Bronx, N.Y. – Ed Randall’s Talkin’ Rams series highlights the experiences of former Fordham student-athletes, showcasing their journeys during their time at Rose Hill. In the latest installment, Randall, an alumnus from the Class of 1974, interviews Gene McCarthy, a distinguished Hall of Famer in cross country and track and field, who graduated from Gabelli School of Business in 1978 and was inducted into the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.
McCarthy made a significant impact on Fordham’s track program beginning in 1974, establishing himself as the top distance runner for the Rams. During his freshman year in cross country, he impressively placed 50th out of 250 at the IC4A Championship, contributing to the team’s qualification for the NCAA Championship. McCarthy excelled in track as well, being part of a two-mile relay team that achieved the third-fastest global time of 7:27.2 at the IC4A Championship, earning All-America honors.
His accomplishments include a remarkable 4:08 leg in the four-mile relay at the Penn Relays, aiding in a school-record time of 16:24.3. He also set a mile record for Fordham with an impressive time of 4:05. At the Penn Relays in 1976, he secured a bronze medal in the 4×1500-meter relay with a record of 15:12.2. The 1977 indoor season saw McCarthy part of the distance medley relay team that set a new school record. That same year, he led the cross country team to a commendable 9-4 record, achieving a sixth-place finish at the IC4A’s with a personal best, finishing eighth out of 175 runners, which contributed to Fordham’s 24th place finish nationally at the NCAA Championships.
This series not only celebrates Fordham’s athletic history but also serves to inspire current and future students by sharing the rich legacy of its alumni. Part two of the series will be available later this week, offering even more insight into the accomplishments and experiences of McCarthy and his fellow student-athletes.