2009 Alumni Archives

Bill Horne '73 named CEO of LSI Laser Spine Institute

Capping an aggressive business career including his most recent tenure as CEO of Outback Sports, Bill Horne '73 has signed on as CEO of a new enterprise: LSI Laser Spine Institute, a nationwide series of doctor-owned outpatient surgery centers. Bill quarterbacked his Pike IM football team back in chapter days. Athletic injuries across a lifetime of competition led him to seek spinal surgery, and ultimately resulted in his embrace of this new challenge.

David Rancourt Honored by Seminole Boosters

On Friday, October 30, 2009, past SMC David Rancourt '84 and his family will light the Unconquered Spear to initiate Florida State's Homecoming Weekend. Seminole Boosters President & CEO Andy Miller '70 (also a past SMC) said, "David Rancourt has become one of the iconic alumni of Florida State because of his professional success and his extraordinary generosity to his University and to his Fraternity. Before every home game we select one exceptional couple to participate in the Spear lighting ceremony. David and Regan are among those elite."

David and Regan Rancourt, and their children Wyatt and Gabrielle

David was a freshman defensive tackle on FSU's 1985 Citrus Bowl team. He was active in campus politics as a Senator, Order of Omega and as Chairman of the Renegade Party and President of Pi Kappa Alpha. After managing several statewide political campaigns David became the founding partner of Southern Strategy Group, now the South's largest lobbying firm with sixteen offices throughout the United States.

David has made many contributions to his fraternity and university, including a 2008 gift valued at nearly $4 million to Seminole Boosters, Inc.

A Request from Lt Jeffrey Hall '02

Brothers, I hope all is well with you. I recently completed officer
training including Infantry School and the very selective Ranger School.
As a Ranger, I am now a Platoon Leader leading 42 Paratroopers, currently stationed in Vicenza, Italy.

My wife Harley, whom you have met as she was a Zeta, recently gave birth
to our first child here in Italy. A baby boy, Harley obviously won the
name game as our son is now called Navy Adam Hall!

We are deploying to Afghanistan very shortly, for Combat
Operations in a very hostile area. Many of my men, including all my
leaders, have served multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other
combat zones not read about.

From their experience, my men have learned that equipment available on the
civilian market, when chosen by the individual paratrooper, will give them a much needed edge in the fight against the enemies of our country.

In response to this, I have started a program called "Sponsor a
Paratrooper". I am asking my Delta Lambda Brothers to consider helping. My intention is to draw on the unconditional support of my beloved Fraternity.

Thank you for your support of a Brother and your support of America.
The video below is specific for the Pi Kappa Alpha brotherhood. An
additional video on my website is provided for a more general audience.

Please check out my one minute message to Delta Lambda Alumni:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuQINrCOAMA

Please support us by visiting our website
http://paratrooper.bbnow.org

or

http://www.extremeoutfitters.us/
(sponsor a paratrooper tab on the left side of the page)

Again, thank you.

In the Bonds of phi phi kappa alpha
God Bless America

JEFFREY HALL
2LT, IN
Platoon Leader
2/A/1-503 IN (ABN)

Incredible Honor Bestowed on Corey Noonan '05

The athletic phenomenon that is Pike alumnus Corey Noonan is recognized as a significant figure in Florida State's rise to prominence as a Lacrosse powerhouse. Team Captain, four-time All-American and four-time Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Noonan's contributions were so significant that the Southeastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC) has announced that the Offensive Player of the Year Award will now bear the name of Corey Noonan!

"I didn't even know what to say when Coach (Harkins) told me the news this morning. It's hard to put into words what this means to me. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined something like this happening," Corey said.

Florida State Lacrosse Head Coach Bill Harkins has announced the addition of Corey to his coaching staff this season. "Corey understands what Seminole lacrosse is all about," said Harkins, "He has always been like a player/coach during his four years, and as much as we will miss him on the field of play, we welcome him to the coaching ranks."

Delta Lambda Re-Founding Fathers Reunite for Weekend

[Eric Carr '01 contributed this story]

During the weekend of September 19 in Orlando at the luxurious Shingle Creek Golf Club 14 members (in addition to wives, girlfriends and dates) of the Re-Founding Fathers group reunited for golf, football and fun. We played in a tournament to help raise money for a local charity.

Orlando attorney and former state representative candidate Andrew Jones '01 said, "During the golf tournament we raised thousands of dollars for the local not-for-profit Helpful Hands charity and had nearly 100 golfers in attendance. The largest single group of that 100 were certainly Pikes!"

Here is a photo from our private FSU-BYU game watching party. Brothers are identified by their initiate class.

