Downes finishes Marathon and other links

In case you missed it, the Globe had a great article on Marathon Bombing survivor and BC grad Patrick Downes. It is worth your time and if you are interested, you can give to the scholarship at BC in Patrick's name.

Can Justin Simmons be a NFL Draft sleeper if he keeps getting this much attention?

BC is in the mix for Utah State basketball transfer Lew Evans. He would be a 5th year and eligible to play right away.

Some of BC's 2018 targets are getting media attention already.

BC starts Scholarship Fund for Marathon Couple

There were many inspirational stories that came out of the Boston Marathon Bombing, but one that captured the hearts and attention of the BC community was that of Patrick Downes '05 and his wife Jessica Kensky. Now the Boston College Class of 2005 has started a scholarship to honor both and is raising money in conjunction with BC. The class hopes to fully endow the scholarship and direct it towards students who have overcome adversity. If you are interested in pledging, learn more on the Boston College Strong Scholarship page.

Congrats to Patrick and Jess

Congrats to Patrick and Jess for completing the Marathon one year after the bombing injured them both. Patrick is a BC grad and met his wife via another BC friend. They are just one of many Boston stories shared over the past year. I hope crossing the Finish Line to together ends this chapter of their lives on a high note and that they have many happy and fulfilling chapters ahead.

Make Mile 21 memorable

I don't know what the mood will be like today during the Boston Marathon. The Finish Line will have a new sense of importance and heightened security. But I don't think the part of the race that runs along BC will be all that different. My suggestion for those BC students lining the course is to enjoy the day and cheer like crazy for those passing by. In my opinion it is the best way to honor those impacted by last year's events and those who are running today.

Learning more about other BC folks injured in bombing

Last week I shared information about a BC couple injured during the Marathon Bombing and the response was very positive. But by highlighting their story I didn't want to overlook the two current BC students also injured in the attack.  Liza Cherney and Brittany Loring are friends and were cheering on another BC grad student at the Finish Line. Brittany is set to graduate with a JD/MBA from BC this May. Cherney is also in the MBA program. I wish both a speedy recovery and hope they know the BC community is behind them.

Addazio lands two recruits in void of the Spring Game

The Spring Game cancellation didn't mean much from a football standpoint. Essentially it is just one less practice. The bigger loss was from a Marketing standpoint. BC invested a lot of effort and money into making it an event for fans and recruits. The fans -- especially BC ones -- understood the cancellation. The question was would recruits? Based on Steve Addazio's Saturday, it seemed like they did.

BC received verbals from Massachusetts Linebacker Kevin Cohee and Massachusetts OLineman Jon Baker. Aside from the continued recruiting momentum, what I most appreciate about Addazio getting these two is the local connection. Through our coaching changes, BC has lost out on local talent and has been seen as a secondary program. Addazio is clearly changing that.

I know there were many recruits who traveled up to BC Friday for the Spring Game. While they didn't get to see our program, they did get a memorable weekend. How could you be on campus for those celebrations and not think BC would be a good place to play? We will never know exactly if or how Addazio incorporated the Boston Strong movement into his pitch, but I am thankful he stayed focused and made the most of the situation.

Spring Game Cancelled

Per BC's press release:


“After consulting with campus, city and law enforcement officials, including the Boston College Police Department, we have decided to cancel all home athletics events scheduled for Saturday, including the spring football game," Director of Athletics Brad Bates said. "Our first priority is ensuring the safety of our student-athletes, coaches and spectators. Our local law enforcement community has done a phenomenal job this past week, and we do not want our events to serve as a distraction.

“Furthermore, now is a time for reflection to honor those who have been tragically killed and injured this past week and to allow our community to heal. The entire Boston College family stands with those who have been affected by this week's events. Together we will persevere and emerge stronger and more unified than ever.”

Tweets of the Week

Watch as all 17,565-strong @tdgarden belt out the national anthem prior to tonight's game: video.bruins.nhl.com/videocenter/co…^TV #BostonStrong

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 18, 2013

Not necessarily the right time to bring this up...but the Superfan shirt slogan next year really should be For Boston.

— Heights and Lows (@BC_Heights_Lows) April 17, 2013

I have been impressed with @tedescoheights and @gjoyce9 since my arrival last October.Great things ahead for these soon-to-be BC Alums!

— Brad Bates (@BCBradBates) April 18, 2013

One day after celebrating his 23rd birthday, Reggie Jackson scored 23 pts for Oklahoma City. That's 50 pts in last three games. #WeAreBC

— Richard Kelley (@kelleyri) April 18, 2013

GiveForward for BC couple injured in Marathon Bombing

I wanted to make you aware that there is a "giveforward" campaign for a BC couple injured during Monday's bombing. Patrick and Jess have a story very familiar to anyone who met a spouse in Boston (like me). Both have long recoveries ahead of them but the support of the BC community might make a little difference in their road back.

Links from the day after

Here are some of the better links I read today. They're not necessarily about what happened, but what it means and how we react.

I loved Leigh Montville's Marathon recollections. He captured the spirit and fun atmosphere of the day. (My roommates and I played a marathon game years ago. I would explain it, but you had to be there...)

EDSBS wrote about the true terror of the aftermath and how we do move on from these things. Like him I am in Centennial Park regularly and never give the bombing much thought. My kids run around that whole area without a care in the world.

Some well-intentioned BC students created the Last 5 walk/race to support those who didn't get to finish the race and those who were impacted. Thousands signed up but the City is asking them to postpone the event to a later date. The crowd control issues, the safety issues, and ongoing investigation all take priority at this point. I am sure when it happens it will be a great event.

The BC community and the Boston Marathon Bombing

I purposely waited a few hours to write anything about the Marathon Bombing. Other than a few friends and in-laws who live in the Back Bay, I am fairly removed from it all and wanted to avoid the typical blogger instant reaction. Like others who have spent time in or lived in the area, I love the Marathon and Patriots Day. This is a tragedy and I will pray for the victims. Other than that, I don't have anything to add.

I do want to use this post to make people aware of the excellent coverage and information coming from BC sources.

Heights Sports Editor Austin Tedesco is providing excellent coverage via twitter.

Luke Russert is not in Boston, but he is sprinkling his BC roots into his coverage.

BC also provided an update.

I will have a sports update later tonight. Sports clearly doesn't matter now, but I know this blog is an escape and distraction for many. If I can take people's minds off the tragedy, it is the least I can do.