Hoophall Classic Continues to Have Positive Impact on Springfield College Alumni
Greg Procino '05, G'07, has seen multiple Springfield College alumni find their path during the Hoophall Classic. At left, Jeremy Therrien '21, Brendan Tassy ‘20, G’23, Procino, Jennifer Tempone McManus, G'12, and Aymen Tayoubi-Idrissi ‘23. All five individuals are examples of Springfield College alumni who used their experiences at the Hoophall Classic as students, to network their way into successful professional careers with the Hall of Fame.
By: Damon Markiewicz
For Springfield College alumnus Greg Procino '05, G'07, he has been a part of the Hoophall Classic at Springfield College since its inception in 2002. Over the last 24 years, he has witnessed the event grow from a one-day event to a five-day high school basketball showcase. During these times, he has also enjoyed watching current students gain hands-on professional experience working the event, while also viewing more and more alumni using the Hoophall weekend as a way to stay connected. For both alumni and current students, the Hoophall experience represents a moment when many found their professional calling.
“For me, my educational experience at Springfield College, and specifically being a part of the Hoophall, represents a time when I found my purpose as a student, which then translated into my career path,” explained Procino, who is the vice president of external events and partnerships for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “What we found through the Hoophall experience is other alumni have also found their purpose through being a part of the Hoophall.”
Over the years, the College and the Hall of Fame have teamed up to provide Springfield College students with an opportunity to gain educational learning experiences they can only get at Springfield College. Students have taken advantage of these moments and turned them into life-changing professional careers.
“There are moments for students when they hit a crossroads, and those crossroads define their career path,” explained Procino. “From my student perspective, I answered an email about volunteering at a high school basketball event. That path led me to an internship at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Working at the Hall of Fame led me to meet Kathy Smith in Conferences and Special Events at Springfield College. Kathy was working with my future wife, and here we are 20 years later. Those are the things I remember from my Springfield College education that led me to what my future would be. Because of my path, Hoophall will always be personal because of how the dominos fell for me.”
For Procino, he has noticed that more and more Springfield College alumni are returning to campus to be a part of the Hoophall weekend. Many alumni are involved in coaching, officiating, or have their kids enrolled at Springfield College. The weekend allows alumni to return to campus and connect with classmates.
“Multiple generations of alumni are coming back to campus during Hoophall,” explained Procino. “Individuals who were part of the event as students are now coming back as coaches of the teams competing, or as officials working the games. Alumni are coming back during Hoophall in so many different roles. They are bringing their friends, classmates, and families. The event has become so much more than just the basketball games. It’s friendships, it’s connections, it’s learning.”
This year, Procino was able to welcome his college roommate Joseph Virgadamo '05 back to campus. Virgadamo has been coaching for 20 years, and teaching physical education for 21 years at Haldane High School in Cold Spring, NY.
Virgadamo returned to Springfield for the second year in a row and brought his team to Blake Arena to watch the Hoophall Classic. He majored in Physical Education, was a member of the men’s basketball team, and participated in the Partner’s Program while at Springfield College. Having the chance to visit campus is always special for Virgadamo.
“It brings back great memories,” explained Virgadamo. “My Springfield College experience provided me with foundations of respect and helping people. My Springfield College education helped me become a better everything. If I didn’t come to Springfield College, I wouldn’t be the teacher, person, husband, father, fiend, that I am today.”
Virgadamo cherished the opportunity to be back at Springfield College and be a part of the Hoophall experience. The strong friendships with classmates and connections with professors are memories that came flooding back in Virgadamo’s mind when being back on Alden Street.
“Greg (Procino) is a special guy, the way he carries himself, it’s so impressive what he has been able to do with the Hoophall event,” added Virgadamo. “The friendships are special at Springfield College. To be able to give the kids on my team an opportunity to experience the College and the Hoophall is very rewarding They will not remember they lost by 19 points during their game. They will remember sitting in Blake Arena and enjoying this experience together.”
Virgadamo’s experience with his team is the example that fills Procino with “Pride” when describing the positive impact that the weekend has on families.
“Joey came back with his team, and this gave him an opportunity to be reflective on his time at Springfield College,” concluded Procino. “He was able to bring his wife and his kids, and watch games at Blake Arena as a team. They will remember this forever. These are the examples we are continuing to see, and you can feel there are more stories of alumni coming back and bringing their families in future years.”
