“If you’re like me, you’ve spent time in the Yanitelli Center cheering on the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Perhaps you’ve looked out from the stands as the teams huddle, attempting to glean some information about what play will come next. Well, that is exactly why we are here tonight.” These were the words of Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University, as he welcomed guests to an inaugural basketball season kickoff event on October 25.
Family, friends, alumni and guests gathered at The Gallery at Liberty Prime in Jersey City to mingle with student-athletes, coaches and athletics staff. Guests got inside information on the upcoming basketball season from Dr. Cornacchia; Belinda “Boe” Pearman, athletic director; John Dunne, men’s basketball head coach; and Pat Coyle, women’s basketball head coach. Peter the Peacock, the Saint Peter’s mascot was also in attendance and eager to take pictures.
“I believe in these teams,” said Pearman when she announced the challenging schedule for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
The women will play perennial Big 10 standouts Penn State University and the University of Maryland. They will also represent the MAAC at the prestigious Hall of Fame tournament. In addition, they have had recent successes such as Sajanna Bethea ’18, forward, who was selected to the MAAC Preseason All-MAAC Second Team, and the women’s basketball team has been picked 11th in the MAAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Lastly, Antonia Smith ’15, former Peacock, returns to Saint Peter’s as the women’s basketball assistant.
“We are up for the challenge,” said Coyle.
The men’s basketball team has also upped the ante on their pre-conference play. They will face powerhouses such as University of Notre Dame and the University of Maryland in December. The team has celebrated recent accomplishments such as the naming of Quadir Welton ’17, Trevis Wych ’17 and Antwon Portley ’19 to MAAC Preseason All-MAAC teams, and the men’s basketball team was voted fourth in the MAAC Preseason Poll. The team announced that David Danzig has joined the staff as an assistant.
“As well as being great athletes, these are high-character guys,” said Dunne.
In addition to athletics, the student-athletes participate in a number of community service initiatives such as volunteering at after-school programs and participating in a Knockout Cancer fundraising event. Learn more about what Peacocks are doing in the community.
“Our Jesuit heritage is important to us,” Pearman said, “and our teams have given over 1,200 hours of their time. We believe that giving back to the community not only makes our teams stronger, but it also makes our student-athletes better leaders on and off the courts.”
The teams are prepped to win this season with other enhancements, such as a $100,000 grant from the NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program to improve tools, technology and learning environments for student-athletes. In addition, athletics has improved and expanded the “care team” who assist the students in a preventative manner. They are receiving more personalized strength training, visits from doctors and nutrition education.
“I’m impressed—there’s a nice turnout and there is a great positive spirit here,” said Elnardo Webster, Ed.D ’69.
Keep the positive spirit alive by attending one of the basketball games this season. View the women’s basketball schedule. View the men’s basketball schedule. Give to Peacock Nation. See more pictures from the event.
