionist, Flores won't settle for anything except his best. 

He has a natural feel for the game. He knows how to score, how to free himself for the shot, how to make something happen. He comes into the tournament as the two-time Metro Atlantic player of the year who averages 24.1 points, and that's not the most encouraging sign for Manhattan. 

Flores arrives Thursday with the annoying memory of his last game, a below-par performance in the MAAC title game in which he missed two late free throws that gave Niagara a shot to win. 

"It didn't sit too well with me," he said. "I'm a better player than that. We won the game, and that's what's important, but I feel an obligation to play better and put us in a better position to win games." 

The Jaspers are 67-21 since Flores arrived three years ago and have reached postseason play every year. They've followed the example of their coach, obviously, but also Flores. His teammates marvel at his businesslike approach to the game, his constant work ethic and dedication. He applies it not only to basketball but his life. 

The other day, in fact, brought a stunning revelation: Flores eats plenty of vegetables. 

Imagine that, a college student ignoring the 10 p.m. fast-food call and skipping all artery-clogging meals in favor of anything green and edible. 

"I don't see how he does it, personally," said Manhattan guard Jason Wingate, who also is Flores' roommate. "The guy's a complete health nut. He doesn't even drink any soda. Have you ever heard of that?" Wingate tries to follow the same schedule as Flores, which can be difficult because Flores refuses to follow all sensible rules regarding college lifestyle. 

"He's up at six in the morning, going to the gym," Wingate said. "I'm still sleeping. I can't crawl out of bed that early. But that's just him. He's extremely focused. That's what makes him the player you see now." 

The discipline comes mostly from a no-nonsense upbringing in Washington Heights, but also stems from imperfection. No matter what anyone says, nobody dreamed of spending their college career at a mid-major, not the players or the coach. They all wanted the next level up. Flores fully expected to be there, especially after averaging 35.6 points a game as a high school senior at Norman Thomas. But he went to Rutgers, and when that didn't work out, landed at Manhattan. Three years later, it looks like the right place for a player to spend his time while he still searches for perfection. 

"When I came here, the school wasn't what you'd think about when it came to basketball," Flores said. "Now, it is. I think my situation is a lot like Speedy Claxton's. Speedy left a tradition when he graduated from Hofstra. He left his mark. You can look at their record book and can see when he was there. That's something I'd like to do here." 

All Flores needs is to help the Jaspers advance to another game. The perfect small-college player won't have to play the perfect game Thursday against Florida. But it'll help. And he'll try.  

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EVERYBODY into the pool: Madness tips off today Cleveland Plain Dealer - Cleveland,OH,USA ...  (By that standard, the Florida Gators have a distinct advantage in today's first game against the curiously named Jaspers of Manhattan College.). ... <http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1079 61101737890.xml> 

Everybody into the pool: Madness tips off today  03/18/04 Scott Hiaasen  Plain Dealer Reporter 

If the predictions hold true, the phones will stop ringing in offices across the country sometime around noon today.  

The nation's keyboards will stop clacking.  

Headset microphones will be lowered to half-mast.  

Computer mouses will rest.  

And all the worker bees will rise from their cubicles en masse, turning their hopeful eyes from their tedious work to the nearest television sets, just in time to see the tip-off that will begin the NCAA men's basketball tournament.  

March Madness, that annual rite of sporting distraction and casual gambling, begins today and continues through April 5.  

That means this morning is your last opportunity to agonize over your tournament selections for the office pool and the first day to begin second-guessing them.  

The ubiquitous office pool has helped make the basketball tournament a cultural touchstone rivaling the Super Bowl in stature.  

Our collective obsession with the 64-team bracket is apparently so paralyzing that, according to one recent study cited in USA Today, it costs corporate America $1.5 billion in lost productivity to workers chatting around the water cooler, surfing the Internet for scores and trash- talking via e-mail.  

This doesn't seem to worry bosses around Cleveland like Robert Rawson, partner-in- charge at the Jones Day law firm. He hasn't seen the firm's tournament pool, but he knows it's out there.  

"We count on people's good judgment," Rawson said. "Participation in an office pool is not going to affect productivity." (He likes Princeton, his alma mater, as a dark horse in the Atlanta Region.)  

In case you're worried, office pools are not considered illegal gambling under Ohio law, as long as the organizers don't profit, said Bob Beasley of the Ohio attorney general's office. So the pool circulating at the Cuyahoga County prosecutor's office poses no ethical dilemma.  

"It's all in good fun," said Assistant County Prosecutor Kristine Pesho, who is organizing the pool for 20 or so friends and co- workers. "We're not ignoring murders and rapes to see who won the Alabama-Kansas game." (Though, if Alabama does play Kansas, it would be exciting. If they meet it will be for the national championship.)  

But what makes the tournament so appealing? How does it manage to capture the attention of both the avid sports freak and the neophyte who thinks Gonzaga is a kind of cheese?  

Robert Thompson, a Syracuse University professor who studies television and popular culture, says part of the attraction is the "great grid" - the bracket itself. The graphic presentation of teams marching up a ladder to the Final Four is like a bingo sheet, racing form and Ouija board rolled into one.  

The zealous basketball fan can marshal endless statistics to help plot the winners on the grid, while the more whimsical gambler may base his or her picks on, say, the strengths and weaknesses of the teams' mascots. (By that standard, the Florida Gators have a distinct advantage in today's first game against the curiously named Jaspers of Manhattan College.)  

Pesho says she picks teams based on where she likes to vacation. She's taking Manhattan.  

"It's like a monthlong crossword puzzle," Thompson said. "It's something that non-sports and non-gambling people can do. You've got this thing to fill out. There are these great upsets where the office assistant who doesn't know anything about basketball gets 44 games right. It makes the office pool this complex drama that parallels the drama of the tournament."  

Other features set the tournament apart from other sporting events. The series of 63 games is like a little season unto itself - perfect for the land of the short attention-span. The teams come from colleges large and small scattered all over the country, leaving few regions unrepresented. And there's the built-in underdog storyline, as plucky teams like Northern Iowa and Murray State are pitted against Goliaths like North Carolina and Duke. Plus, there's always the chance Bobby Knight will throw something.  

For those who find the office pool too tame, there are an increasing number of other diversions. Web sites are devoted to helping people start their own pools. You can take part in online pools among strangers at Yahoo! and other Web sites. Another Web site is offering a $1 million prize to those who correctly guess the winners in all 63 games.  

For the serious gambler, there's always Nevada - the only state with legalized sports betting - or the darker temptations of the Internet. The Final Four also rivals the Super Bowl when it comes to hard-core gambling. One online sports book - based in Antigua to avoid U.S. gambling laws - has estimated it will take in $30 million in bets on this year's tournament. Billions more could be spent on illegal bets.  

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:  

shiaasen@plaind.com, 216-999-4927  

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HAWKS send Saints packing Providence Journal (subscription) - Providence,RI,USA ... In their final games for St. Raphael Academy, Manhattan College-bound Jeff Xavier netted 21 points and Sorrentine, who will play for St. ... <http://www.projo.com/highschool/bbk/content/projo_20040318_18rl.b22c7.h tml> 

Hawks send Saints packing 

The solid semifinal win will pit Bishop Hendricken against the winner of today's Hope-Mount Pleasant contest.   01:00 AM EST on Thursday, March 18, 2004   BY ROBERT LEE Journal Sports Writer 

WARWICK -- At the first day of practice, Bishop Hendricken coach Jamal Gomes asked his players what they wanted to accomplish this season. They told him they wanted to win the Division I-AA state championship. 

The Hawks will have a chance to fulfill that goal Saturday at the Ryan Center, because Bishop Hendricken crushed St. Raphael Academy, 70-49, in yesterday's Division I-AA semifinals. 

<extraneous deleted>  

In their final games for St. Raphael Academy, Manhattan College-bound Jeff Xavier netted 21 points and Sorrentine, who will play for St. Michael's in Vermont next winter, scored 18 as the two combined not only for 23 of the Saints' 27 points in the first half, but 39 of their 49 points for the game. 

"Jeff has been unbelieveable for us all four years," Saints coach Tom Sorrentine said. "I think he scored over 1,800 points. . . He has had a great career and so has James." 

<extraneous deleted>  

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GATORS face first-round scare Florida Today - Melbourne,FL,USA ... Fifth-seeded seed Florida (20-10) meets 12th-seeded Manhattan College (24-5) at 12:20 pm today in the opening round of the East Rutherford Region. ... <http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/sportstoryS0318GATORS.htm> 

Florida's Matt Walsh holds the ball during a floor drill Wednesday at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. The Gators face the Jaspers on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Image C 2004, AP 

Gators face first-round scare  BY DAVID JONES  FLORIDA TODAY  

RALEIGH, N.C. -- In 2000, when Florida reached its first and only national championship game, the Gators almost were sent packing in the first round.  

If not for Mike Miller's buzzer-beater against Butler, UF would have left Winston-Salem, N.C., as just another high seed upset by an underdog.  

In 1994, it was a layup by Dan Cross in the final seconds that prevented Florida from being upset by James Madison in the first round in Uniondale, N.Y. Those Gators also recovered and reached the Final Four.  

Fifth-seeded seed Florida (20-10) meets 12th-seeded Manhattan College (24-5) at 12:20 p.m. today in the opening round of the East Rutherford Region. It's another game the Gators are supposed to win. It's another opportunity for an underdog.  

What is it about that first game in the NCAA Tournament? No matter how good a team is, those first moments of the Big Dance almost annually lead to better teams stepping on their toes and stumbling.  

