Paterna’s Faculty and Staff Team Triumphs Over Alumni

MANCHESTER – With his undefeated coaching record on the line, Dr. Andrew Paterna led the Manchester Community College’s Faculty and Staff team to a 54-42 victory over MCC basketball Alumni Saturday afternoon (February 13th) at the Great Path Academy gym.

The exhibition was co-sponsored by the campus newspaper, The Live Wire and the MCC Athletic Department and benefited the Manchester Area Conference of Churches, Inc (MAAC). ICE Radio, MCC’s internet radio station provided the music and was the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

In years past, Paterna’s star power was a powerful draw. This time around, in the first game held in at least a decade, he did not disappoint.

Paterna cites preparation as the key to his team’s victory.“You’ve heard the rumors of how tough (UConn coach) Jim Calhoun’s practices are?” Paterna said with an attempted straight face. “That’s nothing compared to what we went through the past couple of weeks.”

Armed with 7’1” Delano Paul, the basketball firm of Harris and Harris (Duncan and Peter) and MCC President, Dr. Gena Glickman, Paterna’s team had the advantage with the enthusiastic crowd that filled the Great Path bleachers.

When Paterna grabbed a whistle and joined referees Dale and Dennis DeAngelis and MCC’s own Ted Plamondon midway through the second half, the FacStaffers gained a slight advantage on the court.

Not that they needed it. Harris and Harris controlled the floor, dishing off to formidable group that also included Martin Hart, Theresa Janeczek, Jack McLarney, John Murdock, Joe Navarra, Dan Piccione, Sandra Rimetz, Steve Moore and Cynthia Washburne.

“The President inspired us to victory,” Paterna said of Glickman, who hit a pair of foul shots late in the second half to help secure the victory. Paterna, who is believed to be an unconfirmed 22-0 in such games, also said “Joe Navarro’s pinpoint shooting allowed us to pull away.

The Alumni team was led by MCC head coach Robert Turner Jr. and more than held its own against Paterna’s team of destiny. Turner, who played at MCC in 1997, had many able-alums on his roster, including Bernate Bryant,Christopher Harris, Yomary Dejesus, Amy Griswold, Laresha Hogan, Marc Mojica, Amanda Morrales, Candice Manson, Tina Pagano and current Assistant Coach Katie McClellan.

“This was a lot of fun,” Turner said after the game and before his 2009-10 MCC Women’s team beat Globe Institute 91-32 for its 18th win. “We are bringing back a tradition and now that we have our own gym, we want to do this every year. It’s a great way to reconnect with our former players.” Turner will bring his 18-3 Cougars to the NJCAA Division III Region 21 Tournament next weekend (February 26 and 27) in Brockton, MA.

The event was a success in eyes of the MCC Department of Athletics and The Live Wire.

“We were able to a community need and reconnect with our alumni and shared some laughs,” Director of Athletic Washburne said. “The support of the fans, and faculty and staff was excellent.”

The Live Wire advisor Stephania Davis concurred.
“The turnout was great, both players and attendees had a good time and we raised $50 and three boxes of food for MACC,” Davis said. “At this time of year, when so many are in need, it’s more important than ever to support the community.”

For more photos, check out the MCC Athletics page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Manchester-Community-College-Athletics/281998675434?ref=ts