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 Cole and Cooney:
BOB COLE, GSB '78 - BASEBALL
A 1978 graduate of the Gabelli School of Business, Bob Cole was a four-year pitcher for the Rams who left his mark on the Fordham record book.
After walking on to the team as a freshman, Cole went on to have a successful career as a relief pitcher, graduating with school records for most appearances (19) and saves (7) in a season as well as career marks for both categories (43 appearances and 13 saves).
Cole currently ranks sixth in career ERA at 2.63 and tied for fifth in career saves with 13. He completed his four-year career with an 8-1 record, while having three seasons with an ERA under 2.12.
In 1978, Cole helped Fordham win the Metropolitan Championship, going 5-0 with seven saves out of the bullpen. The 1978 team also advanced to the championship game of the ECAC Championship.
A native of Floral Park, N.Y., Cole and his wife, Mary, currently live in Garden City, N.Y. They are the parents of four: Scott, Ashley, Bill and Emily, and the grandparents of two: Griffin and Kaitlyn. Cole is currently the Senior Vice President of News America Marketing, a News Corporation company.
BOB CONNEY, FCRH '29 - BASEBALL
A 1929 Fordham College at Rose Hill graduate, the late Bob Cooney was a mainstay with the Fordham baseball nine in the 1920's.
Despite playing over 80 years ago, Cooney is still listed among the Fordham all-time pitching leaders. He is currently tied for first all-time with six complete game shutouts (tied with Ed Estwanick) and ranks third in career complete games (15) and 15th in wins (17). His Fordham four-year career record was 64-18.
In single season marks, Cooney set the Fordham single-season ERA mark at 0.85 in 1927, helping Fordham to a 15-6 record and set the consecutive scoreless innings streak at 30 innings, which was later tied by Hank Borowy. He was also a part of the team record for consecutive scoreless innings at 39 and team ERA at 1.22 in 1929.
Cooney has the second-highest strikeout game for an extra inning affair with 18 in a 14-inning game against Columbia (the nine-inning record is 18, extra inning mark is 19) and was a member of the 1926 Eastern Championship team that went 24-3.
A native of Glens Falls, N.Y., Cole went on to a career in professional baseball following his graduation from Fordham, eventually playing two years in the major leagues for the St. Louis Browns in 1931 and 1932. He passed away in Glens Falls in 1976. Cole was inducted into the Glens Falls Area Baseball Society and Hall of Fame in 2007.
Anyone who wises to nominate someone for the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame can download the nomination form by clicking here.
