Memories of UP alumnus, Mauro Potestio, best known for his attendance of 898 consecutive home Pilot games, live on at the University
(Courtesy of UP Media Relations)
By PJ Marcello, Staff Writer -- marcello13@up.edu
Longtime UP sports advocate and staff member Mauro Potestio passed away Saturday, Feb. 5
Potestio is most recognized for his signature bow tie and suit worn while attending every Pilots home men's basketball game since before the Chiles Center opened in October 1984, a streak that spanned 62 years which totals 898 consecutive home games.
"Mauro was a bit of an icon distinguished by his attire," Associate Athletic Director, Buzz Stroud said. "The bow tie was his signature; I can't recall a game without him wearing his bow tie."
Potestio received the first ever Ultimate Fan Award at the 2011 Oregon Sports Awards on Jan. 30 for his unwavering dedication to the men's basketball team.
"It was nice to see him be recognized at the Oregon Sports Awards. It was the first time they have ever done the Ultimate Fan Award and he received it a week before he passed so it was very timely," Stroud said.
Potestio's reputation is not limited to being an avid fan; he was also an alumnus (1950-1954), the Sports Information Director (1980-1988) and oversaw the men's golf team as its coach for 12 years. He was named coach of the year in 1994.
As a UP student, Potestio was president of The Log and frequented UP football games.
"We served together on the Athletic Hall of Fame committee and he was the official scorer for 26 years. He traveled with the team to away games as well," Stroud said. "He spanned quite a number of areas and athletes; he is a common connecting point for many people in the UP community."
Including the 256 away games Potestio attended, his total amounts to 1,154 men's basketball games.
His first and last games were both victories. The streak began with a 53-48 win over Pacific Lutheran University on Dec. 8, 1949 and ended with an 85-70 win over St. Mary's on Jan. 29, 2011.
The family of Mauro Potestio hopes the UP community will join them for the funeral service on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church. A reception will follow the funeral.
