Hall of Fame
Richard T. Reddington Jr. ’59 – Class of 2003
When you care enough to be the very best…
John Wooden’s dad told him not to worry about being better than others. But, he always admonished, “Always try to be the best that you can be.” The legendary coach developed a definition that articulates a tenet of the Le Moyne Athletic Tradition. “Success,” Wooden said, “is the peace of mind that is a direct result of the self-satisfaction of knowing you did you best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
In the second half of Le Moyne’s first decade its brand-new soccer team was setting an NCAA record for consecutive losses. A series of misfortunes had reduced the basketball squad to seven game-ready players. Coach Tom Niland badly needed a solid athlete who could give him quality game minutes and challenge his stars on the practice court. He had seen the sort of selfless dedication he needed in the soccer team’s all-state goalie.
The soccer team’s goalie was Dick Reddington and Coach Niland’s invitation to play basketball was the first of many he would go on to accept from Le Moyne.
The act of competing is honorable in itself. The willingness to test your skills against superior competition marks a strong character. The resolve to persevere in the face of adversity marks courage. On the soccer field and the basketball court, Dick Reddington demonstrated all these qualities, and did so with gritty determination and an ever-present smile. His demeanor inspired fellow athletes and earned the respect of classmates. He was elected president of the Boarder’s Association and earned the college’s Athletic Achievement Award.
Two national and eight district awards demonstrate that after graduation he brought the same characteristics to his successful career at Hallmark Cards. He and his wife Ann will celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary this year. Their four children are clearly their proudest accomplishment.
Work, marriage and family obligations have never caused Dick to say no to countless invitations, including CYO Basketball coach; Little League coach, mentor at St. Joseph’s Villa; Parish Council; Le Moyne Alumni Board of Governors; fundraising for parish, parochial schools and of course, his alma mater.
He was a student-athlete who always cared enough to be the very best he could be. He is a man who exemplifies John Wooden’s definition of success, and has achieved it in the context of Le Moyne’s tradition of community service. Therefore,
Richard T Reddington Jr. ’59, is inducted into the
Le Moyne College Athletic Hall of Fame
February 8, 2003
