Hall of Fame
Thomas J. Niland, Jr.
The first coach, first athletic director and
guiding inspiration of Le Moyne College athletics.
He is a teacher…
The young men stare intently at the figure in the center of their circle. He is on one knee, gesturing violently, talking in clipped, tight syllables - a staccato voice which ignores vowels and explodes at consonants…
He is a friend…
The man who was once young sits with his arms folded, staring at a wall, seeking counsel in a personal crisis. The same voice, softer now - but only slightly - leads him to the strength deep within himself which he once knew in that circle…
He is a worker…
The discussion could go on for hours. He speaks, cutting through the maze of rhetoric to the salient points, making further obfuscation impossible, bringing the meeting to the point of decision…
A spectacular collegiate basketball playing career; a silver star; a purple heart; a respected Le Moyne Athletic Program built from scratch; a fine family; a lifetime of service; young people nurtured through youth after chance contact; the abiding respect of peers throughout the athletic community.
The enormity of the man’s life defies recounting. Yet, he is proud in a fashion which demands humility and reluctantly accepts honors. Indeed, the lesson of his life seems to provide an understanding of what the word “honor” implies. One suspects that the greatest tributes he can receive are found on the other plaques in this hall of fame.
The Gold Wave respects his modesty, but recognizes that all that Le Moyne athletics has been, is and will be is a result of his teaching, his friendship and his work. The honor accorded other members of this hall is heightened by his presence among them, just as so many of their lives were bettered by his.
Membership is too small a token of our esteem, therefore, we dedicate
The Le Moyne College Athletics Hall of Fame
to
Thomas J. Niland, Jr.
April 13, 1985
