Presents

 The

 November 18 & 19

5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Tip Off

Larry Mahaney Gymnasium

Featuring:

Thomas College	Tufts	Newbury College	University of Me. Presque Isle

 Schedule:

In Memory of Charlie Ryan

Charlie Ryan ’77 (1954-1995)

                Talented. Out-going. Unique. Fast-talking. Loving. These are just some of the words that have been used to describe the late Charlie Ryan. In a life cut too short, Charlie made an impression on everyone that had the good fortune to meet him.

                Born and raised in the borough of Queens in New York City, Charlie was drawn to the city game of basketball. He bounced from playground to playground in his youth, searching out games and playing against great competition. He dreamed of playing for Power Memorial Academy, the city’s top team, and the high school of the legendary Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Eventually, by his senior year, Charlie made the varsity at Power. His head coach, Brendan Malone, would go on to coach the Raptors, Knicks, and Pacers in the NBA. It would be Coach Malone who would introduce Charlie to Maine and Thomas College through his work at Pine Tree Basketball Clinic. During the summer of 1971, Charlie and his teammates came to Pine Tree, which was being held on the Thomas campus. Playing against great players from New England, Charlie showed what a talent he had become. His play caught the eye of Thomas coach Dick Meader who knew that Charlie could make a difference in his program. That winter, Charlie helped lead Power to the city Championship and the following Fall Charlie started his education at Thomas.

                By all accounts, Charlie had a very interesting career at Thomas. Around campus, Charlie was well known for his pursuit of good times. On the court he would become the all-time assists leader and would graduate as the all-time leading scorer. His teams would also enjoy some of the greatest successes in Thomas basketball history. During his time in school and after graduation, Charlie became well known as a ball handling guru at camps around Maine. A lasting memory for many that knew Charlie was seeing him lead ball handling drills in the early morning hours at Colby exhorting his campers to “change speed, in and out, yo, yo, yo.” The best way to understand Charlie is to hear from those that knew him best:

                “Charlie Ryan was one of the finest point guards to play in the state of Maine. He played on a city championship team in high school at legendary Power Memorial Academy in New York City. At Thomas he became the career assist leader and during his senior year broke the career scoring record. A lightning quick guard, Charlie could get to the basket against anyone. His enthusiasm for playing the game in unmatched. Charlie may be best known, though, for teaching ball handling at many camps throughout the state. He is a legend to a generation of basketball campers.”

-Dick Meader, Men’s Basketball Coach at Maine-Farmington, Co-Owner of Pine Tree Basketball Clinic

                “Charlie possessed a blend of basketball and personality that were dynamic. He was one of the most special and unique people that I have had the pleasure to know.”

-Dick Whitmore, Men’s Basketball Coach at Colby College, Co-Owner of Pine Tree Basketball Clinic

                “Charlie was my best friend. His enthusiasm for all parts of life was infectious and it is what I have tried to bring to my job as an educator and coach. I know that Charlie was very thankful to the Thomas community for allowing him the opportunity to graduate from such a great school.”

-Paul Vachon, Athletic Director and Former Girls’ Basketball Coach at Cony High School

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