WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The University of New Haven Department of Athletics will host the 2012 Charger Huddle on Friday, Oct. 26 at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven. The event will honor the 50th anniversaries of varsity baseball, men’s soccer and men’s cross country at UNH and celebrate Frank Vieira’s 50 years of service to the University and the retirement of Bill Leete, Special Assistant to the President for Athletic Advancement and Outreach.
The Huddle is an annual opportunity for alumni and friends of New Haven Athletics to gather in a social setting during Homecoming Weekend. Tickets for the event cost $50, which includes an open bar, carving station and hearty hors d’oeuvres. Cocktail hour will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Online registration for the 2012 Charger Huddle has closed; to register via phone, please call Bryan Graff, Associate Director of Athletics for External and Business Affairs, at (203) 932-7017.
Baseball began its varsity tenure in the 1962-63 academic year. Helmed by Head Coach Frank Vieira, the Chargers’ first club to take the diamond consisted of nine Charger Hall of Famers – including “Coach V” himself.
A winning team for 43 of the legendary skipper’s 44 seasons in the dugout, the Chargers advanced to 31 Regional Tournaments (26 NCAA, 5 NAIA) and earned 17 College World Series berths (15 NCAA, 2 NAIA) under Vieira’s leadership. Most notably, the 1989 squad was National Runner-Up, falling to a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo team which later had its participation vacated due to the use of ineligible players.
“Porky”, as he is affectionately known, amassed a career record of 1127-324-6 as head coach of the Chargers. His win total ranks fourth all-time in Division II, while his .776 winning percentage is the eighth-highest all-time among coaches at all levels of NCAA baseball.
Since retiring from coaching after the 2006 season, Vieira has remained an active member of the New Haven Department of Athletics as Head Coach Emeritus, serving as a fundraiser and an ambassador of the baseball program and the University.
New Haven men’s soccer is also celebrating its golden anniversary in 2012. The Chargers, led by Head Coach Richard Curran, posted a 12-1 record in their first varsity campaign in 1962.
During its first 50 years, the men’s soccer program has qualified for seven NCAA Regionals, including three trips to the national semifinals and an NCAA Championship Game appearance in 1976.
Men’s cross country was founded as a varsity program in 1964 and will be recognized this fall as it nears a half-century of action. Tom Sacramone coached the original team of Charger harriers.
In addition to recognizing these golden anniversaries and all 50 years of alumni, the 2012 Charger Huddle will also honor Bill Leete, who is retiring after over 30 years of service at the University.
Leete assumed the role of Director of Athletics in 1981 and his legacy continues today. Several New Haven athletic programs rose to national prominence during his tenure, including a run to the 1987 Division II National Championship by the women’s basketball team and NCAA postseason appearances in baseball, men’s basketball, football, men’s soccer, track and field and women’s volleyball.
Leete also assumed the role of Acting Dean for Student Life in September of 1991. In 1993, he became the University’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics.
After a 13-year stint, Leete was named Vice President for Facilities in 2006. As such, he successfully oversaw numerous construction projects on campus while meeting intense deadlines. His contributions in this area culminated with the completion of the David A. Beckerman Recreation Center and the home of Charger soccer and lacrosse, Arcadio “Kayo” Rodriguez Field.
Since 2007, Leete has served as Special Assistant to University President Steven Kaplan for Athletic Advancement and Outreach. In this role, he has helped develop and grow athletic giving to new levels. Leete was also instrumental in the construction and completion of Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium, the home of New Haven football.
