
In June, the University honored Scranton golf legend Ed Karpovich ’76, G’86 with the 2021 Peter A. Carlesimo Award at the annual Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner at Glenmaura National Golf Club.
The event raised more than $100,000 for Scranton Athletics. Quandel Construction Group served as the event’s title sponsor. More than 160 alumni and friends of the University participated in the golf tournament, and an additional 50 guests attended the award dinner.
“The University is proud to honor one of our very own tonight,” said Dave Martin, executive director of Athletics at Scranton, before introducing the evening’s speakers: current softball player Lauren Cawley ’23, a secondary education and math major, basketball legend P.J. Carlesimo, the son of the former University athletic director the award is named after, and, on his very first day on the job, the Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., the 29th president of Scranton.
“Thank you … for the generous support you have all provided,” Cawley said. “Because of you, Scranton athletes are able to have a transformative experience both on and off the field.”
Fr. Marina spoke next, mentioning some of Karpovich’s outstanding achievements prior to providing the evening’s Invocation.
“Under Ed’s great coaching, golf at Scranton has achieved nearly 400 wins,” Marina said. “Absolutely amazing. He’s obviously touched countless lives for the better.”
Carlesimo spoke about the parallels between Karpovich’s legacy and that of his late father. “Karp reminds me an awful lot of my father in how much he cared about this school and the students that he worked with,” he said. “I’m so happy that his name is on the Carlesimo Award.”
After receiving the award, Karpovich expressed his gratitude for the continued support of the event’s attendees. “This tournament … helps every athletic team out in a big way, so thank you,” he said. “I am honored and privileged to get this award.”
A Remarkable Career
Karpovich has been a part of the men’s golf program at the University for more than four decades. In 39 seasons as the head men’s golf coach at the University, he has compiled an overall record of 354-120-2 in dual match competition. He also led Scranton to a Middle Atlantic Conference team championship in 1988.
In the fall of 2016, Karpovich was instrumental in starting the women’s golf program at the University. In five seasons as the women’s head coach, he has led the Royals to 32 dual match victories.
Karpovich is a 1976 graduate of the University and a member of its prestigious Wall of Fame. As a player, he led the Royals to three MAC team titles (1973, 1975, 1976) while capturing MAC individual championships in 1974 and 1976. He also competed in the 1974 and 1976 NCAA championships, finishing tied for 150th in 1974 and tied for 42nd in 1976. He currently serves as treasurer of Lackawanna County.
Named in honor of Peter A. Carlesimo, former University coach and athletics director, the Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner celebrates athletics at the University by honoring a person who has made special contributions to athletics and Catholic education. The annual fundraising event supports and enhances the student-athlete experience at Scranton. For more information, visit scranton.edu/carlesimoaward.
See more photos, here.