OFFICIAL ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE PRESS RELEASE:
(Buffalo, NY—October 16, 2017) The St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Alumni Association is pleased to announce that the following individuals and teams will be inducted into the St. Joe’s Sports Hall of Fame: Lawrence M. O’Connor ’49, Kevin J. Brinkworth ’59, John D. Gibney ’74, John J. Quinn ’74, the 1972-73 Varsity Basketball Team, and the 2008-09 and 2009-10 Varsity Bowling Team.
The 24th annual induction ceremony will take place on Friday, November 10th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joe’s. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.sjci.com/SHOF.
The St. Joe’s Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have had a lasting impact on the legendary athletic program of the school. Since its inception, over 100 individuals and 9 teams have become a permanent part of the Sports Hall of Fame gallery, which can be found outside of the Hogan Gymnasium on the St. Joe’s campus.
About the 2017 Inductees:
Lawrence M. O’Connor ’49 was a force for St. Joe’s basketball and an All-Catholic selection for the Manhattan Cup champions in 1949. His basketball career continued at Canisius College, and eventually he was drafted to play in the NBA by the New York Knicks. His athletic skills also transferred to the baseball diamond. As a three-year starter at first base, the St. Joe’s team won championships both his junior and senior years. Larry became a role model for many at St. Joe’s and throughout the community as a legendary women’s softball and basketball coach.
Kevin J. Brinkworth ’59 was a three-sport athlete and three-year varsity player in football. He played on four undefeated football teams, three of which were championship winners and SJCI Hall of Fame Inductees (1956 – 1958). Named 1st Team All Catholic by both the Buffalo Courier Express and the Buffalo Evening News, Kevin also earned 1st Team All-WNY, All-Catholic, and All-American honors. He continued his athletic career at the University at Buffalo and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. His professional athletic career ended abruptly with a knee injury the same year.
John D. Gibney ’74, another three-sport athlete, earned honors as a member of the football, crew, and track team. As a lineman on the St. Joe’s football team, John earned the most acclaim. He was named 1st Team All-Catholic both junior and senior years, and 2nd Team All-WNY his senior year. He continued his football career at Colgate University, drafted by the New England Patriots in 1978, and then signed by the NY Jets, where he was on the roster until 1980.
John J. Quinn ’74 contributed to the football, basketball, and track & field teams during his tenure at St. Joe’s. He was a powerful presence on the offensive and defensive lines for football, named 1st Team All-Catholic both junior and senior Years, and 1st Team All-WNY as a senior. He continued his football career at Colgate University. John’s three-year basketball career at St. Joe’s placed him on the 1973 and 1974 Manhattan Cup championship teams. He was also a distinguished member of the Track and Field team, part of the squad that set a team record of 77 points at the All-Catholics Championships and an important part of the team’s 1st Place finish and discus record at the 1974 Aquinas Relays.
1972-73 Varsity Basketball Team finished with a 13-3 overall record and the 1973 Manhattan Cup Championship. The team is considered one of the most talented teams in St. Joe’s history, with nine players continuing their basketball careers in college. The squad had a high-powered offense, winning by an average of 17 points with a season-high performance of 98 points against Bishop Fallon. Led by head coach Richard Bihr, the team was also co-champions of the Burke League and credited with being one of the best teams in New York State.
The 2008-09 and 2009-10 Varsity Bowling Team is, to date, the most accomplished bowling squad in the program’s history at St. Joe’s. The team won the Monsignor Martin Championship both years, and averaged an astounding 1002 (2009) and 986 (2010) in those two years. The team was determined to face the best competition in New York State after much success locally. The Marauders, led by head coach Albert Sturm, fared well against the best bowlers statewide, finishing first in the Vestal, NY High School Bowling Tournament, third in the Maryvale Tournament and Roy Summer Tournament, and fifth out of a strong field of 29 teams in the De Stefano Tournament in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Questions regarding the event can be directed to the Advancement Office at advancement@sjci.com
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