FRIENDS OF SKIDMORE ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME BENEFIT AND INDUCTION CEREMONY
SAT U R DAY, S EP T EMB ER 3 0, 20 23
SEPTEMBER 27 − OCTOBER 1, 2023 To give a gift now, please scan the QR code with your mobile device or visit:
www.skidmore.edu/allintowin
Thank you for your participation!
The Evening’s Program 5:30 p.m. REGISTRATION AND RECEPTION
Hall of Fame Lobby
6:15 p.m. HEARTY HORS D’OEUVRE STATIONS
Intramural Gym
Catering by Skidmore College Dining Services WELCOME, ALL IN TO WIN UPDATE
Gail Cummings-Danson,
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics
Brian DeMichele
Associate Director of Major Gifts
James Ricker P ’91, ’96, ’97 and Natasha Fahey ’07 FOSA Co-chairs REMARKS
Gail Cummings-Danson Carey Anne Zucca
Collyer Vice President for Advancement
Adrian Bautista
Dean of Students, Vice President for Student Affairs PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS TO THE 2023 EQUESTRIAN TEAM HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS
Gail Cummings-Danson and Adrian Bautista CLOSING REMARKS
Adrian Bautista | 1 |
2 | FOSA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY 2023
2023 HALL OF FAME
INDUCTEES • Admin/Staff
James Tucci
Head Coach, Rowing
• student-athletes
Spencer Cheng ’11 Men’s Tennis
Jimmy Sherpa ’14 Men’s Tennis
Scott Grillo ’10 Men’s Lacrosse
Eleanor Lee Ford ’14 Women’s Tennis
Ashley Woodhouse Slade ’07 Women’s Riding
• special recognition
Stacey T. Gerrish ’87 Men’s/Women’s Skiing
• team of distinction
2012 Baseball Team
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JAMES TUCCI
HEAD COACH, ROWING Jim Tucci’s name is synonymous with Skidmore College rowing. As the head coach for 35 seasons, he was the masterful architect of the men’s and women’s rowing programs. “He dedicated his life to rowing and committed so much time and effort throughout his career at Skidmore,” says Gail Cummings-Danson, assistant vice president of student affairs and director of athletics. “We are forever in debt to him.” Tucci began coaching in 1980 and came to Saratoga Springs after a brief stint as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Division I Jacksonville University. As an undergraduate, Tucci took home a gold medal at the Dad Vail Regatta, the largest intercollegiate rowing event in the United States. He also competed in the Olympic Sports Festival. He was a U.S. National Team candidate from 1981 to 1984. Drawing on his own experiences as a rower and his vast knowledge of the sport, he crafted a training regimen at Skidmore that emphasized technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and mental resilience. Under Tucci’s leadership, the Skidmore rowing program has flourished, achieving remarkable success both regionally and nationally. Year after year, his crews consistently competed for conference titles and qualified for prestigious national championships. The program’s growth and success are a testament to Tucci’s ability to cultivate talent, motivate his athletes, and foster a winning mentality. His unwavering commitment to excellence has made Skidmore College a force to be reckoned with in the rowing community.
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SPENCER CHENG ’11 MEN’S TENNIS
Spencer Cheng, who came to Skidmore as its lowest-ranked recruit, became one of the most influential players and leaders on the men’s tennis team over the last 15 years. Cheng’s prowess on the court was evident, achieving All-American status in doubles, reaching a national ranking as high as No. 5. His talent extended to singles as well, securing a victory against a top-10 ranked opponent in the nation. He won All-Liberty League honors in singles twice and once in doubles. A natural leader who fostered a cohesive and motivated team environment, Cheng was selected as captain by his teammates during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He received the Skidmore Senior Male Athlete Award and was named team MVP his final year. He was also honored the same year with the ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award for the Northeast. A math and business major from Bainbridge Island, Washington, Cheng was an outstanding student as well, recognized by the Thoroughbred Society four times. He was named to the Liberty League All-Academic and ITA All-Academic teams all four years he was at Skidmore. Cheng went on to earn his MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management in 2017. Cheng was an exceptional student-athlete. His impact both on and off the court elevated the performances of his teammates and contributed to the success of the men’s tennis program.
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JIMMY SHERPA ’14 MEN’S TENNIS
Jimmy Sherpa, a stellar athlete, represented the men’s tennis team with distinction. He was unanimously selected to the All-Liberty League team in doubles during his freshman and sophomore years, and to the All-Liberty League team in doubles as both a junior and senior. During his junior and seniors years, he also was unanimously named to the All-Liberty League in singles. For his play in singles as a sophomore, he was an All-Liberty League Honorable Mention. Sherpa’s skills and experience in doubles made him a perfect match with his teammate, Spencer Cheng ’11. They captured the fall ITA Championship, propelling Sherpa to All-American status. He served as captain in both his sophomore and senior years. Sherpa excelled in the classroom as well. Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, he came to Skidmore from Vancouver, British Columbia, and majored in economics and mathematics. He was honored as a member of the Thoroughbred Society as a sophomore and junior, and made the Liberty League All-Academic team as a junior. An outstanding athlete who exemplified the ideals of dedication, teamwork, and excellence, Sherpa left a lasting mark on Skidmore College and the men’s tennis program.