 Manhattan's Luis Flores practices Wednesday at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. Manhattan faces Florida in the first round of the NCAA tournament Thursday. Image C 2004, AP  "Anytime you have 12-, 13th-, and 14th-seeded teams, they go in with a nothing-to-lose attitude," Gators coach Billy Donovan said. "Manhattan is talented and will play with a nothing-to-lose attitude. They will play loose and confident, having been in the tournament before."  

For higher seeds, the first round can be the only round if you're not ready. Especially when you run into an underdog that comes in fighting -- which is just what the Gators are up against today.  

"The kids are showing a different mentality," Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez said. "We feel we belong in the tournament, we know we're good and now we are going to try to go win a game."  

Beware of the Manhattans of the world. As history has proven, lower seeds that are talented, hungry and a little unknown can be as dangerous as a Duke or a Kentucky.  

"After we won that first game, everyone realized we just needed to relax and play," recalls Andrew DeClercq, who played on UF's 1994 squad. "There's so much pressure on you to get past that first game when you're a higher seed. After we almost went home, we realized how quickly it can really end if you're not ready."  

Florida won't have time for a wake-up call today. The Jaspers gave eventual national champion Syracuse a serious scare in last year's first round and return 6-foot-2 guard Luis Flores, who averages 24.1 points a game.  

"I think he is different because of everything that he has gone through and everything that he has accomplished," Gonzalez said. "He looks to me like he's more polished, more relaxed."  

He's also feeling no pressure.  

That's all on Florida's shoulders.  

Even Gators guard Anthony Roberson, the 2003 SEC Freshman of the Year, had the jitters when he walked out on the court for his first NCAA Tournament game. He scored 16 points in the opener, but went 0-for-6 and didn't score in the second game, a 68-46 loss to Michigan State.  

"It was something new for me," Roberson said. "I think it was more excitement than nervousness."  

Florida has two players who have been to more than one NCAA Tournament: junior David Lee and senior Bonell Colas. UF's four freshmen admit they aren't quite sure what's about to happen.  

Donovan remembers talking to Major Parker after his freshman season at Florida.  

"He thought everybody got in," Donovan said. "I probably need to educate our guys about the tournament, what it's all about."  

Of course, freshmen will be freshmen. First-year center Chris Richard promises he won't be nervous. After all, he played in a state championship in high school, he said without smiling. Guard Lee Humphrey giggles about Florida students recognizing him after he hit a game-winning shot against Alabama in the SEC Tournament.  

Humphrey calls it "a dream come true. This is why you practice all those years, to come to a big school like Florida and get a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament."  

But dreams can quickly become nightmares if the rookies don't wake up -- especially at Florida, where so many players are experiencing something very new.  

"The first few times up the court will probably be pretty tense," Humphrey confessed. "You have to get the tightness out."  

He better hurry up. Manhattan, with a senior-dominated lineup, has no time for the shakes.  

"You have about two days to scout a team and you don't really know what their tendencies are," said Colas, who's appearing in his fourth, and final, Big Dance. "There's a lot of things going through your mind, like, 'If you we lose this game, we're out of here.'  

"That makes teams play a little bit tighter, a little apprehensive and we don't need that."  

Contact Jones at 242-3682 or djones@flatoday.net  

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 PAGE 2's Tournament Blog ESPN - USA Graham Hays: NYC geography aside, there's still something disconcerting about seeing "Riverdale, NY" listed as the location for Manhattan College. ... <http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=dayone/2004> 

<snip> 

2:03 GH: It's tough to tell if Florida or Instant Messenger is performing worse right now, but I'd like to pull a Matt Walsh on those little smiley face icons right now. Speaking of Walsh, he's looking pretty frazzled -- well, more frazzled than usual -- with the Gators on the ropes. Down 17 ... 7 minutes left. 

   Matt Walsh and the Gators are looking like the first favorite to go down.  

1:46 EN: Can I just say "live look-in" is one of the three or four best phrases in the English language? 

I don't know what a Jasper is, but I know I want to be one right now. Can somebody arrange one of them there honorary degrees? 

GH: Eric mentioned it right off the bat in the first half, but the press after made buckets is working like a charm against a Florida team with a bunch of good ballhandlers, but no true point guard. Lead balloons out to 14 with 14 minutes left. Even when Manhattan doesn't get a steal, Florida can't start their offense until 20-25 seconds left on the shot clock. But don't worry Gator fans, Billy Donovan is pacing. 

EN: I'm thinking the only way Florida fans stop worrying is if Billy Donovan suits up. 

<snip> 

12:29 

 GH: Oh good, Charlotte and Manhattan have nearly identical jerseys. As if someone needed to make it tougher to watch two games at once.  

Manhattan takes an 8-7 lead to the first TV timeout, and roughly 45 percent of the viewing audience thinks they're a genius for picking the Jaspers. Luckily, CBS isn't projecting a winner just yet.  

Eric Neel: Manhattan has smartly come out in a press after made baskets. You need to take it to the bigger, stronger team, set the pace, even if you can't keep it up all game. 

One question, though: What is a Jasper? Does a Jasper have special powers? Are Jaspers good ballhandlers? 

<snip> 

12:20 ET 

 Graham Hays: NYC geography aside, there's still something disconcerting about seeing "Riverdale, NY" listed as the location for Manhattan College.  

The Jaspers are hanging with Florida early, even though they appear to be using a lineup of five 6-4 players. It's like an old video game, where the graphics aren't sophisticated enough to show different heights. 

<snip> 

41-----

 FLORES Shows How to Play New York Game New York Times - New York,NY,USA ... Flores's wary survivor's poise helped him score 26 points as Manhattan College first demoralized and then demolished Florida, 75-60, in the first round of the ... <http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/19/sports/ncaabasketball/19VECS.html> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client=google&n um=30&newsclusterurl=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/19/sports/ncaabasket ball/19VECS.html> 

March 19, 2004 SPORTS OF THE TIMES  Flores Shows How to Play New York Game By GEORGE VECSEY 

RALEIGH, N.C. 

HE comes from the town of shortstops, San Pedro de Macoris, in the Dominican Republic, but when Luis Flores came to New York, it was much too cold to play baseball.  

Instead, on outdoor courts with metal backboards and clanking chain nets, Flores played the New York game, pointing toward those wonderful moments yesterday.  

Flores's wary survivor's poise helped him score 26 points as Manhattan College first demoralized and then demolished Florida, 75-60, in the first round of the N.C.A.A. tournament.  

It is dangerous to suggest that urban hardship might be a training ground for success, even in something as limited as sports. Flores has surely seen sadness all around him in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, but somehow he kept going to score the most points in the history of his college.  

He and his teammates, a mix of the overlooked and the underrated, made the all-American types from Florida look like undisciplined laggards. It was the highlight of their careers, at least so far. 

"It's still not over," Flores cautioned after the game, meaning that Manhattan, seeded 12th, will play Wake Forest, seeded fourth, tomorrow for the right to reach the Round of 16 in the East Rutherford regional in New Jersey.  

If Manhattan should somehow win tomorrow, Basilio and Juanita Flores, his grandparents who raised him, would probably come across the George Washington Bridge to watch him play. His parents live in the Dominican Republic and have never seen him play.  

Basilio and Juanita Flores should be very proud of their grandson, who is 6 feet 2 inches of wispy, purposeful talent. By now it is a well-known story how Flores was recruited by the new whirlwind coach of Manhattan, Bobby Gonzalez, only to swerve to Rutgers of the Big East.  

After playing only 10 minutes a game as a freshman, Flores went back to his original instincts and transferred to Manhattan. Now Flores is educating people about the college, which is not even on the island of Manhattan but in the northern reaches of the Bronx.  

The college's athletic Hall of Fame opened in 1979, honoring, among others, Brother Jasper, the college's first athletic director, who is said to have originated the grand baseball tradition of the seventh-inning stretch, as well as Junius Kellogg, the lanky center who turned in teammates who were dumping basketball games in 1951.  

Someday there will be a place in Manhattan's hall for Flores, who was already a legend long before yesterday's instant classic against Florida. 

Gonzalez (who was called "Rodriguez" twice in the Florida media guide) and his players probably suspected Florida was about as resourceful as a rube gawking at a game of three-card monte on a portable cardboard box on a New York sidewalk. But Manhattan still had to play its game, which involved Flores wriggling his way into scoring position. 

At the half, Flores had 10 points, with shaky shooting and a couple of turnovers. When Florida came to within 3 points early in the second half, Flores launched a 3-pointer, a jumper and another 3-pointer in a span of 127 seconds.  

"I picked my spots," he said afterward. "In the first half, they were concentrating on me but in the second half they seemed to forget about me against the zone so I took advantage of it." 

Not in the slightest had Florida's coach, Billy Donovan, forgotten Flores. Donovan had put his players into a zone defense and ordered them to come out on Flores, who was due, but somebody blew an assignment. The man from Washington Heights picked his spot. 

Florida continued to play the role of an enraged victim. Adrian Moss flung his elbows until the refs finally caught on. Matt Walsh, with his gym-rat curls and passé headband, committed a flagrant foul on Mike Konovelchick that turned Carolinians into yowling fervent Manhattanites. Donovan will not soon forget the inept frustration of his players, and neither will Florida fans. As a Long Islander, Donovan knows street smarts when he sees it in Flores and his mates. 

"What it came down to was being tough," Flores said softly. "I grew up with street ball. You can't call fouls. I get hit real hard and I smile." 

He and his teammates never postured as they closed out the game. In the closing seconds, Flores walked over to the Florida bench and extended his hand to a few despondent regulars. From a distance, it appeared that he received a limp collection of dead fish. "They're disappointed," he said. "I'm a classy guy. I went over to shake their hands. I just felt it was the right thing to do. I understand how they feel." 

