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 Wiedenbach's bio1:

MAIK WIEDENBACH, FCRH '01 - SWIMMING
Maik Wiedenbach, a 2001 Fordham College at Rose Hill graduate, was one of the top male swimmers at Fordham in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

Wiedenbach opened his Fordham career with a fourth-place showing in the 100 freestyle at the 1999 championships.

As a sophomore in 1999-2000, Wiedenbach broke three Fordham records, individually in the 50 and 100 freestyle and as a member of the 800 freestyle relay. He broke the 50 and 100 freestyle records at the 2000 Atlantic 10 championships, finishing second in both events to garner Second Team All-Atlantic 10 honors and went on to place second in both races at the 2000 ECAC Championships. The 100 freestyle record that he broke was one of the oldest at Fordham, having been set 24 years earlier. All told as a sophomore, Wiedenbach had 19 first-place finishes in regular-season competition and he capped the year by winning the 2000 Vincent T. Lombardi Award, presented annually to the top male athlete at Fordham.

In 2000-01, Wiedenbach closed out his Fordham career with a fifth-place finish in the 100 free at the 2001 Atlantic 10 Championships and he was named to the 2001 Atlantic 10 Academic All-Conference Team.

A native of Radolfzell, Germany, Wiedenbach currently resides in Astoria, N.Y., where he is the owner of Adler Training.

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