Inductees honored on Oct. 8 included (from left) Greg Prechtl, Jordan Basile, Sarah Hite-Moore and John Borchard. Alumnus Walter Hubbard was also an inductee.
On Oct. 8, the Fredonia State Athletic Department inducted five individuals and three Teams of Distinction into its Hall of Fame. Among those inducted was Greg Prechtl, who has been involved with the athletic department over 50 years. Sarah Hite-Moore, Jordan Basile, Matt Borchard, and Walter Hubbard were also inducted.
The 1981 cross country team, the 1992-93 men's basketball team, and the 1985 and '86 men's soccer teams were also recognized.
The passing of a pair of Fredonia State legends was also recognized. Dr. Everett "Doc" Phillips, a longtime track coach, and Dr. Patrick Damore, a former coach in several sports that who eventually moved on to become the commissioner of the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) were honored with a tribute. Damore would be the longest serving commissioner in NCAA Division III history.
A banner recognizing the 20 track and field championships won was also unveiled by the track and field/cross country coaches, Tom Wilson and his assistant, Mike Kelley. The banner will be hung in Steele Hall.
For the Teams of Distinction, former athletes Don Brenner and Jim Siekmann spoke on behalf of the team '81 cross country team. Head coach Nelson Cupello and former player Jeff Hammond spoke of both the '85 and '86 seasons. For the 1992-93 men's basketball squad, Pat Swick and Ryan Smock talked of the only men's basketball team to make the NCAA Tournament. The squad was coached by Mr. Prechtl.
Sarah Hite-Moore was introduced by her aunt, Penny Hite, who also served as her coach while at Fredonia State.
Jordan Basile was presented by his former coach and current Sports Information Director Matt Palisin. Basile officially took over the baseball program from Palisin last season.
Teammate Bryon Thoin and current head coach PJ Gondek introduced Matt Borchard.
Prechtl was presented by one of his former players, assistant coach, longtime friend, and longtime Fredonia staffer Dan Tramuta. Mr. Tramuta served in many capacities at Fredonia State and was a colleague of Prechtl's for over four decades.
Mr. Hubbard was unable to attend. He played under Prechtl and was part of the '92-'93 team that was also recognized.
The 25th Induction ceremony was emceed by Director of Marketing Jeff Woodard.