Top row from left to right: Matt Schulis (Beta), Andrew Jones (Alpha), Anthony Arzola (Beta), Aaron Fellows (Beta), Scott Evans (Alpha), Alex Mullineaux (Gamma), Jack Elkins (Alpha).
Bottom row from left to right: Brad Levine (Alpha), Eric Carr (Alpha), Jessie Skinner (Alex Price's girlfriend), Alex Price (Alpha), Dr. Gary Visser (Alpha), Beth Kitzler (Gary Visser's fiance') Attending brothers not pictured: Kolby Jones (Beta), Matt Timmerman (Alpha), Matt Liebenhaut (Alpha).

The Initiation of Don Pumphrey Jr.

by: Chapter President, Tyson Brock

One of the most significant and important honors that I've enjoyed during my term as SMC was presiding last April over the Initiation into Pi Kappa Alpha of popular Tallahassee attorney Don Pumphrey, Jr. Brother Pumprey has proven himself to be a true friend and trusted professional.

Don Pumphrey's law practice focuses on criminal defense, but his influence in the community far exceeds his work in the courtroom. Each semester he conducts a motivational crime prevention presentation for the entire Pike Chapter. He has argued jury trials from DUI to murder, and he is very effective in teaching about the realities and consequences of being charged with a crime.

Jimmy Keen '73 and Don Pumphrey '09

Don Pumphrey has been especially good to the Pikes, particularly a large contingent of Brothers who plan to attend law school. Pike undergrads are frequent and welcome visitors in his offices, and several Pike pre-law students have even been allowed to sit with Don at the counsel's table during trials.

Before he was a lawyer, Don Pumphrey played football in college and later for the Tampa Bay Bucs. After pro football he became a law enforcement officer and a colleague of Delta Lambda alumnus Jimmy Keen '73. Brother Keen guided Pumphrey toward initiation into the fraternity and was present to participate in the Initiation Ceremony.

On initiation day, Jimmy Keen and Don Pumphrey together presented Delta Lambda with a beautiful antique bar for the chapter recreation room. Keen has remained an active and loyal alumnus since graduation, and routinely chairs the alumni reunion golf tournaments.

Congratulations to Captain Recardo Wright!

One of our most active undergraduate Pike Brothers, linebacker Recardo Wright '07 has been named Captain of the 2009 Seminole football team! Recardo was one of three Captains designated by the coaching staff and announced at the 2009 Seminole Kick-off Luncheon today.

"Rick" as he is known to his Brothers is a rising senior from Orlando. He was rated a 4-star prospect out of Dr. Phillips High school in 2006 and was ranked #32 among the Florida Top 100. He was rated the #16 outside linebacker in the nation by Rivlas.com. In 2008 he posted a career high 18 tackles as well as forcing one fumble and recovering a second against Western Carolina.

Mike Halfacre '85 Running for United States Congress

Mike Halfacre just announced he is a candidate for U.S. Congress from New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. Mike is the Mayor of Fair Haven, New Jersey. He sent a letter to all Pike Brothers asking for their support and involvement in his campaign. "Please feel free to reach out to me with your comments, questions or concerns. I look forward to hearing from you. Please also forward this e-mail on to anyone who may be interested in learning more about mycampaign."

In chapter days, Mike served as Vice President of Delta Lambda, and was Captain of the Varsity Swim Team. Pike had every FSU Swim Team Captain for seven consecutive years, 1981-1987.

Please note my new e-mail address: mhalfacre@me.com
Michael I. Halfacre, Esq.
25 Sycamore Avenue
P.O. Box 299
Little Silver, NJ 07739
732-530-5003
732-530-2188 fax
check out www.mikehalfacre.com
follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/mike_halfacre
My Blog: http://fair-haven.blogspot.com

Andrew Jones '01 is a Candidate for the Florida House

"Nicole and I and our three daughters live here in District 33 and we are enjoying the campaign trail and those of you who have joined us. If you haven't yet signed onto the campaign I hope you'll think about it by visiting www.joinjones.org. We'd love to have you!"

In phi phi kappa alpha,
Andrew Jones '01

Andrew is an Assistant State Attorney in Citrus County. In chapter days he was the Risk Management Chairman and Alumni Relations Chair. He won awards for his performance in 'Mock Trial' competition. Andrew was also one of the Re-Founders of Delta Lambda.

