S tepping U p to the P late
A
s a student-athlete in college, balancing academics and
athletics is second-nature. But what happens when your
championship game and graduation fall on the same day?
Twelve of Gwynedd Mercy University’s senior baseball players
had to face that reality.
Going into the Atlantic East championship series, the second
game of the three-game series happened to coincide with the
University’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. In all, 12
seniors had to forgo their college graduation in order to play their
championship game against Cabrini University and were rewarded
with a championship win and a special graduation ceremony.
After falling behind 8-3 early in the game, GMercyU rallied
to win the game 10-9, earning their second win of the best-of-
three series and securing the 2019 Atlantic East Conference
Championship for the Griffins.
Following their triumphant come-from-behind win, the 12
seniors donned their caps and gowns and rose from the dugout.
The younger players held up their bats like a bridge for the
seniors to pass under and hummed the traditional processional
song. Each graduating player was presented with his diploma
by Head Coach Paul Murphy, who had received a blessing from
University President Deanne H. D'Emilio, JD when she learned
of the time conflict.
“Their parents were so thankful,” Coach Murphy said. “The
guys were playing, and yet they still got acknowledged for
graduating and all the hard work they did in the classroom. I’ll
remember it forever.”
It was a day these young men will cherish forever, remembering
how they won their championship and earned their college
degree on the same day. Congratulations, Griffins!
TODAY
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