Flores felt what that was like after losing to Syracuse in last year's opening round. When Syracuse won the Final Four two weeks later, Flores felt marginally better. Now he has avoided that feeling, at least for a while. He is a city boy, and survival is a daily experience. 

42-----

MANHATTAN takes Florida The Globe and Mail - Canada ... easily won their first-round games in the National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball tournament yesterday, while 12th-seeded Manhattan College ... <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20040319 /NCAA19/TPSports/Basketball> 

Manhattan takes Florida 

 By ERIK MATUSZEWSKI Bloomberg News 

 UPDATED AT 8:31 AM EST  Friday, Mar. 19, 2004  

 Top seeds Duke, Saint Joseph's and Stanford easily won their first-round games in the National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball tournament yesterday, while 12th-seeded Manhattan College upset Florida. 

Luis Flores scored 26 points as Manhattan, champion of the lightly regarded Metro Atlantic Conference, beat fifth-seeded Florida 75-60. The victory by the New York City school marked the 14th time in 15 years that a No. 12 seed won a first-round NCAA tournament game. 

"We felt coming in that we had a chance," Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez said after the victory in Raleigh, N.C. "We thought our seniors were iron tough and had been tested a number of times the past few years." 

Nevada, a No. 10 seed from the Western Athletic Conference, beat No. 7 Michigan State 72-66 in Seattle for the first NCAA tournament win in school history. The Wolf Pack (24-8) lost their two previous tourney games, in 1984 and 1985. 

Saint Joseph's defeated Liberty 82-63 in Buffalo, N.Y., Stanford routed Texas-San Antonio 71-45 in Seattle, and Duke downed Alabama State 96-81 in Raleigh to continue the winning streak of top seeds in the first round. No. 1 seeds are 79-0 in the opening round since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.  

All-American Jameer Nelson scored 35 points for Saint Joseph's (28-1), which rebounded from its loss to Xavier in the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament. 

"Before the game I said to him, 'Today is what great players live for,' " Hawks coach Phil Martelli said. "He knew that offensively he would have to lead." 

Josh Childress, the Pacific-10 player of the year, scored 26 points to lead Stanford (30-1). Shavlik Randolph had 20 points and Daniel Ewing added 19 as Duke (28-5) advanced to the second round for the 18th time in 20 years. 

Emeka Okafor led second-seeded Connecticut to a 70-53 win over No. 15 Vermont in Buffalo. Okafor had 15 points and 13 rebounds while helping limit Vermont's Taylor Coppenrath to 12 points, about half his average. 

The Huskies (28-6) will next play DePaul, which defeated Dayton 76-69 in double overtime last night.  

In Denver, third-seeded Texas beat No. 14 Princeton 66-49, No. 5 Syracuse downed No. 12 Brigham Young 80-75 and No. 6 North Carolina defeated Air Force 63-52. North Carolina, returning to the tournament after a two-year absence, overcame a five-point halftime deficit against a military academy that was making its first NCAA tournament appearance since 1962. 

Gerry McNamara scored 43 points, including nine three-pointers, for Syracuse, which overcame an 11-point first-half deficit to avoid becoming the first defending champion to lose in the opening round since UCLA in 1996. 

Brandon Mouton scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half to lead Texas (24-7). The Longhorns made 11 of 15 shots from three-point range, while Princeton missed 22 of 27. 

"I took it upon myself to come out in the second half and get us going," Mouton said. "Shots started falling and we started rolling." 

In Seattle, Kirk Snyder scored 19 points as Nevada rallied from 11 points down in the second half to beat Michigan State. The Wolf Pack held the Spartans scoreless for six minutes and outscored them 16-2 during one stretch.  

Maryland and Wake Forest, both seeded fourth in their regions, narrowly avoided upsets against No. 13 seeds. Maryland defeated Texas El-Paso 86-83 in Denver, while fellow Atlantic Coast Conference member Wake Forest downed Virginia Commonwealth 79-78 in Raleigh. 

All three No. 8 v. No. 9 games were close contests won by the higher seed. Texas Tech defeated Charlotte 76-73 in Buffalo, Seton Hall beat Arizona 80-76 in Raleigh, and Alabama topped Southern Illinois 65-64 in Seattle on Antoine Pettway's running shot in the lane with five seconds left. 

Manhattan held Florida 18 points under its scoring average and outrebounded the Gators 30-24. Florida (20-11) hasn't gotten past the second round since reaching the 2000 title game, where the Gators lost to Michigan State. 

43-----

FLORES Shows How to Play New York Game New York Times - New York,NY,USA ... Flores's wary survivor's poise helped him score 26 points as Manhattan College first demoralized and then demolished Florida, 75-60, in the first round of the ... <http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/19/sports/ncaabasketball/19VECS.html> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client=google&n um=30&newsclusterurl=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/19/sports/ncaabasket ball/19VECS.html> 

March 19, 2004 SPORTS OF THE TIMES  Flores Shows How to Play New York Game By GEORGE VECSEY 

RALEIGH, N.C. 

HE comes from the town of shortstops, San Pedro de Macoris, in the Dominican Republic, but when Luis Flores came to New York, it was much too cold to play baseball.  

Instead, on outdoor courts with metal backboards and clanking chain nets, Flores played the New York game, pointing toward those wonderful moments yesterday.  

Flores's wary survivor's poise helped him score 26 points as Manhattan College first demoralized and then demolished Florida, 75-60, in the first round of the N.C.A.A. tournament.  

It is dangerous to suggest that urban hardship might be a training ground for success, even in something as limited as sports. Flores has surely seen sadness all around him in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, but somehow he kept going to score the most points in the history of his college.  

He and his teammates, a mix of the overlooked and the underrated, made the all-American types from Florida look like undisciplined laggards. It was the highlight of their careers, at least so far. 

"It's still not over," Flores cautioned after the game, meaning that Manhattan, seeded 12th, will play Wake Forest, seeded fourth, tomorrow for the right to reach the Round of 16 in the East Rutherford regional in New Jersey.  

If Manhattan should somehow win tomorrow, Basilio and Juanita Flores, his grandparents who raised him, would probably come across the George Washington Bridge to watch him play. His parents live in the Dominican Republic and have never seen him play.  

Basilio and Juanita Flores should be very proud of their grandson, who is 6 feet 2 inches of wispy, purposeful talent. By now it is a well-known story how Flores was recruited by the new whirlwind coach of Manhattan, Bobby Gonzalez, only to swerve to Rutgers of the Big East.  

After playing only 10 minutes a game as a freshman, Flores went back to his original instincts and transferred to Manhattan. Now Flores is educating people about the college, which is not even on the island of Manhattan but in the northern reaches of the Bronx.  

The college's athletic Hall of Fame opened in 1979, honoring, among others, Brother Jasper, the college's first athletic director, who is said to have originated the grand baseball tradition of the seventh-inning stretch, as well as Junius Kellogg, the lanky center who turned in teammates who were dumping basketball games in 1951.  

Someday there will be a place in Manhattan's hall for Flores, who was already a legend long before yesterday's instant classic against Florida. 

Gonzalez (who was called "Rodriguez" twice in the Florida media guide) and his players probably suspected Florida was about as resourceful as a rube gawking at a game of three-card monte on a portable cardboard box on a New York sidewalk. But Manhattan still had to play its game, which involved Flores wriggling his way into scoring position. 

At the half, Flores had 10 points, with shaky shooting and a couple of turnovers. When Florida came to within 3 points early in the second half, Flores launched a 3-pointer, a jumper and another 3-pointer in a span of 127 seconds.  

"I picked my spots," he said afterward. "In the first half, they were concentrating on me but in the second half they seemed to forget about me against the zone so I took advantage of it." 

Not in the slightest had Florida's coach, Billy Donovan, forgotten Flores. Donovan had put his players into a zone defense and ordered them to come out on Flores, who was due, but somebody blew an assignment. The man from Washington Heights picked his spot. 

Florida continued to play the role of an enraged victim. Adrian Moss flung his elbows until the refs finally caught on. Matt Walsh, with his gym-rat curls and passé headband, committed a flagrant foul on Mike Konovelchick that turned Carolinians into yowling fervent Manhattanites. Donovan will not soon forget the inept frustration of his players, and neither will Florida fans. As a Long Islander, Donovan knows street smarts when he sees it in Flores and his mates. 

"What it came down to was being tough," Flores said softly. "I grew up with street ball. You can't call fouls. I get hit real hard and I smile." 

He and his teammates never postured as they closed out the game. In the closing seconds, Flores walked over to the Florida bench and extended his hand to a few despondent regulars. From a distance, it appeared that he received a limp collection of dead fish. "They're disappointed," he said. "I'm a classy guy. I went over to shake their hands. I just felt it was the right thing to do. I understand how they feel." 

Flores felt what that was like after losing to Syracuse in last year's opening round. When Syracuse won the Final Four two weeks later, Flores felt marginally better. Now he has avoided that feeling, at least for a while. He is a city boy, and survival is a daily experience. 

44-----

HE Took Manhattan; It Wasn't Even a Stretch Los Angeles Times (subscription) - Los Angeles,CA,USA ... baseball games played on fields all over Florida and Arizona on Thursday, thousands of fans rose to their feet to pay tribute to tiny Manhattan College's 75-60 ... <http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-penner19mar19,1,1843060.story?coll= la-headlines-sports> 

   

------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-penner19mar19,1,1843060.story?coll=l a-headlines-sports  MIKE PENNER THE DAY IN THE NCAAS He Took Manhattan; It Wasn't Even a Stretch By Mike Penner Times Staff Writer 

March 19, 2004 

During the seventh inning of exhibition baseball games played on fields all over Florida and Arizona on Thursday, thousands of fans rose to their feet to pay tribute to tiny Manhattan College's 75-60 victory over Florida in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament. 

