Athletes from over 50 years of Loyola’s history were honored this year’s Loyola Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

This event honors Loyola alumni who made history or contributed greatly to their sport. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include a basketball player and coach featured in the New Orleans Sugar Bowl and the Louisiana Sports Writer’s Hall of Fame, school record holders and a NAIA Scholar Athlete who was a part of the 2003-04 cross-country team The Maroon considered “one of the best in sports history at Loyola.”

The 2013 inductees were Peter Finney, ’49, basketball player and coach, Kelly Fridge ’06, volleyball player and Michael Gulotta ’04, cross-country runner. In addition, Erwin Caswell, Jr. ’56, J.D. ’70 was honored with this year’s St. Sebastian Award for his positive influence on Loyola University Athletics and dedication to present and former student athletes over the years.

The ceremony was an exciting night for those who coordinated this event and attended.

“Whenever we get alumni together they always have wonderful stories about Loyola. I love to hear the memories that people have when accepting their award,” Allison R. Waldron, assistant director of Wolf Pack Athletics and member of the Alumni Association said.

“The Hall of Fame is a big thing and being able to witness it, hear coaches and speakers introducing the players into the Hall of Fame, and see people who used to play in athletics, is inspiring. I hope my coach does the same for me one day,” Cameron Hill, a mass communication junior who attended the Hall of Fame ceremony for the first time, said.

Hill, a member of Loyola’s men’s basketball team, attended the event to show support for his team and the inductees being introduced into the Hall of Fame.

Michael Giorlando director of Loyola Athletics and head coach of the men’s basketball team, worked closely with Brett Simpson and the Alumni Association on the brochure and script for the ceremony after the candidates were announced.

“As part of the ceremony, I assist handing out the awards and deliver a state of the athletics department speech,” Giorlando said.

According to Giorlando the event is “one of the better events we host that really has a positive impact on our alumni and their families.”

Giorlando said, “All recipients gave extremely nice acceptance speeches and Travers Mackel did a great job emceeing the event. Mr. Erwin Caswell, the St. Sebastian award winner, also gave a heartwarming speech.”

Giorlando appreciates that all of the recipients were very proud to be Loyola alumns and were very grateful for their Loyola experience on and off the field.

Shamara King can be reached at [email protected]