St. Bonaventure Inducts Three Into Athletics Hall of Fame

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ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. –St. Bonaventure added three members to its Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon as Hilary Waltman, Jim Meicke ’87 and Mary Jane “M.J.” Telford '75 were honored for their prolific achievements in the Brown and White.

Induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the intercollegiate athletics program at St. Bonaventure University and who have continued to demonstrate in their lives the values imparted by intercollegiate athletics.

Waltman is the women’s basketball program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,106 career points and, at the time of her graduation, was the only Bonnies player to score more than 2,000 points. One of just two Bona players to average more than 20 points per game twice in a season, she set SBU career records in field goals made (742), field goal percentage (54.1), steals (317), free throw attempts (765) and free throws made (588).

She also finished her career fourth on Bona’s all-time rebounding chart (669). She is the only St. Bonaventure player named to the First Team Atlantic 10 Conference twice, earning those citations in 1998 and 1999 after a Second Team honor as a sophomore in 1997.

“I’m truly honored and humbled to be recognized alongside the many gifted athletes, coaches and administrators that called St. Bonaventure University home,” Waltman said during her induction speech.

Waltman’s former coach, Marti Whitmore ’85, presented her for induction into the Hall of Fame. Waltman is currently a Physical Education teacher at the Lancaster Country Day School in Lancaster, Pa.

Meicke is one of the top goalkeepers in the history of the men’s soccer program, evidenced by his school records for career wins (41) and saves (743). His 11 victories in both the 1984 and 1985 campaigns are tied for second-most in the record books. He turned aside 192 shots in both the 1985 and 1986 seasons to rank second in program history, while his 1.92 goals-against average is third-best in the career books.

Had Bonaventure played a complete NCAA Division I schedule for his entire four years, Meicke’s 743 saves would rank as the top mark in D-I history.

“To anyone and everyone who I had a privilege of working with and meeting, I thank you for the chance to turn a little bit of ability and some hard work into an opportunity, and for taking that opportunity and turning it into an education, and for taking the education and turning it into a good journey,” Meicke stated passionately during the ending portion of his speech.

Meicke’s former college and high school teammate, as well as fellow 1987 graduate, Matt Riordan presented him for induction into the Hall. Following his graduation in 1987, Meicke served as a graduate assistant coach in 1988. He now lives and works in Colts Neck, N.J. as a manager for Amboy Bank. He also has remained active within St. Bonaventure Athletics over the years through charitable and volunteer support.

A successful student-athlete and coach, Telford is synonymous with St. Bonaventure women’s basketball. A four-year starter from 1971-1975, she averaged 15 points per game throughout her career. She was chosen “Ideal Bonaventure Student” runner-up at graduation, the first woman to be so honored. Telford then took over as head coach of the program and, over the next 10 years, guided the Lady Bonnies from Division III to Division II and then into Division I in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Under her tutelage, partial scholarships were awarded for the first time in 1977. In 1986, she led SBU to the Upstate Conference title and was named the league’s Coach of the Year. Telford served the Bonnies as head coach through 1993 and totaled 201 victories over her career, which ranks as the top figure in the program’s history and second among all St. Bonaventure basketball coaches, men or women.

“To my outstanding, hard-working student-athletes and student managers, thank you for the privilege of allowing me to coach you, for allowing me to be part of your lives,” Telford said during her induction speech. “You were always, and continue to be, a first-class group of ladies. You excelled in the classroom and had strong work ethics. … The Lady Bonnies were over-achievers who surprised everyone but ourselves.

“I believe St. Francis had a plan for me here at St. Bonaventure, and I hope I’m fulfilling his expectations.”

Mary Piccioli, ’81, a former player and close friend of Telford's, presented her into the Hall of Fame. Following her final season on the sidelines in 1993, she moved to the administrative side of the University, where she has served in several key roles, including her current position in Admissions.