FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2012
Courtesy of Saint Michael's Athletics Communications
COLCHESTER, Vt. - The Saint Michael's College men's basketball program welcomed a local 10-year-old boy, Shea McCaffrey, as its newest team member earlier this fall. Shea has joined the program thanks to its work with Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization serving children who are facing life-threatening diseases.
Shea, who resides in Hinesburg, met the men's basketball team at a mid-September gathering and was presented an official Purple Knights basketball jersey with the same No. 4 that his grandfather, Frank McCaffrey '58, wore when he played for Saint Michael's between the 1955-56 and 1957-58 seasons. With appearances in two NCAA Tournaments, Frank was a member of the 1957-58 team that was the only squad in program history to reach the NCAA Tournament final.
"Shea is definitely an inspiration to our team," said senior captain John Reiser. "He clearly enjoys every day he gets to spend with his family and friends, and we can definitely benefit and learn from him. It makes us appreciate how lucky we are to be in such a privileged position and have the opportunity to be student-athletes at Saint Michael's."
Shea, who turned 10-years-old today, was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness two years ago, but remains in good spirits and is looking forward to cheering his team on. "I can't wait to see the Purple Knights play some awesome games," he said about the upcoming season.
McCaffrey will be welcome to join the team at games and practices as the coming seasons progress, having recently attended a practice leading up to the Purple Knights' opener on Nov. 14.
Team IMPACT is a New England-based non-profit organization serving children who are facing life-threatening diseases by creating unparalleled team-based support systems. Core to its model is leveraging the power of teamwork by matching up these courageous kids with college athletic teams. In working with Team IMPACT, Saint Michael's joins Northeast-10 Conference counterparts such at Bentley University and Stonehill College, and fellow Vermont schools like Middlebury College and the University of Vermont. For more information, visit www.goteamimpact.org.
