ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME 2024 RECAP

American International College Celebrates 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees 

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, the Griswold Theatre buzzed with excitement as alumni, students, faculty, and staff gathered to honor the newest members of the American International College Athletics Hall of Fame. The 2024 Induction Ceremony recognized seven individuals and three teams whose extraordinary accomplishments and enduring legacies have left an indelible mark on AIC athletics. 

A Full Day of Celebration 

The festivities began earlier in the day, when inductees and their guests gathered in the Hall of Fame Room in the Athletics Complex at 3:00 PM for the official unveiling of the 2024 inductees’ names on the Wall of Fame. Interim Athletic Director Scott Foulis presided over the gathering, which symbolized the permanent impact the inductees have had on AIC athletics. 

One of the most meaningful moments of the day came when the members of the 1976-79 Volleyball Teams met with the current AIC Women’s Volleyball Team prior to their Senior Night game. The interaction between the Hall of Fame pioneers and the current Yellow Jackets highlighted the enduring legacy and inspiration passed down through generations of AIC athletes. 

 

The celebrations continued with a 6:00 PM reception held in the West Wing of the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center. It was a heartfelt gathering, providing alumni the opportunity to reunite with friends they hadn’t seen in over 50 years, sharing memories and celebrating their shared legacy at AIC. 

 

Evening Ceremony Induction 

The evening began with a warm reception, followed by the ceremonial procession of inductees into the theatre. Interim Athletic Director Scott Foulis opened the program, acknowledging past Hall of Fame inductees in attendance and setting the tone for the evening with remarks celebrating the profound impact of AIC’s athletic tradition. 

“Tonight’s inductees exemplify what it means to be a Yellow Jacket at the highest level,” Foulis remarked. “Their excellence in competition and their embodiment of AIC’s values leave a legacy that inspires our current and future student-athletes.” 

 

Honoring Excellence: The 2024 Inductees 

The ceremony highlighted the exceptional achievements of each inductee: 

• Coach Wally Barlow: Celebrated posthumously for his contributions as AIC’s long-time athletics trainer and head ice hockey coach. His grandchildren accepted the award on his behalf. 

• Jeptui Cherutich ’14: A trailblazer in women’s cross country and track and field, Cherutich earned numerous NE10 titles and became AIC’s first women’s cross country All-American. 

• Glarius Rop ’14: The most decorated athlete in AIC history at the time of his induction, Rop earned 12 All-American honors and multiple NE10 titles in cross country and track and field. 

• Mark Cordeiro ’90: A football standout who excelled as both a quarterback and fullback, Cordeiro amassed over 5,000 all-purpose yards and was twice named New England Division II Offensive Player of the Year. 

• Yves DeRome ’70: A key figure in AIC’s first ECAC East Championship ice hockey team, DeRome set program records that still stand today. 

• Jim Roy ’84: A baseball powerhouse, Roy excelled both on the mound and at the plate, earning multiple All-NE10 honors and leading his team to success. 

• Kim Steiner ’12, MS ’14: A two-time All-American goalkeeper in field hockey, Steiner also made her mark in track and field, earning a USTFCCCA All-Region honor. 

The evening also celebrated three legendary teams: 

• 1969 Men’s Ice Hockey Team: The first championship team in program history. 

• 1978-79 Softball Teams: Back-to-back MAIAW champions who set a standard of excellence. 

• 1976-79 Volleyball Teams: Title IX pioneers who dominated MAIAW tournaments with three championships in four years. 

 

 

A Night to Remember 

The evening concluded with closing remarks from Scott Foulis, who reflected on the enduring impact of the inductees’ accomplishments. 

 

“Let tonight serve as a reminder of what is possible when determination, talent, and a commitment to excellence come together,” Foulis said. 

Congratulations again to our 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees—you continue to inspire Yellow Jacket pride! A special thank you to the Athletics Hall of Fame Committee for volunteering their time this past year to review nomination submissions and assist in selecting this year’s outstanding inductees.   

A special thank you to the student-athletes from the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) who graciously volunteered their time as ushers, helping to ensure the evening ran smoothly and added to the event’s success. 

 

Missed the event? Watch the recorded ceremony on the AIC YouTube Channel. For additional questions, contact the AIC Alumni Office at alumni@aic.edu.