LEXINGTON, Ky. - Clarion University President Dr. Joseph Grunenwald welcomed over 80 alumni, colleagues, friends and fans to a pre-basketball game reception at the Lexington Hilton Thursday night to celebrate Clarion's men's basketball team playing the Kentucky Wildcats Friday, Nov. 6.
A special guest at the reception was new Kentucky men's basketball coach John Calipari ('82), who was a point guard on the basketball team in the 1981 and 1982 season.
The reception started with Athletic Director Dave Katis welcoming the group and men's basketball coach Ron Righter thanking coach Calipari for bringing the Golden Eagles to Lexington.
President Grunenwald greeted the group then introduced Coach Calipari, who spoke about his time at Clarion, what a great experience he had as a student athlete while also speaking about the game between the Wildcats and the Golden Eagles Friday night starting at 7 p.m. at Rupp Arena.
Among the attendees were former Clarion head coach Joe DeGregorio and Calipari's former teammates Ralph Naples, Jeff Szumigale, Joe Malis and manager Chuck Bell.
