Daddy’s little girl

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

After getting his start on the Father Judge basketball court, Ray Tarnowski eventually took his skills around the world.
The Northeast Philadelphia native wore a Crusaders’ uniform throughout this four-year high school basketball career. After graduating in 1972, Tarnowski moved on to Philadelphia University, where he led the nation in rebounds, averaging just over 17 per game.
As his success evolved, so did his opportunities.
In 1978, the 6-foot-9 player was invited to play on the United States national all-star team, which toured more than 12 countries. The following year he played overseas for a Swedish team.
"It was an unforgettable experience to play internationally," he said. "I was able to see other countries and meet so many good people."
Those glory days are in the past, but that doesn’t stop him from enjoying the game.
Now he just enjoys it from the sidelines. In particular, he’s a cheerleader for daughter Rosie Tarnowski. The Archbishop Wood High School senior forward has sunk 42 points this season, helping the Vikings to a 6-0 record thus far.
"The team is playing really well," said Rosie. "I’m really excited about the entire senior experience."
She missed her junior year with the Vikings because of a severe ACL injury in October 2006. The 6-foot-1 athlete had to undergo surgery.
"It was really rough not being able to get out there," said Rosie, who has been part of the varsity squad since her freshman year. "But I still went to every game and practice and helped. The coaches and team were great in making me still feel like part of the team.
"I think it actually ended up helping my game because I was able to see things from a different point of view," she said.
Rosie is fully recovered and back on the court. And she’s determined to win alongside her teammates.
"The competition level is what keeps me motivated," said Rosie. "If I take just one day off, they’re one step ahead. I want to always give it my all for my team."
The student athlete’s persistence recently paid off when she accepted a full scholarship to attend Washington State University, a PAC-10 school, and play for the Cougars.
"I was shocked when I found out," she said. "I’m really excited about the experience. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, traveling, living on my own and learning more about basketball."
Rosie will be relocating to Pullman, Wash., this summer and will enroll in Washington State with an undeclared major.
"I like interacting with people, so I was thinking either business or education. But I haven’t decided yet," she said. "If I do education, I know I’d like to teach high school and definitely pursue coaching."
The 18-year-old still has time to decide her specialty in the classroom. For now, she’s developing her expertise on the courts.
"I practice every day," said Rosie. "My dad has been really helpful with my workouts and giving me advice on my game. We work out a lot together, which makes it more fun."
With a cross-country move quickly approaching, she’ll soon be on her own. However, both of Rosie’s brothers attend out-of-state colleges, so her parents are somewhat used to idea. Her 25-year-old brother Ray is enrolled in the University of North Carolina, while brother Anthony, 21, attends school in Arizona.
"I have a really close relationship with both my mom (Lori) and dad," said Rosie. "But I’m the baby, which is why I’m surprised they’re being so supportive of me moving far away."
But even her parents know this is an opportunity of a lifetime.
"For me, basketball helped me develop teamwork and networking," said Ray Tarnowski. "It helped me become disciplined and develop time management. It gave me an opportunity to travel at a young age. I’m still in contact with former teammates. Those friendships lasted over thirty years. I had a very good experience.
"I hope she goes to college and has the time of her life," he continued. "I hope she meets new friends and likes her teammates and is very successful."
Don’t worry, dad, Rosie is anticipating the same thing.
"Wood has such a close-knit community that I love," she said. "I have so much pride in my school and I know I’m going to miss it, but I can’t wait to go out and see the world." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com