What a great day it was on Saturday, January 15, 2005…the
day Union College basketball officially dedicated the brand new, beautiful,
Viniar Athletic Center. From the 22 men
who returned for the alumni game, to the luncheon, to the women's and men's sweep
over Liberty League rival Vassar, it was a great day to be part of Union
College Basketball!
The Viniar Athletic Center, which was officially christened
on November 28, 2004 when the Dutchwomen defeated Williams, 52-41, in the first
basketball game every played, is the fourth home to Union basketball. The old gym, the building that is now Becker
Hall, played host to Union basketball, and hay for the horses, when the
Dutchmen began their glorious history on February 3, 1898. Basketball then moved to Alumni Gym and
shared their home with an overhead running track, wrestling, and Foote Memorial
Pool, which was located in the basement.
The program moved to Memorial Field House in 1955 and the team played in
the midst of a dirt track that surrounded the court. Now, almost 50 years later, the women's and men's basketball teams
have a facility they can call their own.
“I am very fortunate and grateful to have the opportunity to
spend my last year in this beautiful facility,” said senior forward, and
co-captain, Devon Bruce.
“Thank you very much Mr. Viniar,” echoed senior forward and
tri-captain Katlyn Cunningham. “What a
thrill it was to be on that court, playing our first game in the facility
against Williams and beating them, 52-41.”
The Viniar Athletic Center was a $3.2 million gift from
former basketball player Dave Viniar, Class of 1976. Dave wasn't a star, but as he told the gathering of about 130 at
the luncheon, “I love basketball and I love Union. To be able to provide this building for the College and the
basketball teams gives me great pleasure.
“I got a lot out of playing basketball at Union,” Mr. Viniar
continued. “I learned about dedication,
work…hard work, and some of my best friends are my former teammates. These are all things I've taken with me
throughout my life. I'm very pleased to
be able to give something back to Union.”
“Dave understands the role of athletics at a place like
Union,” said Dutchman head coach Bob Montana.
“He has given Union College and Union basketball a tremendous gift and I
can't thank him enough, not only for this beautiful facility, but for all the
things he has done throughout the year that people have no idea about.”
Dutchwomen head coach Mary Ellen Burt pointed out how the
new building has made her job easier in what she considers her two primary
priorities as head coach. “My two main
responsibilities are to take care of my players and to recruit for the
program,” she began. “This beautiful
building makes my job so much easier. I
already have four local student-athletes who are applying for early decision
thanks to the facility. Not only is
this a great recruiting tool, it is a great statement for Union College
basketball.”
Union President Roger Hull presented Mr. Viniar, his wife,
Sue, and his son, Jordan, with basketball shirts with the number 76 on them,
representing Dave's graduation year.
Later, during the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, President Hull gave Mr.
Viniar the gold scissors.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to thank Dave and his
family for what they have done for Union College,” said Hull.