UTICA, NY - The Utica University athletic department has begun its search for the next group of Pioneer legends who will stamp their legacy with a selection and induction to the Pioneer Hall of Fame this coming Fall. If you know someone who made a lasting impact on Utica University athletics and deserves to be recognized for their actions, please consider making a nomination to the Pioneer Hall of Fame!

The Pioneer Hall of Fame was established in 2008 to celebrate the dedicated student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and benefactors whose extraordinary achievements express the values of Utica University and the spirit of competition within a lifelong learning environment.

Alumni Eligibility: An alumnus is eligible for nomination at any time beginning five years after graduating from Utica University. The Athletic Hall of Fame Committee may use its discretion in exceptional/extraordinary circumstances for non-graduates of the college.

Coach/Administrator Eligibility: Coaches and administrators who are not Utica University alumni shall be eligible five years after leaving the college.

The most recent class of inductees featured four impactful figures from all different programs and eras. Goaltenders Adam Dekker and Jenny Lounsbury comprised half of the class, with the men's hockey and field hockey legends being recognized for their stalwart years in net for their respective programs. Legendary linebacker Eric Kahl became the seventh Utica football athlete inducted into The Hall. Lastly, men's swimming & diving welcomed their first inductee, as Pete Tarnapoll '79 rounded out the highly-touted Pioneer Hall of Fame Class of 2025. 

All of these inductees were honored during Homecoming weekend, each speaking to the campus community at a special event that celebrated their induction into the ranks of Pioneer royalty. 

Do you know our next inductee? Please submit a nomination online using the link in our Pioneer Hall of Fame tab, or by following this link to the nomination area: Pioneer Hall of Fame Nomination Form

For additional information about the Pioneer Hall of Fame, or to view past inductees, please visit the Pioneer Hall of Fame tab within the Inside Athletics tab on our homepage, or head to this link: Pioneer Hall of Fame Information

The Pioneer Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be selected and released in the coming months, so nominate a potential inductee today!