Feb. 2, 2010

Garden City, N.Y. -

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The Adelphi University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will induct five oustanding honorees and recognize a championship relay team along with three influential leaders in the community at its 40th annual Hall of Fame Ceremony on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at the Ruth S. Harley University Center in the Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom.

The dinner, which honors those individuals who have made significant contributions to the athletics program includes Tom Corrie '70, M.A. '76 (track & field/football), Robert Grella '97, M.A. '04 (men's lacrosse), Head Women's Soccer Coach, Rich Ilsley, Jack Panzica '69 (track & field/football) and Mel Richardson (track & field).

The Panther Legendary Team award will be presented to the 1981 Women's Mile Relay team of June Griffith-Collison '81, M.B.A. '84, Marva Fearon-Pierce '83, Cheryl Inniss and Marilyn Gilliard-Wright '83, M.S. '96. The quartet captured the AIAW title, running one of the fastest times in the country in the process.

Corrie was the school record holder in both the hammer and the 35-lb weight throw and represented Adelphi in two National Championships, earning All-America honors in the hammer throw. He was also a three-time letterwinner on the football team as a starting guard. Corrie was a member of Chi Sigma Fraternity and the Men's Athletic Association.

Grella is a two-time first-team All-American in lacrosse, guiding the Panthers to three NCAA Championships in 1995, 1996 and 1997. He was named NCAA Player of the year and NCAA Attackman of the Year and also led the nation in scoring in 1996. Coach Ilsley has been the driving force for the women's soccer team for the past 20 seasons. During his tenure, he has guided the Panthers to ten NCAA appearances, including two Final Four appearances in 19 and 2004. He has produced eight All-Americans and 42 All-Northeast Region players. He is a three-time East Coast Conference Coach of the Year and was selected Northeast Region Coach of the year in 1990.

Panzica, was a two-time All-American hammer thrower for the Panthers in 1968 and 1969 and a NAIA champion in 1969. He held the school record in the hammer and was a three-time CTC Champion and record holder. He was also a four-year starting fullback on the Adelphi football team and served as President of both the Men's Athletic Association and Omicron Pi Fraternity.

Richardson continued the tradition of track excellence at Adelphi when he won the 1977 NCAA title in the 400 meters. This three-time All-American was also a member of the 4x400 meter relay team that captured two NCAA titles during his tenure.

In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, special recognition awards will be presented. Zak Ivkovic, Executive Director of the City University of New York (CUNY) Athletic Conference and Emmy Award Winning Analyst/commentator and philanthropist, John Andariese will both be honored with the Woodruff Award, presented for excellence in coaching, teaching and educating young adults. The Frank Cassell Memorial Award, which recognizes extraordinary contributions made to Adelphi Athletics, will be presented to Robert Montgomery '74, M.A. '85.

The Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame was founded in 1961 to honor those athletes, coaches and friends who have distinguished themselves during their time at the university and thereafter. For more information, please contact Suzette McQueen, Assistant Athletic Director, at (516) 877-4236. The cost of the dinner is $100 per person and reservations are required. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.