These are not necessarily the best but my favorites–In no particular order. Of course the decisions are swayed in the past 8 years with my deeper involvement with Maryland Athletics. This list also does not include any current Terrapins.
This reminiscence begins with perhaps the greatest Terrapin of this post 2000 era Juan Dixon who is certainly at the top of everyone’s list.
#1 Greivis Vasquez—i have never met any athlete quite like Greivis and I doubt I will ever meet one like him. His success in the NBA doesn’t surprise me because of his incredible work athletic. If you ever want to watch Gary get emotional about someone ask him about the Senor.
#2 Joe Cummings—-the renaissance of Maryland Lacrosse coincided with the blossoming of this Loyola Grad. Not the fastest, not the quickest, but just an outright winner both as a player and a young man.
#3 Torrey Smith—one of the nicest kids you could ever meet. The Ravens were so fortunate he lasted into the 2nd round but Coach Harbaugh knew how special #82 was. i will never forget his 4 TD game against NC State on Senior day.
#4 Caitlyn McFadden—Terrapin nation is ecstatic that Caitlyn is back at Maryland as Cathy Reese’s Assistant coach. Caitlyn, the 2010 Tewaaraton Award winner led Maryland to a NCAA Title in 2010. One of the most pleasant and nicer kids you could meet.
#5 Hudson Taylor—A brilliant young man who helped lead the Terps back into the upper echelons of Collegiate Wrestling. Certainly one of my most favorite guests on Terp Talk.
#6 Andrew Schwartzman—I will always remember Andrew as the quintessential overachiever. His overtime goal against Georgetown put Maryland back into the Final four after a long drought. His success in the business world come as no surprise to me. Just a great guy!!!!
#7 Sean Mosley— Mr Baltimore is clearly one of the most popular players ever to don the Terrapin uniform. I first met Sean the day he announced his intention to attend Maryland. He was a gentleman that day straight through his 4 years at Maryland. He tremendously helped mark Turgeon through his first year.
#8 Katie O’Donnell–the greatest American Field Hockey player I have ever seen. She was able to glide down the field as if she was on skates. Katie’s 4 years at Maryland will certainly land her in Maryland’s Hall of fame the day she becomes eligible.
#9 Kristi Tolliver—-We were spoiled at Maryland the 4 years Kristi was Brenda’s point guard. I believe Kristi was the glue that kept the Championship team always at the top of the game. We are still looking for that special point guard. The search is difficult.
#10 Casey Townsend—-An absolute magician as a soccer player. If the opponents didn’t double team Casey, he could not be stopped. Injuries plaqued him late in his Terrapin career but they could not diminish his tremendous career at Maryland.
#11 Brian Phipps—-4 great years as a Maryland goalie. A leader in every sense of the word. Mark my words, Brian will be a tremendous head coach and it will be in the near future.
#12—-Joe Vellano—a true warrior, who has played brilliantly whenever he is at 100%. Joe plays his last game for Maryland on saturday and you can rest assured he will be playing on Sundays next year.
#13 Dino Gregory—This young man, a Mt St Joe Grad, just absolutely loved his years at Maryland. I must have interviewed Dino 25 times for Terp talk. His dad carried the same passion for Maryland and I always enjoyed talking with at home games. Dino improved every year and by his senior year was an integral part of the rotation.
#14 Dave Neal—The Mayor says it all. The smallest #1 Maryland in my memory, Dave developed a deadly 3 point shot. The way Gary utilized created confusion for opposing coaches. The year Dave led us to the round of 32, was one of Gary’s most enjoyable seasons.
#15–#30 To Be continued
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