Seven Inducted into the Oswego State Hall of Fame

The SUNY Oswego Alumni Association inducted six former stars and one booster to the Oswego State Athletic Hall of Fame, celebrating their dedication to sports and community in a ceremony Oct. 30 in Sheldon Hall ballroom.

Family and friends gathered for the exciting night and the inductees used the occasion to express gratitude to coaches, teammates and supporters.

The evening’s first inductee was Michael Snell ’87, who was recognized for his accomplishments in ice hockey. Snell described his experience as unforgettable.

“Those four years were the most memorable years of my life,” Snell told the 175 audience members at the banquet. “I had amazing teammates and coaches that inspired me to do my best.”

Snell was the former men’s ice hockey team captain and established the mark for the most goals in a single season. He currently ranks third on the men’s ice hockey all-time scoring list with 263 points (137 goals and 126 assists in 131 games). After graduation, Snell went on to play two years of professional hockey in Germany.

Barry Dillon ’85, accompanied by his son Connor, was acknowledged for his accomplishments in baseball. One of the college’s all-time great pitchers, Dillon holds the record for career wins with 37.

“As a freshman, I learned quickly from our veterans what the word ‘team’ really meant,” Dillon said. “To say that you guys were a large part of the award would be short-changing you.

“This award represents the fun and success we had together – every one of you had a piece of this. I am only a caretaker,” he said.

Former Oswego State women’s basketball player Eileen Sommers ’83 was recognized not only for her achievements and dedication to the team – she was the single-season scoring record holder with 264 points and the first SUNY Oswego woman to score 1,000 points – but also for her work beyond college.

She recently received a meritorious honor for her work with troubled teens over the past 22 years with the New York state Probation Department.

“Being on a team was a great experience for me,” Sommers said. “I learned to work together with people, to accept success and defeats with some sense of grace. And there was some comfort in knowing that together, working as a team, much can be accomplished. Those experiences have brought me far in life.”

Former Laker soccer player Robert Zabronsky ’82 was honored for his accomplishments, which include making the All-SUNY Athletic Conference first team in each year that he played. He was also recognized for his commitment to community service.

“Soccer has been a big part of my life,” Zabronsky said. “I played in high school and here in Oswego. I also got the opportunity to represent the United States as a member of the Maccabiah team, which afforded me the luxury to travel to Mexico, Venezuela, Chile, Israel, Germany and all over the United States, and allowed me to make everlasting friendships along the way.”

James Hauptfleisch ’77 was recognized for a wrestling career that included multiple championships and even a match with a 610-pound bear. He was the SUNYAC individual champion in 1975 as well as state heavyweight champ in 1975 and 1977, the same year he was named an All-American.

“I really appreciate being part of the Oswego Hall of Fame and looking back on all the great times I had wrestling and all the great friends I had the chance to meet,” said Hauptfleisch, who will be inducted into the New York state Wrestling Hall of Fame in January.

Charles Wiltse ’63, M '69 was recognized for his accomplishments in and commitment to cross country and track. He served as coach for cross country and track in the Baldwinsville Central School District from 1963 to 1984. The Syracuse YMCA also recognized him for community service in 1978.

“The cross country and track teams' coaches instilled in us the value of hard work that leads to lifelong success,” said Wiltse, who spent most of his career as a school administrator. “All these accomplishments that you heard really are not solely mine. Without the help from fellow coaches and colleagues, we would not have helped the many young athletes that we have served. Thank you very much for this honor, and go Lakers!”

Dick Johnson was the night’s final inductee, but the first inductee ever who did not play sports for the college.

He was recognized for his role in co-founding the Blue Line Club, whose members ardently support the Oswego men’s ice hockey team while fostering college and community spirit. He was also the Blue Line Club’s first president.

“It is certainly an honor to be the first non-athlete in the hall of fame,” Johnson said. “It’s been more than perfect.”

Any SUNY Oswego alumni can nominate a former athlete at any time. The deadline for 2011 Hall of Fame class nominations is Jan. 1. 

— Alma Hildago ’11

PHOTO CAPTION:
The 10th Oswego State Athletic Hall of Fame class included, back row, from left: James Hauptfleisch ’77, Barry Dillon ’85, Michael Snell ’87, Dick Johnson. Pictured front row, from left, are: Charles Wiltse ’63, M ’69; Robert Zabronsky ’82; and Eileen Sommers ’83.



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