Bronx, N.Y. – If you’re interested in hearing from former student-athletes about their experiences at Fordham University, Ed Randall’s Talkin’ Rams series is a must-see. In this series, Randall, a proud Fordham College at Rose Hill alumnus from the class of ’74, engages in insightful interviews with former Fordham athletes, exploring their journeys both on the field and in the classroom.
In the latest installment, Randall interviews Gene McCarthy, a distinguished Hall of Famer in cross country and track and field, who graduated from the Gabelli School of Business in 1978. McCarthy, who was inducted into the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992, made a remarkable impact on Fordham’s track program after joining in 1974.
McCarthy quickly rose to prominence as the Rams’ top distance runner, showcasing his talent during his freshman year. He earned a notable 50th place finish out of 250 runners at the IC4A Championship, contributing to the team’s qualification for the NCAA Championship. His track skills were equally impressive, notably running on the two-mile relay team that clocked one of the fastest times globally at the time, securing All-America honors.
Among his many achievements, McCarthy excelled at the Penn Relays, where he ran a remarkable 4:08 leg in the four-mile relay, helping Fordham set a school record of 16:24.3. He also etched his name in history by setting a mile school record with a time of 4:05. In 1976, he was instrumental in securing a bronze medal finish for Fordham in the 4×1500-meter relay at the Penn Relays, contributing to yet another school record.
Throughout his tenure, McCarthy led the cross country team to a commendable 9-4 record, culminating in a sixth-place finish at the IC4A’s. His outstanding performance at that event saw him finishing eighth out of 175 competitors, further solidifying his place in Fordham’s athletic legacy.
Stay tuned for part two of this engaging series, where more insights and stories from McCarthy’s time at Fordham will be unveiled.
This series not only celebrates athletic accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for current and future student-athletes at Fordham, highlighting the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the rich history of Fordham athletics.