Niagara Announces Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2009
NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara University Athletic Department will induct four members into the Niagara Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, as part of Purple Pride Weekend. The 2008 Hall of Fame Class includes Mary Cutia (Lacrosse), Amy Getman (Women's Basketball), Paul Laper (Football) and Tania Pinelli (Women's Hockey).
Tania Pinelli
After leading the Purple Eagles to the Frozen Four in 2002, Tania Pinelli closed out her career at Niagara with the title of First-Team All-American. Five years later, Pinelli still ranks as Niagara’s career leader in almost every goaltender category.
A native of Hamilton, Ont., Pinelli came to Monteagle Ridge in 1998, starting all 28 games as a freshman while posting a .915 save percentage and a 3.38 goals against average, earning ECAC All-Rookie Team honors.
In 1999-2000, she recorded five shutouts and posted a 15-11-3 record to garner Honorable Mention All-ECAC accolades. As a junior, Pinelli started 30 of 31 games for the Purple Eagles, compiling seven shutouts and a 1.88 goals against average, both of which rank second on Niagara’s single-season charts.
As a senior, the awards rolled in for Pinelli as the Purple Eagles made their magical postseason run. In addition to the All-America honor, she was also named ECAC Goaltender of the Year and selected as a Top-10 Candidate for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. Her 26 victories, eight shutouts and 1.46 goals against average in 2001-02 all rank first on NU’s single-season lists.
"It is an honor to be inducted into Niagara’s Hall of Fame. My experiences at Niagara as a student-athlete were some of the best and most meaningful times to this point in my life. The core values of integrity and compassion have helped me succeed in business, friendships, and further athletic pursuits."
Pinelli still ranks as Niagara’s career leader in shutouts (24), goals against average (2.17), save percentage (.925) and wins (67).
Pinelli, a two-time all-academic team selection in the ECAC, earned an accounting degree from Niagara in May 2002. She currently lives in Hamilton, Ont.
Mary Cutia
Mary Cutia’s time at Niagara can be classified as a time of first’s. She was an integral part of the first lacrosse win in school history, as well as the first MAAC Championship berth during her senior year. Cutia also sits in first place in career goals and points.
And so today it is only fitting that Mary Cutia becomes the first member of the lacrosse team to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
"It is a great and prestigous honor to be the first to represent the women’s lacrosse team in the Niagara University Hall of Fame."
Cutia came to Monteagle Ridge to be a part of the second year of the lacrosse program. During her sophomore year, the forward tallied 43 goals en route to a 5-7 record. As a junior, Cutia climbed the statistical charts with a then-school record 50 goals and 14 assists for 64 points.
The 2000 season, Cutia’s senior year, was quite possibly the best year in the history of the program. The team posted eight wins and reached the MAAC Championship game. Cutia set numerous school records in that season, including 52 goals for the year and a school record 171 for her illustrious career.
Mary (Cutia) Pluff currently lives in Las Vegas, Nev., with her husband, Aaron.
Amy Getman
Amy Getman began her Purple Eagle career as a role player and established herself as one of the greatest scorers in the history of the program.
"It is truly and honor to be considered and inducted into the Hall of Fame at Niagara University. Niagara taught me how to balance family, faith, academics and athletics, while providing me with the foundation needed to become a successful student-athlete and woman. I am grateful to the coaching staff, administration, and the Niagara family as a whole for the privilege and opportunity to play at such a nurturing University."
Getman was a perennial scorer for the Purple Eagles from the field and the foul line. A sharp-shooting guard, Getman finished her career at Niagara third in scoring (1,687) and tied for second in points per game (15.9). She made her mark at the free throw line, where she holds the school record in career free throws made (510), free throw percentage (.842) and the single season record in free throws with 196 in the 2000-01 season.
Getman cracked the 1,000 point threshold in her junior season and is the only player to have scored over 500 points in three seasons.
She scored 546 points as a sophomore, while getting to the charity stripe just four times. She then made a career at the free throw line, making 265 free throws during her final two seasons.
As a junior, Getman averaged 19.9 points per game with 556 points, the most ever by a Niagara player. She finished her career with 540 points as a senior, earning her third-straight First-Team All-MAAC honor.
Amy Getman-Herringshaw currently lives in Cazenovia, N.Y., with her husband, Adam, and their two-week-old daughter, Janna Claire Herringshaw.
Paul Laper
Paul Laper Sr. has a been a Purple Eagle as long as he can remember. Niagara has been a part of his entire life, including his time on the gridiron.
"Niagara has been a part of my life both spiritually and socially for my entire life. It’s where I met my wife, which is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
I got my first and only job, which was set up by the placement office at Niagara. Two of my children are graduates of Niagara.
Niagara has been a part of my whole adult life."
Laper was an integral member of the football program during his time on Montealge Ridge.
The 1950 team went 6-3-0, including victories over rival Buffalo, as well as a pair of shutouts against Brooklyn and Scranton.
After his time as a student-athlete, Laper has been a member of the Hall of Fame committee, as well as a life-long season ticket holder for the men’s basketball team.
Paul Laper currently lives in Lewiston, N.Y., with his wife Mary Joan.
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