Manhattan College Athletics: A Legacy of Excellence
Manhattan College boasts a rich athletic tradition, fielding 19 Division I teams known as the Jaspers. These teams compete in a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, golf, rugby, baseball and softball, tennis, lacrosse, and volleyball. This article will delve into the history, achievements, and notable aspects of Manhattan College athletics.
The Jaspers Nickname: A Nod to Brother Jasper
The "Jaspers" nickname pays homage to Brother Jasper of Mary, F.S.C., a prominent figure in the college's history.
Baseball: From the Polo Grounds to Van Cortlandt Park
Manhattan College has a strong connection to the history of baseball. In the late 1880s and 1890s, the college played the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds. The Baseball Hall of Fame credits Manhattan College with popularizing the "seventh inning stretch," noting that Brother Jasper initiated the practice during a warm game to ease restless students.
In 2020, the baseball team returned to a refurbished ball field at Van Cortlandt Park. There have been proposals to honor Joe Coppo, a 1975 Manhattan graduate, by naming the field after him.
Basketball: A Storied History in the Big Apple
Manhattan University has been playing basketball since 1904. College basketball gained popularity in the New York metropolitan area with the establishment of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1938. Manhattan was among five New York City institutions that managed the NIT from 1940 until the NCAA acquired it in 2005.
Read also: Manhattan College Tuition
Before Draddy Gymnasium was built in 1978, Manhattan held most of its home games at Madison Square Garden. John Gallagher is the current coach. Steve Masiello coached the team from 2011 to 2022. In the 2013-2014 season, the Jaspers won the MAAC Conference final and played the University of Louisville in the NCAA tournament, where Masiello faced his mentor, Rick Pitino. Ken Norton holds the record for most wins in school history (300-205). He succeeded Honey Russell in 1946 and also coached baseball and golf, later becoming the school's athletic director until his retirement in 1979.
The Lady Jaspers' inaugural season was in 1978-79, led by head coach Michelle Blatt. Heather Vulin is the current head coach.
Football: A Bygone Era
Manhattan University had a football program from 1924-1942, achieving an all-time record of 194 wins, 198 losses, and 22 ties. Herbert M. Kopf was the final coach. The program was suspended after the 1942 season due to World War II and was never reinstated.
Lacrosse: MAAC Success
Manhattan's lacrosse program transitioned to Division I in 1996, competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). They have made seven appearances in the MAAC tournament (2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008-2010). In 2002, the Jaspers were undefeated in the MAAC (9-0) and won the MAAC Championship with an 11-6 record, earning a bid to the NCAA Playoffs against Georgetown.
Rowing: A Foundation of Tradition
Manhattan University's rowing program is one of the original eight founding members of the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta, the largest collegiate regatta in the United States and Canada. Allen Walz, the team's coach, and Herbert M. Kopf, the football coach, were stewards to the regatta. In 1936 and 1938, Manhattan and Rutgers competed in the regatta on the Harlem River, where the team still trains. Both the men's and women's teams participate in the Dad Vail Regatta, MAAC Championships, N.Y. State Championships, Knecht Cup, and the C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints.
Read also: Immerse Yourself in American Culture with CAMPUS Education
Track and Field: A Legacy of Champions
The Manhattan University Track and Field program is the school's most decorated, with 31 MAAC Indoor/Outdoor Track titles. In 1973, Manhattan University won the Indoor NCAA Championship and set a world record in the distance medley relay. Matthew Centrowitz Sr., a former American Record holder in the 5,000m, also hailed from Manhattan. The program was led by Fred Dwyer, who ran a 4:00.3 mile while at Villanova.
Under Dan Mecca, Manhattan won 17 MAAC Men's Indoor Team Titles, 14 Men's Outdoor Titles, 13 Women's Indoor Titles, 11 Women's Outdoor Titles, five MAAC women's Cross Country titles, and one IC4A men's indoor title. Kerri Gallagher is the current Director of Cross Country, Track and Field.
Van Cortlandt Park, near the college, is a prominent cross-country running site and hosts the annual IC4A cross country championships. Manhattan won the 1973 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, becoming the smallest school to win a Division I track title.
Rivalries
Manhattan has long maintained rivalries with several local and MAAC opponents.
NCAA Regulations and Prospective Student-Athletes
The NCAA has specific regulations regarding prospective student-athletes. Anyone who has started classes for the ninth grade (7th grade in Men's Basketball) is considered a prospective student-athlete. The NCAA provides a Guide for College Bound Student-Athletes and requires member institutions to provide admissions and graduation data to prospective student-athletes. Student-athletes must be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center. International prospective student-athletes are encouraged to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center early and work with the Manhattan College compliance staff.
Read also: Manhattan Beach History
tags: #manhattan #college #athletics #overview
