SUNY Oneonta Names New Athletics Hall of Famers

How exciting is must be to be honored by your college school with the high honor of induction into the college's Hall Of Fame.  The thing that always makes this so special is that many times the nominating committee reaches way back to include inspirational athletes and coaches from years long ago.  And some "newer" alumni as well.  That is the case of this year's 2021 Hall of Fame Class for SUNY Oneonta. 

The inductees span several graduating years from 2008 back to   the class of 1968.  This year's class will include six former athletes and one Honorary Inductee bringing the total number of individuals to 160 including 16 Honorary Inductees.

The SUNY Oneonta athletics department is pleased to announce the 2021 class of Hall of Fame Inductees.  The 22^nd class will be enshrined on Saturday, Dec. 11^th at 1:30pm in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House.

In a press release, the inductees were described as such:

Lee Aldrich ('63) was a top, two-sport athlete from 1959-63 in soccer and tennis.  In soccer, he was a defensive standout earning SUNYAC All-Conference and All-State honors twice during his career.  In tennis, Aldrich was the team's No. 1 singles player.

Andrea Bradford ('01) was a four-year starting catcher for the softball team during one of the most successful four-year runs in program history.  During her career, the Red Dragons compiled a record of 113-45 while capturing two SUNYAC titles and appearing in a pair of NCAA tournaments.

Patricia Kennedy ('74) made her splash in the pool as one of the top swimmers of the mid-to late 60's.  During her career, she set numerous individual pool and school records.

Lou Neira ('89) was a four-year standout on the hardwood for the Red Dragons in the late 1980's.  He finished his career with 1,042 points, which is currently 12^th all-time.

Velan, who grew up in nearby Stamford, has the distinction of being the only four-time All-American in the history of the women's soccer program.  She was twice selected as the SUNYAC Player of the Year while being a four-time, first team All-Conference selection.

Williams was a four-year starting catcher for the Red Dragons from 1989-93.  He was team Co-Captain for his junior and senior seasons and was selected as A SUNYAC First Team catcher in 1993.  That same year he was the SUNY Oneonta Male Athlete of the Year.

Ingersoll spent more than 30 years at SUNY Oneonta primarily in the role of University Police Chief.  After receiving his Doctorate, he added Associate Vice President for Student Development to his title and given the responsibility of overseeing the athletics department.  During the 2006-07 year, he served as the Interim Director of Athletics.

These are just brief descriptions of the new inductees achievements.  For a fuller look at each CLICK HERE.