Hall of Fame Dinner - The Class of 2011
-The Greater Rochester Chapter of USLacrosse held their 2011 Hall of Fame dinner last night at the Burgundy Basin Inn in Pittsford. 
With another "record" set for attendance, almost one hundred and fifty lacrosse fans and celebrities gathered to honor this year's class.
The evening started with Chapter President Al Kerstein welcoming the
fans and family and helping Al McLiverty to present a National USLacrosse Chapter Grant to the ROC E6 program which teaches lacrosse to City of Rochester youth. Art Alvut and Arkee Allen, along with three players from the program accepted the $2,500 grant after which Kerstein brought out a second check of $1,500 from the local chapter. Just before the end of dinner, there was a third announcement. Knighthawks owner, Curt Styres, who was contacted by phone, asked Team President Lewis Staats to announce that the organization would match the amounts, giving the ROC E6 program a total of $8,000.
Brighton women's lacrosse coach Rich Curtis, who was inducted in 2009 and was presented by Jeanne DelSignore, returned the favor this year, speaking about the well-known hand surgeon and "lax fanatic". He was assisted by Jeanne's daughters Sarah and Rachel who made the trip from out of town to surprise their mother. Bates College Head Coach and popular columnist for Inside Lacrosse magazine, Peter Lasagna was presented by his wife Holly and Inside Lacrosse Editor, John Jiloty. Current Towson Head Coach and championship player, Shawn Nadelen was introduced by his brother Chris, and several generations of Nadelens looked on. Nazareth College Sports Information Director and Assistant Athletic Director, Joe Seil presented long-time friend, colleague and current Head Coach Rob Randall.
After Chapter President Al Kerstein's opening comments, Emcee Mike Riorden welcomed the class of 2011 and the families, friends and the large group of lacrosse "dignitaries" that included eighteen former Hall of Famers.
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Jeanne DelSignore, M.D.
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Brighton women's Head Coach Rich Curtis introduced Jeanne DelSignore, returning the favor when she introduced Rich in 2009. He spoke of their long association with Jeanne as an off-season coach, a parent of his players and her supportive role helping as a physician. His remarks were followed by comments from Jeanne's daughters Sarah and Rachel who talked about their mother as a coach and parent. Jeanne then took the podium and thanked the many people in her "lacrosse life" and spoke about a number of special moments. At one point she talked about being at a lacrosse tournament and helping a young man who broke his arm in a game. With the nearest hospital many miles away, she, after family consultation, reduced the fracture at the field before sending the boy to the hospital. The young man, whose arm she set, was at the dinner. When he stood to be recognized, Jeanne said she felt he was one of the bravest people she knew. HIGHLIGHTS:
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Peter Lasagna
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Peter Lasagna was introduced by both his wife, Holly, and the Editor of Inside Lacrosse, John Jiloty. Both presenters had playful stories of life with Peter. Holly spoke of her great pride in her husband's many accomplishments as a coach and a mentor. John spoke about the varied topics about which Peter has written in the magazine over eleven years. Peter started by talking about how he first wondered why he was selected this year. After reflection he felt that the honor was appropriate given the body of his thirty years in coaching. He often poked fun at himself, but was clearly pleased with the turnout of old classmates and football teammates from Brighton who came to the dinner. Thanking the many coaches in his own career, Peter was very complementary as he spoke of the men who taught him the foundations of being part of a team and being their coach. "I am so fortunate to get to do what I do and to mentor young men through this game," he said at the end of his acceptance speech. HIGHLIGHTS:
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Shawn Nadelen
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Shawn Nadelen was introduced by his older brother Chris who told a number of stories about growing up in the Nadelen family. Sprinkled in among his listing of Shawn's lengthy resume as a player and coach were stories of being "beaten" by his aggressive younger sibling. Family was often the subject of Shawn's speech, talking at length about his parents and others who have supported and followed his carrier. Among his stories was his follow up of one started by his brother. In January of 2010, after being selected as a member of the USA team, he severely injured his knee. After immediate surgery and with great determination and family support, he went through aggressive rehab and by July of the same year, was able to compete in Manchester, England and help win a gold medal for Team USA. HIGHLIGHTS:
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Rob Randall
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Joe Seil was the last presenter, and spoke of his long association with Rob, focusing on the quality of the man while reciting his long and distinguished resume. Rob took his whole acceptance speech to thank the people around him. He spoke about each of the other inductees, citing personal experiences with each of them. He then thanked the many people in his life who have contributed to his successes. He spoke of early years and how his parents made every event. He talked about the impact of his coaches at Irondequoit and then later at Herkimer, Nazareth and West Point. Speaking at length about how his decision to coach has become a family commitment; how the whole family feels up with a win and down with a loss. "My wife would say I live in a dream world but I say I am living out a dream." HIGHLIGHTS:
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The original announcement article, containing more biographical information is available in the news section. A copy of the dinner program is also available.
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Fairport at Rush-Henrietta -
Penfield at Greece
