NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara University Department of Athletics is proud to announce the members of the 2017 Hall of Fame Class. The induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 21 at 4 p.m. in the newly-renovated Clet Dining Commons on the campus of Niagara University.

The 2017 Hall of Fame Class is comprised of: Walter Garcia '08 (men's tennis), Rosie (Luzak) Lamphere '04 (women's soccer), Tyrone Lewis '10 (men's basketball), Rev. Vincent J. O'Malley, C.M., and the 2009 women's volleyball team. 

Garcia is the all-time leader in singles wins (73) in Niagara men's tennis history. Garcia bookend his career with MAAC Rookie of the Year (2005) and MAAC Player of the Year (2008) honors.

Lamphere is the MAAC record holder for most career goals with 69 and is second in points with 157. She currently holds the MAAC single-season record for goals (25), goals per game (1.39), points (57) and points per game (3.17) set in 2002, while her 1.39 goals per game led the NCAA.

Lewis made history as the first freshman to earn MAAC Tournament MVP as he helped Niagara to the 2007 MAAC Tournament title. He finished his career as the only player in MAAC history to record 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, and 200 steals.

Father O'Malley has played a major role in Niagara University Athletics throughout his decades of service. As the assistant to the President for 11 years, Father O'Malley was instrumental in the hiring of the first men's and women's hockey coaches, the construction of Dwyer Arena, and renovations to the Gallagher Center. A true advocate for all student-athletes, the award given to the male and female student-athletes who have excelled each season is named in his honor.

The 2009 volleyball team captured the program's first-ever MAAC Championship with a then-program record 23 wins and a then-program record 15 conference wins. The Purple Eagles' plus-17 win increase from the previous season was the biggest improvement in the nation. NU boasted the MAAC Coach of the Year (Susan Clements), MAAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player and MAAC Defensive Player of the Year (Hannah Hedrick), and the MAAC Setter of the Year (Michelle James).

To reserve a place at the luncheon and induction ceremony, please contact Hayley Besaw at 716-286-8600 or heb@niagara.edu. Tickets are $35 and seating is limited.