Tournament Memorializes Danny Pittaluga '82, Deceased Classmates 

The 1st Annual Danny Pittaluga ’82 Memorial Basketball Tournament was held on March 25, 2006, and returned again March 19 to honor him and other Xavier men who have passed away.

After Pittaluga tragically died of a sudden heart attack in June 2004, his classmates banded together and decided to pay tribute to a great teammate and special human being by hosting a three-on-three tournament in his name. In recent years, the event has grown into a basketball event for all alumni.

This year’s tournament began with a Mass in the Student Chapel celebrated by Rev. Jack Replogle, S.J. '51. The liturgy gave all a chance to pray for Pittaluga, Chris Andrews '82, and all those from the Class of 1982 who now rest with the Lord. Beyond Pittaluga and Andrews, the deceased members of the class include John Carlos '82, Arthur Fuscaldo '82, Fergus Gonzalez '82, Kenneth Lamotta '82, Faiq Mahmud '82, William McCarthy '82, and Joseph Mongioi '82.

The basketball featured a double elimination tournament with Mike Norris ‘94 (Guilford College), Kevin Riley ’03 (Hobart College), Chris Kenny '04 (Brooklyn College), and guest Charles Marquardt (son of Charlie Marquardt ’82) playing solid defense and using the three-point line to defend their 2015 title.

A special thanks to Coaches McGrane and Dolan and the advancement staff for organizing and facilitating such a successful event, and to the Class of 1982 (especially Mike Waitkus '82) for its ongoing support of the tournament.