What a class guy!
That was the impression I received when I met Greg Robinson, the new Syracuse University head football coach.
He was the guest speaker at the annual dinner of the Blindmen and Criers Marching and Chowder Society in the Empire Room at the New York State Fairgrounds,
The coach was very personable and enthusiastic as we talked about his favorite sport. He spoke like he knew me all my life. I also learned that he was a great baseball fan.
"I have been a Dodger fan ever since my father took me to Ebbets Field. My favorite player was Duke Snider," the likeable coach said.
I told him about the Doubledays and he said he would be happy to come over for a game.
A record turnout of 250 attended the 40th anniversary of the organization which was formed by a group of football and basketball officials, hence the term Blindmen had expanded to officials of all athletic contests plus a group called Criers: coaches and former players (fans).
The purpose of the meeting was to get together, enjoy a meal, tell jokes, and insult each other, basically having a good time.
One of the highlights was the presentation of special trophies to outstanding members. Among the honorees was John Scanlan, a native Auburnian, who was presented with the Joseph Schwarzer Award, given to an official who has been recognized for outstanding ability.
John attended Union College and Cortland State and taught for many years at Southern Cayuga High School. He became a high school football official in 1971 and he also started officiating lacrosse games in 1982. John has received other awards for his contributions to athletics.
Fellow officials from the Auburn area on hand for Scanlan's tribute were Bill Ellis, John Donovan, Dan McLaughlin, Dick Williams, Frank DeOrio, Gary Janis and Dave Adams. Relatives and friends also occupied two tables, including John's four sons, Eric, Brian, Chris and Brendan, his father-in-law Jack Geherin, Mark Geherin, Don DelloStritto, Tim Chadwick, Jack Baraczek and John Bradley.
The Schwarzer Award was previously won by Auburnians Larry Ellis in 1986 and Dick Williams in 1991.
Two former coaches, both from Auburn, won the John Arcaro Coaches award; Jim McGrath (1990) and Gino Alberici (1994),
Robinson spoke of his 14 years in the NFL and the instant replay rule and how it affected officials. He said he wasn't convinced the rule was good for the game.
"When I returned to college coaching last season at the University of Texas, I learned to appreciate college officials," Robinson said.
He also told his audience that he was proud to be coaching at SU and was pleased with his new coaching staff. The coach said he was a strong believer in respect, discipline and perseverance.
Tony Garuccio, another Auburnian, was the head chef handling the buffet line. Tony once operated a meat market on Wall Street. He now manages the restaurant at the fairgrounds. His daughter Joanne was inducted into the Auburn High School Hall of Fame last November.
He was the guest speaker at the annual dinner of the Blindmen and Criers Marching and Chowder Society in the Empire Room at the New York State Fairgrounds,
The coach was very personable and enthusiastic as we talked about his favorite sport. He spoke like he knew me all my life. I also learned that he was a great baseball fan.
"I have been a Dodger fan ever since my father took me to Ebbets Field. My favorite player was Duke Snider," the likeable coach said.
I told him about the Doubledays and he said he would be happy to come over for a game.
A record turnout of 250 attended the 40th anniversary of the organization which was formed by a group of football and basketball officials, hence the term Blindmen had expanded to officials of all athletic contests plus a group called Criers: coaches and former players (fans).
The purpose of the meeting was to get together, enjoy a meal, tell jokes, and insult each other, basically having a good time.
One of the highlights was the presentation of special trophies to outstanding members. Among the honorees was John Scanlan, a native Auburnian, who was presented with the Joseph Schwarzer Award, given to an official who has been recognized for outstanding ability.
John attended Union College and Cortland State and taught for many years at Southern Cayuga High School. He became a high school football official in 1971 and he also started officiating lacrosse games in 1982. John has received other awards for his contributions to athletics.
Fellow officials from the Auburn area on hand for Scanlan's tribute were Bill Ellis, John Donovan, Dan McLaughlin, Dick Williams, Frank DeOrio, Gary Janis and Dave Adams. Relatives and friends also occupied two tables, including John's four sons, Eric, Brian, Chris and Brendan, his father-in-law Jack Geherin, Mark Geherin, Don DelloStritto, Tim Chadwick, Jack Baraczek and John Bradley.
The Schwarzer Award was previously won by Auburnians Larry Ellis in 1986 and Dick Williams in 1991.
Two former coaches, both from Auburn, won the John Arcaro Coaches award; Jim McGrath (1990) and Gino Alberici (1994),
Robinson spoke of his 14 years in the NFL and the instant replay rule and how it affected officials. He said he wasn't convinced the rule was good for the game.
"When I returned to college coaching last season at the University of Texas, I learned to appreciate college officials," Robinson said.
He also told his audience that he was proud to be coaching at SU and was pleased with his new coaching staff. The coach said he was a strong believer in respect, discipline and perseverance.
Tony Garuccio, another Auburnian, was the head chef handling the buffet line. Tony once operated a meat market on Wall Street. He now manages the restaurant at the fairgrounds. His daughter Joanne was inducted into the Auburn High School Hall of Fame last November.
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