FOSA Program 2024 by Skidmore College

HALL OF FAME BENEFIT AND INDUCTION CEREMONY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024

The Evening’s Program

5:30 p.m.

REGISTRATION AND RECEPTION

Hall of Fame Lobby

6:15 p.m.

HEARTY HORS D’OEUVRE STATIONS

Intramural Gym

Catering by Skidmore College Dining Services

6:45 p.m.

WELCOME

Gail Cummings-Danson

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics

ALL IN TO WIN UPDATE

Carey Anne Zucca Collyer Vice President for Advancement

Brian DeMichele

Associate Director of Major Gifts

20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

James Ricker P’91, ’96, ’97 and Natasha Fahey ’07 Co-Chairs, Friends of Skidmore Athletics Committee

7 p.m.

REMARKS

Gail Cummings-Danson

Marc C. Conner

President, Skidmore College

HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS

Gail Cummings-Danson

CLOSING REMARKS

President Conner

2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

• student-athletes

Nicholas Laracuente ’11

Men’s Baseball

Lindsay Schmitt ’11

Women’s Soccer

Rachel Talanian ’17

Women’s Lacrosse

Jan Wivestad ’90

Men’s Golf

• special recognition

Leighton S. Jordan ’78 Polo

• Admin/Staff

Hilda Arrechea

Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball

• Team

1996 Riding Team

Skidmore College

• team of distinction

2014-15 Men’s Basketball Team

NICHOLAS LARACUENTE ’11

MEN’S BASEBALL

Nicholas Laracuente stands out as the most celebrated pitcher in the history of Skidmore’s baseball program. He holds nearly every pitching record, including all-time wins, with a total 23 victories and posting an impressive career ERA of 2.95.

He brought immediate impact to his team, earning the Liberty League Rookie of the Year award in his freshman year. By his senior season, his prowess had earned him the Pitcher of the Year title, marking him as the first player in the program’s history to win two major awards.

Laracuente’s remarkable season in 2010 included making the ABCA/ Rawlings New York Region Second Team and helping his team to a Liberty League Championship. He demonstrated his dominance by pitching a one-hitter and maintaining a standout 8-1 record with a 2.67 ERA across 11 appearances.

Laracuente’s senior year further solidified his legacy. Again earning a spot on the ABCA/Rawlings New York Region Second Team, he led his team with 76 innings pitched, striking out 57 batters while walking only 13, and limiting opponents to a .208 batting average. His leadership as team captain was instrumental in securing three consecutive postseason appearances, pitching a complete game in the final. He logged a school record 256.1 innings during his career and had a remarkable 3-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, 182/61.

Representing the Skidmore baseball program with the highest standards in unwavering commitment to excellence and sportsmanship, Laracuente will long be known for his competitive spirit and exemplary character. He played a significant role in elevating the program’s stature and fostering a positive and ambitious team environment.

LINDSAY SCHMITT ’11

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Lindsay Schmitt, a standout defender for the women’s soccer team, left a legacy of excellence that reverberates through the program to this day. Schmitt’s on-field success was matched only by her leadership, camaraderie, and dedication — traits that earned her a spot as one of the most impactful players in team history. Starting 18 games as a freshman, Schmitt quickly established herself as a key player. As a sophomore, she received All-Liberty League Second Team and NSCAA All-New York Region Third Team honors while maintaining her status on the Liberty League All-Academic Team. She was a Thoroughbred Society member in her junior and senior years.

In 2009, Schmitt’s prowess on the defensive end earned her NSCAA All-East Region First Team, ECAC Upstate Second Team, and All-Liberty League First Team selections. She was pivotal in her team’s strategy, starting all 19 games. Team captain in her senior year, Schmitt was named an NSCAA Division III First Team All-American, Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year, ECAC Metro/Upstate Defensive Player of the Year, and ECAC Metro/Upstate All-Star.

Known for her humility and focus, Schmitt was the epitome of a team-oriented player. Her dedication to the sport and to her teammates defined her tenure at Skidmore, as she consistently worked to elevate the entire team’s performance. Schmitt’s leadership style was not about being in the spotlight, but about fostering a supportive and positive environment and inspiring her teammates to strive for more both on and off the field. Her exceptional contributions embody the true spirit of collegiate athletics at Skidmore College.