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SCOTT GRILLO ’10 MEN’S LACROSSE
Scott Grillo, the standout long pole close defenseman for Skidmore College, left an indelible mark on the men’s lacrosse team. His defensive prowess was unmatched, as he consistently marked the best attackman on opposing teams. Grillo holds the team single game caused turnover record with seven. His exceptional stick skills and ability to cause turnovers made him a formidable force in shutting down opposing offenses. Grillo’s defensive acumen earned him numerous accolades, including selection as a second team NCAA All-American and 2010 Liberty League Men’s Lacrosse Player of the Year. Additionally, he was named a threetime Liberty League First Team All-Star. Captain in his senior year, Grillo embodied the essence of a leader, setting the highest standards for Skidmore lacrosse and inspiring his teammates. He led by example, displaying unwavering dedication, accountability, and a commitment to the team’s success. He ensured that all team members understood their responsibilities as athletes, fostering a culture of excellence. His exceptional performance on the field, coupled with his leadership qualities, set him apart as one of the finest lacrosse players and leaders in the program’s history. Off the field, Grillo excelled academically, receiving honors including the Liberty League All-Academic Team membership. He was not only a remarkable athlete but also a role model for underclassmen, leaving a lasting impact on their development as players and individuals.
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ELEANOR LEE FORD ’14 WOMEN’S TENNIS
Eleanor “Lee” Ford’s achievements, national recognition, and exceptional leadership make her one of the most revered and influential players in the history of Skidmore women’s tennis. Throughout her career, Ford boasted a singles record of 47-15 and a doubles record of 56-26. Her remarkable performance on the court earned her three-time All-American honors in doubles, achieved with two different partners. In 2014, she was team captain and named Liberty League Player of the Year. Ford has succeeded at the highest levels in Division III tennis. She competed and won key matches at team NCAA championships, individual NCAA championships, ITA National Indoors, and ITA Oracle Cup Fall Nationals. In 2012, she ranked No. 17 in the nation in doubles and finished in fourth place at the ITA Oracle Cup Fall Nationals. In 2013, she finished at No. 8 in the nation, and was ranked as high as No. 4 throughout the year in doubles. She earned No. 14 in the nation in doubles and advanced to the NCAA doubles championship quarterfinals in 2014, which was the first Skidmore doubles team to advance that far since 2001. “Lee’s resilience and commitment to her team allowed her to overcome physical challenges and excel as a student-athlete at the national level. She displayed outstanding leadership to each of her teammates, which contributed to strong camaraderie and ultimately the team’s success,” says Head Women’s Tennis Coach Curt Speerschneider. “Her impact on the program will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.” 8 | FOSA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY 2023
ASHLEY WOODHOUSE SLADE ’07 WOMEN’S RIDING
With an unwavering dedication to excellence, Ashley Woodhouse Slade made an indelible mark on the women’s riding team. Serving as captain for two of her four years, she was an inspiration to her teammates, pushing them to surpass their own limits with her remarkable accomplishments at the regional, zone, and national levels. In her first postseason with the team, Slade earned the Regionals Open Flat Championship. Then, in 2005, she found her stride, winning the Reserve Champion in Individual Open Fences at both the Regional and Zones competitions before triumphing as Champion in the Individual Open Fences at the IHSA National Horse Show. At the same Nationals, Slade earned the coveted Cacchione Cup Championship, a two-phase competition where the top 32 Open riders in the country compete. Slade’s accomplishments on the national stage for three out of her four years on the team are exceptional. Throughout her college career, she thrived under pressure, demonstrating the level of hard work and dedication needed to be a successful student-athlete and always coming through for her team. Since graduating as a management and business major, Slade has continued her passion with horses and is a well-respected professional in the equestrian industry.