Yes, these tournament bracket pools have gotten totally out of hand. 

Those fans may have been singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," but they were celebrating the tradition of Manhattan College athletics, whether they realized it or not. Manhattan's sports teams are nicknamed the Jaspers, so christened because of the Catholic school's first baseball coach, Brother Jasper of Mary, who in the late 19th century invented the seventh-inning stretch. 

According to the legend, Brother Jasper also served as the school's Prefect of Discipline, which sounds like a job Bob Knight might have held in a previous life. During one especially hot afternoon, with Manhattan baseball fans sweating out a game against a semipro team, Brother Jasper interrupted the seventh inning when he noticed the crowd growing restless. 

After calling timeout, Brother Jasper advised Manhattan fans to stand up, stretch awhile and basically chill out in an 1880s kind of way. 

With that, the seventh-inning stretch was born. 

Thursday, the Jaspers were playing a different sport, and Billy Donovan's players were the ones fading down the stretch, but the message to the 2004 Gators was the same: stop everything, stay where you are, take a timeout. 

See you in November. 

Technically, the Jaspers were underdogs. Manhattan was seeded 12th and Florida fifth in the East Rutherford Regional. But this year, NCAA tournament underdogs aren't what they used to be. Saint Joseph's is top-seeded in the East Rutherford Regional and a hopeless underdog, if you choose to buy into Billy Packer's pump-up-the-ratings bluster. 

Manhattan over Florida was the thinking fan's pick, the best-bet bracket-buster - perhaps the most fancied No. 12 seed since the first NCAA bracket sheet was belched out of an office copier. 

Manhattan came in 24-5, 11-1 in its last dozen games. Florida was 20-10 but 7-6 in its last 13. 

Manhattan plays an up-tempo style with a physical inside game. Florida is soft inside and not defensively tough anywhere. 

Manhattan is coached by Bobby Gonzalez, this year's mid-major-name-on-the-rise, eager to make a mark this March with jobs now open at St. John's, Georgetown and Miami. Donovan reached the final in 2000, but hasn't lasted beyond the second round since. 

By game time, the Jaspers' bandwagon was already SRO - with Rudy Giuliani, a Manhattan alum, sending the team a go-get-'em fax that Gonzalez read aloud to his players as motivational fodder. 

The Jaspers advanced, getting 26 points from their best player, two-time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference player of the year Luis Flores. The biggest surprise was the margin of victory: 15 points, the second-largest ever by a No. 12 seed over a No. 5. 

Next, Manhattan plays Wake Forest, a No. 4 seed that looked very vulnerable in a 79-78 victory over 13th-seeded Virginia Commonwealth. VCU, making its first NCAA appearance in eight years, had a chance to tie in the final minute, but handled the waning seconds like a tournament sapling. After throwing the ball away, VCU wasted 14 seconds - from 26 to 11.9 - before deciding to commit the obvious foul. 

Rookie mistake? Or just one more round of the same old story? 

VCU is coached by 29-year-old Jeff Capel, youngest Division I coach in the country . and a former Duke player who went 1-8 against Wake Forest during the Tim Duncan era.  

Thursday's results produced a second-round matchup that sounds torn from an old Final Four - Syracuse versus Maryland - and a coaching confrontation that sounds like a morality play - Phil Martelli versus Bob Knight. 

It's not every year you get the last two NCAA champions facing off in the second round. Syracuse won the tournament in 2003, Maryland took the title in 2002, and one of them will be done this weekend when the Orangemen and Terrapins meet Saturday in Denver. 

Who goes out first? 

Syracuse, which needed 43 points and nine three-pointers from sophomore Gerry McNamara to turn back Brigham Young, 80-75? 

Or Maryland, which needed four pressure free throws in the final minute to hold off Texas-El Paso, 86-83? 

Those close calls, along with Michigan State's 72-66 loss to Nevada, showed the value of seedings and reputation once the gates open on the final 64. Michigan State is another recent champion, winning the tournament in 2000. Nevada, seeded 10th in the St. Louis Regional, was making its first NCAA appearance in 19 years and was previously winless in the tournament. 

It's good that they play the games. Packer's hot air will keep a tournament afloat only so long. And how about this bit of counterpoint in the Packer-Martelli skirmish? Saint Joseph's 82, Liberty 63 - sending Martelli and the Hawks into the second round against Knight's Texas Tech squad, a 76-73 winner over Charlotte. 

CBS, moving swiftly, is planning a split-screen remote showdown - Packer in Denver, Martelli in Buffalo - before Saturday's game. 

In the meantime, Packer can be seen in a heavy-rotation pizza commercial, looking amazingly restrained. Not once does Packer poke his finger in the chest of the guy sitting next to him and bellow, "You need to learn your takeout pizzeria history, Papa John! Let me tell you about a slice of pepperoni and mushroom I had at Shakey's in 1962!" 

Fortunately, they kept him to a script. 

45-----

FAST BREAKOUT Kansas City Star - Kansas City,MO,USA By BLAIR KERKHOFF. First final score of the NCAA Tournament's opening day: Manhattan College (enrollment 3,600) 75, Florida (enrollment 42,000) 60. ... <http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/colleges/8222485.htm> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Posted on Fri, Mar. 19, 2004   

First round gets going with upset, near-misses By BLAIR KERKHOFF The Kansas City Star 

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/The Associated Press   

Texas' Brandon Mouton slashed past Princeton's Andre Logan (right), but Mouton did most of his damage Thursday from the outside. Mouton hit five three-pointers and scored 23 points in the Longhorns' 66-49 win.   

First final score of the NCAA Tournament's opening day: Manhattan College (enrollment 3,600) 75, Florida (enrollment 42,000) 60. We regret we cannot provide information on the school's athletic budgets, but suffice to say the difference would be about as great as the enrollment. 

That is why it's called March Madness. Upsets, plus a little attitude. 

"I know America's going to look at this as an upset, but behind closed doors we don't," Jaspers forward Dave Holmes said. "We know we can play with any team on any night." 

Get through the top seeds against the 16s, and a Manhattan can happen to just about anybody. 

The rest of opening day was about near misses by underdogs, a stirring double-overtime win by DePaul and one virtuoso performance. 

That performance belonged to Syracuse sophomore Gerry McNamara, who dropped 43 points on Brigham Young in the Orangemen's 80-75 victory. He made nine of 13 three-pointers and personally dragged Syracuse back from a big first-half deficit. 

<extraneous deleted>   

Fourth-seeded Wake Forest needed the steady hand of freshman guard Chris Paul, who scored 22 points, to hold off Virginia Commonwealth 79-78. Now the Deacons get Manhattan. 

<extraneous deleted>  

46-----

RALEIGH, NC - Anthony Roberson kept saying ''Montana'' when he ...  Miami Herald - Miami,FL,USA After all, Roberson -- like the rest of the Gators -- was a little punch drunk after being flattened by Manhattan College, a tiny school from the Bronx (yes ... <http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/colleges/8223184.htm> 

------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Posted on Fri, Mar. 19, 2004   

NO. 12 MANHATTAN 75, NO. 5 UF 60 A Gator flop 

BY MIKE PHILLIPS mphillips@herald.com 

RALEIGH, N.C. - Anthony Roberson kept saying ''Montana'' when he should have been saying ``Manhattan.'' 

But you couldn't blame the Florida guard. 

After all, Roberson -- like the rest of the Gators -- was a little punch drunk after being flattened by Manhattan College, a tiny school from the Bronx (yes, the Bronx) that knocked Florida silly 75-60 on Thursday afternoon, handing the Gators one of their most embarrassing losses in years. 

The Gators are done, knocked out in the opening round of the NCAA tournament in a listless performance at the RBC Center that left coach Billy Donovan furious and all but questioning his team's heart. 

''This game was about one thing. I can sum it up in one word,'' Donovan said. ``Manhattan's competitiveness was much, much better than ours. We didn't even come close in the backcourt or the frontcourt of playing with the competitive attitude that was necessary going into the game.'' 

The defeat left Donovan uncertain about the future of his program. 

''I have no expectations for next year,'' he said. 

The Gators looked like five guys who just met in the parking lot and played what was easily their worst game of the season. 

''Our guys had that deer-in-headlights look,'' Donovan said. ``I felt like our guys didn't compete, and I felt like our guys were overwhelmed that it was the NCAA tournament.'' 

MISMATCH ON PAPER 

It wasn't supposed to be this way. Manhattan, the 12th seed in the region, was supposed to be the little guy. The Gators (20-11), who had won six of their previous eight and reached the SEC title game Sunday, came in as the fifth seed with a coach who was bringing UF to its sixth straight NCAA tournament. 

But after Seth Davis said Manhattan was the obvious upset pick during CBS' Selection Sunday, just about everyone was picking Manhattan (25-5) to upset Florida. Donovan felt that should have inspired his team. Instead, UF looked timid. 

''I'm from New York, and knowing the mentality Manhattan was going to have, I talked to them the last couple of days about that,'' Donovan said. ``Some of our guys, maybe it scared them a little bit.'' 

Manhattan was tougher, quicker and just better. Despite being undersized, the Jaspers outrebounded Florida 36-26 and beat up the Gators on the offensive boards, where they had a 13-4 edge, outscoring UF 12-2 on second-chance points. 

Luis Flores led the way with a 26-point afternoon, and after Florida made its only run to start the second half to close to 38-35, Flores hit a pair of threes on a personal eight-point run to lift Manhattan to 46-35 edge. 