ANDREW JONES
Candidate for Florida House of Representatives
District 33
Cell: 407/310-0512
E-mail: andrew@joinjones.org

Judge John "Jay" Hurley '79
Spotlighted in the National News Again

Jay Hurley's court was in the national news again. The Associated Press noted: "Former New York Yankee Jim Leyritz appears in court in front of Judge John Hurley in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Thursday, July 2, 2009. Leyritz was arrested Thursday on charges of domestic battery against his ex-wife, just two months before his trial on a DUI manslaughter charge was set to begin.

Several months ago, the Judge made national news when a killer responsible for the 'Dunkin Donut' murders in Ft Lauderdale appeared before Jay and refused to respond in any way other than barking like a dog. Judge Hurley dryly remarked that absent a court translator he would assume the dog language was a plea of not guilty.

Rich Newsome '83 is President-Elect of Florida Trial Lawyers

Founding partner of the Newsome Law Firm in Orlando, Rich Newsome is President-Elect of the Forida Trial Association. Rich has been recognized as one of "Florida's Legal Elite" lawyers by Florida Trend Magazine as well as being named a "Florida Super Lawyer" indicating he is considered among the top 5% of all lawyers by a vote of his peers.

In chapter days, Rich was a member of Scalphunters and served as President of the Student Senate and named Senator of the Year. He was tapped for Gold Key and was President of the College Republicans. Rich played Rugby for FSU and was an Alpha Delta Pi Diamond Man.

Liam Julian '03 is the Managing Editor of Policy Review

Policy Review is one of America's leading conservative journals. It was founded by the Heritage Foundation and was for many years the foundation's flagship publication. In 2001, the publication was acquired by the Stanford, California-based Hoover Institution, though it maintains its office on Washington, D.C.'s Dupont Circle. Policy Review has published some of the best conservative intellectual thinking. Several of its editors from the 1980s and 1990s have gone on to exert influence on national public policy, including: Tucker Carlson, Dinesh D'Souza and Michael Johns.

In chapter days Liam was lead columnist for the FSView and was an acomplished political commentator. He remains an active Delta Lambda alumnus. Liam can be reached at: ljulian@stanford.edu.

Drew Kittleson Named All-American in Golf

Sophomore Drew Kittleson '08 has been named All-American in golf. He was selected to the Ping All-American team by the Golf Coaches Association of America. As the #2 ranked amateur in America, Drew was invited to play in the Masters in April, and also in the US Open this July.
In April, Drew became only the 6th player in the history of the Masters to eagle #11 at Augusta! We're going to see if its possible for Drew to play with the alumni at Homecoming. He's a loyal Pike in the mold of the great Hubert Green '65.

Drew's selection to the Ping All-American team brings the total of All-American athletes in the 2008-09 chapter to five. NCAA All-American Track & Field athletes Brandon Byram '09 and Tywayne Bucanan '09 are spring initiates. All-American swimmer and ACC gold medalist Jarryd Botha '06 qualified for the Olympic Trials. Senior Corey Noonan '05 was captain of the FSU Lacrosse team and earned consecutive All-American honors all four years, and was named Conference Offensive Player of the Year all four years as well.

D'Vontrey Richardson Drafted into the Milwaukee Brewers

Outfielder D'Vontrey Richardson '07 was drafted in the MLB draft today in the 5th round (166th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers. Brothers close to D'Vontrey say he hasn't made up his mind yet whether to leave FSU for professional baseball, or to return this fall and play safety for the Seminoles. As Seminole quarterback last season, D'Vontrey set two records for the longest touchdown runs from scrimmage by a quarterback. D'Vontrey starred on the Pike championship softball team in 2008 before moving up to the varsity this year.

Legion of Super Pike Heroes

Dan Mensch '81, Marty Cone '83, Dan Cone '81, Greg Taverrite '83, Chris Smith '81

Narrative below by Greg Taverrite '83.

"Every year, with a few exceptions, for about 15 years, the group
in this picture has been traveling to an FSU game and a skiing trip once
a year. We've been to Notre Dame, Michigan, NC, Boston College, Clemson
and Tallahassee just to mention a few. We've been skiing in Tahoe x3,
Vail x2, Utahx2 and Saint Anton, Austria. At every occasion we try to
grab as much attention as possible by dressing up for one night or day
of skiing. This only solidifies the idea that we still need attention
from our everyday lives and will do anything to get it. Plus it's a ton
of fun.

"Attached could be our greatest design effort. It started several
years ago in Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley. From left to right: Captain
America (Quincy), Batman (Dan Cone), Superman (Dan "I'm too sexy for
skies" (fastest super hero on a snow board) Mench) Spiderman (me-Tav)
and Robin, otherwise known as "that-guy", as in "who's that guy") Marty
Cone. We sign autographs for the kids take pictures with the gals and
generally look for people to buy us beer. Guy's hate us, chicks dig us.
There have been days of skiing as nun's, as Coneheads and as Elvis. All in
good fun and worth every dime.

