Remembering - Archbishop Molloy High School

In February 2013, Molloy had planned to
honor Curran in his 55th year as Head
Coach by re-dedicating the newly updated
Jack Curran Gymnasium in his honor during
a triple header versus Christ the King
High School. Unfortunately, the event was
cancelled due to inclement weather. Coach
had been looking forward to the triple
header, but when asked if he was excited
about being honored, he answered the only
way he knew how, “That’s great, but I’d
rather just win the game!” While the rededication
was rescheduled for April 27th
to coincide with a Players’ Day event, the
community would come to the sad realization
that Coach would not be there. Despite
the initial shock of Curran’s passing, there
was still a great desire by many to honor
the Molloy legend. In turn, the planned
Players’ Day became a Tribute to Coach
Curran, inviting many of Coach’s former
players, as well as all members of the
community, out to the school to remember
the man who changed so many lives.
The event featured a tailgate near Stanner
Field as Molloy faced rival Chaminade.
Alumni, family members and friends
Left to Right: Pro Basketball Player Sundiata Gaines ‘04, State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein ‘99,
Molloy President Richard Karsten ‘81, Former Olympian Kevin Joyce ‘69, and Athletic Director Mike
McCleary pose with a new mounted mosaic and plaque honoring the legendary Coach Curran.
enjoyed refreshments and reminisced about
Curran and “the good ole days” while they
watched the Varsity boys battle it out on
the field. Following the game, a Memorial
Mass was held in the Jack Curran Gymnasium,
which saw over 250 alumni and distinguished
guests in attendance. Together,
our community prayed for Coach,
remembering him as a loving, faithful man
who received communion every day. After
all, if there was anything else in this world
that could have defined Curran, it would
have been his relationship with God.
Later, State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. ’82
and State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein
’99 presented Molloy with a Legislative
Resolution, representing New York State’s
official acknowledgement of Curran’s
passing and great influence on New York
City. Kevin Joyce ’69, arguably Curran’s
greatest player, was emotional when asked
to speak in front of the crowd. “I love him,
and I miss him,” he said as he struggled to
find the right words.
As the re-dedication event continued, a
tribute video highlighted a number of
Curran’s best players, and many of the
featured vintage photos represented how
he is still remembered by many generations
of players. Following the conclusion of the
video, President Karsten and members of
Molloy’s Varsity baseball team unveiled the
beautiful new plaque which will reside just
outside the gym’s entrance for many years.
Featured on the plaque is a photo mosaic
of Curran, which is made up of many of
his players throughout the years. Those
in attendance were in awe of the beautiful
new piece, and all were in agreement
that it was a fitting tribute to the man that
“built” this gym. “Coach always said it
wasn’t about him, it was about the players.
So the players, in this case, are forming the
image of Coach, which is a great tribute,”
said Karsten.
As the ceremony came to a close, alumni
crowded around the plaque for photos
while media in attendance interviewed
several of Curran’s most recent star players,
including Mike Baxter ’02 (New York
Mets), Sundiata Gaines ’04 (Utah Jazz,
New Jersey Nets), Matt Rizzotti ’04 (MiLB,
Philadelphia Phillies, Oakland A’s). “He was
the foundation, and through his courage
and knowledge of the game, it helped
evolve my game. But what made him more
special was him off the court,” Gaines told
Currents TV. “Nobody can replace him.
That goes without saying. No one will ever
be another Jack Curran,” reflected Rizzotti,
who always had a strong relationship with
Coach. “It wasn’t about winning games for
him,” said Baxter, who is relishing playing
ball for his hometown team. “I think it
was about helping kids get to places they
wanted to be…he wanted you to go to college,
he wanted you to get an education,
and then he wanted you to be a happy
man. And that’s all he really wanted.”
While Coach Curran’s passing initially
brought great sadness, there was nothing
but joy on April 27th in remembering his
spirit and his legacy. It is clear that in the
days ahead we will all continue to remember
Curran, and in doing so feel blessed
that he will always be with us.
Share your stories about our beloved
Coach Curran. Email Alumni Communications
Coordinator Joe Sommo ‘03 at
jsommo@molloyhs.org and tell us about
your fondest memories, your greatest
games, and Coach’s most inspiring words.
The community remembers Coach during a Memorial Mass.
NY Mets Outfielder Mike Baxter ‘02 is interviewed following the re-dedication.
24 Stanner Life Magazine . Summer 2013
Carl Czurda ‘70, Kevin Raftery ‘70, Ray Kerim, “Jamaica Joe,” and Bob Melli ‘69
attended the event, representing some of Coaches best players and closest friends.