Florida, which finished with four assists, was never heard from again. 

But this loss wasn't about statistics. 

''I don't know what happened. I don't know how we could be at the NCAA tournament and not compete at the highest level,'' said Matt Walsh, who shot 0 for 5 from three-point range and scored only 13 points. 

''I'm pretty disappointed,'' said Walsh who played on an injured foot but refused to use it as an excuse. ``I don't think we lived up to our potential this year.'' 

A quick review would substantiate that comment: Florida started the season ranked No. 8 in the country and moved quickly to No. 1 with a 5-0 start. Then the wheels started falling off. They were 14-8 when Christian Drejer left the team for a pro career in Spain, then rallied to win six of eight to get in the tournament. 

ROBERSON'S SLIP 

Roberson scored a very quiet 22 points to lead the Gators, and afterward he kept referring to Manhattan as ''Montana'' in interviews in the locker room. His mind might have been on other things -- like leaving UF for the NBA. 

Roberson, a sophomore who doesn't play enough defense to be considered a first-round NBA pick, didn't commit himself to the NBA, but he certainly didn't give any indication he was staying. Asked where the Gators would go from here, Roberson said: ''To the dorm,'' and acted like a man with one foot out the door. 

Roberson went scoreless last year when the Gators were eliminated in the second round of the tournament by Michigan State, saying afterward ''that was the longest walk I've ever had back to the locker room.'' He said the one Thursday was just as long. 

Early exits are nothing new for the Gators, who haven't made it past the second round since their trip to the Final Four in 2000. They were knocked out in the second round in 2001 and were upset in the first round by Creighton in 2002. They came in as a No. 2 seed last year and knocked off 15th-seeded Sam Houston State before being hammered 68-46 by Michigan State. 

Now they have been embarrassed by Manhattan. 

47-----

BLEST be the bracket that binds ESPN - USA ... There is a school, Manhattan College, from the largest city in the country, and one from teenie weenie Cheney, population 6,427 and home to Eastern Washington. ... <http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/040319> 

Blest be the bracket that binds By Jim Caple Page 2 columnist  

Forget the Final Four, the Sweet 16, the Elite Eight and any other number officially registered and trademarked by CBS and its affiliates. The best part of the NCAA tournament -- without question -- is the opening two days when 64 teams play 32 games in eight cities, one game after another. 

This is when your office bracket remains as pure as Laettner's jumper to beat Kentucky, and as unblemished as a BYU cheerleader. This is when the tournament's possibilities are as wild as Ronny Turiaf's hair and as unlimited as Rick Majerus' waistline. And when everyone in the country hunkers down so deeply into the tournament that we could all be called for jury duty in Bracketville.    Others look at the bracket and see RPI, seeds and tournament history. I see the map of the United States. 

Thirty-two states are represented in this year's tournament, from little old Rhode Island to the big bad boy, Texas. There is a school, Manhattan College, from the largest city in the country, and one from teenie weenie Cheney, population 6,427 and home to Eastern Washington. There are seven Catholic schools (St. Joseph's, Providence, Gonzaga, Manhattan, Boston College, DePaul and Xavier), one Lutheran (Valparaiso), one Mormon (BYU) and one fundamentalist Christian (Liberty University). There is a military academy (Air Force) and a school with such a reputation for liberal thought I'm surprised John Ashcroft hasn't placed it on double-secret probation (Wisconsin). 

In short, Valpo didn't need to wear the U.S. flag on its jerseys Thursday -- the tournament already reflects the country. 

"It's the best time of the year,'' Gonzaga guard Blake Stepp said after his team whipped Valparaiso in the final of Thursday's four games at the Seattle sub-regional. "You're playing games, you're traveling all over the country and your friends and family are following you. And when you're not playing, then you're home watching the games on TV. 

"The tournament has gotten so big, it's kind of begun to bring the entire country together. People are talking about it at the dinner table. They're talking about it in bars. They're talking about it in the office while they go over their pools. The whole country gets into it. 

"And if I'm not mistaken, it's the biggest gambling action of the year.'' 

Hey, ix-nay on the gambling talk. Sheesh, do you want Myles Brand to suspend you for the rest of the tournament? 

The long day (four games over 10 hours) began with a pep band offering of -- what else? -- Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4,'' which pep bands have been playing since afros were first in fashion. And let's get to the heart of that issue right away. Who has the best hair in the tournament, Stanford's Josh Childress and his Dr. J classic 'fro or Gonzaga's Turiaf, who sports half a dozen different looks, including a style reminiscent of Marge Simpson?    "You're talking two very different styles,'' Stanford senior Joe Kirchofer said. "I think there's a big difference between them in the preparation and maintenance. Josh is very concerned about having a clean, round shape. Ronny is more free and wild. The night after Josh gets his cut, he won't lie down in bed -- he'll sleep sitting up in a chair. There's a lot of dedication there.'' 

Hey, a team doesn't get ranked No. 1 without putting in the work. 

As it turns out, Childress is an easy winner in the hair department -- Turiaf took the court against Valparaiso sporting relatively conservative cornrows. "I'm not wearing the 'Marge Simpson' -- I have to look beautiful for the cameras,'' Turiaf said. "I'm really pretty superstitious and I played well with this style the last game.'' 

The beauty of the tournament is meeting colorful players such as Turiaf. He went to high school in Paris and speaks three languages fluently and three others somewhat. But the sad part is saying good-bye to others so quickly that we don't get to know them at all. 

Consider Southern Illinois, which played the opener in Seattle. The Salukis trailed Alabama much of the game before taking a one-point lead in the last minute, only to lose the lead with five seconds left and then the game when Darren Brooks' shot fell short at the buzzer. The tournament was barely four hours old -- I hadn't even finished filling out my bracket -- and it was already over for the Salukis. 

They showered, trudged out of the locker room and stood near an exit to sneak in a couple minutes of the Stanford-Texas/San Antonio game (the afternoon's second) before being told to get on the bus for the airport. They were on a plane before the Stanford game was over, and probably home before the Gonzaga game ended.  

"The NCAA doesn't want to keep them in the hotel rooms any longer than it has to,'' someone from Southern Illinois said. 

It's a shame. These guys play all year, juggling practices and (hopefully) classes, for the right to play in a tournament considered so important that the very announcement of the participating teams is nationally televised. But as soon as they lose, they're sent home with a cheap box lunch so that an organization making $1 billion off the tournament can save a couple thousand dollars on hotels. Talk about harsh.    "Yeah, but it's not that bad,'' Salukis freshman Jamaal Tatum said as he headed to the bus. "We'll be back next year.'' 

As Tatum said this, the Stanford Tree was making himself comfortable in a nearby chair ... or as comfortable as a man can sit in a chair while wearing a giant tree costume. I don't know if the Tree is the best mascot in college basketball or the worst, but he's definitely the cockiest. 

"The Tree is known as the anti-mascot and a symbol of Stanford's irreverence, but at Stanford they think the Tree is cool,'' said the Tree, a Stanford junior named William Rothacker. "It's a cool student who gets picked. It's someone who's known as the biggest partier, that all the girls want to date.'' 

When I expressed some doubt about chicks digging a guy in a tree costume, he insisted it isn't the costume. It's the mystique that comes with passing a selection process that requires "a lot of nudity and getting yourself in trouble with the law.'' 

For his part, Rothacker got naked in several classes, bribed the old Trees with a Tree-Mobile, and rigged up a medieval catapult to fling himself into a lake. 

He also did some strange things. 

"There are a lot of things that involve animals and sexual positions,'' he said. "The only rule is you can't set yourself on fire.'' 

The Tree is required to make his own costume each year, but Rothacker was wearing the old costume of a past Tree on Thursday because he's had two costumes stolen. He says people at Cal stole both, and "they put one through a wood-chipper.'' 

I'd like to see someone try that wood-chipper trick with Sparty, the Michigan State mascot. Sparty basically looks like Popeye on steroids -- he's been voted "Most Buffed Mascot,'' an award nearly as prestigious as Mr. Universe. His costume alone weighs 50 pounds and takes 20-to-30 minutes to put on. He had just gotten back from a pep rally and his costume already was soaked with sweat before Michigan State's game with Nevada. When I asked him about the Tree, he just shook his head and rolled his eyes.    Too bad the Spartans weren't as buff as Sparty down the stretch.  

Sparty didn't have a very enjoyable day. First, the straps on his costume broke. Then, Michigan State went out and blew a 16-point lead to Nevada, collapsing in the final five minutes to lose by six. While the Spartans limped to the showers, Sparty began the long process of taking off his costume. 

Michigan State was a No. 7 seed, so its loss was a minor upset. But no one expected No. 16 seed Texas-San Antonio to beat Stanford. Nonetheless, the Roadrunners had a small group of fans who traveled a couple thousand miles even though they knew deep down their team was going to get pounded. 

"I'm here because of my brother (guard Kurt Attaway), but it's also the chance of being there when the No. 16 seed finally beats a No. 1 seed,'' Matt Attaway said from the stands. "I know it's never happened; but one of these days, it's going to and you want to be there to see it.'' 

He didn't see it Thursday. San Antonio mounted a brief comeback midway through the second half to close the gap to six points and bring the crowd to its feet, then missed almost every shot after that and lost by 26. 

San Antonio did, however, score the game's first bucket to earn lifetime bragging rights. 

"Yeah, we led the No. 1-ranked team during the NCAA tournament.''  

