Early 2011 saw a rare occurrence in the collegiate basketball world: a contest between an NCAA Division I team and Division III team. For the first time ever, the Baruch men’s basketball team played NCAA Division I opponent Yale University.
Among those traveling to New Haven to support the Bearcats was former men’s basketball player and team captain Sime Marnika (’05). “I was very proud to see our men’s basketball team play an Ivy League and Division I school in a regular season game,” said Marnika. “It was an impressive and unique contest. During the first half—especially the first 20 minutes—the dream was alive. I felt we could beat them,” he said. The Bearcats succumbed to the bigger, stronger Division I team with a final score of 85-57. “Our play really showed how far the men’s basketball program has come,” Marnika added.
Also finding the game unforgettable was Baruch Athletics Director Dr. William Eng, who retired last winter after 32 years at Baruch. “We had great support in New Haven,” said Eng. “About 200 fans came out, and ours were definitely the louder, more enthusiastic supporters. One thing’s for sure, there are a lot more people at Yale familiar with Baruch College and its fighting spirit than ever before.”
The Bearcats finished the season with a 15-12 record and a second consecutive appearance in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Metro Postseason Championship Tournament.
For official schedules and up-to-the-minute Bearcat news, go to www.baruch.cuny.edu/athletics.
—Diane Harrigan