Mike Sheppard Golf Outing Celebrates BIG EAST Championship
10/12/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Pirate Blue members, alumni and friends gathered at Maplewood Country Club in Maplewood, N.J. on Monday, October 10 for the annual Mike Sheppard Golf Outing. Over $20,000 was raised to support the Seton Hall Baseball program. The funds raised from this year's outing will go towards the purchase of a new scoreboard for Owen T. Carroll Field.
This year's event was heavily attended by former players, parents and friends to support the 2011 BIG EAST Championship team, with over 200 participants for golf and dinner. Golfers took to the course in the early afternoon which was followed by a cocktail reception and dinner.
President, Gabriel A. Esteban welcomed all of the attendees and thanked them for their support of Seton Hall Baseball. Athletics Director, Patrick Lyons, was also gracious for the support all have shown towards Seton Hall Baseball and both acknowledged the impressive accomplishments of the young men in attendance from the 2011 BIG EAST Championship team. Lyons also encouraged those in attendance to increase their participation as the program seeks to duplicate last year's success.
"All of our Pirate Blue members play a critical role in our commitment to continue and build upon the tradition of Seton Hall Baseball and the lives of our exceptional student-athletes," stated Lyons. "We need all of our members to not only help us financially but through overall support in recruiting friends and classmates to get involved."
Head Coach Emeritus, Mike Sheppard addressed the crowd and thanked many of his former players who returned to celebrate the team's recent accomplishments. The highlight of the evening was head baseball coach Rob Sheppard presenting the Championship rings to each member of the 2011 team.
"I am extremely proud of our young men and our coaching staff," Sheppard said. "Tonight's ceremony is not only a celebration, but motivation to each of them as we work to repeat that success this season."
Each year, the winning foursome of the Sheppard Golf Outing receives the opportunity to play in the Acura Alumni Team Championship Challenge at legendary Pinehurst golf course. This year's winning foursome of Terry Higgins, John Louis, Pat Lynch and Tom Sedillo received a four day/three night stay at Pinehurst Resort (October 27-30, 2011) and will participate in a field of over 60 teams.
Pirate Blue appreciates the support of all who attended the outing and would like to thank the generous sponsors who helped to make this event possible. They include: Dinner Sponsors, Mayrich Construction (Joseph T. Scott ) and Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (Steve Waldis '89); Lunch Sponsor, Discovery Communications (Joseph Abruzzese '69); Cocktail Reception Sponsor, The Access Group (David Gagliano '89).