While Stanford, Gonzaga and Alabama all advanced to the second round, the sweetest victory must have belonged to Nevada coach Trent Johnson. A Seattle native, Johnson played in Key Arena during Christmas tournaments when he was a high school student in Seattle and the arena still was known as the Coliseum. He never played in the state championship here, though. 

"Now, did you have to ruin everything and bring up that we got beat in the semi-finals?'' he said after coaching the Wolfpack over Michigan State. 

Asked what it meant to coach a team to an NCAA tournament win in his hometown, Johnson replied, "All I know is if we had lost, it would have been disappointing for the players and very disappointing for me because I would have to go home and face my mother ... I'm not a very emotional person, anyway, and I have to separate my personal feelings about being here with friends and family. If the players see me getting excited like that, they'll feed off it and we'll lose focus of what we're here for. 

"Whether you're playing at home or away or with family and friends in the tournament, you're just looking forward to the next game.'' 

He's right about that. This is the NCAA tournament. The bracket connects us all so that we're at home everywhere, whether we're wearing an afro on the court, a tree costume at courtside or just watching from a couch in our homes. 

Jim Caple is a senior writer for ESPN.com  

48-----

MANHATTAN'S Gonzalez just one game from moving on CBS Sportsline - USA ... There is a difference, and it's about as subtle as the effect Hurricane Gonzalez has on a room. Manhattan College is not located in Manhattan but the Bronx. ... <http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/7189601> 

Manhattan's Gonzalez just one game from moving on       March 19, 2004 By Gregg Doyel SportsLine.com Senior Writer Tell Gregg your opinion!            RALEIGH, N.C. -- Some things you can't prove but you know just the same, and this is one: Bobby Gonzalez's last game at Manhattan will be Saturday at the RBC Center.  

This is not so much a declaration of defeat for the 12th-seeded Jaspers -- although they surely will lose to fourth-seeded Wake Forest because the Deacons, unlike Florida, are not only talented but smart and tough as well. 

     Bobby Gonzalez has risen through the ranks to become head coach at Manhattan. (AP)    Rather, this is a declaration of victory for Gonzalez, an ambitious man who entered the business not to coach at Manhattan, but in Manhattan. There is a difference, and it's about as subtle as the effect Hurricane Gonzalez has on a room. Manhattan College is not located in Manhattan but the Bronx.  

St. John's isn't located in Manhattan, either, but the Queens-based school plays regularly at Madison Square Garden. That is the kind of stage Gonzalez seeks, and anyone who bets against him getting there just hasn't been paying attention.  

Gonzalez won't discuss the coaching vacancy at St. John's or anywhere else, and for good reason. His work is not finished with the Jaspers, though the end is near. After Manhattan loses in this NCAA Tournament, most likely Saturday in the second round of the East Rutherford regional, Gonzalez will become the most courted coach on the market.  

St. John's would be foolish not to speak with him, though the Red Storm's sights are set on Memphis' John Calipari. Georgetown has an opening. Miami could have one soon. Same with Memphis, if Calipari moves on. Gonzalez is going -- somewhere.  

He has been at Manhattan five years, which is more than Manhattan could have expected. When he got started in coaching, Gonzalez worked for two AAU programs, two high schools and two small colleges, all in New York -- all in six years.  

His break came in 1993, when Skip Prosser -- now at Wake Forest, of all things -- left Pete Gillen's Xavier staff for a head-coaching job. Gillen hired Gonzalez, and over the next six years, Gonzalez worked at four Division I schools -- with Gillen at Xavier, Providence and Virginia, and then in 1999 taking over at Manhattan.  

Gonzalez, who graduated from Buffalo State College in 1986 with a degree in communications, talks as fast as he relocates. It is one reason he has become among the most feared recruiters in college basketball. In six years as Gillen's No. 1 recruiter, Gillen's classes ranked among the top 15 nationally five times. Since Gonzalez left Virginia, Gillen's recruiting has taken a noticeable dip.  

"He's a fast talker," Manhattan senior forward Dave Holmes says with affection. "He knows how to get you here."  

Manhattan had never had a recruiting class ranked among the top 50 nationally until Gonzalez arrived. His second class was ranked No. 32, and he has had at least one player make the MAAC all-rookie team four times in five seasons.  

Gonzalez recruits ferociously in part because he is welcome in all three camps of basketball's sneaker war. He is aligned with Adidas from his time with the New York Gauchos' club, Nike from his time with Riverside Church's club, and Reebok because of his relationship with new Reebok overlord Sonny Vaccaro. It was Vaccaro who first hooked up Gonzalez with Gillen.  

Gonzalez's most important recruit at Manhattan was 2000 transfer Luis Flores, who averaged 3.9 points in 10.5 minutes as a Rutgers freshman but has scored more than 2,000 points for Gonzalez. Flores is a senior, another sign Gonzalez isn't coming back.  

When athletic directors look for their next basketball coach, they don't hire one so much as they hire a resumé. That's the way it was for Jerry Wainwright, a respected coach at UNC-Wilmington who needed eight seasons, and star guard Brett Blizzard, to get a job at Richmond. That's the way it was for Dennis Felton, a respected coach at Western Kentucky who needed five years, and star center Chris Marcus, to get a job at Georgia. Both left at the same time as their best player.  

Gonzalez will do the same. In five seasons at Manhattan he has won 12, 14, 20, 23 and now 25 games, taking the Jaspers to consecutive NCAA Tournaments for the first time. After Manhattan's 75-60 victory Thursday against the fifth-seeded Gators, Gonzalez was called by hizzoner himself, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.  

But coaching success is fickle, especially at a starter job like Manhattan -- even for a recruiter like Gonzalez. Let one player get hurt, another get ineligible, and your 25-5 team slips to 16-14. New York loves a winner, but it loathes anything less.  

"That's just the way it is in New York," Gonzalez says. "You can't take the pat on the back too seriously because the kick in the butt is right around the corner in New York."  

When he leaves in the coming weeks, Gonzalez will stay a step ahead of that kick in the butt. He always has.  

49-----

 

 

 

[EMAIL FROM JASPERS]

Email01

From: Menchise, Louis (1987)
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 11:52 PM
Subject: My email address

Please forward all mailings to <privacy invoked>  instead of <privacy invoked>.  Thanks for the well-wishes when I was in Iraq.  I was discharged on January 8, 2004.

God bless.

Louis Menchise
'87B

[JR: Great news. I have officially removed you from the "harm's way" prayer list. And, we all rejoice in your safe return. Well done. ]

 

Email02

From: Dennis J Chin
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 1:04 PM
To: **jake.holmquist@manhattan.edu
Cc: **stephen.desalvo@manhattan.edu; **joe.dillon@manhattan.edu; **james.heisey@manhattan.edu
Subject: FW: MANHATTAN ALUMNI LIFETIME EMAIL ACOUNT!!

Hi Jake, your name was passed on to me by Stephen De Salvo as the person to answer my questions about the new Alumni email account. Stephen sent my concerns to you about 3 weeks ago and I am following up with this matter. See the attached email for my questions and or concerns.

Can you help me out here? Thanks.

Dennis Chin, Jasper Class of 1973

PS: John, I have put you on CC so that you can pass on the answers to these practical and useful email concerns to your MANHATTAN ALUMNI READERS in your weekly NEWSLETTER. I am sure they would like to know under what circumstances or restrictions (attachment size limitation ...etc.) these new email accounts can or should be used under.

It is just a shame that I have to personally reach into the Manhattan College Organization to get these answers after graduating from the college 31 years ago!

[JR: Hey, I am glad you are taking the point. I am losing my will to fight with the College about this stuff. I don't think they realize how they hurt theor image with this stuff. ]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Stephen DeSalvo [mailto:stephen.desalvo@manhattan.edu]
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2004 6:36 AM
To: 'Dennis J Chin'
Cc: jake.holmquist@manhattan.edu
Subject: RE: MANHATTAN ALUMNI LIFETIME EMAIL ACOUNT!!

Dennis,

I will forward your questions to our IT office, they should be able to answer them better then I.

Stephen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stephen J. DeSalvo
Alumni Relations Officer
Manhattan College
Manhattan College Parkway
Riverdale, Bronx, NY 10471-4098
P: (718) 862-7454
F: (718) 862-8013

====================

From: Dennis J Chin
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2004 10:37 PM
To: **stephen.desalvo@manhattan.edu
Subject: RE: MANHATTAN ALUMNI LIFETIME EMAIL ACOUNT!!

Stephen, here is another problem that I discovered with the new @alum.manhattan.edu account. When you compose a new email and try to attach a file; the new email gets cancelled when trying to attach a file. Or in other words you cannot attach a file without the email you are trying to compose getting cancelled by the email client. I think it has something to do with the attachment file size.

What is this email account's capacity in MBs? What is the largest file that can be attached to a new email? What is the largest attachment in an incoming email that can be forwarded via this account?

Thanks for your help and I look forward to your response in this matter.

Dennis Chin, Jasper Class of 73

======================

From: Dennis J Chin
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 11:37 AM
To: **jake.holmquist@manhattan.edu
Cc: **james.heisey@manhattan.edu; **joe.dillon@manhattan.edu; **stephen.desalvo@manhattan.edu
Subject: RE2: MANHATTAN ALUMNI EMAIL ACOUNT!!

Hi Jake, thanks for getting back to me in such a timely manner. Your assessment of the current program and future direction is greatly appreciated and more than responsive to the questions I had.

I am sure that other Jasper Alumni will appreciate your clarification when John includes this information in his newsletter.

Once again thanks for your prompt, direct response to my concerns and or questions.

