Preview of Big East at Louisville October 29

On Saturday the Big East Championship will take place in Louisville. You can visit the Big East Championship Site for the most up-to-date information. We've finished 14th the last 2 years and are looking forward to picking up a few spots this year based on early season form. The meet is loaded, with Villanova the NCAA champions of the past 2 seasons leading the way.

Oct 21, 1961: A Better Week

50 years ago this week St John's went head to head with Navy and NYU at Van Cortlandt Park. The team is starting to show dramatic improvement over the past , since the beginning of the season.

Fall Festival Alumni Reception Oct 2011

On Sunday Oct 16, St John's hosted it's annual Fall Festival alumni reception. Joe Lang (class of 63) was guest speaker. I could spend a long time listing Joe's accomplishments, but prefer to focus on his speech.

Joe was introduced by hammer throwing alums John McCree (class of 75) and Rich Torrellas (class of 72). Both men asked to introduce Joe as he played such a substantial roll in their careers in track and field as athletes, coaches and officials. Joe has inculcated in them a love for both their sport and giving back to the generations that have followed them.

Joe chose to focus on the 1961 Metropolitan Championship of 50 years ago. 1961 was the year when St John's broke the stranglehold of Manhattan College in the Metropolitan area. He described how the team had progressed from being crushed by Manhattan College on Oct 14 to turning the tables at the Mets on Nov 7. In just 3 weeks through good coaching and team spirit.

50 years have passed but the memory is still vivid and special. To exceed expectations collectively on the day, when it counts most, results in a proud memory that never fades and fuels the desire to sense that pride again by helping others attain similar goals.

Joe encouraged all that attended to give back and to enable others to achieve their moment of greatness. For those that benefited from their Experience on St John's Track Team, Joe suggested a contribution to the Tom Farrell fund - see Coach Hurt for details via email: hurtj@stjohns.edu

Joe Lang with the heavies: Rich Torrellas and John McCree

Rich Torellas, Coach Jim Hurt and St John's alumna Connie Stoll a member of 2 Olympic Teams: Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956:

Celebrate 50 Years ago at the Fall Festival

50 years ago on October 7th St John's most successful Track and Field athlete made his debut for the STJ cross country team. Back then the Freshmen competed in a race separate from the varsity.

So how did Tom Farrell make out on his debut? Are there other members on the team that can give color on the race?

Tom Farrell's Cross Country Debut

The varsity team also raced that day and were led home by Joe Lang a future coach at St John's and Athletic Director at Georgetown. The race also included a future winner of the NYC Marathon who is probably better known for his contribution to NYC Track & Field. Any ideas?

Van Cortlandt Varsity race October 7th

A week later the varsity team was again in action at VCP against Army and Manhattan with Joe leading the way again:

October 14th STJ vs Manhattan vs Army

This Sunday St John's will be hosting the Annual Fall Festival Cross Country meet. Details:

The day begins at Cunningham Park with our 9:30am mile run/walk to raise money for breast cancer research. The women's 4000m races goes off at 10:00am followed by the Men's 5k at 10:30am.

Mass at St. Thomas Moore Church on Campus is at 11:00am followed by a receptioninMontgoris Dining Hall at 12:00pm.

We are honoring the 1961, 1976, and 1996 teams on their 50th, 35th, and 15th anniversaries.
  

The great Joe Lang will be quest speaker so tell your friends and teammates to come on out on Sunday the 16th for a great day of celebrating St. John's Cross Country