Draddy Gymnasium: A Legacy of Athletics and Community at Manhattan College
Draddy Gymnasium stands as a cornerstone of Manhattan College, embodying a rich history intertwined with the institution's athletic achievements and community spirit. Named in honor of Manhattan College alumnus Vincent De Paul Draddy, the gymnasium has served as a central hub for sports, events, and campus life since its opening in 1978.
Origins and Early Challenges
The need for Draddy Gymnasium arose from the limitations of the college's original athletic facilities, which dated back to the late 19th century when the campus was located in Manhattan. As the college expanded, it relocated to its current Riverdale site in the Bronx in 1923. However, the athletic facilities remained inadequate. Before Draddy Gymnasium, teams like men's basketball often relied on off-campus venues such as Madison Square Garden. This highlighted the necessity for an on-site, multi-purpose arena to support the growing athletic programs.
The construction of Draddy Gymnasium faced numerous hurdles. The NYC fiscal crisis of the 1970s, which brought many businesses to near bankruptcy, significantly impacted the project. Manhattan College initiated a fundraising campaign in 1976, but the economic turmoil caused considerable delays. An early construction attempt was thwarted when a powerful storm blew away the steel framework. Despite these setbacks, the gymnasium finally opened its doors in 1978, replacing Alumni Hall as the primary athletic venue.
Design and Features
Draddy Gymnasium is designed to optimize the experience for both athletes and spectators. The arena's layout is particularly suited for basketball and volleyball, with the basketball court adhering to standard NCAA dimensions of 94 feet in length by 50 feet in width. Tiered bleachers surround the court, providing ample seating without compromising the multi-sport functionality of the venue.
In 2011, Draddy Gymnasium underwent a major renovation project, the most significant since its opening. Key upgrades included the installation of a new five-lane, 200-meter indoor track with a Mondo rubberized surface, the longest in New York City. This improved the turning radius for track events, enhancing the facility for track and field athletes. The weight room and fitness center were also upgraded with Life Fitness brand machines, including free weights, treadmills, ellipticals, and bicycles, making these resources accessible to all students.
Read also: Manhattan College Tuition
Further renovations occurred in the summer of 2015, when the basketball court was unveiled with a new all-green design featuring white borders, known as the "Green Monster," to enhance branding and fan atmosphere. In the summer of 2017, renovations focused on courts and seating. The main hardwood basketball floor was refinished in natural wood, replacing the prior green paint. Court One was resurfaced for better volleyball play, and Court Three was renewed for recreational use. New telescoping bleachers with chair backs were installed to improve seating comfort and sightlines, and swing-down hoops facilitated better access.
A Hub for Athletics and Events
Draddy Gymnasium has been the home of many external organizations. According to NYCGO and GoJaspers, Draddy has been the home of The Mayor’s Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Draddy Gymnasium is more than just a sports venue; it is an integral part of the Manhattan College experience. The gymnasium provides a space for students, faculty, and the community to come together, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
Memorable Moments and Traditions
Draddy Gymnasium has witnessed numerous memorable moments in Manhattan College's athletic history. A cornerstone of the Jaspers' basketball history at Draddy is the annual "Battle of the Bronx" rivalry against nearby Fordham University, with matchups dating back to 1912 and encompassing over 110 games to date. The men's program has leveraged Draddy's energy for notable success, including eight NCAA Tournament appearances since 1956 and three postseason wins, often crediting the gym's supportive crowds for upsets like the 1995 first-round victory over Oklahoma.
The atmosphere of Draddy Gymnasium is often described as unique and special. Despite its location at the top of the campus, accessible via a challenging uphill walk or a long subway ride, the venue offers an intimate and intense experience. With 2,345 seats surrounding the court, the gymnasium creates a throbbing atmosphere when filled, especially when the student section, known as "The Sixth Borough," gets charged up.
Read also: Immerse Yourself in American Culture with CAMPUS Education
Coach Steve Masiello, who led the Jaspers to the NCAA Tournament in 2014 and 2015, emphasizes the intimidating environment Draddy provides for opponents. He notes the stark contrast between regular practice days and game days, highlighting the electric atmosphere that transforms the venue during competitions.
Women's Athletics at Manhattan College
The establishment of women's athletics at Manhattan College faced initial challenges. Until Draddy Gymnasium was completed in 1978, the College largely relied on the nearby College of Mount St. Vincent for women's facilities. Eleanor Ostrau, Ph.D., noted that it was a difficult beginning for female athletes at the College. It took two years after women were admitted to the College for the women's sports program to begin. The first women's basketball team started as a club sport in 1975, thanks to the efforts of athletes like Kathleen McCarrick-Weiden '79.
Despite limited resources and facilities, the early women's basketball team achieved significant success. In January 1976, the Jaspers defeated the College of Mount St. Vincent, and a year later, they earned a .500 record. During the 1977-78 season, as the only non-scholarship team in the Hudson Valley League, the women's basketball team won the league championship.
Sheila Tighe '84, a member of the team from 1981-84, played a crucial role in elevating Manhattan women's basketball. Tighe is Manhattan's all-time leader in points with 2,412 and all-time leader in career steals with 310. She is one of only four players in conference history to earn MAAC Player of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons (1982-83 and 1983-84).
With basketball leading the way, other women's sports gained varsity status, including volleyball in 1980 and softball in 1981. Women's cross country and track and field joined a strong, established men's program in 1983, followed by women's tennis and swimming.
Read also: Manhattan Beach History
Notable Achievements in Women's Athletics
The Manhattan women's basketball team won its first MAAC championship after a three-year climb to varsity status. In 1983, the Jaspers carried an 18-9 record into the MAAC Championship game with Saint Peter's. Although Saint Peter's won, the Jaspers returned to the 1987 MAAC championship game under head coach Kathy Solano.
Aliann Pompey '99 became the first woman at Manhattan to win an NCAA national championship when she won the 400-meter event at the 2000 NCAA Indoor Championships. Pompey also represented her native Guyana at the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.
The volleyball team experienced a breakthrough in 1999, marking the first of five straight trips to the MAAC postseason tournament. In 2002, the Jaspers won an eye-popping 22 straight games and secured their first MAAC title behind MAAC Player of the Year Luka Van Cauteren '04.
The women's lacrosse team won back-to-back titles. In 2004, the Jaspers defeated Marist and Le Moyne to win their second MAAC title in four years. In 2005, they defeated Marist again in the first game of the MAAC Tournament, advancing to the MAAC finals.
The 1999 Manhattan College softball team won the program's only MAAC championship, overcoming odds to clinch the fourth seed in the MAAC postseason tournament and ultimately win the title.
Draddy Gymnasium in Popular Culture
Draddy Gymnasium has also made appearances in popular media. It served as the setting for a masters track relay race in the 1984 episode "Back to the Track, Jack" from the first season of the sitcom The Cosby Show, where protagonist Dr. Cliff Huxtable participates in the competition.
tags: #draddy #gymnasium #manhattan #college #history
