It was an emotional celebration of excellence, as Lafayette athletics celebrated its best and brightest during the 2019 edition of its Hall of Fame Induction. Four individuals were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Dan Bengele ’98, football, Steve Feldman ’79, track and field, Bill Hogarty ’56, baseball and Kim Stone ’00, field hockey. In addition the 1948 football team was honored for its refusal to play in the 1948 Sun Bowl because one teammate, African American David Sowell ’51 would not be allowed to play because of his race.
In addition Lisa van der Geest was honored as the female scholar athlete of the year. It is an award given to the athlete who displays exemplary skills in the classroom and on the field of competition.
Kim Stone was a two sport athlete playing field hockey and lacrosse. She was named an all American in field hockey, In her senior campaign she led the team to a 19-2 record and a berth in the NCAA tournament. The midfielder was a three time all league selection and was honored to be on the all decade Patriot League squad in field hockey. She was also honored as an all league selection in lacrosse while her team captured 3 Patriot League Crowns.
In an eloquent and emotional speech, like her fellow inductees, she honored her teammates, parents, sister (coach of the year Jennifer Stone) and husband . A regular attendee at games this year she also congratulated this year’s team for their outstanding season. She had a special mention for her coach Ann Gold, and her parents for instilling a sense of hard work and spirit.
She and her husband own a design/build construction company called Homestead Design Build Inc.
Lisa van der Geest gets Scholar Athlete of the Year
Lisa delivered her remarks via a recorded video shown to the audience. She was playing in the Senior Division One all star game at Wake Forest at the very moment her award was announced in the Kirby Sports Center. She, like the Hall of Fame nominees, credited her teammates, coaches and family for her success. She mentioned her parents who were present or watched her via streaming video from her home in the Netherlands or as they traveled several times to see her in person.
She had a 3.75 academic average while garnering all league and and all American honors during her career. This year she was named defensive player of the year in the Patriot League, while collecting all league honors for the last four years. No doubt her successes and ability will propel her to even greater accomplishments in the future, and perhaps in the Hall of Fame herself.
Lafayette College Field Hockey 