BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — LIU Athletics is set to commemorate the outstanding achievements of past and present student-athletes during its Evening of Champions, which includes the 2024 senior athletic awards and Hall of Fame ceremony, on April 29th at the Tillies Center.
 
Among the distinguished honorees are Fred Salon '67, Jim LeClair '66, Simon Hodnett '05, the 2009 men's lacrosse National Championship team, and the 2017-18 women's track and field team.
 
"We look forward to honoring our exceptional student-athletes, past and present, at this year's Evening of Champions," said Director of Athletics Ryan Kelly. "Having the opportunity to bring our community together to welcome back our 2024 Hall of Fame induction class is very special."
 
Fred Salon, a renowned tennis player from Brooklyn, emerges as a standout figure in the world of tennis. His illustrious high school career, marked by an impressive record of never losing a match, paved the way for his recruitment by LIU.
 
Under the mentorship of head coach and longtime LIU administrator Buck Lai, Salon contributed significantly to the growth of LIU's tennis program during his tenure from 1963 to 1967.
 
Despite freshmen being ineligible for varsity athletics at the time, Salon's prowess on the court shone through, culminating in an undefeated streak with the exception of a single loss, which he later avenged triumphantly in a regional postseason tournament at Forest Hills.
 
His exceptional performance also earned him a No. 2 seed in the Ryder Cup tournament, where he advanced to the finals.
 
Beyond his individual achievements, Salon's invaluable contributions led to consecutive MVP awards and laid the foundation for LIU to attract other top tennis recruits.
 
Jim LeClair, hailed as one of LIU's most decorated quarterbacks, solidified his legacy by transitioning to the NFL following his selection in the 16th round of the 1966 NFL Draft.
 
LeClair showcased his talent with stints at the San Francisco 49ers in 1966 and the Denver Broncos from 1967 to 1968. LeClair threw for 676 yards and two touchdowns.
 
The 2009 men's lacrosse National Championship team etched their names in history by clinching the NCAA Division II title with a 8-7 victory over previously undefeated Le Moyne College at Gillette Stadium.
 
The win capped off a stellar season for LIU, marking a program-best 15-1 overall record in its 50th season.
 
The 2017-18 women's track and field team clinched the NEC Indoor Championships under the leadership of the late Simon Hodnett.
 
Hodnett, a towering figure in LIU athletics, guided the team to an impressive tally of 10 Northeast Conference championships throughout his coaching tenure.
 
Recognized as the 10-time NEC Coach of the Year, Hodnett's remarkable influence extended to nurturing nearly 500 All-NEC honorees over his 15-year stint in Brooklyn.
 
His coaching prowess propelled six individual Division I indoor and outdoor track and field All-Americans, three Olympians, one Indoor World Relay Gold medalist, and one Outdoor World Relay Bronze medalist to success, leaving an indelible mark on LIU Athletics.
 
The Evening of Champions stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements of LIU's exceptional student-athletes, past and present.
 
LIU Athletics looks forward to celebrating their enduring legacy and inspiring future generations on April 29 at 7p.m.  at the Tillies Center.
 
You can purchase your its Evening of Champions tickets HERE