Enjoy the picture. You can feel safe when we're on the mountain
to protect and serve the good people of this country. Not as much as Lt Col
Joe "Hooter" Feheley '81 now in Iraq, but we do our part."

Rhodes Scholar Joe O'Shea '04 sends a third letter to the chapter from Oxford. [Text has been edited]

Dear Brothers,
I wanted to send you an update and take a moment and thank everyone for being so kind and supportive to my family over the past year.

After a wonderful trip through Rwanda in February, I finished my second term in Oxford. Before heading back to America, I traveled through Israel and Egypt with friends for a few weeks. It was an incredible trip (my first to the Middle East), and I have to say that Israel is my favorite country so far. I have never felt such a tension of politics, history, and religion before.

Coming home between semesters was wonderful, not only because it was America, but because I came home to a community of people I really care about. I spent the first part of my trip speaking to FSU alumni in Florida and Atlanta with the Alumni Association (I never knew how much winning a Rhodes Scholarship meant to the FSU Community) and celebrating my brother's graduation from FSU Law School and my sister's graduation from FSU Nursing School. I also spent time with friends, family, and students in Tallahassee, and with my girlfriend and her family.

I am writing my master's thesis in education policy and preparing for exams. My application and interview were successful for the PhD program in Oxford, so I will begin in October. My concentration will be on Higher Education.

This summer I head to Switzerland, and then back to America. In August, I am scheduled to go to Costa Rica for a month with my girlfriend for some volunteering and Spanish work, and in late September I head back to Oxford to begin work on my PhD!

I am still continuing to work on getting the US Public Service Academy (www.uspublicserviceacademy.org) through Congress; it is difficult, so we sure appreciate the help!
Phi Phi K A
Joe O'Shea

Taliban Scum, Take That!

Lt Col Joe Feheley '81 shows off his latest weapon to smite America's enemies, compliments of the Legends of Delta Lambda. "It's a GBU-38 GPS guided bomb," Joe says. "It definitely gets the job done."

Alumni in the "Pike Skybox" at
the Spring Garnet & Gold Game

A few Pike alumni purchased a skybox to watch the spring Garnet & Gold football game in April. Alumni ranged in age from recent grads to the Anderson brothers (Bob '73 and Steve '75) to Brothers initiated in the 1960s.
Brothers pictured above are: Josh Davis, Eddie Metzger, Jake Quick, Chris Thackston, Chris D'Angelo, Matt Schulis, Scott Thomas, Sean Compton, Jamie Mennie, Josh Jimmerson, Jon Graber, Ryan Kelly, Kenni Allen, current SMC Tyson Brock, Matt Pare, Will Wightman, Bryan Schulis, Tripp Driskell, Pat Madden, Josh Vance and Chris Parker. Pat Madden, front row, blue hat, white shirt, is just back from Iraq.

Pike Alumni Help Host Rhodes Scholars


Pike alumni left to right: Eric Carr '01, Mike Lait '78, Sam Provencher '03, Jim Provencher '71, Brett Lindquist '81, Joe O'Shea '04 and Bobby Jones '72

Florida State's three most recent Rhodes Scholars were honored at an FSU Alumni Association luncheon in Orlando on April 14. Pike alumni hosted one table with a strong showing of support of Joe O'Shea '04, past FSU Student Body President and former president of his pledge class. The other two Rhodes Scholars were Seminole football player Myron Rolle and FSU Track star Garrett Johnson.

Pike Alumni at Garnet & Gold Weekend 2009

Roy McDonald sent this photo of himself and his pals from the Spring Game weekend. They include: Dave Ponder '80, former Seminole quarterback Kelly Lowrey '80, current Seminole quarterback Christian Ponder (son of David, and yes we're still rushing him), Roy MacDonald '79, Bill Barie '79 and Clarke Morris '83.

Olympic Coach Bobby Bowman '85 and Michael Phelps

Former Seminole All-American swimmer Dan Akre '83 and his 16-year-old son Austin were hosted by Bobby Bowman '85, who coached Michael Phelps to eight Gold Medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bobby was Seminole Team Captain in 1986 (Pike had all seven captains between 1981 and 1987) and later head swim coach at the University of Michigan. Bowman was honored with the USA Swimming Coaches and the American Swimming Coaches Association Coach of the Year Awards in 2001 and again in 2003. The photos were taken at Stanford University where Phelps trained prior to the 2008 Olympics.

