Michael P. Carr Scholarship March Madness Basketball Tournament
By Diana Akikovski
On Thursday, March 7th, Student Government inc. (SGi) and Alpha Phi Delta (APD), Gamma Sigma Chapter, hosted the March Madness Michael P. Carr Scholarship basketball tournament on the Staten Island Campus.
Six teams of three went head to head in some friendly competition to help raise donations to celebrate the memory of beloved peer, Michael Carr, who passed away in November 2023. His brothers in APD, along with all of his friends, professors, and classmates, came together in the campus gym to enjoy a sport he loved dearly.
Greek Life orgs such as APD, Kappa Sigma, and the Knights, amongst many others, compiled teams to play in a “March Madness” fashion, eventually allowing the two strongest teams to compete head to head.
“The New York Puppies,” Jack Sargente–campus sports journalist for The Thunder Bolt, Mike Famulari, and Andrew Crowley, came second place to the Knight’s, Sean Kalikas, Justin Alexander, and Nicholas Delaurentis.
Though, at the end of the day, every team carried the mutual consensus that simply coming together and playing for such a great cause was a win in itself. This level of community, teamwork, and determination embodies the very nature of what the Carr scholarship strives to highlight.
To this, Sports Management professor Tommy Weber stated, “I never thought I would witness this level of athleticism on this campus. I will never forget this wonderful event.”
Aside from basketball, the gym was stocked with inflatable games, a DJ, an endless spread of food, and an exciting 50/50 raffle and basket raffle donated by the student body. The packed gym was a testament to the everlasting impression Michael left on all of our lives. The bleachers were crowded with players, the tables were filled with supporters, and our conversations overflowed with the beautiful memories of a luminescent human we will always be proud to have known.
APD brother, and Carr’s Big, Mike Roces, had many kind words to relay during the event.
“It was amazing to see everyone come together for a person who meant so much to the community. When I picked him as my Little, we got close and spent a lot of time getting to understand each other. When my sister passed away, he was there for me,” Roces fondly remarked.
“In spite of all the heartache, I have come to realize that everything in life is a lesson. What I hope people gain from this hardship is to appreciate every single moment,” said Roces. As Carr’s Big, Roces served as his guide through fraternity culture and responsibilities, saying he always went above and beyond as a member of the brotherhood.
The Michael P. Carr Scholarship will award exemplary members of the APD Fraternity across all chapters who mirror his strength of character, as explained by brother and Student Government President, Nicholas Riccardelli.
Riccardelli showed much gratitude to all who came out to support the event, saying, “I cannot express how much it means to me to see the Staten Island Campus working together. Thank you to Student Life, and every organization who made today possible. Today revealed the heart and soul of our tight knit community and how strong we are when we work as a team towards one positive goal.”
APD President, Justin Siracusa, graciously announced that the event generated $1,185 in donations.
In honor of their fraternity motto, “faciamus,” APD will continue doing all they can to honor their brother. If you would like to support their cause. Here is the link: https://www.apd.org/foundation/michael-carr