March 1, 2007

Garden City, N.Y. - The Adelphi University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced today its Class of 2007 Hall of Fame inductees. The group of eight will be honored on Thursday, April 19, at the Ruth S. Harley University Center on the Garden City campus. The 37th annual Hall of Fame dinner, which honors those individuals who have made significant contributions to the athletics program includes Thomas Aiello '93 (Lacrosse), the late Albert Angelone '60 (Legends inductee), Nicholas Clark '99 (Baseball), Thomas Liotti '70 (Swimming), former swim coach Bill Irwin, William Phillips '78 (Soccer/Track), Kelly (Roche) Rohan '90 (Soccer) and Susan (Kane) Tarzian '82 (Tennis/Field Hockey).

Aiello lettered in lacrosse from 1989-92 and is ranked in numerous Adelphi Division I statistical categories, including first in career goals and career assists. In 1989, he helped Adelphi to a NCAA Tournament appearance with the team advancing to the second round.

Angelone is the third inductee to be included under the Legends category and will be posthumously inducted. He participated in soccer and lacrosse from 1958-59, but made is mark after graduation serving as a secret service agent for President Ford.

Clark, one of the most decorated baseball players in Adelphi history, was a two-time All-American. An all-region and all-conference selection, his name is sprinkled throughout the Adelphi record books in numerous categories. He helped the Panthers to three NCAA Worlds Series appearance from 1996-99, including a third-round appearance in 1997. Clark also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-America honors.

Liotti, a three-time All-American from 1968-70, set several school records during his time from 1968-70. In 1968, he earned N.A.I.A. All-American honors when he captured the 200 yard freestyle title. Liotti qualified for and competed in the United States Olympic Trials that same year.

Irwin coached men's and women's swimming at Adelphi from 1966-1978. He coached several national championship qualifies and All-Americans as well as two U.S. Olympic Trial participants, including fellow inductee, Liotti and current Hall of Famer Len Galluzi. He also coached 2006 Hall of Fame inductee, Sue Tendy, a national championship qualifier as well.

Phillips was a two-sport athlete while at Adelphi, lettering in both men's soccer and track and field from 1975-78. He still holds four school track records in the 1500 and the mile and as a member of the two-mile relay. He earned All-America honors in 1978 when he finished third in the NCAA Championships in the 1500 meters. A goalkeeper in soccer, he is ranked in the top five in career shutouts and single-season goals against average. He also made three NCAA Division II appearances, helping the team to a third-place finish in 1975.

Rohan was one of the first women's soccer players at Adelphi to earn All-America honors. She was a two-time All-Northeast Region selection and helped the Panthers to their first-ever NCAA Division II Final Four in 1989.

Tarzian was another two-sport athlete for Adelphi, competing in both tennis and field hockey from 1978-82. She was a two-time Met Conference Champion in tennis and an All-College team selection in field hockey.

In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, special recognition awards will be presented. Dowling College Head Men's Soccer Coach John DiRico will be honored with the Woodruff Award, presented for excellence in coaching, teaching and educating young adults. The Frank Cassell Memorial Award, which recognizes extraordinary contributions made to Adelphi Athletics, will be presented to Curtis Minnis '76.

The Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame was founded in 1961 to honor those athletes, coaches and friends who have distinguished themselves during their time at the university and thereafter. For more information, please contact Suzette McQueen, Assistant Athletic Director, at (516) 877-4236. The cost of the dinner is $100 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.