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 on Zivic:

MAUREEN ZIVIC, GSB '05 - TRACK & FIELD
A 2006 graduate of the Gabelli School of Business, Zivic was the top women's runners at the school from 2003-06, winning two Atlantic 10 championships.

Zivic set school records in the indoor 400m (56.84) and 500m (1:14.63) as well as being a member of school record indoor 4x400 relay and the 4x200 relay that set a school record at the 2003 Penn Relays.

A 2005 Atlantic 10 indoor champion in the 500m as a junior, Zivic was also a member of the outdoor 4x800 relay team in 2005 that won its race at the Penn Relays and took second at the A-10 Championships to earn Second Team All-League honors. She earned her second Atlantic 10 title with a win in the 800m at the 2006 outdoor championship as a senior.

As a sophomore, Zivic earned Second Team All-Atlantic 10 honors by placing second in the 500m at the 2004 indoor championships.

Zivic broke the Fordham 500m record with a 1:16.34 clocking at the Metropolitan Championships in 2004 and then reset the school record for the 500m (1:14.63) in 2005 and also set the school mark in the 400m (56.84) in 2006, qualifying for the ECAC Championships for each race.

Academically, Zivic was named Academic All-Atlantic 10 for indoor track in 2004 and 2005 and Academic All-Atlantic 10 for outdoor track in 2005. She was the 2006 recipient of the Benedict T. Harter award, presented to the Gabelli School of Business senior athlete who has made significant academic and athletic contributions.

A native of Corapolis, Pennsylvania, Zivic currently resides in Manhattan where she is the Business Manager for OLO.com.

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