Dennis Chin, Jasper Class of 73

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Jake Holmquist [mailto:jake.holmquist@manhattan.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 5:28 AM
To: 'Dennis J Chin'
Cc: stephen.desalvo@manhattan.edu; joe.dillon@manhattan.edu; james.heisey@manhattan.edu
Subject: RE: MANHATTAN ALUMNI LIFETIME EMAIL ACOUNT!!

Dennis,

            First, let me apologize for the inter-department communication break down.  I had marked this follow-up as completed, when in fact it clearly has not been resolved since I have not answered all of your questions.  I have read your original email message and the problems you experienced were most likely due to attachment size limitations.  The answer to the question of “what is the attachment limit?” is not straight forward.

            A little background information as is my understanding (Stephen or Joe may be able to fill in the holes or correct me):  Computer Services was informed that Harris (a 3rd party provider) had “turned off” access to the alumni email system by our Alumni department.  Collaborating with our Alumni department, we were able to quickly deploy a working email system preloaded with data provided from Harris to forward all incoming email addressed to existing “@alum.manhattan.edu” email addresses to the alternate address provided for each account.  Our intention was to implement a system on existing hardware to quickly restore the flow of messages for “@alum” accounts.  The hardware that the system resides on should be a temporary solution until we are able to obtain a more powerful server which would support all of the features we would like to deploy, such as ample disk quotas (for storing email messages), SPAM and virus filtering, etc.

            With that said, here are the current restrictions on attachment size (which will most likely increase when the appropriate server is deployed):

Sending email

Via webmail – < 2MB

Via any SMTP client – 5MB

Receiving email

Via any client – 5MB

            These values have been tweaked recently to conform to the limits of the current server.  In general, we will be able to increase all values in the future, except sending via webmail.  Disk quotas are currently being implemented and will be 10MB per account, which may or may not be increased in the future – Joe or Stephen would have more info here.

            Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Thanks,
Jake Holmquist
Jasper Class of 2001

______________________________

Jake Holmquist
Associate Director Computer Services
Network Administrator
Manhattan College
jake.holmquist@manhattan.edu
v. 718-862-7449
f. 718-862-8024

==================================

From: Jasper John '68
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 9:41 AM
To: 'Jake Holmquist'
Cc: stephen.desalvo@manhattan.edu; joe.dillon@manhattan.edu; james.heisey@manhattan.edu; 'Dennis J Chin'; Walter F. Matystik; Bautz, Bill
Subject: RE: MANHATTAN ALUMNI LIFETIME EMAIL ACOUNT!!

Hi Jake, (You get the worst job in this particular circus. And everyone connected with computers in any way knows what that means.) Not wanting to throw gasoline on any particular smoldering embers (and boy! would I like to JoanofArc somebody!!), but I would suggest one lingering concern. The bootstrap method of initiating this "rescue project" left a lot of open mail boxes sitting out there in cyberspace. I am concerned that an existing mailbox is, or can be, hijacked by a ne'er-do-well. A lot of people have the supposedly secret password to open an alum's mailbox. This risk is not time-delimited since anyone may have the initiation email captured during its transit through the net. It is especially bad since an alum might not even be aware that it was intended for them (e.g., I don't use the address it was forwarded to. The initiation email was sent and bounced or bitbucketed. Now, I have a live mailbox, on the net, with unlimited capability, and I don't even know to take control of it.). Suggestions: (1) if the mailbox has not been visited since this fiasco started, suspend it. (2) review the password attempts on the mailbox / amount (traffic volume, zero and huge are bad) - number (frequency of use -- daily is bad? clockwork regularity is bad?) - size (porn) of messages sent from the mailbox, if someone isn't doing it already. and (3) include in the mailings from the College to alums a "how to enliven your new "lifetime" (Sarcasm intended) email service. Probably other stuff if I gave it more thought. BUT, if Manhattan College winds up on the BlackHole list of spammers, then everyone can guess what caused it. Oh well, I have my own set of circus parades to tend to, Good luck, John'64

[JR: The saga continues. My advice to the readership. (1) Take control of your email box ASAP! Prevent spam. Eliminiate any chance of identitity theft. (2) Take "lifetime" with a grain of salt. (3) Don't give the address to anyone whose email is really important to you. (4) Try an get a wager down with someone about "who's lifetime". And, don't gripe to me, I have no power to make anyone do anything. Jasper Chin gets my personal Don Quixote award for service to the Jasper Community.]

[JR: P.S., Please reserve your complaints for other than Jake, who I consider a "white hat" in the ongoing fiasco. I'll award the "black hats' at our year end awards ceremony. http://www.Buy your tickets now,com . (Commonnow, don't click on anything that looks like a link. Ditto for attachments, except mine.)   ]

 

Email03

From: Dennis J Chin
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 6:53 PM
To: **stephen.desalvo@manhattan.edu
Cc: **joe.dillon@manhattan.edu; **john reinke
Subject: FW: MANHATTAN ALUMNI LIFETIME EMAIL ACOUNT!!

Stephen, this is the THIRD time I am writing to you about the concerns I had about the new Alumni Manhattan Email accounts. These concerns are in the attached email that I sent to you almost THREE weeks ago. The questions are of a practical nature to understand the operational limitations of these new email accounts; in addition to some "bugs" I discovered.

Stephen, I realize you are busy; but being busy is not a license to be NON-RESPONSIVE to requests from an Alumni, like myself.

Please send me the name of the person that I need to talk to in order to get an answer to the questions that I had. Since you don't seem to have the time in your busy schedule to follow-up on this matter; I will do it myself.

Please send me the persons name, telephone number and email address. I will call this person as soon as I have his/her phone number. I guess the saying is still true that if you want something done you have to do it yourself.

Stephen, I gave you ample time and my patience to be responsive; so I guess you should not surprised by the tone of this letter!

I look forward (sooner and not later) to the requested name and phone number.

Thanks for your help and may God SPEED your reply.

Dennis Chin, Jasper Class of 1973

[JR: I separated this out, inadvertently, because I am glad to see someone else get royally annoyed at rude behavior. Go get 'em tiger. I thought I was the only one that really got the old blood boiling with these people (i.e., unresponsive). ]

 

Email04

From: William T. Gildea (1962)
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 9:32 AM
Subject: Re: FW: Read: New Email address

I only received the link on both email1 and this email2. Still not getting the full Jottings in email. But, I was able to go up and read it.

Happy St. Pat's Day!

Bill

[JR: Bill, I have no clue what is wrong. According to my side of the world everything left here and ran "hot straight and normal" to you. DO you have any techsupport on your side that you can consult with? ]

==>

> From: "Jasper John '68"
> Date: 2004/03/17 Wed AM 08:22:55 EST
> To: William T. Gildea (1962)
> Subject: FW: Read: New Email address
>
> Bill, Did it work this week? I didn't get any "bounces" from your
> address. John'68
>
> >  -----Original Message-----
> > From:        William T. Gildea (1962)
> > Sent:          Tuesday, March 16, 2004 11:38 PM
> > To:            Jasper John '68 @ Jasper Jottings.com
> > Subject:     Read: New Email address
> >
> > This is a receipt for the mail you sent to
> > <William T. Gildea (1962) > at 3/12/2004 6:18 AM
> >
> > This receipt verifies that the message has been displayed on the
> > recipient's computer at 3/16/2004 11:38 PM

 

Email05

From: Jasper John '68 @ Jasper Jottings.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 8:05 AM
To: 'Liz Velasquez'
Subject: RE: REINKE asks FW: Returned mail: delivery problems encountered

Thanks much. Wanna join the "editorial board" and get to see the pig made out of sausage? ;-)

==

From: Liz Velasquez
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 9:25 AM
Subject: RE: REINKE asks FW: Returned mail: delivery problems encountered

John I will help you in any way I can. Just let me know how.

Liz Velasquez '98
Researcher
Manhattan College

[JR: Liz has joined Mike on the "editorial board". (until the process turns her tummy.) Anyone else? ]

 

Email06

From: Erin McGrath '92
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 10:35 AM
To: reporter@jasperjottings.com
Subject: Lisa Muccilo '92 Library Fund - donations

Hi John.

If anyone would like to make a donation to the library project honoring Lisa, they can make their checks payable to:

'Friends of Lisa Muccilo '92 Fund'

They can send their donations to

Manhattan College
Office of Planned Giving
Manhattan College Parkway
Riverdale, NY 10471-9975

They can also make a donation via credit card. If they would like to do this, I suggest they contact Mary Ellen Malone, Director of Planned Giving, at 718 862-7976 for assistance.

Thank you for your help in getting the word out there.

To date our mailing has brought in $7800.00 (about 31% of our goal). We are grateful for everyone's support.

Fondly,
Erin McGrath '92

PS I welcome any suggestions you have in making the project a success. Thanks!

[JR: Anything for a gal with a screen name of "wiggles". I bet you are setting hearts a flutter all over Jasper-dom. May even cause a couple of Obits among the fat old alums reading this. Seriously, I urge all my fellow skinflints to let the moths out and help. I will give each and every donor a free year added on to their Jasper jottings subscription and a picture. (See Erin they think it'll be a picture of you, but I'll send them a picture of me. And, they'll be to embarrassed to cry bait'n'swich.) Just like PBS, gotta give 'em something.  ]

 

Email07

From: Liz Velasquez
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 9:40 AM
Subject: RE: REINKE asks FW: Returned mail: delivery problems encountered

That is the old email address of Sandra Sapone in the Athletics Department here on campus. Her current email address is  <privacy invoked>

Not sure when she married, but our directory now lists her as Sandra Sapone-Taylor. She received a BA in 1993 and than an MS in 1995.