RACHEL TALANIAN ’17

WOMEN’S LACROSSE

With unparalleled spirit, resilience, and determination, Rachel Talanian set new benchmarks in the women’s lacrosse program with her recordsetting performances and numerous accolades.

Talanian’s statistical contributions are nothing short of remarkable. In her standout 2017 season, she led the Liberty League in all major defensive categories. She set the Skidmore single-season records with 77 ground balls and nearly broke her own record of 50 caused turnovers, finishing the season with 48. Overall, she set the career record at Skidmore for both ground balls (228) and caused turnovers (145), showcasing her dominance on the field.

Talanian, two-time captain, also demonstrated versatility by contributing to the offense, finishing with six points, including two goals and four assists. In 2017, she set a single-game record with eight caused turnovers, underlining her impact in crucial matches.

Despite a significant setback in 2015 when she tore her ACL, Talanian returned stronger, culminating as the program’s first two-time IWLCA All-American in 2016 and 2017. Her defensive prowess was unmatched, winning her Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year consecutively in 2016 and 2017.

Talanian, as the third All-American in the history of Skidmore’s women’s lacrosse program and the first to receive the honor twice, has left a legacy that is a testament to her extraordinary talent and unwavering determination. Her records and accolades speak volumes, not only setting her apart in Skidmore’s history but also in the broader landscape of collegiate lacrosse.

JAN WIVESTAD ’90

MEN’S GOLF

Jan Wivestad epitomized excellence on the men’s golf team, setting a standard that resonates through the program today. At Skidmore, Wivestad distinguished himself as one of the top Division III golfers in the country with accolades and achievements that underscored his skill and leadership on the golf course.

Wivestad was a four-time All-Conference player, recognized as an NCAA All-District athlete for all four years, and named an All-American twice. His strategic insights and motivational skills played a crucial role in leading Skidmore to four conference championships. His outstanding play helped the team reach the ECAC Finals Championship and the NCAA National Championships four times each — a rare and commendable feat.

Wivestad helped lead the team to back-to-back, top 10 national finishes in 1989 and 1990, including an eighth-place individual finish in 1989.

As the captain in his senior year, he cultivated a team environment that valued dedication, strategy, and mutual support — qualities pivotal in team sports but especially critical in golf in which individual performance so significantly impacts the team’s results.

Continuing his golfing career beyond Skidmore as a PGA player and instructor, Wivestad was recently honored as a member of the Quarter Century Club for his 25 years of service to the PGA of America. His ongoing commitment to the sport and his achievements in the professional arena have continued to make him a standout figure in the golfing community. Wivestad’s journey from a collegiate athlete to a respected professional exemplifies the values of dedication, leadership, and excellence — traits that Skidmore aims to instill in all its student-athletes.

LEIGHTON S. JORDAN ’78

POLO, SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Leighton Jordan has been a pivotal figure in the development and promotion of polo at Skidmore College and beyond.

As a student, Jordan was one of the founders of Skidmore’s polo team. Since then, he has continued to support and connect with Skidmore polo students and alumni through the years. With his business administration degree and his network, Jordan was also instrumental in reintroducing polo to Saratoga, collaborating to establish the Saratoga Polo Association soon after graduation, further enriching the polo culture in upstate New York.

Jordan has tirelessly dedicated himself to the oversight of polo operations as managing director of Greenwich Polo Club, and he has played a crucial role in other polo clubs as well, including Yale Polo and Bridgehampton Polo Club.

His nine-year tenure as a U.S. Polo Association Northeast Circuit Governor highlights his continued influence and leadership in the sport.

Jordan’s legacy is one of sporting excellence and loyal patronage. He has been an integral part of the College’s Palamountain Benefit since it was launched 45 years ago by Anne T. Palamountain in 1979 to provide scholarship support for students to attend Skidmore. He also consistently employs his visibility and reputation in the polo world to advocate for the College, frequently citing his alma mater in interviews and public appearances. He has drawn attention to Skidmore’s polo program while enhancing the overall prestige of Skidmore College.

His contributions have advanced the game of polo and have also ensured that future generations of Skidmore students may continue to engage with and excel at the sport he loves so dearly.

HILDA ARRECHEA

HEAD COACH, WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Hilda Arrechea, head coach of the women’s volleyball program for 27 seasons, carved a legacy marked by passion, dedication, and outstanding success. Her steady leadership and perseverance built the team into a competitive force, with an impressive record of 552-339, which includes 15 consecutive winning seasons, 18 in total, and a school record of 38 victories in 1999 alone.