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STACEY T. GERRISH ’87
MEN’S/WOMEN’S SKIING, SPECIAL RECOGNITION Stacey T. Gerrish, a remarkable figure in the world of skiing, has made significant contributions as an athlete, instructor, mentor, author, and leader. At Skidmore, she showcased her racing skills as a varsity ski team member for three years. After graduating as a business major, Gerrish worked in the marketing department of Killington Ski Resort in her Vermont hometown before moving to Colorado in 1989. She started her long career as a ski instructor at the premier skiing facility, Beaver Creek Resort. She has been the manager of training and quality at Beaver Creek Ski & Snowboard School since 2005. In this capacity, she trains and educates the resort’s 800+ person instructor staff. Her expertise has been instrumental in shaping training manuals and course materials and leading clinics and training sessions throughout the world. Gerrish was selected to the Beaver Creek Alpine Demonstration Team, first as a member and then as captain and coach (1994-2008) before becoming head judge in 2019. Gerrish was also a National Powder 8 competitor in Vermont and Colorado. She won the New England Powder 8 Championships and the USA Women’s Powder 8 Championships in 2009. Gerrish is a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored with the prestigious PSIA-AASI Educational Excellence Award in 2021. She has changed the world and touched the lives of millions of people through her love of a sport that ultimately became her profession and calling. 10 | FOSA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY 2023
2012 BASEBALL TEAM TEAM OF DISTINCTION
In a remarkable display of determination and grit, this exceptional team etched its name in Skidmore history by clinching the 2012 Liberty League Championship. The victory paved the way for a coveted spot in the 2012 NCAA Division III Tournament. Facing significant odds, the Thoroughbreds won four straight elimination games to win the Liberty League Championship, including a 3-1 win over host St. Lawrence in the title game. The team displayed sportsmanship of the highest degree, tremendous growth, and unparalleled cohesiveness while representing both Skidmore Athletics and the College with the highest level of professionalism. The team established a lofty benchmark for future teams and laid the groundwork for continued success in recruiting top talent. The Thoroughbreds’ accomplishments were nothing short of remarkable and garnered immense respect and admiration from all. The team’s unwavering commitment and outstanding achievements will forever be remembered as a gold standard for baseball at Skidmore College, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. 2012 Baseball team
Andrew P. Bannon ’15, Alexander C. Barber ’13, Nicholas R. Barra ’15, Matthew F. Barra ’15, Kevin M. Cross ’15, Isaac L. Forman ’14, Jesse B. Frehling ’14, Geoffrey T. Green ’13, Daniel G. Johnstone ’14, Jordan F. Keysor ’13, Elliot M. Kreitenberg ’14, Brian M. Lowry ’12, Max R. Martins ’13, Daniel A. Miller ’15, Michael H. Pannozzi ’13, Alexander J. Pavelock ’14, Nicholas C. Petrella ’15, Lionel J. Pollacchi ’13, Casey B. Quinn ’13, Zachary J. Rudman ’12, Robert M. Safir ’14, Jeremy J. Selecky ’14, Jeffrey F. Spindel ’14, Matthew F. Tatkow ’13, Erik Watkins ’14, Justin Willig ’15, Ronald R. Plourde, Head Coach, J.T. Tellstone, Assistant Coach, Eric Thompson, Assistant Coach | 11 |
CONGRATULATIONS
TO ALL OF TONIGHT’S INDUCTEES Hall of Fame Nominating Committee 2022-2023 Membership
FOSA Leadership Council 2023
Nicholas Coppola ’09
Co-Chair
Athina Cornell ’91 Gail Cummings-Danson
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics
Rob Hutchison ’07
James Ricker P ’91,’96,’97 Natasha Fahey ’07 Co-Chair
Phil Benanti P’23 Christine Benanti P’23
Head Ice Hockey Coach
Nicholas Coppola ’09
William Jones P’18
Athina Cornell ’91
Senior Athletic Communications Manager
Melvis Langyintuo ’12
Alumni Association Board of Directors, Chair of Athletics
Lacey Largeteau
Head Women’s Soccer Coach
Nataly Mendoza ’13 Michael Sposili
Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and College Events
Jonathan Waterman ’96
Kate Gurley ’89 Andrew Hughes ’92 Ian Maag ’18 Jeff Martin ’04 Patrick McEvoy ’03 Douglas Pilawa ’12 James “Bucky” Polk ’89 Rebecca Shenkman ’03 Berke Tinaz ’16 Jon Waterman ’96
Gifts in Kind Brian Shea/ Alacrity Frame Workshop Stewart’s Shops
To view the full list of Past Inductees to the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame, please scan the QR code with your mobile device or visit: www.skidmore.edu/fosa/hof/inductees/ 12 | FOSA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY 2023
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Staff Megan Buchanan Associate Athletics Director Gail Cummings-Danson Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics Brian DeMichele Associate Director, Major Gifts and Athletics Liaison Ian Farrell Assistant Vice President for Development and Strategy Susan Koppi Director of College Events, Office of Alumni Relations and College Events Carissa Miles Associate Director, Office of Alumni Relations and College Events Michael Sposili Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and College Events Brian Stephenson Associate Director for Skidmore Fund