April 11, 2002
Adelphi University will host its annual Hall of Fame dinner on Thursday, April 25 at the University Center, honoring those individuals who have made significant contributions to the Athletics program. The following seven individuals will be inducted: Bill Gearns ('52), Kendra Koneski ('96), David Leistman ('81), Thomas Pecora ('84), Thomas Ruane ('86, '95), Gilbert Scott ('56) and Howard Vogts ('52).
Gearns was one of the most prominent figures in the early years of the Adelphi men's basketball program. As a co-captain in 1951-52, he helped the Panthers to their first ever winning season, posting a 16-8 record.
Koneski, a 1996 graduate, remains the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in Adelphi women's basketball history. A three-time NYCAC All-Star, Koneski also holds the Adelphi single game rebounding record. For her efforts, Koneski was named the 1995-96 NIT/MET Writers NCAA/NAIA Division II Player of the Year.
Leistman, a two-time All-American midfielder in lacrosse, helped the Panthers to 1979 and 1980 NCAA National Championships. Leistman, an employee at Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center, was tragically killed on September 11, 2002.
Pecora was named the tenth head coach in Hofstra Basketball history on March 28, 2001. Under his guidance, the team completed their first season in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Pecora remains active in several charities and spends part of his summer organizing free basketball clinics for local children at area recreation centers and parks.
Ruane earned both his bachelor and masters degree from Adelphi and has served as an assistant men's soccer coach for the past 15 years. A four-year starter for the Panthers, Ruane earned All-Region honors in 1983 and was a member of the New York State Regional team that same year.
Scott, had one of the most outstanding careers in the early history of Adelphi men's basketball. From 1953-56, in three yeas as a starting guard, Scott did not miss a single game and finished his career with 887 points and 349 rebounds.
Vogts, head football coach at Bethpage H.S., played three years football and two years basketball at Adelphi. The head coach at Bethpage since 1952, Vogts has amassed 303 wins, becoming the winningest coach in New York State High School football in November 2000.
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, special recognition awards will be presented. The Cassell Award will go to former men's lacrosse coach Paul Doherty ('62, '70) and the Woodruff Award will be presented to Vincent Conlon ('75 M.A.).
The Marvin Tiger Memorial Scholarship, created by Marvin Tiger and Robert Gary, will be awarded to cross country/track athletes, Dave Harvey ('04) and Alethia Ali ('04). The scholarship fund, set up in memory of Marvin Tiger, provides two scholarships of $5,000 for one male and one female athlete who exemplify the virtues of sportsmanship, community service and academic excellence.
The Adelphi University Hall of Fame was founded in 1961 to honor those former athletes, coaches and friends, who have distinguished themselves during their time at the University or thereafter. For further information contact Christine Wheat, Assistant Director of Adelphi Alumni Relations, at 516-877-3156. The cost is $125 per person and reservations are required. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.
