Alfred State Announce 2015 Hall of Fame Class
Five new members will be inducted into the Alfred State athletic hall of fame on Friday, October 16th. Wrestler James Wheeler (1960-62), lacrosse player Steve Douglas (1999-2001), football player Matt Hewitt (2004-06), and volleyball players Brianne McMahon (2006-08) and Jenni Jerome (2007-09) make up the 2015 hall of fame class.
Wheeler was one of the top Alfred State wrestlers of his era. He was undefeated in regular season competition during his two years competing for the Pioneers.
In the 1960-61, Wheeler and the Pioneers were 3-1-1. Wheeler, who wrestled at 157 lbs., was one of three Pioneers to earn a 3rd place finishes at the NJCAA National Championships. His only loss of the season was a one point, 4-3 decision in the national semifinal.
In the 1961-62 season, he was a capatin and one of three undefeated wrestlers that helped the Pioneers to a 7-1 overall team record. At the end of the year, Wheeler was named the 1962 recipient of the Alfred State athlete of the year award.
Douglas is one of the best all-around offensive players in Alfred State lacrosse history. Douglas scored a program best 114 career goals, recorded 132 career points, and picked up 285 ground balls.
As a freshmen playing attack, Douglas scored 67 goals, passed out 11 assists, and picked up 117 ground balls. For his accomplishments he was named the Alfred State freshmen athlete of the year.
As a sophomore in 2001, he moved to midfield and became a dominant face-off man. He finished the season with 47 goals, seven assists, and 168 ground balls. He was a captain of the 11-2 that rose into the national spotlight and became one of the first two NJCAA All-Americans in program history.
Hewitt was one of the top defensive playmakers in Alfred State football history. He was a two time All-Northeast Football Conference selection while finishing his career with 190 tackles and seven interceptions.
During his freshmen season, Hewitt led the Pioneers with 103 tackles. 41 of his tackles were solo and six were for a loss. He also intercepted four passes, recovered three fumbles, and forced another fumble.
In 2005, he led Alfred State with 87 tackles despite missing two games. 40 of his tackles were solo and six were for a loss. He intercepted three passes and recovered on fumble.
After Alfred State, Hewitt transferred to the University of Arkansas where he recorded 181 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. He appeared in the Capital One Bowl and the Cotton Bowl during his team with the Razorbacks.
McMahon is the only volleyball player to earn NJCAA All-American honors in consecutive years. During her playing career, the Lady Pioneers were 68-9, won the first Region III Championship since 1977, and finished tied for 5th at the NJCAA National Championships.
During her freshman season, McMahon helped the Lady Pioneers to 32-3 record and a Region III Runner-up finish. She recorded 212 digs, 177 kills, and 45 service aces in 66 games en route to be named 2nd team All-American, Region III Player of the Year, 1st team All-Region, and 1st team All-WNYAC.
In 2007, McMahon and the Lady Pioneers won the Region III Championship, finished tied for 5th at the NJCAA National Championships, and accumulated a 36-6 overall record. McMahon recorded 467 digs, 435 kills, and 76 service aces. She was named 1st team All-American, Region III Player of the Year, 1st team All-Region and 1st team All-WNYAC. For her solid season, she was named the Alfred State Senior Athlete of the Year.
Jerome is the only Alfred State volleyball player to play on the back-to-back National Championship qualifying teams in 2007 and 2008. While she wore the blue & gold, the Lady Pioneers were 74-10.
During her freshmen season, Jerome was named 1st team All-WNYAC and Alfred State Freshmen Athlete of the Year after recording 326 digs, 308 kills, 57 blocks, and 36 service aces. The team finished 36-6, won the Region III Championship, and finished tied for 5th in the country.
In 2008, Jerome played in all 110 games and had 378 kills, 364 digs, 46 aces, and 21 blocks. The Lady Pioneers finished 38-4, won their second straight Region III Championship, and finished 4th in the country. She was named honorable mention NJCAA All-American, 1st team All-Region, 1st team, All-WNYAC, and the Alfred State Senior Athlete of the Year.
For her career she finished with 696 digs and 686 kills to go along with 78 blocks.
The hall of fame ceremony will be held in the Cappadonia Auditorium at 6 p.m. on October 16th. For more information on the event contact: Paul Welker - welkerpm@alfredstate.edu
