Six Cabrini alumni were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the second annual induction dinner on Friday, Sept. 28.
Those inducted were F. Eugene (Fitz) Dixon Jr. and Edith Robb Dixon, Roseanne Carfagno Corcoran, Jessi Valerio Gougler, Megan Johnston and Tom Lemieux.
In 2006, the Athletic Hall of Fame was established to recognize individuals who have contributed to the success and growth of the athletic program.
The dinner took place in Grace Hall after a cocktail and social hour in the mansion.
Opening remarks at the banquet were given by Athletic Director Leslie Danehy and President Antoinette Iadarola.
Shortly after dinner was served each inductee was recognized by administration or their head coach and each of them received a standing ovation.
Iadarola inducted the Dixons as friends of Cabrini College Athletics. Since 1973, Mrs. Dixon has served on the Board of Trustees and she and her late husband have contributed to the George D. Widener Center, the Dixon House, the Dixon Center, the tennis facilities and the state-of-the-art artificial grass lower field.
“We are attempting in a small way to repay them for what they have done for the college,” Iadarola said. “We are honoring them for being great friends to the college.”
Iadarola also said that the Dixon’s did not just write a check out to the college to fund these facilities but they are very big supporters of the school as well.
Corcoran was introduced by former softball coach and history professor James Hedtke. Corcoran, who transferred as a junior, was a two-time All-Pennsylvania Athletic Conference honoree and earned the Most Valuable Player honors both seasons, as well as serving as team captain her senior year. The 1994 graduate led the team in every offensive category for two years. In her senior year she took the Cavaliers to the finals of the PAC Championships in the league’s first year sponsoring the sport.
Gougler, of the class of 1999, was inducted by head field hockey and lacrosse coach Jackie Neary for her outstanding athletic performance. Gougler, still the top career scoring leader in field hockey, also ended her lacrosse career at Cabrini with three All-PAC selections. In the team’s second year of existence, she helped the team to the title game of the conference championship.
Former softball coach Bridget Baxter Orchard introduced Johnston of the class of 2002. Johnston was inducted for her four All-PAC honors and three All-Regional Team picks. As a junior, Johnstson was named to the All-American First Team after leading the Cavaliers to placing third in the country.
“All of these honors and records would not be possible without the help of my teammates,” Johnston said. “I was a good player because of them and their skills.”
Honored for his outstanding men’s lacrosse performances, Lemieux was introduced by head men’s lacrosse coach Steve Colfer. Lemieux finished his four-year career at Cabrini as the all-time leading scorer. The two-year captain also helped lead the Cavaliers to PAC crowns in both 2001 and 2002.
“Without my unbelievable teammates and coaches this honor would not be possible,” Lemieuz said.
The event ended with closing remarks from Hedtke in which he extended a heart-felt congratulations to each of the inductees.
Nomination forms for the following Hall of Fame induction can be found online for anyone to fill out at www.cabriniathletics.com. Each nominee is considered and the final inductees should be annoumced by the end of the 2007-2008 academic school year.
