September 28, 2001: Volume 53, Number 4

Mark Stokes recalled as teammate, friend

Members of the Union community recalled Mark Stokes for his quiet and thoughtful nature, his strong passion for football, and his "extravagant and wild" tee shirt collection at a memorial service on Tuesday.

Stokes, a junior sociology major and starting defensive end on the College's football team, died Sept. 17 as a result of an automobile accident.

The football team dedicated Saturday's 42-6 victory over Hobart, and the rest of their season, to the New Milford, N.J., man.

President Roger Hull announced the establishment of the Mark Stokes '03 Scholarship, to benefit students who best embody Mark's character.

Football Coach John Audino recalled the time he met Stokes on a recruiting trip, the athlete's high school coach advising, "He's not going to say too much, but you'll see by the look in his eye that he means business."

"Three or four weeks later, Mark called and said simply, `Coach, I'm coming,'" Audino said. "It was black and white with Mark. There were no gray areas."

Audino praised Stokes for his commitment to academics, to the football team and coaches and to his family and friends. "He was one of those guys who did everything he said he would do, and he always did the right thing."

Teammate Tony Metz '03 recalled Stokes' enthusiasm for football and his ability to "make a three-hour practice seem like 10 minutes." Metz also paid tribute to his teammate's "extravagant and wild tee shirt collection," which he often wore at weightlifting sessions.

Mike Rosenthal '03 recalled "the best friend I made at Union" and the times they spent in dining halls, saying simply, "He loved to eat." Rosenthal also described Stokes' trademark form of congratulations to teammates after a big play: "You're the worst!"

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