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Today’s been a rough one in the @SJUHawks_MBB world. As a loyal alum + diehard Hawks fan, I’m astounded that the university would brand itself to the world like this on today, of all days.
If I were lucky enough to talk to Fr. Rashford today, he would ask, “What have you learned?” I have learned that often that mission statements and actions can be out of sync.
@PhilMartelliSJU has always been the embodiment of Jesuit values, not only because he was the face of the @saintjosephs, but because he inherently lives and breathes those values.
For many reasons, it was easy to call Hawk Hill home. Every few days he would gather the Hawk family for a game. His own family was always present at every game, home or away. The devotion they showed made all of us love him and his work more. We were his, and he ours. Family.
When I was on campus a few weeks ago for a game, I felt the #thwnd spirit. The Fieldhouse, as it will always be named in my world, was filled with love as we honored and remembered Coach’s father. That’s the university I attended—one that takes care of its own.
One that loves in the face of grief. One that holds you up when you can’t do it yourself. I felt the presence of the Jesuit value that evening: “Men and Women with and for others.”
It was a tiny gesture from us to Phil, who has given every ounce of himself to each of us.
From the first game I watched as a student wearing my first Sixth Man t-shirt...to rushing the court at the Palestra when we finally beat Temple...from watching our loss to Stanford on St. Patty’s Day...to traveling to Tampa in a chartered bus with the rugby team only to lose...
In the first round of the tournament...to driving to Buffalo with my dad to watch the epic undefeated run of @jameernelson...to crying at the Meadowlands when I realized that the dream was over...to realizing that we were lucky enough to even have that dream.
@PhilMartelliSJU is the man who served a community. He gave me those memories, and so many more. It’s hard to thank a legend.
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