The Oswego Alumni Association inducted a half dozen former athletes into the Athletic Hall of Fame Oct. 24.

Former sports journalist and adjunct professor Jeff Rea ’71 hosted a ceremony attended by about 100 family and friends in Sheldon Hall. Women’s soccer standout Melisa Verdoliva ’99; former lacrosse captains Daniel Bartlett ’96 and Greg Peel ’94; baseball and basketball star John Wynne ’66; three-letter athlete John Canale ’47 M ’50; and All-American wrestler Ralph Pizzo ’71 comprised this year’s class.

“Anyone who has ever lived at Oswego State has loved it,” said Rea, who played basketball as a student. Each inductee spoke of the personal connections they made through Laker sports.

Verdoliva called soccer her “lifeline” as a student.  A current girls soccer coach in the Oswego City School District, Verdoliva said her proudest collegiate moment was her 50th career goal in her senior year after battling back from injury.

The first of two lacrosse players inducted, Bartlett said his teammates were the best people he has ever met. The former All-American said he was proud to be a part of the 1996 Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship team that “put Laker lacrosse on the national map."

Peel’s speech was a testimony of struggle and perseverance for someone who had “no lacrosse skills in high school.”  The 1994 All-American said he developed at Oswego through hard work and dedication practicing everyday on his own before team practices. Peel also attributed his professional success as a vice president at Paychex to the time he spent at Oswego.

Wynne, the 1966 Oswego State Player of the Year, counted his pitching appearance in the Division II regional championship at Yankee Stadium as a major highlight in his collegiate career.

“Thank you all for adding another great memory to my life,” said Wynne, who was also a member of the 1964 conference champion basketball team.

Canale was honored for his success in soccer, basketball and baseball.  He paid tribute to a Laker sports legend in his acceptance speech.

“I am here because of one person ... Max G. Ziel,” Canale said. “[I’m] proud that this plaque will be under Max Ziel's in Laker Hall.”

Ralph Pizzo and his twin brother Casper ’71, who presented Ralph with his plaque, both spoke affectionately about their alma mater.  The brothers thanked Oswego State wrestling coach emeritus and charter member of the Oswego State Athletic Hall of Fame Jim Howard for his efforts to bring the brothers to the Oswego campus and for their experiences as student athletes at Oswego State.

— Brett Davenport ’10

PHOTO CAPTION:
The 2009 Oswego Athletic Hall of Fame class are, back row, from left: lacrosse players Daniel Bartlett ’96 and Greg Peel ’94 with wrestler Ralph Pizzo ’71. Appearing front row, from left: women’s soccer player Melisa Verdoliva ’99; three-sport athlete John Canale ’47 M ’50; and pitcher John Wynne ’66, who also played basketball.

Oswego Alumni Association, Inc.
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Email: alumni@oswego.edu
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