By Zoebelle Bean, Aquinas Reporter
The Hall of Fame banquet and reception hall – Photo by Zoebelle Bean
Kicking off this year’s Homecoming was the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 20. Over 50 different people– alumni, current athletes, coaches, and faculty alike– came to celebrate. The night began with a buffet followed by a keynote address by this year’s new Athletic Director, Ronald Reeves, and an induction.
Every year, another sports team is inducted into the Hall of Fame, with this year being the Cross Country team. Cross Country had three tables reserved for them, filled to the brim with old alumni coming to celebrate.
Out of the 27 total sports teams at Aquinas, so far 12 have been honored in the Hall of Fame. In order for a team to be inducted, the team in question must have made it to a Nationals tournament and have existed for ten years beyond that Nationals competition. Former student-athletes must have graduated five years previous to be considered for a nomination into the Hall of Fame as a standalone athlete for their contributions to their team.
Jodie Borowicz’s team had already been inducted years before and she came to support her fellow athletes. She graduated in 1993 and had played softball all four years.
“The catcher and I were good friends… I loved going to Nationals with the team and being inducted into the Hall of Fame a few years back.” said Borowicz.
Jodie Borowicz, left, being interviewed by Zoebelle Bean, right. Photo by Abigail Vallance (timer)
Other alumni came back to remember their time as a student athlete and honor what they’d accomplished.
Kennadie Minerich, a 2024 graduate, said, “My favorite memory from my time at Aquinas was bus trips with the Lacrosse team.”
Many current sports teams helped set-up and run the event, including the Dance, Cross Country, and Baseball teams. The tables and seats at the event are sold to the attendees and much of the proceeds help fund future athletic endeavors.
This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame was a huge success and the college looks forward to many more to come.
The Saint 