March 13, 2006

Garden City, N.Y. - The Adelphi University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced today its Class of 2006 Hall of Fame nominees to be inducted on Thursday, April 20, at the Ruth S. Harley University Center on its Garden City campus. The 36th annual Hall of Fame dinner, which honors those individuals who have made significant contributions to the athletics program, includes Artie Benoit '59, Robert J. Eitel '53, Constantinos Dodos'63, Danny Gimpel '97, Paul Nussbaum '89 '97, Kevin Price '78 and Dr. Susan Tendy '70.

In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, special recognition awards will be presented. This year's Woodruff Award honorees are James and Joseph Jones, the head men's basketball coaches at Yale University and Columbia University, respectively. The Frank Cassell Memorial Award will be presented to Kathleen Petronis, Commerce Bank Garden City Manager.

Benoit was a member of the men's basketball team from 1956-59. He helped the Panthers to two NCAA Tournament appearances as the team went 53-26 during his tenure, including the school's first-ever 20 win season. He later served as an assistant men's basketball coach under George Faherty.

Eitel, a Legends inductee, was a multi-sport athlete who lettered from 1951-53. He participated in football, lacrosse and squash.

Ntonotos, a native of Greece, was a member of the men's soccer team from 1961-63. He remains the Adelphi single-season record holder in both points and goals and is second all-time in career points and goals. Ntonotos helped the team to a NCAA appearance in 1963, earning All-America honors.

Gimpel played basketball for Adelphi from 1993-97, helping the team to three straight NCAA appearances. A first-team all-conference selection, Gimpel still holds the Adelphi single-season assist record and the career steals record.

Nussbuam swam for Adelphi from 1984-87. He is a two-time Metropolitan Champion in the 200-yard medley. As a junior, he set a school and MET meet record in the event, qualifying for Nationals where he placed 13th overall.

Price, a three-time All-American, was an individual NCAA Championship in the 400 meters in 1975. He was also a member of the 4x400 relay team which won back-to-back Outdoor National titles in 1976 and 77.

Tendy was a pioneer in women's athletics as a member of the swim team in the late 1960's. She continued to break down barriers when she became the first female women's swin coach hired at the United State Military Academy at West Point.

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 Suzette McQueen, Director of Athletic Media Relations, Office of Intercollegiate Athletics at 516-877-4236. 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.