Hofstra Update

Vol. 19, No. 1, Spring 2006

Hofstra Announces Establishment of Athletic Hall of Fame

Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz and the Hofstra Pride Club have announced the establishment of the Hofstra University Athletic Hall of Fame. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the accomplishments of the student-athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters who have made extraordinary contributions and brought distinction, honor and excellence to Hofstra University Athletics.

Wayne Chrebet, Jr.

Nomination forms for the 2006 Hall of Fame inductees were available on the Hofstra Athletics Web site. The inaugural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala Dinner was held February 25, 2006, at Chateau Briand in Carle Place, New York. The mandates for candidates were that they be of good character and exemplify the citizenship expected of persons representing the interests of Hofstra University. Student-athletes are eligible beginning 10 years after receiving their degree from the University. A person who did not graduate from the University may be nominated upon a majority vote of at least six committee members and approval from the University president. Coaches and administrators who have made outstanding contributions to Hofstra Athletics are eligible for nomination and election upon retirement or conclusion of their employment with the University.

"We are excited about the creation of the Hofstra Hall of Fame," Hofstra Director of Athletics Jack Hayes said. "It is extremely important for us to remember and honor the men and women who made this outstanding athletic program what it is today. We will have a tremendous pool of potential candidates from almost 70 years of Hofstra Athletics."

Prior to the Hall of Fame Dinner on February 25, the honorees were recognized at a half-time ceremony at the Hofstra Men's Basketball vs. Drexel game at the Hofstra University Arena. Honorees inducted in the 2006 Athletics Hall of Fame are:

Crystal Boyd, a four-year member of the Hofstra Softball team and a two-time All- America selection, led Hofstra to its first-ever NCAA appearance in 1993 and holds six single season records, seven single game records and three career records for the Pride. Crystal was also named an Academic All-American on three occasions and went on to play three years in the Women's Professional Softball League. She is a member of the Long Island Softball Hall of Fame.

Irving Burton played baseball and basketball at Hofstra from 1949 through 1952, and signed with the New York baseball Giants organization after graduation. He was named Metropolitan Baseball Conference Most Outstanding Pitcher in 1951 and set the conference record for strikeouts. Irving was an All-New York State selection in baseball, and also led the basketball team in rebounding for three straight seasons.

Wayne Chrebet, Jr., a four-year letterwinner on the Hofstra Football team and an 11-year veteran of the National Football League with the New York Jets, twice led the Pride in receiving and set the single season and career touchdown marks with 16 (1994) and 31, respectively. He was Hofstra's first 1,000-yard receiver in 1994 and set a school record with 245 receiving yards in a game at Delaware, while tying the NCAA I-AA mark with five touchdowns.

Nick Gallo, a wrestling student-athlete, and an All-American and NCAA champion at 126 pounds in 1977 (Hofstra's only national wrestling champion), also earned the 1977 NCAA Championship Outstanding Wrestler Award, and was a three-time NCAA qualifier and two-time conference champion. In 1976 he was an alternate for the U.S. Olympic team. In three seasons as head coach of the Hofstra program, Nick posted a 34-19 record, with nine conference champions and 10 NCAA qualifiers.

Dr. Sylvia Giallombardo was the first director of women's athletics at Hofstra (1961-79), while also serving as chair of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department (1961-85) and then as associate provost and associate dean of faculties. Sylvia also coached the Women's Basketball team from 1958 to 1974 and, as director of women's athletics, instituted volleyball and women's lacrosse programs and created scholarships for women's athletics.

Liz (Irwin) Knauss played on the Women's Basketball team for four years and is Hofstra's all-time leader in assists with 828. Liz also ranks sixth on the career-scoring list and sixth on the all-time steals list. Her teams posted a 92-40 record in her four years and claimed an Eastern AIAW Division II Championship in 1982.

Walter Kohanowich, Hofstra's first five-sport athlete - earning letters in football, baseball, track, lacrosse and wrestling from 1948 through 1952 - was a three-year captain of the Football team and a two-year captain of the Baseball squad. He was a three-time Little College All- American in football and his football jersey, #33, was the first to be retired at Hofstra... | more |