April 14, 2005

On Wednesday, April 13, the Hoya Hoop Club held their annual awards banquet in the Leavey Center Ballroom, on the campus of Georgetown University. More than 240 Hoya Hoop Club members, and friends and family of Georgetown basketball attended the event.

Hoya Hoop Club President Michael Karam (F'72, L'76, L'82) opened the evening by welcoming all of the Hoop Club members, the members of the 2004-05 men's basketball team, and their families. The evening's Master of Ceremonies, Joe Lonardo (C'69) introduced the basketball staff and members of the dais, which included: Father William McFadden, S.J., Interim Director of Athletics Adam Brick (B'86, L'90), Head Coach John Thompson III, Assistant Coaches Robert Burke, Kevin Broadus, and Sydney Johnson, Academic Coordinator Felecia Saine, and Director of Basketball Operations Matt Henry.

Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia (C'79, G'95) spoke about the accomplishments of the 2004-05 team under the leadership of John Thompson III and how Georgetown is grounded in tradition. President DeGioia thanked the players for their dedication to the University and the Hoya Hoop Club for their continued support of the men's basketball program.

Robert Burke began the evening's program by thanking all of the support staff crucial to the team's success. The basketball program is very grateful to everyone from the band and cheerleaders, to all those that work in McDonough Gym. Sydney Johnson thanked the band and cheerleaders, and offered additional thanks to the seniors who have devoted four years to supporting Hoya basketball. Kevin Broadus spoke about each player and team manager individually as they came to the front of the room to accept their varsity letter from President DeGioia and Michael Karam. Felecia Saine presented the Mary Fenlon Scholar-Athlete Award to Amadou Kilkenny-Diaw.

The evening closed with Coach Thompson's remarks. He, his coaching staff, and his team are all very grateful for all of the support they have received this year and are looking forward to next season.