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Pictured from L to R: John Knudson (Hall of Fame Committee), Andy Senese (Baseball/Football '56), Bob Piela (Baseball/Basketball '56), Tara Maguire (Cross Country '91), Bob Larsen (Basketball '61), Ray Doody (Basketball '51), Selwyn Davis (Football '84), Dr. Richard Guarasci (President), Wally Pagan (Hall of Fame Committee)
Click here to view past inductees
The Wagner College Athletic Hall of Fame
Click here for Nomination Form
The Wagner College Athletic Hall of Fame was nearly 20 years in the making, from the seed of an idea in the early 1970s to the inaugural induction of 12 former Seahawk greats in 1991.
Although common in the world of sports for Halls of Fame to recognize the best of the greats, Wagner College developed its interest in 1972 when then-Wagner College Public Relations Director Brian Morris presented a plan to the College administration. While some steps had been taken to begin the project, the actual Hall of Fame waited until the mid-1980s to be revised.
Acting with then-Head Athletic Trainer John Knudson, Assistant Director of Athletics Mike Walsh began to build interest in the Hall of Fame from his role as Seahawk Club Director. Walsh enlisted longtime Wagner College supporters Sal and Marie Alberti to contribute 30 feet of trophy cases to handle Seahawk memorabilia.
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the Spiro Sports Center |
From that point, the Hall of Fame took on a life of its own, with Alberti, Walter Wally Pagan, members of the College Board of Trustees, and Fred Williamson, president of Wagner College s National Alumni Association, adopting the project as an initiative of the alumni.
Knudson, who during his 32 years as Head Athletic Trainer had been in contact with all Wagner sports, serves as the Hall of Fame s chairman. Knudson credits the continued success of the Hall of Fame to a strong and active committee and the dedicated support of current Wagner College Director of Athletics Walt Hameline.
With 12 full classes of inductees, membership in the Hall of Fame has reached 105, with several more Seahawk greats scheduled for induction this fall. The traditional Homecoming Game is the most appropriate occasion to welcome yesterday's heroes to once again feel the applause of the fans. Herb Sutter, who was Wagner College's "Mr. Athletics" for almost 40 years, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 by acclamation.
