October 6, 2001 SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Two Susquehanna University alumni who played football in the 1960's under coach Jim Garrett helped pay special tribute to him during Homecoming Weekend with the naming of Susquehanna's new sports complex in his honor. The James W. Garrett Sports Complex was so named on Saturday in recognition of major gifts to the university in Garrett's honor from Richard E. Caruso, Ph.D., Class of 1965, and Nicholas A. Lopardo, Class of 1968. Caruso is a member of the Susquehanna Athletic Hall of Fame, founder of the Susquehanna Football Alumni Association and member of the university's board of directors. He provided the leadership gift and, together with Robert A. Pittello, Class of 1951 and Susquehanna's offensive line coach for 35 years, championed the effort to honor Garrett. Additional major support was provided by Lopardo, also a member of the university's Hall of Fame and chair of Susquehanna's board of directors. Other gifts were made by former players and friends who wished to demonstrate their respect for Garrett. The announcement came during a campus reception Saturday afternoon that also recognized the naming of a new football locker room for Coach Pittello. He, along with Caruso and Lopardo, credited Coach Garrett with "being one of the most important influences in our lives." "The greatest reward for any teacher is to hear from former students that you made a difference in their lives," said University President L. Jay Lemons. "In a magnificent and generous way, Rich Caruso and Nick Lopardo have expressed their gratitude and affection for Jim Garrett's role in their own learning and development. We hope that it is a special joy for Coach Garrett and his family to learn about this magnificent expression of their appreciation for the difference he made in their lives. We are immensely grateful to Rich, Nick, Bob Pitello and others for choosing to honor Coach Garrett and the University in this extraordinary way." As Susquehanna University football coach from 1960-65, Garrett compiled a 39-11-1 record at Susquehanna including undefeated seasons in 1961 and 1962; an unbeaten string of 22 games, longest in the country at the time; and a stunning 22-18 win over highly-ranked Division I Temple University to close out the 1963 season. "They were amazing football teams," Garrett said of his players. "And they were amazing young men." Garrett later served as head football coach at Columbia University and as head coach of the Houston Texans franchise of the World Football League. He spent 38 years in the National Football League as an assistant coach with the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns; and as a scout with the Cowboys. Renovation and expansion of The James W. Garrett Sports Complex was completed in the 2000-2001 academic year. The complex includes O.W. Houts Gymnasium, physical education facilities and new components such as the Nicholas A. Lopardo Football and Track Stadium, Clyde H. Jacobs Fitness Center, Harold Bollinger Baseball Field, a 51,000-square-foot field house, racquetball courts, new offices and meeting spaces, and a student lounge with café dining. Contact: Betsy Robertson 570-372-4119 # br/357#