Basketball season is still a few months away, but Saints fans had the opportunity to meet and greet the 2022-23 Siena men's and women's basketball teams at an August 10 court dedication and ice cream social.
The refurbishment and dedication of the Daniel P. Hytko Basketball Court in Cohoes’ Lansing Park is the culmination of a project several years in the making, fulfilling Siena Athletics’ pledge to “Build Better Saints” and embrace the College's Franciscan values by giving back to the local community.
Siena Athletics proudly partnered with American National Insurance on the court refurbishment, with an assist from BSN Sports, LeChase Construction, and TEC Protective Coatings, who volunteered time and resources to help complete this project, named in honor of the former Cohoes High School basketball coach.
“This is just priceless,” Hytko said at the dedication. “I know I have my name on it, but this court is for the kids.”
Siena President Chris Gibson ’86, Ph.D., Cohoes Mayor William Keeler, and Siena Athletics Vice President John D’Argenio helped dedicate the court.
Fans enjoyed free ice cream while meeting and mingling with student athletes and coaches from both hoops teams.
“It’s great that Siena has been such an important part of this project and the community as a whole,” said women’s Coach Jim Jabir. “Young kids need to grow up in a place where they can go play, have fun and learn good habits. Maybe we’ll be able to come back and recruit future players right from this court.”
Mens’ Coach Carm Maciariello '01 said, “We always try to build better Saints, and by getting our players out here in the community, it shows that dedication. This is going to continue to grow our young people in the right way.”
Local kids who attended took part in a free youth clinic on the newly refurbished court administered by athletes from both teams.
The complete 2022-23 Siena men's and women's basketball schedules are expected to be released within the next month.