The inaugural class of the Fayetteville-Manlius School District Athletic Hall of Fame has been selected and includes two former coaches, four athletes, a community member and a former boys basketball team.
“This first class represents a foundation of excellence for the new Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Scott Sugar, F-M’s director of physical education and athletics. “The athletic department has fostered many athletes, coaches and teams who have achieved great accomplishments during their time at F-M. We are excited to be able to highlight them to motivate and inspire our current student-athletes.”
In spring 2016, the district established the Fayetteville-Manlius Athletic Hall of Fame to recognize the many great individuals who have made the athletic department a special part of the F-M educational experience.
The first class of the Hall of Fame will be recognized at half-time of the home varsity football game on Sept. 16 and an induction ceremony will take place on Sept. 17.
The Class of 2016 members are:
• The 1954-55 Boys Basketball Team: Onondaga County champions, New York State Section III champions (the highest level of achievement at that time)
• Thomas Hall: served as an F-M volunteer coach since 2000, former F-M High School history teacher, football coach and founder and coach of boys lacrosse team (1964-1999)
• Al Vedder: F-M High School Social Studies Department chairman, F-M Teachers’ Association chief negotiator and high school building president, coached football and lacrosse at the collegiate level (1959-1985)
• Kevin Hanlon: F-M turf field fundraising committee member (2009-11)
• Kathy Mills: girls cross country and indoor track teams (1972-76)
• Tom Rafferty: boys basketball, lacrosse and football teams (1968-72)
• Greg Rinaldi: boys basketball, lacrosse and football teams (1980-84)
• Kristen Taylor: girls cross country, indoor track and lacrosse teams (2001-05)
Former athletes, coaches, and teams are eligible annually for the honor, as are others who have made significant contributions to student-athletes or the interscholastic athletic department. Criteria for each of the four nomination categories is available on the Hall of Fame section of the district website.
Nomination forms are available here or by contacting the athletic office at 692-1919. Completed forms for the next class are due to the athletic office by May 1, 2017.
A confidential selection committee made up of nine current and former coaches will review nominations and choose the honorees. In addition, the director of athletics and physical education serves as the selection committee chairman and a non-voting member.
Individuals not selected remain in consideration for upcoming classes.
