By Steve Schaefer

What do you think about when someone mentions the Fourth of July? The beach perhaps? Maybe fireworks, or a barbecue by the pool with friends and family?

To me July Fourth means all of those things, but it also means another – boozin’. Nothing like having a long weekend where you don’t have to worry about what’s going on in the office, settling in with a few adult beverages and enjoying the beautiful weather.

So in honor of all the Orangemen who will be doing the alma mater proud this weekend, here’s a brief list of four Syracuse athletes I’d most like to sit down and crack a beer with. Drink responsibly everyone.

.

4) Steve Gregory

Quick explanation: Freshman year I was enjoying a cocktail when Gregory and crew rolled into Maggie’s. What followed was the one and only conversation Steve Gregory and I ever had during our overlapping years in Syracuse…

Gregory: Yo, any specials tonight?

Schaefer: Well, four bucks gets you a bucket of Jack and Coke.

A brief encounter to be sure, but it was clear that Steve was one of my own, a fellow freshman on the hunt for cheap drinks and a good time. Our paths seldom crossed after then, but should they cross again Steve, the beers are on me. (Also **nerd alert** Gregory was the defensive MVP during my title-winning season of NCAA Football for PS2 freshman year, finishing a close second in the Heisman balloting to teammate Walter Reyes.)

.

3) Kueth Duany

Why? Because there’s never just one Duany. If you’re hanging out with Kueth the whole family is coming along. No Duany travels alone, so having a beer with Kueth is an instant party scene, since former Wisconsin standout Duany Duany and the rest of the family can’t be far behind..

Before we get to the top two allow me a brief aside to explain two ‘Cuse stars who I would not want to have a beer with. First up, Eric Devendorf, because it’s a safe bet that a couple drinks with Devo and the night winds up ending with a brawl, and I’m hopeful that my days of fisticuffs are behind me. Second, Carmelo. The reason here is simple, Carmelo doesn’t drink beer. Or at least he didn’t freshman year when I witnessed him turn down an offered brew at a party. Was the superstar merely treating his body like a temple and not wanting to put any impurities into his system? Nope, he preferred another drink, inquiring if there were any wine coolers in the house. No Carmelo, there aren’t..

2) John Wallace

I had the pleasure of chatting with John a few months ago for our Squeezing The Juice series, and the guy could not have been nicer. After 30 minutes on the phone I felt like I had known #44 for years, and he had me cracking up with stories about Donovan McNabb’s hoops career and how Jim Boeheim mellowed out once he got hitched. I’m sure it would be a blast to kick back with a few cold ones and hear John’s memories of the ’96 Final Four run and his NBA career..

1) Rony Seikaly

That’s right, Rony Seikaly. There were plenty of Orange alums in the running for this spot. It would be great to toss a few back with G-Mac and reminisce about the 2003 Championship run — he scored 18 points in the first half of the title game, I had 18 beers and sprinted down to Marshall Street — or pick McNabb’s brain about his days in the Dome and NFL career. But seriously, this is Rony’s personal website. I’ll wait a moment while you take a gander. Think that guy might be able to show you a good time?

I’d wager yes.