BOSTON – Stand-out performers, record-setting Rams and a stand-up supporter make-up the ninth installment of the Suffolk University Hall of Fame, the Class of 2022, the Athletics Department announced Wednesday.
The Class of 2022 will be honored in an appreciation dinner Friday, Oct. 14 at Suffolk University’s Sargent Hall Keches Room at 6:00 p.m. Tickets to the celebration can be purchased here.
“After a three-year break, we’re excited to get our community back together next month and celebrate some of the best-of-the-best of Suffolk Athletics’ history,” Director of Athletics Cary McConnell said. “It is the highest honor we may bestow on our athletes and supporters, and these five individuals and distinguished team are more than deserving of this recognition.”
McConnell continued, “Congratulations to all and we cannot wait to welcome you back to campus to celebrate.”
The Suffolk Athletics Hall of Fame honors and perpetuates the memory of athletes, friends, coaches and supporters, which performed and contributed at the highest level of intercollegiate athletic competition, while at Suffolk University. Selection is based primarily on athletic accomplishments, integrity, sportsmanship and character. Individuals other than athletes may be named to the Hall of Fame in recognition of their services and dedication to Suffolk University’s athletic program. The inductees have been selected by a vote of a selection committee of Suffolk Athletics affiliates, including alumni and athletic administrators.
The Class of 2022 of the Suffolk University Athletics Hall of Fame includes three men, two women and one team representing four different athletic programs.
Among the members of the Class of 2022 is an All-American, baseball’s Darwin Hernandez, who had one of the most consistent bats during his time in blue-and-gold and has his named scattered throughout the record books in nearly every offensive category.
From the hardwood, women’s basketball’s AnnChristine Kruse, a consistent double-double performer.
Ellis “Sonny” Lane competed between the lines of the diamond in 1962 and 1964 through 1966, and laced up his sneakers on the basketball court for the Rams' intramural squad under the guidance Emeritus Director of Athletics, Hall of Famer James E. Nelson, for two seasons as well.
From the ice comes Mike “Hammer” Hamilton, who graduated in 1988 with the fourth-most points in the Rams’ record books.
A long-time Rams supporter in her word as a student journalist for The Suffolk Journal Maureen Pirone also received the call.
In the team category, the 2005 softball squad, the first team in program history to surpass the 30-win mark, made a run at the GNAC Tournament, as well as earned a bid to the ECAC Tournament. Anchored by one of the Rams’ most decorated pitchers, Hall of Famer Erin (Pagel) Carey and coached by 2005 GNAC Coach of the Year Elaine Schwager.
The members of the Class of 2022 of the Suffolk University Athletics Hall of Fame are:
- Mike “Hammer” Hamilton, BSBA ’88, MBA ’95 – Men’s Hockey
- Darwin Hernandez, BS ’98, MSCJ ’02 – Baseball
- AnnChristine Kruse, BSBA ’90 – Women’s Basketball
- Ellis “Sonny” Lane, BA ’68 – Baseball
- Maureen Pirone, BA ’89 – Rams Supporter
- 2005 Softball Team
THE SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
The Suffolk University Athletics Hall of Fame will recognize the outstanding achievements of former athletes, coaches and others who have played a most significant role in the history of athletics at our University.
The Suffolk Athletics Hall of Fame, which held its first induction ceremony in 2007, will increase in size to 71 members this fall broken down by 53 student-athletes, four head coaches, 10 teams and four special honorees.
For a more insider’s look at the 2022 Suffolk University Athletics Hall of Fame Class be on the lookout for the Hall of Fame series, which will be published on GoSuffolkRams.com leading up to the event. Specific publication dates on inductees are below:
- Tuesday, Sept. 20 - Mike “Hammer” Hamilton, BSBA ’88, MBA ’95 – Men’s Hockey
- Thursday, Sept. 22 - Darwin Hernandez, BS ’98, MSCJ ’02 – Baseball
- Tuesday, Sept. 27 - AnnChristine Kruse, BSBA ’90 – Women’s Basketball
- Thursday, Sept. 29 - Ellis “Sonny” Lane, BA ’68 – Baseball
- Tuesday, Oct. 4 - Maureen Pirone, BA ’89 – Rams Supporter
- Thursday, Oct. 6 - 2005 Softball Team