RIVERDALE, NY — Jack Powers '58 passed away on Thursday evening surrounded by his family. The entire Manhattan Athletics community mourns the loss of a person who had as large of an impact as anyone else on the success of Jaspers Athletics.
"Our Jasper Athletics family is saddened by the passing of Jack Powers," said Irma Garcia, director of intercollegiate athletics at Manhattan University. "Manhattan Athletics would not have the proud tradition and values it has today without Jack's contributions to our university over the past 70 years. We lift Jack's soul and his wife Anita in our prayers during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the entire Powers Family as we reflect on Jack's incredible legacy."
Powers' connection to Manhattan University dates back an astonishing 70 years. He is forever remembered for his contributions as a men's basketball player (1955-58), as men's basketball head coach (1969-78) and as director of athletics (1980-88). He was enshrined in the Manhattan Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988, and was the first Jasper to have their number retired during 'Jack Powers Night' on Feb. 25, 2016, when Manhattan faced off against MAAC rival Iona. Powers' #34 hangs inside Draddy Gymnasium to signify his incredible impact.
Powers' most famous moment as a player came during an 89-84 win over Jerry West and West Virginia in the First Round of the 1958 NCAA Tournament. Powers dazzled the Madison Square Garden crowd with 29 points and 15 rebounds for the Jaspers' first of three wins all-time in the NCAA Tournament. Powers tallied 1,139 points in three seasons, leading the Jaspers to two NCAA Tournaments and one NIT berth.
"Jack was the definition of a Jasper," said Manhattan Men's Basketball Head Coach John Gallagher. "If there was ever a truer sense of what a Jasper is, you look to Jack. His dedication, his honor and his loyalty to Manhattan University was unwavering. His commitment to the NIT and coaches across college basketball was felt through his support and wisdom. Jack was loved by a profession that he cared so much about."
Powers is universally revered for his role with the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), which he presided over as executive director for over 20 years. In addition, Powers had a stint as the president of the MAAC.
Powers' latest achievements included being inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame last September, as well as earning a 'contributor' nomination for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
In March 2012, Powers was honored at the First Annual MAAC Honor Roll Dinner. He is enshrined in "The MAAC Experience", which is the league's exhibit in Springfield.
Powers took his rightful place in the following hall of fames: Manhattan University Athletic Hall of Fame, Catholic High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, Brooklyn's Old Timer Hall of Fame, Brooklyn's Sports Foundation, Mamaroneck High School Hall of Fame and the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame.
Powers is survived by his wife Anita and two children, John and Kim. He was 89 years old.
Service Information
Visitation - Sunday, March 2 from 3-7 p.m. at Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Home, 824 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale.
Funeral mass - Monday, March 3 at 10:30 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 8 Carman Road, Scarsdale.
