These Gwynedd Mercy University Athletes Missed Their College Graduation… to Win Their Baseball Championship

As a student-athlete in college, balancing academics and athletics is second-nature. But what happens when your championship game and graduation fall on the same day?  Fourteen of Gwynedd Mercy University’s senior baseball players had to face that reality on Saturday.

This past weekend, the Atlantic East Conference held their baseball championship series, which happened to coincide with the University’s 2019 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. Fourteen seniors had to forgo their college graduation to play their championship game against Cabrini University and were rewarded with a championship win and a special graduation ceremony.

After suffering an 8-3 deficit early in the game, GMercyU rallied to win the game 10-9, earning their second win of the best-of-three series and securing the 2019 Atlantic East Conference Championship for the Griffins.  

Following their triumphant win, the team’s graduating seniors were recognized with a special graduation ceremony thanks to the help of their coach, the University, and their families. Each graduating player donned their cap and gown, surrounded by their teammates and families, as they were presented with their diplomas by Coach Paul Murphy.

It was a memorable day these young men will cherish forever, remembering the day they won their championship and earned their college degree. Congratulations Griffins!

Photos © GEANINE JAMISON PHOTOGRAPHY