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The Macs Are Back

Edwin Malave 12,547 Comments

Former Men’s Basketball Captains to be Honored at December 18 Maccabees Game

The captains of the Maccabees are coming back to campus.

About three-dozen former captains of the Yeshiva University men’s basketball team and their families along with former players plan to participate in Alumni Day, hosted by Yeshiva University’s Office of Alumni Affairs, on Sunday, December 18. The event, open to all YU alumni, will begin at 10:45 a.m. in the Max Stern Athletic Center, Amsterdam Ave. at 184th St. on YU’s Wilf Campus, before the 2011-2012 Macs squad plays their regularly scheduled 2 p.m. game against the St. Joseph’s College Golden Eagles.

“One of the most meaningful aspects of the work done by the Office of Alumni Affairs is reconnecting graduates with old friends and colleagues,” said Illana Feiglin, director of alumni affairs. “While class reunions and this past fall’s Homecoming are excellent tools to do so, it is particularly special to bring past student athletes together on a day that celebrates their successes and camaraderie. We’re excited to see so many former basketball players and team captains back on campus and to recognize their contributions to campus life.”

Before the game, alumni and their children are invited to participate in a fun-filled session of shooting contests and a mini 3-on-3 tournament with current Macs players.  The on-court fun will be followed by a buffet lunch and the screening of a new short documentary called “The History of the Macs,” as well as a chance to hear from the legendary YU men’s basketball coach for the past 40 years, Coach Johnny Halpert.

During the event, a special interactive display will be unveiled that will feature the history of the YU men’s basketball team, list past captains, 1,000 point scorers, and share information about the current team.

The interactive display, which will be mounted on the wall just outside the Melvin J. Furst Gymnasium in the Max Stern Athletic Center, will be surrounded by oversized historical photographs of YU basketball legends. This dynamic installation is being generously donated by Mr. Shabsi Schreier, Macs Captain from 1983—85.

“Yeshiva University captains were all young men of high character who represented their team and University with dignity and distinction,” said Coach Halpert. “They were the best of the best.”

Registered alumni and their guests will then join the rest of the Macs fans for an exciting game against the Golden Eagles with a special half-time program recognizing past Macs captains. YU gear will be available for registered guests as they cheer on their favorite college team.

Finally, at the event, a committee led by past Macs players will announce the campaign to raise funds to establish The Coach Jonathan Halpert Scholarship Fund to pay tribute to his 40-year coaching career at YU. On Sunday, April 29, 2012, the University will honor Coach Halpert by naming the basketball court for him.

For more information or to make reservations to attend Alumni Day on December 18, visit yu.edu/alumni/basketball or email alumnievents@yu.edu.

Read more in The New York Jewish Week…

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