February 22, 2013
Al Peskoe led the Pledge of Allegiance
Len Kiczek gave the Invocation
Coach Shep knocks it out of the park for Rotary Club
This past Friday, the legendary baseball Head Coach Emeritus of the Seton Hall University Pirates, Mike Shepard or “Coach Shep” treated large audience to one of the most entertaining and compelling speeches in recent memory.
A packed house at Rooney Ocean Crab House included local Rotarians, honored guests and Seton Hall alumni including former Yankee great Rick Cerrone and Pirate basketball legend Nick Werkman.
In his 31 years as head coach of the Pirate baseball team from 1973 to 2003, Coach Shep recorded 28 winning seasons and 27 post-season births highlighted by 15 Big East Tournament appearances.
He was named Big East Conference coach of the year three times and his squads reach the College World Series on two occasions in 1974 and 1975. His 998 career wins ranks in the top 75 of the NCAA’s all time winningest coaches.
Former Yankee Catcher and Seton Hall Pirate great Rick Cerrone joined Coach Shep on the dais to share some words about how the coach impacted his life and why he loved playing for him. In a 30-minute speech, the coach talked about the program and college athletics, his life in the game, community outreach efforts and what it takes to become a champion. It was an inspiring presentation that let Rotarians in on a glimpse of life as a big time coach in the NCAA. Thank you Coach Shep and past President Lex Tucci for making it happen!
Before introducing Coach Sheppard, Tucci also spoke about the club’s Food Drive, which is ongoing through June. “Our food drive has now distributed over 1000 pounds of food and donated $12,000 dollars to the city’s pantries and churches. These pantries are vitally important to those individuals less fortunate right here in our community.”
Tucci went on to talk about how the Food Drive has now involved area schools: “The Long Branch Middle School has instituted a new homeroom challenge in support of our Food Drive and Shore Regional High School has a Battle of the Classrooms to see which class can donate more food to the drive. We’re excited about the results but there is still more work to be done. Thanks to Investor’s Bank and everyone who has gotten behind our Food Drive.”
Past President Lex Tucci talks about the success, importance and ongoing efforts of the Rotary Club’s Food Drive.
SAVE THE DATE: The 2nd annual Rotary Club of Long Branch Art Show is on! The Art Show will be April 25th at the fabulous Deal Country Club. The event will feature artwork for sale from some of the area’s top artists, craft beer and wine courtesy of Shore Point Distributors, entertainment and much more.
The proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the newly established Karen Hansen Memorial Scholarship Fund. Individuals who have an interest in pursing a career in Special Education will have the opportunity to apply for an award from this Scholarship Fund. The Fund has been established in the memory of Karen Hansen, who passed away in September of 2012, and the wife of long time Rotarian and Club Service Chair, Roger Hansen. Over the course of her 40-year teaching career, Karen dedicated her life to Special Education and making a profound difference in the lives of many young students.
Club President-Elect Mika Hon (right) receives Club Banner from visiting Rotarian John Klinedinst from the York, PA Rotary Club.
PIRATE PRIDE: NICK ‘THE QUICK” WERKMAN (Center, foreground) Among the guests was SHU Pirate basketball legend Nick Werkman. Nick is one of only 4 Pirates in School history to score 1,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds