On September 23, seven Stevens alumni were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, marking the first induction ceremony in nearly three years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The seven alumni were Thorpe Aschoff, David Decker, Brittany (Fuller) Jones, Ellyn (Griggs) Barth, Ron Maurer, Todd Sheridan, and Melanie Volk.
Aschoff ‘28 was a dual-sport athlete, lettering in both baseball and basketball. He played competitive baseball well into his 30s; after graduating he played in the Metropolitan Basketball League. He spent 30 years as an engineer at Con Edison while also serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and later became a flight instructor. He is the third alumnus who participated in intercollegiate athletics during the 1920s or earlier to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
Decker ‘10 was one of the top goalkeepers in the extensive history of the men’s lacrosse program at Stevens. Accumulating 503 saves over a career of 45 games, he ranked ninth in the program’s record for all-time saves. In 2008, his best statistical season, he tallied 185 saves across 17 games to earn a national sixth-place ranking in save percentage (0.664) and a national seventh-place ranking in a goals-against average (6.50), and these rankings stand second and first respectively in Stevens’ history.
Jones ‘10 was a dual-sport athlete, participating in both basketball and volleyball. While playing basketball, she amassed 1.373 career points over 116 games, leading to her being ranked fourth in program history, along with 719 rebounds, 116 blocks, and accumulating 213 three-point baskets. While playing volleyball, she collected 243 kills and 108 blocks over 36 matches, a great feat considering she only played for the team during her senior year.
Barth ‘11 was a three-year starting goalie on the field hockey team. She helped the team win its first conference victory, first conference championship, and first NCAA win. She accumulated 247 saves over 63 games and ranked among the top in the program in goals-against average, shutouts, and victories. Barth is also the only goalie in program history to have a goals-against average of under one. She was also a member of the track and field team, earning accolades for her performance there as well.
Maurer ‘87 spent three years with the men’s lacrosse program, accumulating 498 career saves, ranking ninth in program history. He ranks among the top single-season performances in Stevens lacrosse history from his save percentages of 0.652 and 0.651 in 1984 and 1985 respectively. He received many individual awards, such as the John Sim Award for the senior who contributed most to the sport of lacrosse, and the 1987 Gear and Triangle for the best athlete of the graduating class.
Sheridan ‘10 was a member of the men’s soccer team and posted a record of 37 goals and six assists across 81 matches. He was a key player to the team, as the program reached the postseason in each of his four seasons. Additionally, with his help, the team in 2006 went 18-0-3—marking the first season without a loss in 66 years. He co-holds the program record for goals in a single match, four goals, which is from his performance in 2006. Moreover, one of his most unique feats is that he ended his college soccer career with a goal in his final shot.
Volk ‘09 was a member of the women’s volleyball team, helping to achieve four consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament. She amassed an astonishing 1,493 kills and 202 blocks over 151 matches, leaving her among the program’s top in both career kills and total points. In 2008, she was the recipient of the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Year award and an honorable mention All-American from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
In addition to recognizing the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, the President’s Cup was awarded to the wrestling team. This past season was one for the books, as current alum, Brett Kaliner became the first national champion in program history following a 29-0 season. Alongside Kaliner’s accomplishment, senior Kyle Slendorn and junior Stefan Major received All-America honors following their performance at the NCAA Division III national championship, and the team placed fifth of 70 teams at the national championship with only three wrestlers competing. Coaches Joe Favia and Anthony Bonaventura were named the National Wrestling Coaches Association Southeast Region Coach and Assistant Coach of the Year, respectively. This is the second time the wrestling team was awarded the President’s Cup after winning in 2017. The President’s Cup was first awarded in 2006.
Be First to Comment