An administrator, two athletes, and a team make up this year's induction class for Utica College's Pioneer Hall of Fame

Utica College is set to host its fifth annual Pioneer Hall of Fame & Senior Student-Athlete Recognition ceremony, sponsored by Anaconda Sports, in the Harold T. Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium on Saturday, April 28, 2012.  The 2012 induction class includes recently retired Director of Athletics Jim Spartano, former Division I men's basketball stand-out Keith Walker, All-American women's basketball player Jessica Berry and the College's first-ever women's basketball team (1949-50). 

Those interested in attending can register online at www.utica.edu/hof or they can call 315.792.3053.

The Pioneer Hall of Fame was established in 2008 to celebrate the dedicated student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and benefactors whose extraordinary achievements express the values of Utica College in the spirit of competition within a lifelong learning environment.

2012 Induction Class

Jim Spartano - Administrator & Coach

Jim 'Doc' Spartano's Hall of Fame career could not be judged simply by wins and losses. Instead his legacy will carry on through the 1,000's of student-athletes, coaches and colleagues that he mentored and inspired throughout his 38 year tenure.  The phrase "positive experience" was not a term that was taken lightly by Spartano, and through his tireless efforts and student-first approach, he was able to create and maintain a culture of fairness and success that reached far beyond any playing surface.  He truly embodied the mission of the department by ensuring that a positive student experience remained paramount at all times and his ability to connect with students, faculty and staff has undoubtedly left an impression on the College that will live on for years to come. 

Keith Walker '85 - Men's Basketball

When Keith Walker '85 put up a shot Head Coach Larry Costello and the rest of the Pioneers knew that there was a favorable chance the scoreboard was about to register two more points for Utica College's Division I men's basketball program. It's not that Walker took the most shots on the team, it's that he always played within himself, and because of that he is the only UC basketball player ever to grace the NCAA Division I record books. 

Jessica Berry '11 - Women's Basketball, All-American

Jessica Berry '11 stormed on the Utica College basketball scene in 2007 and from that point forward she began her ascent to the top of the women's basketball record books through hard work, dedication and unmatched athleticism.  The Rome, NY native not only turned the College's record books upside down, she also solidified herself as one of the best NCAA Division III players in history after becoming just the 11th woman to score over 2,000 points and register more than 1,000 rebounds in a career. 

First Women's Basketball Team, 1949-1950

The first women's basketball team consisted of Jean Halladay, Jean Soter, Elsie Shemin-Roth (Captain), Mildred Leepa, Paul Robbins, Jonnie Koch, Iris Davidson, Vivian Bienenfeld, Janet Fahning and Head Coach Hank Scalise. 

The inaugural varsity women's basketball team at Utica College persevered and succeeded in a time when college athletics were reserved strictly for males.  In this respect, the 1949-1950 women's basketball team truly personified the nickname "Pioneers".