Liz Velasquez '98
Researcher
Manhattan College

-----Original Message-----

From: Jasper John '68
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 12:34 PM
To: Liz Velasquez
Subject: REINKE asks FW: Returned mail: delivery problems encountered

Liz, Can you  tell me anything about this subscriber? Thanks, John

 

Email08

From: Guzman, Dexon B.
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 8:06 AM
To: recruiter@jasperjottings.com
Subject: Another Jasper

Please sign me up to receive Jottings and include me in your Jasperroster.

Thanks

Dexon Guzman
Manager, Business Development, Network Centric Warfare
Systems Development and Technology (SD&T)
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems

=

From: Jasper John '68 @ Jasper Jottings.com
Sent:    Tuesday, March 16, 2004 8:05 AM
To:      Guzman, Dexon B.
Subject:           FW: Another Jasper

Jasper Guzman, Just out of curiosity, how did you find out about it. (Joke alert!) I have to know who to blame! And, who can't be trusted with "secrets". No, seriously. Whenever I send out invitation, I am tracking them now. I am not the world's greatest clerk. But, when I went to add you I didn't see your name in the invitation database. Now this "club" is as exclusive as rainfall, any Jasper is welcome. But, with a near zero budget, it interests me how people hear about it. Thanks for the answer if you have time and are willing to rat out your friends. Just kidding. I think I am funniest in the morning. Even sent a joke, (rejected), to Jay Leno. John'68

=

From: Guzman, Dexon B.
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 8:11 AM
Subject: RE: Another Jasper

I found out thru another alumni - Jim Cox.

Dex Guzman

[JR: Ahhah, Detective Defective, we have identified the culprit. Sentence him to read Jottings for another forty years. No good deed goes unpunished. Seriously, thanks for the info. Jasper Cox , thanks for recruiting another reader.]

 

Email09

From: R Maddia
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 10:26 AM
To: John Reinke (1968)
Subject: Re: Hello from a 1968 Jasper on 14 Mar 2004

I am definitely interested in receiving updates.

Pls add me to your list.

Rick Maddia        1981

Also add my father

Bernie Maddia        1952

=

From: Jasper John '68 @ Jasper Jottings.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 8:05 AM
To: r maddia
Cc: Bernie maddia
Subject: FW: Hello from a 1968 Jasper on 14 Mar 2004

Glad to have you both. John'68

[JR: In the last message, I have Jaspers ratting out their friends. Now I have children turning in their parents. What's next? ]

 

Email10

From: George Ello (1978)
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 8:34 AM
Subject: Re: This issue is at: jasperjottings20040314.htm

John

I was very sorry to read the obituary of Ralph Lombardi. I graduated with Ralph in 1978 from the EE curriculum. We'd lost contact over the years. Also, the obit was incorrect; Ralph was 47 years old.

Thanks for allowing the info update.
GE

[JR: I know how you feel. I had a high school classmate, a best friend, who died and I didn't find out about it until much later. Long story but still to this day disturbs me.]

[JR: This is a Jasper Jottings' Official Order. There will be no cutting in line. We expect all Jaspers to observe the line to die. No cutting in front to go out of turn. Only the oldest Jasper will be allowed to die, when he or she is darned good and ready. Not a minute before. And, of course, his Maker must concur. There is no early dismissal permitted. It upsets the CIC. All those, who cut in front and die ahead of an older Jasper, will have their Jasper Jottings subscription terminated and will have to apply to the editorial board for reinstatement.]

[JR: There that should do it and prevent the problem in the future.]

[JR: Seriously, I do find it upsetting when people die before their time. It just seems harder to make new friends. Sigh. Any way, I hope I made you chuckle with my lame humor. Or, at least didn't offend you. I am glad you gave the obit what I call context. ]

 

Email11

From: Robert W. (1960) Burns
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 8:31 PM
Subject: RE: my opinion

    Manhattan was an institution that I could afford. When I first considered it the tuition was $12 per credit with a cap at 180 or $200. Upon graduation I took a job teaching in a public school system at a fairly low salary. I thought of my job as my mission. Marriage and four children made it difficult financially. My wife never earned a salary because we thought it more important to have someone at home to oversee our children. Things worked out well and our children prospered. I always felt guilty when the college appealed for help and I had nothing to give. Education for four (two at Cornell) was a struggle for us. Your ideas seem too simplistic to work but I am glad to hear your opinions. I have read that some decline to receive your work because they disavow your ideas. Keep plugging away because your ideas make me think. Not just an apologia for my opinions but as the basis for critical thought.

Thanks.
Bob Burns

=

From: Jasper John '68 @ Jasper Jottings.com
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 10:16 PM
To: Robert W. (1960) Burns
Subject: RE: my opinion

Bob,

> Manhattan was an institution that I could afford.

I know that feeling and I am sure my Mom took a deep breath and sighed with relief when I chose MC rather than Notre Dame or one of the California schools I was accepted to.

> When I first considered it the tuition was $12 per credit with a cap at 180 or $200.

I figured the tuition when I did FDU. It was only possible because of Veterans Benefits, AT&T's tuition refund, and the tax deduction. One of the reasons I eschewed Law School was the lack of all three. Sigh. But one has to make choices. Tough ones. But, in the end, I believe that the Law of Karma compensates one.

> upon graduation I took a job teaching in a public school system at a fairly low salary.

My cousin's husband made similar choices.

> I thought of my job as my mission. Marriage and four children made it difficult
> financially.

But on the positive side, look at what you "received"

>My wife never earned a salary because we thought it more important to have
>someone at  home to oversee our children. Things worked out well and our children
>prospered.

As a "doctor laura" fan, I absolutely think that you made the right choice. They are your legacy.

> I always felt guilty when the college appealed for help and I had nothing to
> give. Education for four (two at Cornell)  was a struggle for us.

But money is NOT the only thing one can give. Time, skills, insight, and "networking" are all things that can be done for the College, your fellow alums, and future students. Everyone makes their contributions in their own special way.

> Your ideas seem too simplistic to work but I am glad to hear your opinions.

Well, the current set of complicated solutions are working so well, I guess we shouldn't try any of the simple ones.   :-)

> I have read that some decline to receive your work because they disavow your ideas.

Yup, I have at least six, who declared their desire to stick their fingers in their ears, as they left. I don't know how many just left without the final salvo. I don't think many.

> Keep plugging away because your ideas make me think. Not just an apologea for my
> opinions but as the basis for critical thought.

Just like Plato's Cave. Which is just the effect I was trying to create.

>Thanks.
>Bob Burns

Your most welcome,
John

[JR: That was probably a hard email to write. Whenever we look back over time, I think we always see what could have been better. I know I do. But, IMHO, one has to use that as energy to do better in the future. I think Bob has made tremendous contributions, to others. And to the College, by reflecting well on what MC tries to produce -- good people. I do think that we can despair too easily. It must be hard-wired in our circuitry. It's not all about who makes the biggest contribution of dollars and gets their name higher towards the top of the list. (Although, I know at least one competitive Jasper, who I love to give enough  more than he does just to get my name higher on the list than him 'cause it bugs the living … … … Yes Saint Peter, five years extra for being so venial a sinner. Yes, I understand, yes, I'm sorry, And yes, I am truly contrite for teasing the Biznez guys, And, the old jaspers, and the fat ones, and the old fat ones. Does it have to be quite so dark and lonely here in Purgatory? Oh this isn't purgatory. I didn't tease him that much. And what's five extra years added on to eternity.) It's about doing your best.]

 

Email12

Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 00:12:03 EDT
Subject: Additional Name for Your Mailing List
To: reinkefj@alum.manhattan.edu

Hello John,

      An addition alum that would likely be interested in being added to your mailing list is George McCorkell '69.  His email address is <privacy invoked>

                                                                  Best,
                                                                  Mike Zino '69

=

From: Jasper John '68 @ Jasper Jottings.com
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 12:34 PM
To: Mike Zino '69
Subject: FW: Mail Delivery Problem

Mike, Can you help me reconnect George to Jottings? See no good deed goes unpunished! John'68

-----Original Message-----
From: Mail Delivery Subsystem
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 8:22 AM
To: Jasper John '68 @ Jasper Jottings.com
Subject: Mail Delivery Problem

Your mail to the following recipients could not be delivered because they are not accepting mail from reinke@att.net:

            George McCorkell '69

 

 

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Spammers

The following link is an attempt to derail spammers. Don't take it.

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Curmudgeon

FINAL WORDS THIS WEEK

http://www.lewrockwell.com/vance/vance8.html

 

=== <begin quote> ===

The extent of the U.S. global empire is almost incalculable. The latest "Base Structure Report" of the Department of Defense states that the Department's physical assets consist of "more than 600,000 individual buildings and structures, at more than 6,000 locations, on more than 30 million acres." The exact number of locations is then given as 6,702 - divided into large installations (115), medium installations (115), and small installations/locations (6,472). This classification can be deceiving, however, because installations are only classified as small if they have a Plant Replacement Value (PRV) of less than $800 million.

Although most of these locations are in the continental United States, 96 of them are in U.S. territories around the globe, and 702 of them are in foreign countries. But as Chalmers Johnson has documented, the figure of 702 foreign military installations is too low, for it does not include installations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, and Uzbekistan. Johnson estimates that an honest count would be closer to 1,000.

=== <end quote> ===

Doesn't anyone think that this is excessive? Having troops in 135 countries is 135 countries too many and <tongue in cheek alert> somewhat departs from George Washington's concept of no entangling alliances. Does Switzerland stay neutral and safe because: it minds it's own business, has automatic weapons in every citizen's home, and / or keeps its troops with its borders? We could learn a lesson about this from this and for this very reason. Bring the troops home NOW!

And that’s the last word.

Curmudgeon

-30-

GBu. GBA.