Hall of Fame 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22, 2006

PACE ATHLETICS ANNOUNCES HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2006

PLEASANTVILLE, NY ? The Pace University Department of Athletics has announced the Hall of Fame Class for 2006. Vincent Soreca (Baseball, 1978-1981), Bert Brisbane (Men's Basketball, 1988-1992) and George Maier (Head Coach, Football, 1978-1988) will be enshrined on Saturday, September 30, 2006 as part of Pace University's UniversityFest 2006 festivities.

Vincent Soreca enjoyed a successful playing career as a member of Pace University's baseball team from 1979 to 1981. During that time, Soreca was named the 1980-81 Pace Athletics Male Athlete of the Year while also gaining all-American recognition. Upon the completion of his playing career, Soreca ranked 4th in career batting average at .403. In his final season at Pace, 1981, Soreca led the Setter charge that helped the team to a then-record 27 wins. That season, Pace ranked first in NCAA Division II baseball in runs scored while Soreca ranked 3rd nationally in runs batted in, 13th in doubles per game and 11th in the nation in batting. His .442 batting average that season is the 9th highest single season mark in Pace history. Soreca also left Pace as the career leader in doubles while also breaking four single season records as well. Soreca was selected as a 1st Team All American and went onto become the first draft pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in the 3rd round of the 1981 Major League Baseball Draft. Soreca was the third Pace baseball player drafted by a Major League Baseball team.

Bert Brisbane had an outstanding career for Pace, starting in 1988 and concluding in 1992. Brisbane finished his career among the all-time leaders in every offensive category and is considered by many as the greatest men's basketball player in Pace University history. Heading into the 2004-05 season, Brisbane held the Pace University freshman records for points scored, rebounds and steals. He also ranks among the all-time leaders at Pace in single season points and 3-pointers. The all-time leading scorer in Pace history, Brisbane poured in 1,963 points while also totaling close to 900 reoubnds and over 200 steals, both good for 2nd place. Following the 1991-92 season, Brisbane was named the Pace Athletics Male Athlete of the Year after being selectedas the Pace Athlete of the Month, five times. After being named the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year and earning a NYCAC 1st Team selection, Brisbane was named to the ECAC Division II All-Star 1st Team on his way to being named the ECAC Division II Player of the Year as well as the ECAC Division II All-Tournament Most Valuable Player. Brisbane was also named to the NABC 1st Team and the NABC Division II All-Star 3rd Team.

George Maier is perhaps the most overdue inductee into the Pace Athletics Hall of Fame. The first coach in Pace University football history, Maier held the position for 11 seasons from 1978 to 1988. He finished his coaching career as the all-time winningest coach in Pace football history, posting a 52-48-2 career record for a .520 winning percentage. In 1978, Maier led Pace to the Metropolitan 8 Conference Football Championship and was named the ECAC Coach of the Year in 1979. Under coach Maier, 45 individual records were set while 25 single season records are held by teams that he coached. Maier's teams posted a losing record twice in 11 seasons while he also holds the individual coaching records for consecutive wins with seven straight starting with the final two games of the 1978 season and concluding with a tie on October 13th, 1979.