GNAC Student-Athletes Serve the Community at the 7th Annual Brian J. Honan 5k Road Race

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Several Student-Athletes represented the Great Northeast Athletic Conference at the 7^th Annual Brian J. Honan 5k Road Race this past weekend, an event that our member institutions have been volunteering at since its inception.  The teams contributed to the day’s success by taking registrations, working water stations, helping at the finish line, holding mile markers, cheering on the participants, and handing out food. 

Continuing with the tradition of volunteering, the Emmanuel Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams came out once again to assist with the Start and Finish line operations with Coach Alice Kramer, while Coach Tony DaRocha participated in the race finishing first in his category.  Coach Hank Smith and the Emerson Men’s Basketball team started the day early and offered their services during race set up.  The Emmanuel Women’s Basketball team along with Coach Andy Yosinoff and Arthur Howell welcomed the participants and registered over 700 runners and walkers.  Mt. Ida Women’s Basketball joined the GNAC volunteers for the first time, assisting with post race festivities.  

For Coach Leah Lipschitz, former Emmanuel College Basketball player, volunteering for the race was not new.  “It was always a rewarding experience volunteering at the Honan 5k as a player at Emmanuel so I was lucky to be able to continue being involved as a coach now. We have a great group of players at Mt. Ida who I knew would be more than happy to spend some time giving back to the community.  They really did a great job along with all of the other student athletes who volunteered” said Coach Lipschitz.

The conference’s continued commitment to the race exemplifies how the athletes, coaches, and administrators are dedicated to the GNAC’s core values of Sportsmanship, Integrity, and Community.  Race Director Richard Grealish stated that “this year’s race had a lot of obstacles to overcome and it was with the help from the volunteers from the GNAC schools that we were able to have a smooth and successful race day.  We appreciate and look forward to the continued volunteerism from the school’s athletic teams.” 

The Brian J. Honan Charitable fund was created in honor of Brian’s dedication to improving the education, recreation, housing and healthcare within the community.  A standout athlete, dedicated teacher, and city councilor, Brian was a humanitarian with a philosophy of “Giving ordinary people the chance to live extraordinary lives” said Grealish.  All funds raised during the road race benefit the Allston-Brighton Board of Trade Scholarship fund.  For more information please

For more information please visit http://www.brianhonan.org/ or join the Brian J. Honan 5K group on Facebook.