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Lycoming basketball players earn Clinton’s autograph
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Friday envisioned each player’s answers being included in the 2007-08 Warrior media guide. What he didn’t foresee was that the questionnaire would gain four of his players a keepsake that they will never forget. When Friday heard that former President Bill Clinton would be attending a rally at Lycoming College’s Lamade Gymnasium on Saturday, March 29, he contacted Director of Student Programs Larry Mannolini to let him know that four Lycoming basketball players—Billy Goodell (Williamsport, Pa.), Jemayne Nowlin (Gaithersburg, Md.), Greg Sye (Chantilly, Va.) and Anthony Watson (Philadelphia, Pa.)—had listed Clinton as their “favorite U.S. President” in the 2007-08 media guide. “Larry was very nice to forward the information to Clinton’s people,” said Friday. “And when I found out Clinton would be using our office area before he spoke, I left him a note, pointing out the media guides.” Clinton signed four guides, thanking each player individually, and a basketball for the coach. “Sometimes the most unexpected surprises are the best gifts,” said Friday. “This is something nice that these guys can show their kids and grandkids, that a former president took the time to sign their guides. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” “When coach (Friday) told me about the autograph, I thought he was joking,” said Sye. “It’s something I’ll always have to remember and take with me.” “I was so excited to hear that (Clinton) was coming to campus, I called my mom and told her,” said Nowlin. Goodell added, “(When I was) growing up, Clinton was the first president that I could relate to. I couldn’t believe he signed my page in the media guide.” In November, the Warriors toured the United States Capitol Building as a guest of U.S. Congressman Tim Holden, a representative of Schuylkill, Berks and Dauphin counties.
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