April 28, 2008

Moraga, CA - In front of more than 300 Gaels fans, alumni, and family in the Soda Center, the Saint Mary's College Athletic Hall of Fame inducted seven Gaels on Sunday, April 27. Inductees included Rick Bernard, Fran Fabien, Von Hayes, Chris Jacobson, Richard Mannini, Shari Otto, and Eric Whitaker. Along with the seven inductees, the Honors Court honored the undefeated 1988 Saint Mary's football team.

• Rick Bernard, class of 1978, Men's Basketball - Rick Bernard is the #7 career point scorer for the Gaels (1,291 points), #7 field goals made, #6 field goals attempted, and #5 career free throws made. He was recently honored as a member of the All Century Top 25 Team at #17.

• Fran Fabien, class of 1993, Women's Basketball - Fran Fabien was an All-WCC Freshman selection in 1990 and All-WCC first team honoree in 1992 for the Gaels women's basketball team. She ranks as the #9 career scoring leader with 989 points, #3 in career steals, #9 in career field goals, #9 in career field goals attempted, #9 career games started, and #10 career free throws made.

• Von Hayes, Baseball - Von Hayes is regarded to have had one of the best intercollegiate and professional careers of any Gael baseball player. In 1979, Von lead the Gaels in batting average (.328), hits, runs, home runs, RBI, and triples. He is still the career and single season leader in triples (17 and 11, respectively). His 11 triples in 1979 are still a WCC single season record. Von was named team MVP in 1979. After his time with the Gaels, Von was drafted in the 7th round by the Cleveland Indians. He played for 12 seasons of Major League Baseball for the Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, and California Angels. He was an All Star in 1989 with the Phillies and led the major's in extra base hits, doubles, and runs in 1986. Von is currently the manager of the Lancaster (Pa.) Barnstormers of the Atlantic League.

• Chris Jacobson, Trainer, Dedicated Performance - Chris Jacobson was the Head Athletic Trainer for Saint Mary's College from 1984-2002. "Jake" was instrumental in managing and leading the Athletic Training from the ground up during his tenure. He was a part of several SMC milestones, including the undefeated 1988 football team and the NCAA tournament's with the 1988-89 and 1996-97 men's basketball teams. Chris also served as a resident hall director during his time at SMC.

• Richard Mannini, Coach - Richard Mannini was the 9th head coach of Saint Mary's College football and served from 1977-1984. Coach Mannini finished his career with 45 victories, which ranks third all times. He coached the Gaels to two victories over Santa Clara in the Little Big Game and led the program to the highest levels of NCAA Division II. After being appointed head coach by Athletic Director Doc McKillip, Coach Mannini was charged with raising money for new locker room and field equipment, uniforms, and scholarships. Coach Mannini was recognized by the NCAA and the American Football Coaches Association as the 17th most successful coach at the Division II level.

• Shari Otto, Administrator/Coach/Professor, Dedicated Performance - Shari Otto has been associated with Saint Mary's College for 30 years in her capacities of Coordinator of Women's Athletics, Women's Tennis coach, and professor of Kinesiology. During her coaching career, she led the Gaels tennis team to two NAIA District III championships (1985 and 1986), a 6th place finish at the NAIA national championships, and was named NAIA District Coach of the Year in 1985.

• Eric Whitaker, class of 1988, Rugby - Eric Whitaker was a member of the Saint Mary's College rugby squad from 1985-1988. Following his stellar career at SMC, he was a member of the USA Eagles, rugby's national team and participated in several Rugby World Cups. The Eric Whitaker Award is given out annually to the SMC Rugby Back of the Year.

• Team Honoree: Undefeated 1988 Saint Mary's Football Team - The 1988 Gaels football team was the first and only undefeated football team in all of Saint Mary's history and capped off the amazing season with a 27-24 win over Santa Clara in the Little Big Game. The '88 Gaels were lead by Head Coach Craig Rundle and 21 seniors, and featured one of the nation's most explosive offenses and a very stout defense.

To submit candidates for the Saint Mary's College Athletic Hall of Fame, please CLICK HERE.