April 27, 2011
Photo Gallery
Garden City, N.Y. -
On Thursday, April 14, Adelphi's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics celebrated its 41st annual Hall of Fame Dinner, with the 50 year anniversary of the start of the Hall of Fame. Adelphi honored six inductees as well as special recognition award recipients and the 2000-01 men's basketball team. In total, approximately 250 guests were on hand for the prestigious event.
The evening began with a special pre-event reception for current and former Hall of Fame honorees held on the second floor of the Ruth S. Harley University Center. The event then moved to the ballroom for a cocktail reception for all guests.
The induction portion of the program began with Associate VP/Director of Athletics, Robert E. Hartwell presenting the Frank Cassell Memorial Award and Woodruff Awards. Adelphi graduate, employee and long time athletics supporter, Mary Ann Mearini '05, was presented with the Cassell Award. National Champion, former Stony Brook head coach and current Northwood Head Coach Rollie Massimino was honored with the Woodruff Award.
Next Suzette McQueen, Assistant AD and Senior Woman Administrator took over MC duties for the induction portion of the ceremony. A short video, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the start of the Hall of Fame was shown and then Josephine Coiro '05 (women's soccer/lacrosse), Russ Huber '69 (men's soccer, baseball, squash), Ryan McCormack '01 (men's basketball), Robert Ricciardi '76 (men's lacrosse), Alexis Seeley '02 (women's basketball) and Eddie Williams '02 (men's basketball) were each honored and spoke.
The Legendary Team award closed the evening and was presented to the 2000-01 men's basketball team, coached by Jim Ferry. That season the Panthers won 31 straight games, achieved the first #1 national ranking in program history and advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, leading the NCAA in winning percentage (.969). Their introduction was done with a video that detailed that magical season.
The Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame was founded in 1961, under the direction of former Athletic Director George Faherty, to honor those former Adelphi athletes, coaches and friends who have distinguished themselves during their time at the University or thereafter.
The Hall of Fame Committee is made up of alumni, athletic staff and administrators. Nominations are accepted year round with selections made in December of each year.
