With the school year coming to a (very welcome) close, each and every one of us gets a chance to reminisce over what has happened these past eight months. For Terrier sports fans, it’s no different. Last week, I wrote a column about a couple of guys who were leaving Boston University, but those departures were both voluntary.
Seeing this is my last column of the year, I figured I would take this opportunity to give proper sendoffs to some notable athletes who will be walking away with diplomas in a few weeks.
Matt Gilroy ‘-‘- It’s really only appropriate that the discussion begins with him. He accomplished more things this year than any BU athlete in recent memory. Gilroy took home the Hobey Baker Award as the top collegiate hockey player in the nation, helped lead his team to its first national championship in 14 years and did it all while upholding the poise and leadership of a true team captain. Needless to say, Gilroy will be sorely missed, but Terrier Nation wishes him the best of luck with the New York Rangers.
John McCarthy ‘-‘- Another captain from the 2008-09 Ice Dogs, McCarthy is one of the truest examples of a student-athlete you can find.’ He made significant contributions to the Terrier squad, and I will always fondly remember him as a class act. At the team signing at the George Sherman Union a couple of weeks ago, he kept a constant smile on his face and asked everyone how they were doing, even after having to sit in a hot room in a suit and sign thousands of autographs. In an era of athletics where swelled egos and over-valued self-importance are the norm, it’s great to see people like McCarthy.
Brandon Yip ‘-‘- A great piece ran in The Daily Free Press Monday on Yip and his remarkable journey that took him to where he is today. I will always remember him as a determined, gritty player who had a penchant for some big hits. And of course, he added some much-needed diversity to the team.
Jesyka Burks-Wiley ‘-‘- The Kansas City, Mo., native had perhaps the most decorated career of any women’s basketball player to ever lace up for BU. She was not only the America East Player of the Year, but she was the centerpiece on a team that went undefeated in league play. The Terriers didn’t make the NCAA Tournament, but in no way does that downplay what she did for the team this season.
Sarah Dalton ‘-‘- This one’s a little odd to write because the women’s lacrosse season is still in full swing, but this is a final chance to praise an athlete who really has to be seen to believe. Some people out there may dismiss women’s lacrosse as boring (I used to be one of them), but Dalton’s mastery on the field could make any doubter believe otherwise. Best of luck to Dalton and the rest of the BU women’s lacrosse team as they enter the postseason.
Matt Wolff ‘-‘- The most notable graduating senior from the men’s basketball team, Wolff quite honestly made me yank my hair out of my head in frustration at times. Whether it was the fact that he was the coach’s son or not, Wolff is probably one of the more heavily debated athletes at BU. Despite all of this, he was an asset to the team throughout the year. He was one of the team leaders in rebounds, and he was an excellent defender. All in all, he was what a lot of people like to call a ‘glue guy.’ Glue guys just shouldn’t be averaging 34 minutes a game.
Dennis Wolff ‘-‘- As virtually everyone reading this well knows, Wolff coached his 15th and final season here this year. Sure, he’s not an athlete like the rest of the people I’ve written about here, but he deserves some sort of acknowledgement. Was his getting fired warranted? I think it was. It became apparent that the team needed to move in a new direction, and the athletic department obviously wants to make basketball a more popular draw here. But Wolff’s tenure and track record here cannot be ignored. Although his personality came off as a bit abrasive and his offensive schemes were questionable at times, he produced student-athletes who not only graduated, but stayed out of trouble off the court as well. For that reason alone, I believe we all need to thank Dennis Wolff. I wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors.
On a lighter note, I figured I would finish things off here with some predictions for this summer that are sure to blow up in my face.
The NBA Finals will feature the Kobe-LeBron matchup that everyone has been hoping for, and I’ll take the Lakers in six.
The Stanley Cup finals will pit Detroit against the Bruins. Give me Wings in five.
In this Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, I think General Quarters will get the upset win in my first year away from my hometown’s signature event. However, as has been the case every year since 1979, no horse will take home the Triple Crown.
Jeff Pelage will develop a lethal 3-point jumper and an Iverson-esque crossover. Never mind, I can’t write that with a straight face. I still do expect my favorite BU hoopster to continue to rapidly improve his game this summer, though.
Speaking of draft busts, Matthew Stafford will not succeed in the NFL. The combination of an underclassman quarterback and the Detroit Lions does not exactly spell success.
Have a safe, happy and healthy summer everyone, and I’ll see you guys and gals come fall.
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