Post Classifieds
Five inducted into Buffalo State Athletics Hall of Fame
By Tom Gallagher
On October 30, 2012
For many years, former Buffalo State softball coach, the late Sandra Hollander, lived
by the mantra "don't waste a today."
On Saturday, four other former Buffalo State athletics standouts made the most
of their day when they, along with Hollander, were inducted into the Buffalo State
Athletics Hall of Fame in a ceremony held in the Sports Arena.
Former soccer players Mike Rudney and Gianni Bussani, former track hurdler
Richard Harris and former softball player Laurie Hutten joined Hollander in having
their Division III careers validated.
"We're celebrating great memories and great athletic achievement at Buffalo State
College," said Tom Koller, chair of the Hall of Fame.
Hollander's passing in April was a recurring theme throughout the night. Inductees
and presenters alike recognized her for her 24 years of coaching at Buffalo State
even prior to her induction. She was the final inductee of the evening.
"When I think of softball, I think of Hollander," Hutten said of Hollander during her
own acceptance speech. "I think of her passion for the game and her dedication to
her team. I think of the person I have become."
Athletics Director Jerry Boyes, Hollander's presenter, said that she changed student-
athletes' lives during her time at the college.
"She taught so many of our student-athletes how to be successful in life and that is
her legacy in Buffalo State athletics," Boyes said.
A teary-eyed Hutten, presented by Jim Ramos, an assistant under Hollander while
Hutten played for the team, credited the entire athletics department for her success.
"The leadership and inspiration I received, not just from my coaches or teammates,
but from the athletics department as a whole, is unforgettable," Hutten said. "After
meeting Coach Hollander and Mr. Ramos, I knew right away that Buffalo State was
the perfect fit for me."
Ramos reflected on Hutten's ability and leadership as a player and a person.
"She became our undisputed leader both on and off the diamond, in games and
in practice," Ramos said. "She never complained as expectations of her and the
responsibility she had mounted. She was a consummate teammate - an outstanding
role model."
Former long-time men's soccer coach Fred Hartrick presented Bussani. He recalled
that while he and Bussani didn't always see eye-to-eye, his talent and on-field
leadership made him a great player.
"[Bussani] was feisty, serious about all aspects of the game, but all of this combined
made him one of the most talented soccer players ever to play at Buffalo State,"
Hartrick said.
Bussani called Buffalo State a home and said that he made the right decision in
learning under Hartrick's tutelage.
Anthony Massop, another former men's soccer coach at Buffalo State, presented
Rudney with his honor. He praised Rudney for his dedication to the sport and his
ability to tackle athletics, academics, work and young fatherhood while attending
the school.
"I care about this young man," Massop said. "He stepped up to the plate from day
one and he took care of his responsibilities day after day after day."
Rudney said that while he was fortunate to achieve on-field success, he doesn't
remember Buffalo State for the records that he set.
"In the end, I don't remember the records," Rudney said. "I remember the bonds and
friendships that were a big part of what held us together."
Harris, who attended Buffalo State as a student for just one year, was presented by
the school's Vice President of Student Affairs, Hal Payne.
"In his short time with us, as a student-athlete, he excelled beyond his or our wildest
dreams," Payne said. "In doing so, he established Buffalo State as a real contender in
Division III track and field."
Harris, who went on to be an assistant coach for the track and field team and
continue to work at Buffalo State, said that being inducted is a great honor.
"Track has meant everything to me," Harris said. "They say often times it takes a
village to raise a child, well, the community here at Buffalo State College, athletically,
administration, to the staff and the team all played a part in who I am today. I am
forever grateful."
Accepting on her behalf, Hollander's sister, Jodi Correa-Hollander, closed the
ceremony by requesting that everybody in attendance stand, acknowledge the
people sitting near to them and utter four simple words.
"Don't waste a today."
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