Over the years, the College's LeFevre Theater has been the venue for outstanding professional and student productions.

The Department of Athletics and Recreational Sports notched a new success story for the venerable playhouse with the premier on Tuesday, May 11, of a wonderfully revamped Gael Awards Show.

This year's show was transformed from an off-campus dinner (as it was its first four years) to an awards ceremony focusing on the academic and athletic achievements of student-athletes, coaches, and selected members of our College community. In addition, each coach was called to the stage to recognize each of his/her seniors. A press release on the awards is on this website at http://smcgaels.collegesports.com/genrel/051304aab.html.

The entire program - starting with recognition of team moderators and concluding with announcement of the George R. McKeon graduation award winners, football's Clint Wilson and cross country's Allegra Porter, and Coach of the Year, golf's Scott Hardy - took just two hours. A festive dessert reception followed the Gael Awards Show in Delphine Lounge.

We were delighted to again have College President Brother Craig Franz FSC, PhD again take part in this important tribute. Brother Craig bestowed the well-deserved Coach of the Year award on Scott Hardy.

My special thanks for a job very well-done goes to the organizing committee of Andy McDowell, Mike Samuels, Kari Montero, Meg Hauser, Ryan Reggiani, and Rich Davi. They took a cue from the ESPYs TV awards show to come up with a terrific concept for honoring very deserving Gaels.

Thanks to Associate Directors of Athletics Mark Orr and Stephanie Shrieve, Assistant Directors of Athletics Kari Montero, Steve Jacoby and Marty Storti and to Sports Information Director Rich Davi for helping to present awards. Athletic Ticket Manager Mike Samuels merits kudos for preparing a first class slide show of the honorees. These visuals contributed to a Hollywood feel for the evening.

It is not surprising that an attendance record of 220 persons was set for this event. For every aspect of the Gael Awards Show exuded class including the semi-formal dress policy and the fine printed program.

I am convinced that having the event on campus with the sole emphasis on the honorees will annually ensure a very good turnout of student-athletes, staff, faculty and friends. And good turnouts give added energy and excitement to the evening.

Most importantly, I would like to recognize all of the nominees for their accomplishments, both on the competitive field, and in the roles they provide to support our student-athletes. Our award winners: Dr. John James, Mike Gibbons Volunteer of the Year Award, John Leykam, Gael Spirit Award; Matt Fitzgerald, Male Newcomer of the Year; Mandy Bible, Female Newcomer of the Year; Allegra Porter, Female George R. McKeon Award; Clint Wilson, Male George R. McKeon Award; and Scott Hardy, Coach of the Year - are living examples of what makes Saint Mary's such a special place to work at.

-Carl R. Clapp, Director of Athletics