Under her guidance, the Thoroughbreds clinched four Liberty League championships and made eight appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament, marking them as a force in collegiate volleyball. Arrechea’s leadership earned her four Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year awards, underscoring her exceptional influence in the sport.

Beyond the court, Arrechea’s impact is measured by the success and character of her players, with her teams garnering more than 150 league playing and academic awards. Her student-athletes received 20 All-America honors and two players achieved College Sports Communicators Academic All-America awards, highlighting the dual emphasis on athletic and academic excellence. Two of her teams and five standout athletes have been inducted into the Skidmore Athletics Hall of Fame.

Arrechea’s legacy at Skidmore extends beyond wins and trophies. She fostered a culture of integrity and mutual respect that emphasized personal growth as much as athletic achievement.

“Hilda has been the face of Skidmore volleyball since 1995, and it is challenging to fully describe what Hilda has meant to the overall success of the program,” said Skidmore Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of Athletics Gail Cummings-Danson. “She not only built a winning program but also shaped a community that thrives on respect, hard work, and a deep love for the game.”

1996 RIDING TEAM

SKIDMORE COLLEGE

The 1996 riding team epitomizes equestrian excellence, capturing the national spotlight with a formidable performance at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championships. With strategic prowess and exceptional skill, the team clinched their fourth national title in seven years, underscoring its dominance in collegiate equestrian sports. The historic win not only reinforced Skidmore’s reputation as a powerhouse in equestrian sports but also showcased the collective spirit and dedication of its riders, making the 1996 team an emblem of Skidmore’s enduring legacy in collegiate equestrian competition.

Riders who competed on the National Team

Allison M. Aston ’96, Courtney P. Boyd ’97, Jeyran A. Ghiassi ’98, Vanessa L. Mann ’97, Robin C. McCreight ’99, Emma L. Shiver ’98, and Ellie U. Zuehlke ’96.

Cindy M. Ford, Head Coach

2014-15 MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM TEAM

OF DISTINCTION

The 2014-15 men’s basketball team captured a series of historic firsts and set a new standard for excellence within the program, marking a pivotal season in Skidmore basketball history.

For the first time, the players achieved a milestone 20-win season, signaling their arrival on the national stage. They clinched their first-ever victory in the NCAA Tournament, a significant accomplishment that highlighted their competitive edge. They also dominated the regular season and conference, securing the Liberty League title as the No. 1 seed for the program’s third conference championship, and first as the top seed.

Their success had a ripple effect, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere at every home game and earning the team a place among the top 10 in defense nationally for Division III basketball. Their achievements laid the groundwork for back-to-back conference championships in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.

The 2014-15 team’s legacy is characterized by groundbreaking success, community impact, and a familial bond among players that transcended the basketball court. Their unity, skill, and determination not only won them championships but also set a precedent that would inspire Skidmore teams for years to come.

2014-2015 Men’s Basketball Team

Doolun Anyam ’16, Martin Bedulskij ’18, Isaac B. Carp ’16, Vavrinec Cermak ’17, Marcus A. Jackson ’19, Perun Kovacevic ’15, Benjamin H. Louchheim ’18, Eric J. Lowry ’15, Aldin Medunjanin ’17, Connor D. Merrill ’15, Royce Paris ’17, Erik J. Sanders ’16, Tyler S. Victoria ’17, Nicholas J. Volpe ’16, Nanribet D. Yiljep ’15, Joseph D. Burke, Head Coach, John Mantas ’12, Assistant Coach, Matt Chatham, Strength and Conditioning Coach

CONGRATULATIONS

TO ALL OF TONIGHT’S INDUCTEES

Hall of Fame Nominating Committee

2023-2024 Membership

Nicholas Coppola ’09

Athina Cornell ’91

Gail Cummings-Danson

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics

Rob Hutchison ’07

Head Ice Hockey Coach

Susan Koppi

Senior Director for Stewardship and College Events

Kyle Lancto

Associate Director, Athletic Communications and Marketing

Nataly Mendoza ’13

James “Bucky” Polk ’89

Lacey Walsh

Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Jonathan Waterman ’96

Gifts in Kind

Brian Shea/Alacrity Frame Workshop

To view the full list of Past Inductees to the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame, please scan the QR code with your mobile device or visit: www.skidmore.edu/fosa/hof/inductees/

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