Xaverian’s Hoban Run raises $30,000 for scholarship fund

September 30, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

And they’re off! Runners make their way along the race route in Bay Ridge.

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The memory of a Xaverian High School graduate who died in the line of duty as a police officer more than two decades ago is being kept alive at his old school. The 26th Annual Police Officer Christopher Hoban Memorial Run took place in Bay Ridge on Sept. 21, drawing hundreds of runners and their friends for a day of sports, music and fun.

Hoban, a 1980 Xaverian graduate, was shot to death in 1988 while working undercover to arrest drug dealers.

Every year, Xaverian, located at 7100 Shore Road in Bay Ridge, holds a run in his memory. The race raises money for a scholarship fund the school established in his name. This year’s event raised $30,000 for the Hoban Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The run was sponsored by the Police Alumni of Xaverian High School. Prior to the race, NYPD Chief of Staff Kevin Ward, a 1981 Xaverian graduate, was presented with the Police Officer Christopher Hoban Service to New York Award.

The ceremony was attended by Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito, NYPD Chief of Brooklyn South Ken Cory, 68th Precinct Capt. Raymond Festino, state Sen. Marty Golden, Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis, Councilmember Vincent Gentile, former Councilmember Sal Albanese, New York state Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long, Hon. Justice Vincent Del Giudice (Xaverian Class of 1972) and Hon. Justice Wayne Ozzi (Xaverian Class of 1970).

Following the ceremony, it was time to race.

Nearly 500 runners took part in the five-mile run through the streets of Bay Ridge.

The first place finisher on the men’s side was Angel Confesor, who ran the race in 28:38.08. Sabrina Porter took the women’s first place prize, running the course in 34:35.28.

After the run, the annual Tina Hoban Hat Walk took place while hundreds of youngsters participated in the kids’ dashes and enjoyed rides. The Hat Walk is named after Hoban’s mother, Tina.

The event ended with the sound of music. Nearly 1,000 friends and family of the Hoban Run enjoyed a performance by the group Head Over Heels. Underground Sounds, Inc. provided music, while everyone enjoyed a barbecue prepared by Circles Café, a Bay Ridge restaurant. In addition to Circles Café, food was supplied by Grimaldi’s Bakery, Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, UTZ/Clem Snacks and Leo’s Casa Calamari. Ice cold beverages were provided by Manhattan Beer, Savorian Wines and Pepsi.

Rob Oliva (Xaverian Class of 2000), one of the organizers of the event, said the race was a big success.

“This could not have been possible without the hard work, dedication, commitment and leadership of the Police Officer Christopher Hoban Memorial Run Committee, who meets throughout the year to design, plan and coordinate the day’s festivities,” he said.

“At the end of the day, over $30,000 was raised to directly support the scholarship that keeps Chris’ spirit alive through the halls of 7100 Shore Road,” Oliva added.