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 each of the new Fordham Athletic Hall of Famers:
ERIKA NEWELL, FCRH '05 - SWIMMING
A 2005 graduate of Fordham College at Rose Hill, Erika Newell, transferred to Fordham for her sophomore year, where she rewrote the women's record book in each of her three years at Rose Hill
Newell's top season was her senior year where she became Fordham's first-ever multi-event winner at the Atlantic 10 championships, winning the 100 and 200 backstroke, setting an Atlantic 10 record in the 100 backstroke. She set four individual school records and two relay records as a senior.
Newell capped her senior year by being named recipient of the 2005 Hobbes Family Award as the school's outstanding female athlete.
In her first year at Rose Hill, Newell earned Second Team All-Atlantic 10 honors in the 100 backstroke and then earned Second Team All-Atlantic 10 honors in the 50 freestyle as a junior.
Newell graduated with a total of nine school records, the most by any Fordham swimmer, and she still holds the 100 back record.
A native of Branford, Connecticut, Newell enlisted in the U.S. Army following graduation, serving in the Army for 5 years as a Human Intelligence Sergeant. Her Army career included a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2007 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and she also served in the Field Office Southwest Asia, Kuwait as a Liaison with Foreign Officials. She currently resides in Tucson, Arizona, were she serves as a manager for Gold's Gym with plans on returning to school to pursue a degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management to specialize in dolphin behavior.
Anyone who wises to nominate someone for the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame can download the nomination form by clicking here.
