NEC PRESS RELEASE

Somerset, NJ- The Northeast Conference (NEC) announced a three-member 2015 Hall of Fame Class today that will include former Wagner College Sports Information Director, Bob Balut, who will be honored posthumously, in addition to a pair of former Central Connecticut student-athletes in Corsley Edwards (Men's Basketball) and Kelly Shimmin (Women's Soccer).

On Saturday February 7, during halftime of the 4:00 p.m. Wagner-St. Francis Brooklyn men's basketball game, Balut will be recognized by the Seahawk athletic department and the NEC on his entry into the conference's Hall of Fame. Members of Balut's family, including his widow Erica, a former Seahawk basketball player, are expected to be in attendance. The third annual Wagner Hall of Fame Alumni Day willl also be held on Saturday in conjunction with both the 1:00 p.m. Wagner-St. Francis Brooklyn women's basketball game, as well as the men's game to follow.

"I'm thrilled to announce this year's NEC Hall of Fame class which epitomizes the grit, determination and commitment to excellence that has existed in the NEC for decades and still exists today," said Noreen Morris, NEC Commissioner. "Corsley and Kelly were tremendous leaders on the court and field, earning multiple NEC Championships and All-Conference awards for their outstanding performances. Bob was a champion of promoting and celebrating the accomplishments of the NEC student-athletes and set the standard for innovation and creativity in the media relations field. Congratulations to Corsley, Kelly and Bob and the Balut family."

Balut enjoyed a long and productive history with Wagner and the Northeast Conference before his untimely passing on March 6, 2007 after a long battle with colon cancer at the age of 32. Born in Edison, NJ, Bob was known for both his energy and passion for his work.  He began his tenure with the NEC in November, 2003, and was the league's media contact for football, women's basketball and softball, organized numerous championships and played a key role in the relaunch of the conference website.  Always looking to be on the cutting edge, Balut pushed for NEC telecasts to air in HD at a time when standard definition was still the norm, and was a proponent of video streaming live events before it became commonplace.

On December  8, 2007, the Wagner College Athletic Department paid tribute to Balut in a ceremony prior to the tip-off of that day's men's basketball game between the Seahawks and St. Francis Brooklyn. A benefit was held that day in support of the education of Bob and Erica's then three-year old son. The game was televised on MSG Network and all members of the television crew, from announcers to camera workers to engineers to the producer and director, donated their game fees to the Aidan Robert Balut Scholarship Fund.

"There is no better way to honor my husband's memory than to hold a fundraiser to benefit our son's future," said Erica Balut, who was married to Bob in 2003. Additional proceeds, including gate receipts and fan donations, from all NEC games that weekend, were also earmarked for the fund.

"I was very happy to hear the news that Bob is a member of the Northeast Conference Hall of Fame," said Wagner Director of Athletics, Walt Hameline.  "This is a very deserving honor and I'm elated for his family and friends that he is being recognized in this way.  We all remember Bob's dedication, friendship, loyalty, and professionalism.  He always had the best interest of the student-athletes at the heart and is sorely missed."

Bob's history with the NEC included a six-year stint at Wagner, including four as the school's Sports Information Director from 1999-03.  He created the Seahawk Broadcasting Network, served on the Wagner Athletic Hall of Fame and the Seahawk Golf Classic Committees and had a two-year stint as the Chair of the NEC Sports Information Directors Committee. 

"Bob was a force of nature," remembered NEC Senior Associate Commissioner, Ron Ratner. "He had what coaches call a 'non-stop motor.' Bob had endless amounts of energy, was an out-of-the box thinker and an incredible multitasker. He only wanted what was best for the student-athletes he was promoting, and was on the forefront of using technology to spread the word on Wagner College and the NEC. I'm so happy to see Bob recognized for all that he accomplished.  It is truly a fitting honor."