Women's Track and Field | January 4, 2016

PHILADELPHIA – Two former athletes and a Dad Vail Champion men's crew will be inducted into the La Salle University Hall of Athletes, the La Salle Alumni Association and Athletic Department announced today. Dr. La Vonne I. Neal '77, Don Strunk '71 and the 2002 Dad Vail Champions will be recognized at halftime of the men's basketball game on February 27 vs. George Mason. A post-game reception and the induction program will follow at Tree Tops on campus at approximately 4:30 PM.
 
Dr. La Vonne I. Neal (Philadelphia, Pa. / Philadelphia High School for Girls) was one of the top female hurdlers in the nation during the 1970s. She finished 0.1 seconds off the world record in the 50 yard hurdles at the Toronto Star Maple Leaf Games and finished sixth in the 100m hurdles at the 1977 AIAW National Championship. It marked the third straight year that she was a finalist in the 100m hurdles at the AIAW National Championship. She won the ECC Championship in the 100m hurdles and competed in the USA Track vs. Africa event in 1975 and 1976. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and finished sixth in the U.S. Olympic Trials as a high school athlete.
 
Don Strunk (Clifton Heights, Pa. / Upper Darby) earned five All-America citations as a swimmer, including two as an individual in the 100 and 200 freestyle. He was also a member of the All-America teams in the 400 medley, 400 free and 800 free relays. During his college career, he set both La Salle school records and MAC conference records.  He also represented La Salle at the 1969 NCAA Swimming and Diving meet.
 
The Men's Pair comprised of Mike Malloy '06 (Abington, Pa. / La Salle College HS) and Paul Volosin '02 (Sayreville, N.J. / St. Joseph's HS) won the 2002 Dad Vail Championship. The Explorers completed an undefeated regular season and finished third at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championships (IRAs). The pair won six gold medals in the spring of 2002.
 
For more information or to order tickets to the post-game reception, click here. 

To view the La Salle Hall of Athletes or submit a nomination, click here. 
 

Neal

Strunk

2002 Dad Vail Champions