History of the Geneseo Sports Hall of Fame

The Geneseo Sports Hall of Fame began in May of 1972 with the induction of longtime coach and physical educator Ira S. Wilson. Wilson coached basketball, baseball, track and golf at the college and the college's ice arena was named in his honor in 1974.

The college added coach Frank Akers and coach James Welch in 1974 and inducted the first student-athletes in 1980 with the addition of three sport stars Fred Brown, '55 and Don Checho, '60, and basketball standout Ed Robota, '75.

In 1984, the college expanded the Hall by honoring individuals on an annual basis and began by inducting six student-athletes and two contributors that year. The college has recognized three to four individuals each year since.

The Hall of Fame Induction ceremony has evolved over the years. The first few ceremonies took place at halftime of a basketball game and for four years the inductees were honored at the annual President's Recognition Dinner. In May of 1988, the Hall of Fame ventured out on its own by having the first of 10 Geneseo Sports Hall of Fame Luncheons and in 1998 the committee further moved the ceremony to an evening dinner event. In 2001, a recommendation was made to shift the Hall of Fame dinner to Homecoming weekend in October, a natural progression for the alumni event.

In addition, the Hall of Fame committee began a new tradition in 2000. The committee began to recognize and celebrate pioneers of athletics who made significant contributions to the Geneseo athletic program with the category, "Legends of the Knights". This category was created for those individuals who may not have the statistical clout or Geneseo tenure for Hall of Fame consideration but, nonetheless, made a profound impact on athletics at Geneseo.

To nominate a deserving student-athlete, coach, administrator or contributor, please complete and return the nomination form.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2019 GENESEO SPORTS HOF INDUCTION CEREMONY (SATURDAY, NOV. 16, 2019)

SUNY GENESEO Sports Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Geneseo Sports Hall of Fame Members