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Adelphi Athletics Inducts 46th Hall of Fame Class

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Garden City, N.Y. - On Thursday, Sept. 29, the Adelphi University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics celebrated its 46th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner. Adelphi honored seven inductees as well as special recognition award recipients, and inducted the 2004 women's lacrosse team as a Panther Legendary Team. In total, approximately 230 guests were on hand for the prestigious event.

The evening began with a cocktail reception held on the second floor of the Ruth S. Harley University Center. The event then moved to the ballroom for the dinner and induction portion of the evening.

The induction portion of the program began with Master of Ceremonies Kevin Dexter introducing Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation, Danny McCabe, who gave the welcoming speech, followed by remarks from President Dr. Christine M. Riordan. Dexter then returned to the podium to present the first awards of the night, beginning with the Frank Cassell Memorial Award and the Woodruff Award.

The Frank Cassell Memorial Award, which recognizes extraordinary contributions made to Adelphi Athletics, was presented to James Campbell, who has been the head groundskeeper at Adelphi's Garden City campus since 1985. In addition to keeping the Panther playing fields pristine, he has been a valued supporter, attending Athletic Department events and giving back to the University and the student-athletes.

James C. Metzger was honored with the Woodruff Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented for excellence in coaching, teaching and educating young adults. The award also salutes an Ambassador of Sportsmanship and Goodwill, while stressing that the athletic experience enhances the educational experience and quality of life. Metzger embodies this award as chairman and CEO of The Whitmore Group, Ltd. and one of Long Island's leading philanthropists, who annually supports youth, high school and college athletics by giving to scholarships and facilities for lacrosse, which has been a passion of his since his playing days.

The induction of the 2004 women's lacrosse team as a Panther Legendary Team followed. That Panther team won the first of the program's record seven NCAA Division II National Championships. The 2004 Panthers posted a 13-1 overall record and advanced to the NCAA National Championships in Orlando. After defeating LIU Post in the Final Four, 11-10, the Panthers defeated West Chester 12-11 for the national title. The team recorded a spot in Adelphi history as the first women's program to take home a national title. The team boasted four All-Americans, five All-Region picks, five NCAA All-Tournament honorees, the ECAC Player and Goalie of the Year and the IWLCA Coach of the Year in Jill Lessne. 

Jerri Lester '07 (swimming) was the first member inducted into the Hall of Fame and then there was a short break for dinner. Following the brief intermission, John Quinn '72 (swimming) took to the podium, followed by John Knesich '93 (men's soccer), Carlyshia Hurdle '06 (women's basketball), Wayne Nelson '03 (men's basketball), Ronald Clarke '80, MS '83 (track & field) and Mike Myers '07, MBA '08 (baseball).

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 the spring.
About Adelphi Athletics:
Adelphi University joined the Northeast-10 Conference in the fall of 2009 and in the past seven seasons, has collected 18 regular season conference titles, 22 tournament championships, 29 individual crowns and captured the Northeast-10 Presidents' Cup three times (2013, 2014, and 2016), while winning five NCAA Division II National Championships.

For the latest on Adelphi University Athletics, follow the Panthers at www.aupanthers.com or via social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat.
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