Feb. 28, 2012

Bronx, N.Y. - 2012 Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame Photo Gallery

The ranks of Fordham University Athletic Hall of Famers grew by eight on Saturday, February 25th, as the Rams inducted the newest class at the annual Hall of Fame Awards Brunch in the McGinley Center.

Joining the likes of such Fordham notables as Frankie Frisch, Vince Lombardi, Vin Scully, Wellington Mara and Peter Harnisch were Bob Cole, GSB '78 (Baseball), Bob Cooney, FCRH `29 (Baseball), Kate Davis Barrick, FCRH `06 (Softball), Erika Newell, FCRH '05 (Swimming), Maik Wiedenbach, FCRH '01 (Swimming), Dan Wolleben, FCRH '04 (Rowing), Deric Zaphire, FCRH '03 (Track & Field) and Maureen Zivic, GSB '05 (Track & Field).

The day started with a special mass at the University Church and the Hall of Famers and their guest then assembled in the McGinley Center Ballroom for the formal induction ceremony. Master of Ceremony Michael Kay, FCRH '82 introduced each new Hall of Famer and they were presented their Hall of Fame plaque by University President, Fr. Joseph McShane, S.J. and Executive Director of Athletics, Frank McLaughlin, FCRH '69.

Following the awards ceremony, Cole spoke on behalf of the group, relaying anecdotes from the other Hall of Famers, which of which included a theme of friendship and thankfulness.

"When I spoke with each of the other inductees they all spoke about different things but the one common bond was the great experiences they had a Fordham," said Cole. "They spoke of the lifelong friends they made here and how Fordham prepared them for life after college."

Cole then spoke of his own experience at Fordham, how he knew he would attend Fordham at an early age, and then quoted one of the most famous Fordham Hall of Famers.

"Another member of this Hall of Fame is famous for saying `Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing'," said Cole. "Today we all consider ourselves winners because of the opportunities a Fordham education afforded us."

Fr. McShane then spoke to those in attendance, expanding on the theme of family and how the teammates and classmates in attendance shared in the success of the new class.

"I was really impressed at the response from the teammates and classmates when a Hall of Famer was announced," said McShane. "I think it shows that this is Fordham, a place where men and women rejoice, not so much in their own recognition, but in the victory of friends. This says volumes about what Fordham is and who we are, men and women for others and with others."

The president then congratulated and thanked the new class. "Thank you for inspiring your friends and families and inviting them to show generosity and spirit," said McShane. "We at Fordham thank you all in a very special way."

There was also a special guest at the 2012 Hall of Fame ceremony, the New York Giants 2012 Lombardi Trophy. The trophy was on display and available for photo opportunities for the new Hall of Famers and their families.

Here is a bio for Zaphire:

DERIC ZAPHIRE, FCRH '03 - TRACK & FIELD
A 2003 Fordham College at Rose Hill graduate, Deric Zaphire was a school record setter and All-Atlantic 10 performer over his career.

Zaphire set the school record in the indoor 500m (the mark was broken this winter) and has the second fastest 400m hurdles time in school history, behind Fordham Hall of Famer Tim Marshall.

In 2002, Zaphire was named Second Team All-Atlantic 10 with a second place showing in the indoor 500m and went on to earn All-East honors in the event. Outdoors as a junior, Zaphire earned Second Team All-Atlantic 10 and All-East accolades in the 400m hurdles.

As a senior in 2003, Zaphire again earned Second Team All-Atlantic 10 honors with a second place finish in the indoor 500m, as well as All-East honors, and took second in the 400m hurdles at the Atlantic 10 outdoor championships to garner Second Team All-A10 accolades. He also again earned All-East honors in the outdoor 400m.

Over his four-year career, Zaphire also won numerous Metropolitan championship titles, both individually and on relays.

Anyone who wises to nominate someone for the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame can download the nomination form by clicking here.