Last year, the College of Staten Island held its Inaugural Men’s Basketball Alumni Game at the Sports & Recreation Center honoring the memory of late-assistant coach Matty White. Designed to welcome back alumni that played for CSI both when it was a two and four-year institution, the event is slated for a second go-around tomorrow morning, preceding CSI men’s Basketball tip-off vs. John Jay College. The event is used as a fund and friend-raiser for the program with all proceeds generated supporting the program in the name of late assistant coach Matty White.
CSI alum Craig Sleap, a member of the basketball program from 1996-2000 while doubling on the baseball team crafted the idea to host the inaugural event along with CSI Head Coach Tony Petosa, and will see the event off as its principal organizer.
“Craig and I spoke a few times about an alumni game, and when Matty passed away, a collection of alumni really wanted to do something fitting in his honor,” explained Petosa. “I think this alumni game is a great way of preserving his memory. Having a group that he admired and that looked up to him assembled in one place to celebrate what once brought them together is overwhelming. We’re excited about it.”
A few dozen former alumni have already committed to participate, as CSI sent invitations to hundreds of former alums collected from databases kept by the CSI Alumni Relations Office. The event will feature a full game played before CSI men’s and women’s doubleheader tip-off vs. CUNYAC-rival John JayCollege, beginning with the men’s game at 1pm. Alumni will be provided with complimentary game jerseys and a full luncheon at the conclusion of the event. Registration is $50 with all proceeds generated assisting the men’s basketball program.
An assistant coach for the Dolphins for 17 years, coach White lost his battle with kidney cancer in May of 2010, he was 74. In a dedication ceremony prior to tip-off last year, members of the Alumni presented the White family with a commemorative plaque dedicating the event in future years be officially renamed the Matty White Men’s Basketball Alumni Game.
“Coach White never played a minute of basketball at CSI, and you won’t find his name in the wins and losses annals of coaches here either, but what he meant to our program is immeasurable,” said Associate Athletic Director David Pizzuto, who has helped organize the event. “For the alumni to dedicate this day to him is a strong indication of just how valued he was and how he was embraced by the CSI family. There is no one more truly deserving.”
Those wanting to register for the event can contact Petosa or Pizzuto at (718) 982-3169/3166. Late registration will take place beginning at 9:30am at the Sports & Recreation center on January 21, with tip-off slated for 11am.
