GCC Announces 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class

BATAVIA, NY (09/09/2015)(readMedia)-- The Genesee Community College office of Alumni Affairs along with the Athletics Department are pleased to announce the 2015 class of inductees into the Cougar Athletic Hall of Fame. This fifth class of honorees will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend September 25-27, 2015. The induction will take place Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 4 p.m. in Room T119 of the Conable Technology Building.

The Selection Committee identified three outstanding individuals and one team to be inducted this year. Inclusion in the Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor bestowed by the College on its alumni and supporters, and recognizes the outstanding athletic achievements of individuals and teams of every era who have fostered athletic achievement and sportsmanship at the College.

The 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction class includes:

• Dale Pearce - Swimming and Diving, 2003-2005

Dale Pearce was a 14-time College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) All-American and a 5-time Region 3/Northeast District champion for Genesee Community College. Pearce held 17 out of 19 possible records during his time at the College and ended his career holding 13. He was an all-region selection six times and set three Region 3/Northeast District records. Pearce helped Genesee to its first ever invitational win at SUNY Cobleskill in 2003 and was named Athlete of the Week three times while at GCC. He continued his academic and athletic career at The (SUNY) College at Brockport where he swam for two years. He was team captain in 2006-07 and set records in the 200 yard Medley Relay and 200 yard Backstroke. He is currently in the top-ten all-time in 13 out of 20 different events. Pearce earned his Bachelor's Degree from Brockport in Physical Education and completed his Master's Degree in Career and Technical Education from Buffalo State College. He is currently pursuing his second Master's Degree in Athletic Administration and works at Monroe Community College as a Technical Assistant and is an assistant coach with the men's and women's swimming and diving teams. He resides in Brockport, NY with his wife, Meghan.

• Ryan Gugel - Baseball, 2006-2007

Ryan Gugel was a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American, two-time All-Western New York Athletic Conference (WNYAC) selection, and the Region III Player of the Year in 2007 for the GCC baseball team. A Batavia native, Gugel set multiple school records during his two years at the College and is currently the record holder for highest batting average in a single season (.490). He signed a full scholarship to attend the University at Albany and played baseball for the Great Danes for two years, earning first-team all-conference honors during both seasons. Gugel hit three homeruns in a single game twice during his college career, once at Genesee and once at Albany. At the completion of his collegiate playing career, Gugel signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. He began his major league career with the organization's rookie team in Clearwater, FL and played with the Williamsport Crosscutters (PA) of the New York Penn League (Single A) and the Lakewood BlueClaws (NJ) of the South Atlantic League (Single A). Gugel completed his Bachelor's Degree in Sports Administration from The (SUNY) College at Brockport and currently resides in Batavia, NY.

• Tracy Obonna - Women's Volleyball 2005-2006

Tracy Obonna was a two-time National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American, two-time Region III Player of the Year and two-time all-conference selection as a member of the GCC volleyball team. Her teams advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament in both seasons she played for the College. Obonna was also named a Student SUNY Chancellor's Award winner while at Genesee, an award honoring students with outstanding leadership and achievement. She received a Division I scholarship and continued her volleyball career at Youngstown State University (OH) after GCC. Tracy has since pursued a career in acting and modeling and has appeared in movies, television commercials and theatre. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Theatre Arts from the University at Albany and an MBA Master's Degree in International Business and Finance from Nova Southeastern University and serves as CEO of Sediore Cosmetics. Obonna currently resides in North Brunswick, NJ.

• 2010 Women's Soccer Team

The 2010 GCC women's soccer team reached the No. 1 ranking in the country and advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship game. The team holds the school record for most wins (19), fewest losses (2) and most goals scored (79) in a single season. Head Coach Kelly Starchok was named the Region 3 Coach of the Year and Jessie Jaszko was named the Region 3 Player of the Year. Members of the team include: Dzindzi Asamoah-Wade, Ali Cashmore, Jasmine Coley, Mollie Culmone, Kelsey Fenton, Cady Hume, Jessie Jazko, Jessica Klug, Shelby Koenig, Jessica Laudico, Brittany Luckey, Sarah McGrath, Anna Mucha, Catherine Mucha, Kristen Paris, Marissa Pecora, Carly Shaw, Katie Smith, Emily Troup, Jessica Veltre, Shelby Walsh, Adele Zeh and assistant coach Megan Grapensteter.

"We are excited to once again honor the tremendous accomplishments of some of our former student-athletes," said Kristen Schuth, Athletic Director at GCC and selection committee member. "This year's induction class once again highlights the special talents our athletes have, both in the classroom and in competition."

The induction ceremony will take place during Homecoming 2015 weekend. The three honorees and team will be inducted and celebrated on Saturday, September 26 at 4 p.m. in Room T119 of the Conable Technology Building on the Batavia Campus. Family and friends of the inductees are welcome to attend.

For further information or photos of the inductees, please contact Jackie Christenson, Alumni Coordinator at 585-343-0055 x6265 or email: jkchristenson@genesee.edu

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