Maine-ly meh

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Zay Flowers gathers in one of his team-leading eight receptions against Maine.

A win is a win, of course. For the Eagles to get their first victory of the season yesterday, however, following two losses, was disappointing to the many who had anticipated something of a break-through successful season for BC this year.

That the first win was achieved in a game in which the Eagles displayed many of the same deficiencies that contributed to the opening losses to Rutgers and Virginia Tech was also frustrating to many fans. And that the first win came against Maine, an FCS team that had previously lost to Colgate and had been crushed by New Mexico, 41-0, did not inspire hopes for the season’s renewal.

That said, the Eagles won by three touchdowns, 38-17, and quarterback Phil Jurkovec had impressive stats. Jurkovec was 25 of 37 for 320 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. His long completion was 53 yards. He was also sacked three times and faced consistent pressure, as had happened extensively in the first two games.

Leading BC receiver senior Zay Flowers had eight catches again Maine for 89 yards and one touchdown, opening scoring by the Eagles on a 51-yard reception and run. His three-game total is 22 receptions for 295 yards.

Entering the game ranked last among FBS teams in rushing, BC managed to get triple digits against the Black Bears, rushing for 111. Redshirt junior Pat Garwo III, who ran for more than 1,000 yards last season, led the team yesterday with 78 yards on 17 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Garwo, leading rusher for the Eagles this season, had gained only 40 yards rushing total in the two earlier games.

Maine actually had two more offensive plays than BC, 72-70, and gained 378 yards total overall, 289 yards through the air.

Highlights of BC-Maine.

(During the first two weeks of the season, I was on a trip to Michigan and Boston/Cape Cod and didn’t have the capability to post reports on the first two games. Maybe not the heart, either. I attended the Rutgers game, as did Lissa and Brian Tsu, both ’00, as well as Lori and Joe ’74 Mahler. I don’t see much point to provide summaries and highlights of the Rutgers and Virginia Tech games. Better, I think, to relegate them to the bad memories bin.)

Next week, the Eagles go to Tallahassee to play Florida State (3-0). The Seminoles had a close win over Louisville in their opener, an easy win over Duquesne, and edged LSU yesterday, 24-23. Game time is 5 pm our time.

Bonfire @ Bonita Cove

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Not everyone stayed for the post-sundown experience.

Two dozen San Diego Eagles and their families enjoyed a traditional Southern California beach bonfire on Bonita Cove, Mission Bay, Saturday afternoon and evening.

(For what it’s worth, I thought the palm trees in the scene above were evocative of the cover of the iconic 1976 Eagles album, Hotel California, at right.)

At least two of the attendees were incoming members of the Class of 2026, due to travel east soon for their orientation session on campus August 21-23. They had the opportunity to chat with a few members of the Class of 2022.

Here’s a selection of photos of those attending.

L-R: Justin Niles ’09, Megan Schofield, Brian Tsu ’00, Lissa Herrick Tsu ’00, Jenny Phelan Mustard ’07, and Will Mustard.

L-R: Megan Costello ’22, Erin McGill ’22, Ryan Rafferty ’22, Abby Kopec ’16, Brendan McGillicuddy ’22, and Alexa Carter ’19.

L-R: Brian Tsu ’00; Mary Berube ’80, P’13’17; Ray Berube ’78, P’13’17; Bill McDonald ’68; Joe Mahler ’74, P’11; Lori Mahler P’11; and Kevin McGillicuddy ’80, P’26.

Chapter Leader Lissa Herrick Tsu ’00 and husband Brian arrived in early afternoon to secure the bonfire pit. Red “X” marks the spot, upper left.

With the chapter tent in place later in the afternoon, the site was ready.

A few stayed for the light show — fireworks over the Bay, launched from Sea World.

Toiling in the schoolyard

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Joining Boston College alumni around the world engaging in local service projects, San Diego Eagles spent a couple of hours Saturday afternoon improving the landscape at Cristo Rey School in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego.

L-R: Bob Nascenzi ’78, kids, Curran Gaughan ’03, Andrew Bush ’11, Bill McDonald ’68, Michael Nascenzi ’11, Abby Oveis ’11, Ray Berube ’78, Brian Tsu ’00, Lissa Herrick Tsu ’00 (their daughter Margot in front), Billy Shyne ’15, Mary Berube ’80, Pat Nascenzi ’80, Paige Berube ’13 (kneeling), Damian Esparza ’96, Julie Croce ’93, and Maria DeSantis ’75.

Cristo Rey San Diego High School is an independent Catholic school serving students from economically disadvantaged families. Opening in August 2020, the founding president of Cristo Rey San Diego is chapter member Bob Nascenzi ’78.

San Diego Eagles removed weeds, tidied up a rose garden, trimmed an intransigent bush, and performed other beautification tasks.

Below are a couple of before-and-after photos showing the results.

Weeds be gone!

Bush be tamed.

The rose garden attracted a major complement of workers.

Following the arduous field work :), several of the participants repaired to the Mujeres Brew House in nearby Barrio Logan to discuss landscaping refinements, and other matters. Service with a smile!

Curran Gaughan also extended an invitation to Eagles and others of a certain age to check out the Ignatian Volunteer Corps in San Diego. Curran is executive director of the local chapter of the non-profit faith community providing opportunities for men and women 50+ in age to engage in meaningful service to others.