Staying Connected with Springfield College Through the Panini Hoophall Classic
Al left, alumnus Brian Gogerty '10 returns home to Alden Street each year to work the Panini Hoophall Classic as a game official.
By: Damon Markiewicz
Whenever Brian Gogerty ’10 steps back into Blake Arena for the Panini Hoophall Classic, he’s filled with a calming sense of homecoming. This year, as in years past, he was invited to return as a game official, overseeing multiple matchups throughout Hoophall Weekend. It’s a tradition he eagerly anticipates each year—and this time was no exception.
“I love coming back to Springfield College because it always feels like home when I return,” expressed Gogerty. “As a student, I was involved in the Hoophall Classic all four years, as both a team liaison and head supervisor. I also worked for Kathy Smith in Conferences and Special Events. Over time, I discovered I enjoyed officiating, and now coming back to work Hoophall allows me to stay connected with the College I love.”
Gogerty first discovered his passion for officiating during high school. At Springfield College, he was actively involved in campus recreation where he gained experience officiating a wide range of intramural sports. Those opportunities laid the foundation for the many officiating roles he would take on after graduation.
“In high school, officiating was a way to make some extra money, and then when I got into College, I started to plan on getting my referee certification card,” added Gogerty. “I always said, once I started getting really into officiating, the first thing at the top of my list was to find a way to be a part of Hoophall as an official.”
As Gogerty built up his officiating resume, he tapped into the strength of the Springfield College alumni network to secure a role with Hoophall as an on-court official. His connection with fellow alumnus Greg Procino ’05, G’07, vice president of external events and partnerships for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and a key leader of the Hoophall Classic, proved invaluable in opening that door.
“When I started officiating, I would reach out to Greg (Procino) and see if there were any opportunities to work Hoophall as an official,” added Gogerty. “Having that Springfield College connection, I remained hopeful that an opportunity would come my way to work Hoophall.”
Continuing to pay his dues as an official, Gogerty would eventually receive an unexpected phone call that would inch him closer to wearing his referee stripes at the Birthplace.
“I ended up getting a phone call from Greg (Procino), and he mentioned there was an opportunity with the Basketball Hall of Fame to travel to London, England, and officiate during a special event that was going on,” explained Gogerty. “I remember thinking to myself, did he say London, England, or did he mean New London, Conn. Well, it was London, England, and it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Over the last four years, Gogerty has made the drive with his family to Springfield from New Jersey and worked Hoophall. He not enjoys getting to work games back inside Blake Arena, but he also uses the opportunity to re-connect with classmates as well. Gogerty and his college roommates have made it a priority to get together at Hoophall, and keep the memories on Alden Street alive.
“I made some great friends at Springfield College, and a bunch of us try and get together at Hoophall,” explained Gogerty. “It’s the perfect weekend, it’s a long-weekend for most, and we try and take advantage of the opportunity. It’s a lot of fun. I am able to bring my wife and my kids to campus, and we are able to have a great time. Like I said, it’s home.”
On top of Gogerty’s full schedule officiating, he continues his career as a middle school physical education and health education teacher with Fair Lawn Public Schools in Bergen County, New Jersey. As part of his teaching methods, he isn’t afraid to use the Sprit, Mind, and Body focus, and showcase our Humanics philosophy as guide for his students to strive for a balanced life.
“I had a different path to teaching, I was a Sport Management major and I also double minored in business and coaching,” explained Gogerty. “I ended up finding teaching after I graduated. I also did some coaching as part of my practicum at Springfield College, so life just started to take me into teaching and it has been rewarding.”
One of the most valuable parts of Gogerty’s education at Springfield College was the freedom to discover his career path, explore new possibilities, and feel supported throughout the journey.
“The one aspect of a Springfield College education that I feel is different from other schools is, not matter what your major is, the faculty and academic programs prepare you for real-world experiences,” explained Gogerty. “I know my Springfield College experience had me ready for any and all challenges. I really appreciate my time at the College, and I am thankful to stay connected.”
