By Akash Bhatia

Seven new athletes were inducted to the Fordham University Hall of Fame at a ceremony that took place on Saturday. The athletes will join an exclusive group that includes Vin Scully, Frankie Frisch, Peter Harnisch and Vince Lombardi.

The new Hall of Fame inductees included Erin Brooks, GSB ’04, who played softball, Dominique Liguori Damian, FCRH ’09, who played tennis, and Marcus Stout, GSB ’08, who played basketball. Kevin Sullivan, GSB ’74, who played water polo, and Marcus Taylor, GSB ’07, who played football were also honored. In addition, two former track and field runners, Mark Porcaro, FCRH ’04, and Matthew DiBuono, FCRH ’09, were inducted.

The ceremony began with a short introduction from the Director of Athletics Dave Roach and Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., President of the University. They announced other notables who were present at the ceremony. This included Robert Fairfield, director of athletic development and associate director of athletics, members of the Hall of Fame selection committee and members of the Student-Athlete Advisory committee.

The master of ceremonies was Michael Kay, play-by-play broadcaster for the New York Yankees and host of “The Michael Kay Show.” Kay began the ceremony simply, saying that, “Seven people that have played for Fordham will now forever be part of the Hall of Fame.”

The first person to be inducted was Matt DiBuono, who won five Atlantic 10 titles and set the school record for hammer throw and 35 lb. weight throw. DiBuono was unable to attend, so Tom Dewey, the track and field coach, accepted the award on his behalf.

Next was Erin Brooks, who “excelled on and off the field,” as she was awarded Academic All-American honors twice. Brooks set the Fordham record for runs scored in a season as she led the Fordham softball team to its first ever 30-win season in 2003.

Third was Dominique Liguori, who had a 57-4 career singles record, including an unbeaten streak during her final two years. She was also First Team All-American in 2007 and 2009. Kay said “To make this even more special, Bette-Ann and Dominique Liguori just became the first mother-daughter in the Fordham Hall of Fame. That is some strong Fordham DNA.”

The next athlete to be inducted was Marcus Stout, who is sixth on the Fordham all-time men’s basketball scoring list. Stout was also a two-time team captain.

Kevin Sullivan was a valuable member for both the water polo and swimming squads. As described by Kay, “Despite not having played the sport before arriving at Fordham, Sullivan led the team to four straight Eastern Championship appearances.”

Marcus Taylor was described as a top defensive player for the Fordham football team. Some of his accolades include 2006 All-American and Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. He was a team captain for two years as well. Taylor brought up both of his beautiful daughters to the stage with him as he accepted the induction in a touching moment.

The final player to be inducted was Mark Porcaro, who was the team MVP four times. Porcaro holds the Fordham 400m indoor record. Porcaro was asked to speak for the entire inductee class.

“How grateful and honored I am to be here today and represent this talented group of individuals,” Porcaro said. “I really speak for all my inductees when I say Fordham is home to us.”

Many athletes thanked their families. Taylor said his mother always supported him, as she told him, “Family first. Treat everyone how you want to be treated and never stop competing.” Dominique Liguori also had kind words for her mother, saying she “Recognized my talents at an early age and guided me.”

Others wanted to thank their teammates, coaches, and most importantly. “The Fordham Jesuit principles, especially men and women for others, gave me the direction and courage I needed,” Brooks said.

“The people I met at Fordham were truly a gift from God. They prepared me for the steps ahead,” Sullivan said.
“We all have a gift to don the black F and set the world on fire. We will always be welcome home and proud to be rams,” Porcaro said.

Following the ceremony, the Hall of Famers attended the men’s basketball game between Fordham and Saint Louis, a game that was televised on NBC Sports network. The Hall of Fame class was introduced to the crowd at halftime.