DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. (May 17, 2012) - Last week, the Mercy College Department of Athletics inducted its fifth Hall of Fame class and enshrined three individuals and two teams into the prestigious club. The night was an all-out success with Mercy athletes of past and present coming together to celebrate the very best in Mercy's rich athletics history.

The festivites started off with Master of Ceremonies Drew Brown recognizing nine individuals who have achieved great success in the last year. From All-Conference First Team accolades to national statistical champions, Jenna Ausiello, Ashley Borofsky, Neil Judge, Steve Manitta, Chelsea Methot, Kelsey Sullivan, T.J. DiCarlo, Brenna White and Kristen Znaniecki were honored.

Following that, 29 senior student-athletes were given kudos for their contributions to their respective programs. Jenna Ausiello, Craig Blom, Julia Camp, Chuck DeHart, Keith Dillon, Billy Dring, Nick Fitzgerald, Joseph Ganz, Mark Guerrero, Dana Harjus, Walter Kowalczyk, Bujar Lajqi, Ben Latchford, Collin Legge, James Mindingall, Andrea Nash, Kortney Parker, Zac Pasko, Jackie Sabel, Jamie Sabel, Tyler Savin, Modou Lamine Seck, Sal Spinelli, Martin Walsh, Crasheena Ward, Jasmine Williams, Simone Williams and Caitlin Wilson all received beautiful custom watches with the Mavericks logo on the face.

The awards portion of the event opened with the Neil Judge Scholar-Athlete Award winners, which are presented to the male and female graduating senior student-athletes with the highest cumulative grade point average. This year's recipients were Andrea Nash (Women's Soccer, 3.71 GPA) and Benjamin Latchford (Men's Soccer, 3.89 undergrad GPA, 4.0 graduate GPA).

The Dr. Ann Grow Friend of Athletics Award was presented next and the esteemed professor Dr. Grow honored Gregory M. Longworth, Esq. '80 with the award for all of his contributions, support and loyalty to the College and its athletics' mission.

The first inductee into the Mercy College Athletics Hall of Fame was Brian Sweeney. Sweeney graduated from Mercy in 2007, but was a member of the baseball team under then-Head Coach and current-Associate Athletics Director Bill Sullivan from 1993-96. Sweeney's children, Ava and Mia, accepted the award on his behalf as he is currently playing in the Seattle Mariners' organization and was away at a game.

The next honoree into the Hall of Fame was longtime Head Men's Golf Coach Tony Macellaro, who was inducted posthumously. Coach Macellaro helmed the men's golf program at Mercy for over 20 years and had much success. Macellaro's son, Ron, accepted the award.

The final individual who was inducted into the Hall of Fame was Eleni Kousoulas Pallogudis, who played softball for the Flyers from 1987-90. Former Athletics Director Neil Judge, who was her coach, presented her with the honor.

The first team inducted into this year's Hall of Fame class was the 1989 Men's Soccer squad. Andrew McGovern and Mick Gregg accepted the award on behalf of the team and told fond memories of that magical season.

The final inductee into the Hall of Fame Class of 2012 were the 1961-65 Women's Basketball teams, who were the first athletics teams at the College. Team advisor and mentor Eileen McMahon presented the award to Karen Aune, a member of the teams who accepted on the ladies' behalf.

The fifth Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a star-studded night that celebrated what makes Mercy College Athletics so special and exciting. Seeing current student-athletes mingle with those from 50 years ago was a truly incredible experience - one that all in attendance thoroughly enjoyed and will cherish for many years to come.

Please stay tuned for photos from all the festivities!