Nov. 3, 2010

PHILADELPHIA - La Salle University will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Hall of Athletes on Sunday, February 27, 2011. Every inductee will be invited and recognized at halftime of the men's basketball game versus Massachusetts, which tips-off at 2 PM at Tom Gola Arena. A post-game gala will follow in the ballroom of the La Salle Student Union.

"La Salle has a rich athletic history, including national champions, Olympians and outstanding student-athletes," Director of Athletics Dr. Tom Brennan said. "We are excited about the opportunity to bring our alumni athletes back to campus."

The first class of the Hall of Athletes was inducted on May 17, 1961 and included an outstanding group of individuals: Frank Loughney '40, a Little All-American in football; Joe Verdeur '50, an Olympic gold medal winner and former world record holder in swimming; Tom Gola '55, three-time All-American in basketball and 1955 National Player of the Year; Al Cantello '55, former world record holder in the javelin and 1960 Olympian; and Ira Davis '58, American track record holder and three-time Olympian.

For more information, contact the La Salle Alumni Relations department at 215-951-1535 or email alumni@lasalle.edu or the Explorer Club at 215-951-1606 or explorerclub@lasalle.edu.