Legends of Delta Lambda Chairman
Brent Sembler '78 and Family

Brothers Send Happy Birthday Wishes
to Bobby Fedor '81

Desmond Harrington '81, Scott Sears '83, Syd Lovelace '84, Clarke Morris '83,
Bill Kaler '81, Dan Akre '83.

Brothers bounced e-mails back and forth sending their happy Birthday greetings to Bobby Fedor '81. Bobby lives in Los Angeles where he works in the film and motion picture industry.

Bob Ward '67 Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

Bob Ward '67 majored in Art and was Captain of the Seminole freshman track team in 1966-67. He and his wife Sally and their charming pooch Isabella maintain an estate on Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

He sent this message to his fellow alumni:

Brother Charlie,
I'm very honored to receive the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Themed Entertainment Association and our International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. It was announced this past November at the international trade show in Orlando with 25,000 attendees. I will receive the award during an awards show in Los Angeles this March.

I also added a recent photo of our gal Sal and the wonderfully delicious Isabella....they send you hugs and kisses!

Best wishes for Happy New Year.
Pals always, Brothers forever,
Phi phi, Bob

Robert L. Ward, Inc.
Strategic Insights & Creative Imagination
www.RobertLWard.com
Bob@RobertLWard.com
514 Lakeview Street
Orlando, FL 32804

Broward County Judge John M. (Jay) Hurley '79
Attends Delta Lambda Alumni Luncheon

Delta Lambda alumni gather for lunch at the University Center Club

Pledge brothers reunited after 30 years. Doug Russell '79 pictured on the right below, prominent lobbyist and President of the Delta Lambda Alumni Association, welcomes Judge John M. (Jay) Hurley '79 for a Judges Conference in Tallahassee.

Hurley was a prominent Broward County attorney focusing on criminal law prior to his appointment to the bench last year by Governor Charlie Crist '76. A distinguished former United States Navy officer who graduated from the Pensacola NAS flight school made famous in "An Officer and a Gentleman", Hurley headed up the Governor's Transition Team for Emergency Management with elements of Homeland Security.

A popular YouTube video features accused murderer James Herard in the court of Broward County Judge Hurley. Nicknamed the "Dunkin Donuts Killers" several gang members went on a murderous rampage through Broward County Dunkin' Donuts stores, shooting customers at random. Their motive? Herard said he was "looking to up my body count."

One of these soulless savages was arraigned before Judge Hurley and instead of entering a plea, simply continued to bark like a dog at the Judge. Unruffled, Hurley explained that since he does not speak any of the canine languages he would translate the woofs as a plea of not guilty. "I'm going to consider your barks as acknowledgment of what I just told you."

Veteran Pilot Fred Buhl '69 Retires
from Continental Airlines

Hello All from Fred Buhl:

I retired from Continental Airlines last year when I turned 60. We then sold our farm in Texas and are now enjoying Colorado again. My time is spent with our grandkids, horses, dogs, doing a bit of fishing and hunting. Both of my parents are deceased now, so I do not get to Florida very often. I do see Larry Dunagan '68 and Rob Mitchell '69 from time to time. They are about the only FSU Pikes I see regularly.

My address is: 40502 Blue Bell Trail, Elizabeth, CO 80107. Phone: 303-646-4674. Email: Buhl088@Q.com.

I noticed that Cliff Napolitano '68 lives in Castle Rock, that's close. I'll have to give him a call.

Does anyone have contact number for Bruce Jones '68 or Skip Baggs '67?

Take care, Fred.

Lt Col. Joe "Hooter" Feheley '81 Heads Back to Iraq

Pike Brothers-o-Mine,

Our squadron is deploying once more to the lovely sandbox in the Middle East. The good news is we'll leave the 80 degree temperatures here in Miami and go to Balad Air Base where it's the rainy season and 35 degrees at night. I plan on sending out a few e-mails like I did last time letting you know what's going on there. For those Brothers who I saw at a few of the games this year it was great spending time with you. For those who didn't make up for any of the events this year please get off your butts and come to Tally next year. Life is way too short to miss out on spending at least two days every couple of years with your buds. Here's a picture I took of the Chief Osceola statue outside the stadium after the Virginia Tech game that I thought was pretty good. I hope whatever holiday time you had off from work was great and may 2009 bring you the best year you can imagine.

In the bonds, Phi Phi.

Joe
Lt Col. Joe "Hooter" Feheley
482 Fighter Wing Chief of Safety
DSN 791-7354
Comm 305-224-7354
Cell 305-776-3221

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