The ranks of Fordham University’s Athletic Hall of Fame grew by eight on Jan. 25, as the Rams inducted their newest class at the annual Hall of Fame Awards Brunch at the McGinley Center on the Rose Hill campus.
The day started with a special Mass at the University Church. Hall of Famers and their guests then assembled in the McGinley Center Ballroom for the formal induction ceremony. Master of Ceremonies Michael Kay (FCRH ’82) introduced each inductee as he or she was given a Hall of Fame plaque by Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham, and Executive Director of Athletics Frank McLaughlin.
Joining the likes of such Fordham notables as baseball Hall of Famer Frankie Frisch and football coaching legend Vince Lombardi were:
• Joe Bernal (swimming coach)
• Matt Fordyce, FCRH ’03 (football)
• Charlie Gulotta, FCRH ’68 (water polo and swimming)
• Daniel Iannuzzi, CBA ’81 (swimming and water polo)
• Greg McClure, FCRH ’01 (rowing)
• Andy Nacrelli, CBA ’55 (football)
• Joe Pantginis, FCRH ’81 (track and field)
• Amanda Vogel, FCRH ’99 (rowing)
“As I spoke to each of the candidates, it became apparent how special a place Fordham is to all of us, and how the Jesuit way of thinking has shaped all of our lives for the better,” said McClure, who spoke on behalf of the incoming class.
McClure went on to relay the gratitude of each of the new members to their parents, teammates, coaches and administrators.
“I would like to thank the University for its great support of club sports as well as varsity programs,” he said. “Like the others being inducted today, Fordham helped me to develop academically, athletically and spiritually.”
Father McShane then spoke to the more than 200 people in attendance, noting that the Hall ofFame induction was being held on Jan. 25, a feast day for St. Paul.
“It is fitting that we recognize the Hall of Famers on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul,” he said. “St. Paul used athletic terms in his preaching. We are all are aware of him saying, ‘I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.’”
Father McShane went on to address the newest Hall of Famers. “You are men and women who St. Paul would recognize as colleagues; men and women whose lives have been distinguished on the field; men and women who made the most of their time here; and ever since, have been great ambassadors for Fordham.”
Later that day, the new Hall of Famers were introduced to the crowd at halftime of the Fordham men’s basketball game vs. Duquesne in the Rose Hill Gym.
Photo courtesy of Fordham Athletics
