City Champs Given a Warm Welcome
December 7, 2009

As the clock ran down to the start of the 60-year anniversary basketball game against Tilden Tech on Sat., Dec. 5, alums and supporters of Saint Patrick from years past stepped into the Giovannetti Centre to the sound of Benny Goodman’s Sing, Sing, Sing blaring from the instruments of St. Pat’s band. The nostalgic atmosphere humbled those in attendance and helped the school get a head start kicking off its 150th anniversary.

Prior to tipoff, the 1949 All-City champions were introduced at half court with a moment of silence held to honor the deceased members of the team. Championship players in attendance were captain Bob Woods ’49, Ray O’Brien ’50, Rocco D’Alessandro ’49, John Sheehan ’50, Anthony Priola ’51, Dominica Fichera ’49, Louis Maffia ’49, John Halpin ’52 and Richard Bianco ’49. Also in attendance were Terry, Pat and Dan Dunn representing their father Pat Dunn ‘49, who made the winning shot that secured the Shamrock’s 54-53 victory over Johnny “Red” Kerr and the Blue Devils on April 1, 1949. Nancy Caruso and Dolores Oliverio, cheerleaders from the 1949 squad, came back to show their support as well.