BROOKLYN, NY – The St. Francis Brooklyn men's basketball team volunteered their time this past Sunday at the 30
th annual P.O. Hoban Memorial Run in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
The Hoban Run is a tradition to honor the memory of police officer Christopher Hoban, who gave his life in the line of duty at the age of 26 in 1988. The Xaverian High School Police Alumni, New York City Police Department, and members of the community support the Hoban Run.
"Being a part of the Hoban Run this past weekend was something special. It was great to see our guys serving the community and cheering on the runners at the finish line. This event is for a tremendous cause, and I am proud that we were able to have the opportunity to be a part of this as a team," said head coach
Glenn Braica.
This event keeps alive the memory of Hoban's heroism and sacrifice and also serves as the primary funding of the Hoban Scholarship. The Hoban Scholarship provides tuition assistance to the children of NYPD Officers attending Xaverian High School.
The event featured a 5-mile run, 5K run, kids dash, and the Tina Hoban hat walk. The entire Terriers' men's basketball team spent the day cheering on the runners that participated in the Hoban Run. They also stood at the finish line handing out cups of water and greeted runners as they completed the race.
"The Hoban Run last Sunday was great; the guys made the atmosphere even better by how they showed so much love to the runners reaching the finish line. Being able to give out waters and high fives to the runners was rewarding, it was even cool to see coach Braica cross the finish line covered in sweat. To be a part of something like that was pretty cool and the love the runners and officers showed us for being out there made it special. I know the guys are looking forward to making that trip again next year!" said rising senior
Keon Williams.
Head coach
Glenn Braica ran in the Hoban Run alongside a handful of other members of the St. Francis College community.
St. Francis College Director of Community Partnership and Special Events Robert Oliva was honored with the Police Officer Christopher Hoban Service to NY Award during the event. This award is presented to someone who goes above and beyond, in service to New York City, the NYPD, the Hoban Run Committee, and Xaverian High School.
"St. Francis College has been a loyal supporter of the Run for many years. Whether sponsoring the Run or providing volunteers, members of the St. Francis College community have always stepped to the plate for the NYPD, the Hoban Run Committee, and Xaverian High School. Xaverian has historically been one of the College's strongest feeder schools. Many Xaverian grads choose SFC because of our shared commitment to service. Ruben Gonzalez and I are proud alumni from both institutions. This year, the entire men's basketball team, volunteered their time to distribute water at the finish line. Head coach
Glenn Braica also ran in the race. All proceeds benefit a scholarship at Xaverian that goes to the sons and daughters of NYC Police Officers," said Oliva.
Oliva has been a staple in the St. Francis College community and has served as the athletic department's public address announcer for men's and women's basketball games for the past four seasons.
