ANDERSON, CLARKE, MAYBEE & ROSE JOIN HALL OF FAME

The Loyalist College Sports Hall of Fame added four new members to it's list of honourees in a ceremony on Friday May 10th.

The Hall of Fame Class of 2019 included the highly decorated female basketball player duo, Erin Rose (Women's Basketball) and Sara Maybee (Women's Basketball) along with two of the most successful coaches in Lancer history; Eric Anderson (Women's Basketball) and Tony Clarke (Women's Volleyball).

The new inductees bring the Hall of Fame total to 28 former athletes, coaches and builders who have made significant contributions to athletics at Loyalist. These distinguished members have played vital roles in the development of the program and the impact it has on student life on campus.

Joined by friends, family and special guests, the four inductees were introduced by someone with whom they have a special connection and formally inducted by Loyalist Athletic Director & founder of the Hall of Fame, Jim Buck.

"These four individuals have not only had a profound impact on their teams, but have remained connected to the Lancers in many ways. They are remarkable people and I am proud to induct them into the Loyalist Sports Hall of Fame this evening" said Buck.

The first inductee of the night, Erik Anderson, was introduced by his good friend, Jamie McCourt. McCourt spoke passionately about the focus Anderson placed on building strong, important relationships throughout his coaching career and how he may work his athletes hard, but his priority has always been on their growth and preparation for life after college.

Anderson took a struggling Lancer women's basketball program and turned it into a Provincially ranked team in his first full year at the helm. Unsatisfied with that success, Anderson recruited hard for the next year and built a team that to this day, recorded the most successful season in Lancer women's basketball history. His coaching style is as unique as the man himself and although his time with the program was short, his impact lives on.

Erik Anderson's full induction biography.

Previous women's volleyball coach, Tony Clarke was the next to be inducted. Clarke's former athlete and assistant coach, Amy Hoskin introduced Clarke to the stage and spoke about his complete dedication to the sport he loves and his commitment to the success of his athletes. "It's truly remarkable to see someone so fully submerged in something they are so passionate about. Whether it's game tape, practice preparation, season planning or scouting reports, Tony puts his heart and soul into every single part of coaching; and his athletes are better for it.

A former Lancer himself, Clarke rejoined the College in 2006-2007 when he joined Greg Gavin and Larry Cook to make up the women's volleyball coaching staff. Tony had an immediate impact and took over the Head Coach role in only his second year. During his time with the Lancers, Clarke had 5 top 3 league finishes, a 4th place finish at the OCAA Provincial Championships, had 10 OCAA All Star Athletes under his coaching and holds a 90-38 overall regular season record.

Tony Clarke's full induction biography

Sara Maybee joined the Lancers after spending three years at Algonquin College when she made a name for herself in the OCAA as one of the top players in the province. Maybee brought a level of talent, experience and knowledge to the Lancer squad that proved to be instrumental. Her ability to come up big for her team in clutch situations made not only her, but her entire team a very real threat. Maybee was a big piece of the team to make it to the OCAA Final Four with Coach Anderson. Her long list of awards and accolades includes league all stars, CCAA Academic All Canadian,  Loyalist Female Athlete of the Year, Dave Butler Award & she currently hold the Lancer record for the most points in a single game.

Fellow Hall of Famer, teammate and dear friend Kara Muhlhausen spoke about Maybee's intensity and unbelievable skills set that elevated the play of everyone around her.

Sara Maybee's full induction biography

The final induction of the evening saw women's basketball alumni Erin Rose receive her honours.

Rose's teammate, friend and sister, Amy Farrow spoke proudly of her sisters' accomplishments throughout her basketball career.

Similarily to Maybee, Rose played a major contributing role in the turnaround of the women's basketball program.  She was named OCAA Rookie of the year in her first year and was noted as one of the top guards in the entire league. She would go on to earn two All Star awards,  the East scoring title in 2008, the Bob Young award and is a two time OCAA Academic All Canadian.

Rose capped off the evening with perfectly worded sentiments that expressed the immense amount of heart, loyalty and gratitude displayed throughout the ceremony.

"Those are moments I will be thankful for forever. Those two years [as a Lancer] were incredibly impactful for me. I don't take my time at Loyalist or the person I became here lightly. I left Loyalist a different person than when I entered."

After telling how she ended up at Loyalist and the distinct feeling of home she got in the building, she added, "It was here, in this gymnasium that I remembered who I was, and shaped who I would become. I owe many thanks to people who are in this room."

Erin Rose's full induction biography