The Adelphi University Athletics Department will host its annual Hall of Fame dinner, honoring those individuals who have made significant contributions to the Athletics program. The following honorees will be inducted on Thursday, April 22 at the Ruth S. Harley University Center: Bob Alexander ('52), Anne DiPrima ('70), Charlie Finger ('55), Don Robertson ('67) Duane Robinson ('90) and the world-record setting Mile relay team of Keith Davis ('74), Clyde Mc Pherson ('72), Larry Ross ('74) and Dennis Walker ('73) and posthumously Ray Lee ('74).
Leading the way for this year's group is the mile relay which brought Adelphi national recognition during the early 1970's. In January 1972, the team of team of Davis, Mc Pherson, Ross and Walker shattered the indoor world record, not once but twice in a two week span. Each member of the relay team was a star in their own right. Mc Pherson, a six-time All-American, captured Adelphi's first ever individual NCAA title in the 440 yard dash in a meet record time of 46.2. Davis and Walker also earned multiple All-American honors.
Lee, also part of the Mile relay A-team rotation often running the lead off leg, was a three-time All-American. He is also the Adelphi record holder in the long jump. It will be 30 years this April that Lee, then a 20-year old senior, was lost in a tragic car accident near campus.
Alexander competed in cross-country and track and field during the early fifties. He participated in several events, including the 440, the 220 low hurdles, broad jump and mile relay. In 1951, he won the A.A.U 440 title in a time of 54.1.
DiPrima, a three-sport athlete, during a time when women's sports were still largely unrecognized, excelled in field hockey, softball and basketball.
Finger, a four-sport athlete, participated in football, golf and basketball and lacrosse at Adelphi during the mid-fifties.
Robertson was an All-American goalkeeper for men's lacrosse from 1965-67. The starting goalie for three seasons, he ranks third all-time in career saves.
Robinson, a two-time All-American and three-time All-New York region selection in soccer, is Adelphi's all-time career points and goals leader. He led the Panthers to back to back NCAA appearances in 1987 and 1988.
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, special recognition awards will be presented. This year's Woodruff Award honoree is Don Ryan ('66). The Cassell Award will be presented to Tim Burton, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer at Adelphi.
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 Dina Zydor, Director of Annual Giving, Office of University Advancement at 516-877-4688. The cost is $100 per person and reservations are required. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. immediately followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.
