Celebrating 20 years of supporting student-athletes
With inspiring stories and a record fundraising effort, Skidmore College hosted the 20th annual Friends of Skidmore Athletics (FOSA) Hall of Fame Benefit and Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 5.
The new Hall of Famers include a long-serving volleyball coach, student-athletes from men’s baseball and golf and women’s soccer and lacrosse, standout championship equestrian and men’s basketball teams, and the co-founder of the College’s Polo team. The event is a partnership between the Department of , the Office of Advancement, and FOSA.
Head coach Joe Burke, whose 2014-15 team earned team of distinction honors, brought his current squad to the ceremony because he wanted his players to “see what true winners look like — on the court and in life — and also to understand the way the Saratoga community and Skidmore campus embraced and loved them.”
On the fundraising front, every varsity team — players and coaches alike — met their All In To Win targets, which helped raise $380,161 for Skidmore student-athletes, exceeding their goal for the eighth straight year.
It was a fitting accomplishment for FOSA’s 20th anniversary — celebrating the steady growth of Skidmore athletics and the increasing support for the programs. FOSA Co-Chair Natasha Fahey ’07 introduced a compelling anniversary video that spelled out this positive momentum.
“This event is a great example of what being a student-athlete is all about: teamwork, commitment, and the joy of being part of something bigger than oneself,” said President Marc C. Conner. “And seeing our remarkable alumni back on campus to share their stories and celebrate their accomplishments is marvelous.”
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics Gail Cummings-Danson said she had the privilege of introducing the new Hall of Famers on behalf of a “passionate group of alumni, parents, coaches, and staff who collectively want to see our student-athletes excel at the highest level.”
Hilda Arrechea
Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball
In her 27 seasons courtside, Hilda Arrechea had a 552-339 record, including 15 consecutive winning seasons, eight NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, and four Liberty League championships. Along the way, her coaching team was recognized with four Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year awards. Arrechea’s student-athletes received 20 All-America honors and two earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-America awards.
Coach Arrechea fostered a culture of integrity and mutual respect that emphasized personal growth as much as athletic achievement.
Nicholas Laracuente ’11
Men’s Baseball
Nicholas Laracuente is the most celebrated pitcher in Skidmore men’s baseball program history, having garnered the most all-time wins (23) and the best career ERA (2.95), as well as being named Liberty League Rookie of the Year and Pitcher of the Year his senior year. His remarkable 2010 junior season (8-1, 2.67 ERA) included making the ABCA/Rawlings New York Region Second Team (he earned it again in 2011) and most importantly, helping his team to a Liberty League Championship.
My four years at Skidmore were some of the best of my life. … I want to thank all those who helped me achieve this honor because I promise that I would not be here without them. … Most importantly, I want to thank my parents. My father is with me tonight and even though my mother passed away 10 years ago, I know she’s looking down on us tonight with a smile. She was at every single game, yelling and screaming to cheer us on.Nicholas Laracuente ’11
Lindsay Schmitt ’11
Women’s Soccer
In 2009, the defensive talent of Lindsay Schmitt earned her NSCAA All-East Region First Team, ECAC Upstate Second Team, and All-Liberty League First Team selections. The following year, as a senior captain, she was named 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. Schmitt was a Thoroughbred Society member as a junior and senior.
Known for her humility and focus, Schmitt was the epitome of a team-oriented player.
Rachel Talanian ’17
Women’s Lacrosse
Showcasing her defensive determination, Rachel Talanian holds the Skidmore Women’s Lacrosse record for both picking up ground balls (228) and caused turnovers (145). In addition to being the program’s third All-American, the two-time captain is also its first two-time IWLCA All-American. Talanian was named Liberty League Defensive Player in both her junior and senior years. These accolades are all the more remarkable considering she tore her ACL as a sophomore.
Talanian’s records and accolades speak volumes, not only setting her apart in Skidmore’s history but also in the broader landscape of collegiate lacrosse.
Talanian was unable to attend the ceremony and will be recognized next year.
Jan Wivestad ’90
Men’s Golf
Jan Wivestad was a four-time All-Conference player who was recognized as an NCAA All-District athlete all four years and named All-American twice. He helped the golf team reach the ECAC Finals and NCAA National Championships four times each, including back-to-back, top-10 national finishes in 1989 and 1990. He continued his golf career beyond Skidmore as a PGA player and instructor.
Wivestead was recently honored as a member of the Quarter Century Club for his 25 years of service to the PGA of America.
Leighton S. Jordan ’78
Polo, Special Recognition
As a student, Leighton S. Jordan was one of the founders of Skidmore’s Polo team, and later was instrumental in helping establish the Saratoga Polo Association. He is the managing director of the Greenwich Polo Club and played a crucial role with other polo clubs including Yale and Bridgehampton. He served nine years as a U.S. Polo Association Northeast Circuit Governor.
Jordan has been an integral part of the College’s Palamountain Benefit since it was launched 45 years ago in 1979. The annual event provides scholarship support for Skidmore students.
1996 Skidmore Riding Team
The 1996 riding team won its fourth Intercollegiate Horse Show Association national title in seven years.
Riders who competed on the championship team:
Ellie U. Zuehlke ’96, Allison M. Aston ’96, Courtney P. Boyd ’97, Vanessa L. Mann ’97, Jeyran A. Ghiassi ’98, Emma L. Shiver ’98, and Robin C. McCreight ’99. Cynthia M. Ford, was the head coach.
The historic win not only reinforced Skidmore’s reputation as an equestrian powerhouse but also showcased the collective spirit and dedication of its riders, solidifying their legacy in collegiate competition.
2014-15 Men’s Basketball Team
The 2014-15 team captured a series of historic firsts and set a new standard for excellence within the program: A milestone 20-win season, a first-ever victory in the NCAA Division III Tournament, a Liberty League championship (first as a top seed), and a top 10 national defensive ranking.
Team members:
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, and Nanribet D. Yiljep ’15. Coaches/staff: Head Coach Joseph D. Burke, Assistant Coach John Mantas, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Chatham.
I brought my current team to this event because I want them to see what true winners look like — on the court and in life … and also to understand the way the Saratoga community and our campus embraced and loved them. It was truly remarkable.Head Coach Joseph D. Burke
Eleanor Lee Ford '14, who boasted a singles record of 47-15 and a doubles record of 56-26 and was inducted into the Hall of Fall in 2023, was also recognized at this year's ceremony. Her remarkable performance on the court earned her three-time All-American honors in doubles. In 2014, she was team captain and named Liberty League Player of the Year.