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Senior Night pays tribute to Coach Tom McDonald

Posted on Feb 15, 2005

In keeping with tradition at Lauralton Hall, the final basketball home game of the season, held on February 14 against Bethel, was designated as Senior Night. This year, there was another reason for celebration…to honor Coach Tom McDonald on his retirement from coaching at Lauralton Hall after 17 years as basketball coach and 19 years as softball coach.

The festivities began when Athletic Director Joe Tonelli introduced the senior members of the Cheerleading Squad. Parents joined their daughters on the court and the girls were given bouquets by the junior cheerleaders. Senior basketball players were then introduced, joined by their parents, and given bouquets by the junior basketball team members. Adding to this very special time-honored and moving tradition, senior cheerleaders and basketball players exchanged even more flowers! Mr. Tonelli concluded this part of the ceremony by saying, “The entire Athletic Department wishes the very best for these young women on their very bright futures. It has truly been an honor to be associated with these fine young ladies.” 

Special thanks were offered to Leigh Ann Crocco, ’05 for her loyalty to the athletic program and hard work as three-year team manager for both volleyball and basketball. As a token of his appreciation, Mr. Tonelli presented Leigh-Ann with a lovely bouquet.

Coach Tom McDonald was then introduced by Tonelli, “As many of you know, tonight is the last home game for another very special individual. Tom McDonald is retiring from his career here at Lauralton Hall after 19 great years coaching both our basketball and softball teams. In his 17th season as Head Basketball Coach, McDonald has over 250 wins!” Coach McDonald was smiling and emotional as he accepted, with heartfelt thanks, several gifts. The players put together an album including photos of teams and players representing all 17 years of Coach McDonald’s tenure as basketball coach at Lauralton. The gift is a “work in progress” as the team plans to add many photos before the end of the school year. They also presented McDonald with a jacket and a plaque imprinted with this year’s basketball team photo and with space for adding this year’s softball team photo. The cheerleaders presented Coach McDonald a signed megaphone. The Athletic Department proudly gave Coach McDonald a basketball listing his dates of service; at the conclusion of the season, his overall record will be added. Finally, Coach McDonald also received a plaque expressing appreciation for his dedication, service and loyalty to the young women of the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall. The plaque makes reference to the student-athletes whose lives he has touched, indicating that they will never forget the impact he has had on their lives.  

Tonelli continued, “As we all know, behind every great coach, there is a great woman. I would like to welcome Joan McDonald to the court to join coach. I would like to thank Mrs. Joan McDonald, as well as their daughter Dina, ’86, for allowing us to be a part of their family.” Assistant coaches Steve Schuler and Cliff LaRose along with the senior basketball players presented Mrs. McDonald with a bouquet and gift certificate. 

The ceremony ended with these words from Joe Tonelli: “Coach McDonald, we cannot thank you enough for everything that you do. We will truly miss you and we would like to wish you and Joanie the very best in the future. You will always be a part of our family.”

As a special surprise, one of Coach McDonald’s favorite songs, Proud to be an American, was performed by Melissa Salandra, ’07 for Coach McDonald. Melissa received a standing ovation for her powerful rendition of this moving song.

This Valentine’s Day Senior Night was made even sweeter by the Crusaders 49 -39 win over Bethel! After the game, everyone in the gym was invited to a hors d’oeuvres and desserts reception hosted by basketball team parents to pay tribute to Coach McDonald as he retires. 



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