Alfred University dedicated the brand-new state-of-the-art video scoreboard in Yunevich Stadium to Bob ’66 and Pat Codispoti on Saturday afternoon, surprising the duo that has supported AU Athletics dating back to the early 1960′s.

Unbeknownst to Bob and Pat Codispoti, Alfred University President Dr. Mark Zupan and the AU community had a huge surprise for them on Saturday evening. It was big enough to be hoisted by crane into Yunevich Stadium, which serves as home to the AU football, men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse programs. That surprise was a 25-foot video scoreboard dedicated in their name.

“Bob ’66, ’71 MS, and Pat Codispoti have transformed the lives of countless Alfred University students, thereby bettering the world,” Zupan began. “Given the particular leadership roles that they have played in promoting the student-athlete experience at our University, it is altogether fitting for them to be honored through the fabulous new scoreboard in Yunevich Stadium at Merrill Field. We are grateful to the many alumni and friends whose lives were positively impacted by Bob and Pat and who generously contributed to make the scoreboard a reality.”

The Bob ’66 & Pat Codispoti Scoreboard was installed in early August and debuted during the first home football game in Yunevich Stadium versus Thiel where the Saxons defeated the Tomcats, 44-16, during Labor Day weekend.

“This is without a doubt one of the best days I’ve had as the Director of Athletics here at Alfred University,” Paul Vecchio said. “Sure, we’ve dedicated other spaces and we’ve enjoyed some incredible championship performances by our Saxon teams that will resonate with me for the rest of my career. But today is a type of day that we don’t get to celebrate enough in this business. A day where two people who have given so unselfishly and who have been unwavering in their support of the ideals of not only Alfred University, but also the Division III collegiate student-athlete experience, get their much-deserved recognition.”

Bob and Pat Codispoti have been supporters of the University and athletics department for more than 50 years. Bob was a member of the AU football team from 1962 to 1965 and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1966 before earning his master’s degree in 1971. After graduation he served for several years as an assistant coach to legendary head coach Alex Yunevich, the Saxons’ all-time leader in football victories. He currently serves as the President of Saxon Nation, the fundraising arm of AU athletics, as well as the play-by-play commentator of AU football games on both WLEA and Saxon TV. Bob is currently in his 34th year as the play-by-play commentator for AU football.

Pat was the head coach of the women’s soccer program from 1985 to 2000 as well as the head coach for softball from 1998 to 2001. During her tenure she coached 28 all-conference players as well as six Regional All-Americans. Pat was at the helm of two of the best teams in AU women’s soccer history including the 1988 team that went 14-6-1 and earned the NYSSCAA Championship crown. She also coached the 1996 team that went 13-5-1 that advanced to the NYSSCAA Championship Tournament. The 1988 team still holds records for most wins in a season (14), goals in a season (54), shutouts in a season (10), and shutouts in a row (5). The 1996 team tied the record for most shutouts in a season. Pat currently serves as the color commentator, by Bob’s side, during AU football games.

Soccer alumna, Julie Francis ’93, spoke via video at the dedication ceremony, stating, “Pat and Bob, you truly have left a legacy and a lasting impact on so many people’s lives. You have taken countless hours to bring student-athletes under your wing to help the University. This recognition is something that is going to be enduring. Every time you come and see your beloved Saxons play you will see your name up there as an honor that is so well-deserved.”

Vecchio added later in his dedication speech about Bob and Pat, “The richness in their lives has been what they have given of themselves to others. To generations of student-athletes whose lives they have altered through their coaching, their counsel and their commitment. For the love that they have shared for each other and their family and the love that comes back to them from the thousands of lives that they have enriched. They have given their undying efforts decade after decade, to make this University better in small, unforgettable, ways.”

The dedication ended with every student-athlete in attendance, current and former, on their feet applauding Bob and Pat Codispoti. An applause that spanned generations and will echo in perpetuity in Yunevich Stadium.

 

Source: eveningtribune.com

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