If there is a person who best represents the true heart and soul of the NJCU athletic program, it is Tony DeBenedictis. An active supporter of NJCU athletics since 1971, DeBenedictis has been the president of the NJCU Green & Gold Club for the last 15 years, trying his best to stir up interest and support for all the Gothic Knight athletic teams. According to Athletic Director Larry Schiner, “no one has attended more NJCU football and basketball games than Tony.”
“I think the most memorable event during that time was the closing of Fries Gym and the ground breaking for the Athletic & Fitness Center,” DeBenedictis said. “I will also remember being at both Final Fours [1986 and 1992]. Renaming the Tidelands Athletic Complex for Tom Gerrity and the soccer field for Bob McNulty were also special moments. But I just enjoyed watching the student-athletes grow. Earning this honor is icing on the cake. I never expected it.”
DeBenedictis has served on the Intercollegiate Athletic Council, the Thomas M. Gerrity Scholar-Athlete Award Committee, the Tony Mezzina Memorial Award Committee, the Robert L. McNulty Soccer Award selection committee and the Homecoming Committee. He has also been a member of various athletic department search committees, including the search for the head football coach.
If blood could actually flow green and gold, Tony would be the first person with that distinction, because he has always had the best interest of Gothic Knight athletics in his heart.
DeBenedictis is an administrative supervisor with the Hudson County Division of Social Services. He resides in Jersey City with JoAnne, his wife of 27 years, their daughter Nicole, and son Joseph, a junior at NJCU.
