RIVERDALE, N.Y. - On Saturday, Oct. 1, the new indoor track surface in Draddy Gymnasium was formally rededicated in honor of Joseph P. Kearney '67. Many of Kearney's family members and teammates were on hand for the brief ceremony, which was a part of the Manhattan College Track & Field Reunion.
Following welcomes by Head Coach Dan Mecca and Dr. Richard Satterlee, Vice President of Student Life, several of Kearney's family members, friends and teammates reflected on their time at Manhattan. Jim Kearney '69 then shared some thoughts about his brother before the track was blessed by Manhattan College Chaplain Fr. George Hill. After remarks by Joseph Kearney's widow, Michelle, those in attendance took a ceremonial lap around the 200-meter oval.
The original track was dedicated to Kearney on Dec. 7, 2002, the same day he was inducted to the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame. A three-time All-American, he at one time held nine different Manhattan College records. Kearney captained the Jaspers three times and ran the anchor leg on many strong Manhattan relay squads during his career. He ran the 880 yards at the 1967 NCAA Indoor Championships.
After graduating from Manhattan with a degree in mechanical engineering, Kearney worked in the White House under Presidents Ford and Carter before moving on to a successful career in the energy business.
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