By Nick Pipitone

When Drexel University guard Bashir Mason's last-second shot fell short and Pride men's basketball held on for a 70-68 win this past Saturday night at Hofstra Arena, the 5,047 fans in attendance erupted.

To a select 17 in attendance, though, the win was even more meaningful. Later that night they would be inducted into the University's newly formed athletic Hall of Fame at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place and they collectively marveled at the great improvement in Pride athletics.

"We are light years ahead in every aspect," John Schmitt said, referring to the program's improvement since his days as a three-time letterman for the football team. "Our football and basketball teams have really come into their own."

While Schmitt conceded that he would like to see more support and publicity for the Pride, he and the rest of the inductees spoke volumes about the amount of progress that University athletics has made. Of course, it is progress that would never have been possible without he and the remaining 16.

Athletic director Jack Hayes said a committee comprised of University officials selected the 17 inductees. The inductees included former University President Dr. James Shuart, late football coach and athletic director Howard Myers, Pride Club founder Joseph Margiotta and former New York Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet.

Ten of the 17 inductees were involved with the University during its first 25 years of athletics, starting in 1937. The inductees represented eight different sports, with football leading the way with three honorees.

"The men and women that you will see tonight in the inaugural class have made us proud in every respect," University President Stuart Rabinowitz said before the presentation. "On the playing field, off the playing field, in college as students, and in life as human beings. I couldn't be prouder that during my watch we have established the athletic hall of fame."

Associate athletic director of external affairs Mark Cox said the University will select candidates on an annual basis and the ensuing classes should shrink in numbers. Candidates must be 10 years removed from graduation to be eligible.

"It's great to be a part of something like this," Chrebet said, his arm in a sling after a recent injury during a pick-up game of basketball. "The people being inducted tonight were some of the names that I used to read in school in the record books, so it's a great honor."

The inaugural class includes many important figures in the program's history. Nick Gallo is the Pride's only national champion wrestler and Steve Nisenson is the men's basketball all-time scorer.

Dr. Nathalie J. Smith developed both the volleyball and women's lacrosse teams into varsity sports, as well as serving as chair as the physical education department.

"All of the athletes that were selected are very important to the University," Smith said. "Dr. Shuart, especially, did a real nice job turning Hofstra from an air field into a campus."

Shuart, a former Pride football and lacrosse team captain, considers himself a "Hofstra man." Along with being president for 25 years, he has served the University for more than 40 years as a professor, dean, administrator and board of trustee member.

"I'll let other people do the remembering," Shuart said, referring to his legacy at the University. "I have had a very long and happy relationship with Hofstra. A lot of changes have taken place during my time here and I feel very personal about all of those things and very proud about where we've come from, where we are, and where we're going."

Walter Kohanowich, another inductee, was the Pride's first five-sport athlete from 1948 through 1952, earning letters in football, baseball, track, lacrosse and wrestling. He became the first player to have his number retired for Pride football.

He is currently living in Montana, but is still active with the University through the Pride Club.

"It is a great honor," Kohanowich said. "It is good to realize that so many things have changed in my life but one thing has never changed: my attachment to Hofstra."

The 17 inductees were also honored at halftime of the Pride's win over Drexel. Following the ceremony, as Mason's shot fell short, Smith, Dr. Sylvia Giallombardo and Susan (Gades) Trommer exchanged high-fives and celebrated the Pride's big win high above the court in a club box.

A win, of course, they helped make possible.