Hoophall Classic Leadership Award 2014

Springfield College and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame presented the second Hoophall Classic Leadership Award to Springfield College sport management students Monica Torney and Ryan Semke.  Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame President and Chief Executive Officer John Doleva made the formal presentation during the 2014 Spalding Hoophall Classic at Blake Arena.  

Semke is a native of Poughquag, N.Y. and is the current president of the Springfield College sport management club.  He served as the head supervisor for both the 2014 Hoophall Classic and Junior Hoophall Classic.  The Hoophall Classic is the leading high school basketball tournament in the country showcasing the nation’s top recruits.  Semke created and developed work schedules for more than 70 student event staff workers and more than 25 student liaisons. He also supervised the 2013 Hoophall Classic and Junior Hoophall Classic.  Semke is a current dean’s list student and is a two-time recipient of the President’s Achievers Award.  Semke also was a recipient of the Paul M. Accorsi Service Award in 2013.

Torney is a native of Charlestown, N.H. and is the current secretary for the Springfield College sport management club.  Torney has been a member of the Hoophall Classic staff the last three years and she recently received recognition from the dean of students at the College for her leadership and service to others.  Torney is currently completing her internship with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. 

The Hoophall Classic Leadership Award is presented annually to both a male and female junior majoring in sport management who has demonstrated a combination of service to Springfield College, the Hoophall Classic, and who has maintained a successful grade point average.  Each recipient is awarded a $2,500 scholarship to be used during their senior year at Springfield College.