 Rob Wingard reporting live from the Stevens University Mustang Athletic Gala Joined here by Stevens University Baseball Student-Athlete and SAC chair John Diquano. John, welcome to the show. How you doing? I'm doing well. Thank you for joining us now as SAC chair our Director of Athletics Brett Adams just mentioned that you were Instrumental in helping bring the idea forward of the athletic gala So we've had the athletic banquet in the past what brought to your attention the idea of revamping The award show and making it in the gala style. I guess just Melissa and Paul really showing us that other schools what they do and Really making it a point that the athletes deserve something a little bit better than what we've had in the past So we really just wanted to go all out this year and see what we could do Now you mentioned other schools have done it before but in true Stevenson fashion if we're gonna do it and other schools are doing it We need to make sure we're doing it bigger and better 100% we're gonna try and top it. So what have been the challenges of making this event as grandiose and I Guess just as memorable as possible for our student athletes I think really just trying to figure out what the students wanted and or what the student athletes wanted and really trying to bring out all the things that could make it a fun night for them and really focus on the seniors and Give them the night they deserve Absolutely, the student athletes here work incredibly hard in a number of ways So it's great for them to have a night like this to recognize the work They've put in over their time here at Stevenson But while this is only the first athletic gala There will be ones to come hopefully after and your name and the names of those of you who worked on this will Be attached to it forever. So what kind of legacy do you hope the gala is gonna leave after you're gone? I just hope each year we can top it. I mean if we go out with a bang this year I hope next year somebody comes in or hopefully I'll still be here But hopefully we can top it next year and just each year build on that So while you mentioned topping it next year you can't really Know what you need to top until you sit down and enjoy the night tonight And while you want it to be a night that celebrates the seniors and what they've accomplished in the athletics You're not quite in that boat yet Yep So what are the goals for you next year to be able to celebrate at this gala when you're sitting here as a senior? Blanking on that one. I'm blanking. I'm sorry man. Oh, no, it's fine I'm sure you'll be looking maybe to have the Mac championship ring on your finger after a great year of baseball And maybe heading out with a couple other awards to go with it Yep, and you know what if your testament and work in athletics can match the work you've put on that banquet I'm sure he'll be sitting there with that ring on the finger. I hope so John thank you for joining us. Go out there and enjoy the night that you helped create and really live it up with your Friends and the student athletes that you've put in all that work. Yep. Thank you very much Bob Winger Reporting live from the Stevens University Athletic Gala