Staten Island, NY – Wagner College Director of Athletics Brendan Fahey has announced the four inductees who will comprise the 2023 Wagner College Athletics Hall of Fame class: Robert Colucci (Women's Tennis, Head Coach), Piotr Czech (Class of 2008, Football), Billy Hoelck Pugliese (Class of 2008, Women's Water Polo), and Mark Porter (Class of 2008, Men's Basketball).
These former Seahawk legends were selected on the merit of their athletic prowess and overall impact on Wagner's athletic department, with induction set to be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, before the 4:00 p.m. Wagner Weekend football game and home opener against Merrimack College.
The Class of 2023 will be formally enshrined that afternoon beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the VIP Room, located on the second floor of the Spiro Sports Center, before being publicly recognized at halftime of the football game. All Wagner College Athletics Hall of Fame members are encouraged and welcome to attend the ceremony and a brief reception starting at 12 p.m. in the Hall of Fame. Light refreshments will be served.
With the addition of these four individuals, the number of members in the Wagner Hall of Fame will grow to 198, each representing the best among the thousands of student-athletes and contributors who have dedicated themselves to competing in the name of Wagner College.
Robert Colucci - Women's Tennis (1980-89)
- Was the head coach of the women's tennis team for 10 years, starting in 1980 and coaching through the conclusion of the 1988-89 season.
- Compiled an overall head coaching record of 235-45, which converts to a staggering .839 winning percentage.
- Led the team to multiple top-three finishes in the MET Conference, including three second-place finishes.
- Was instrumental in turning around what was once a struggling program to one that was highly successful during an era where student-athletes did not receive athletic scholarships in the sport.
- Coached an eventual Wagner College Athletics Hall of Famer, Patrice Jordan.
Piotr Czech '08 - Football (2004-07)
- Four-year starter for the Seahawks and the most decorated kicker in program history.
- Was a two-time First Team All-NEC selection.
- Was the first-ever scholarship kicker in program history who handled field goals, punts, kickoffs, and other kicking duties.
- Named to the NEC's 20th Anniversary Team.
- Made 44 field goals, which is the most in program history.
- Converted 111 extra points, which ranks fourth most all-time.
- Still ranks fifth all-time in career points with 243.
- Converted field goals from 56 and 50 yards in 2007, the former which is still the longest field goal in NEC history.
- Kicked the three longest field goals ever converted in NEC history.
- Is the career leader in field goal percentage (.688).
- Ranks ninth all-time in career extra points made in a season with 32 in 2005.
- Kicked 16 field goals in 2007, which is tied for the most in a single season in program history.
- Went a perfect 31-for-31 in converting extra points in 2004.
Billy Hoelck Pugliese '08, Ph.D. - Women's Water Polo (2004-08)
- One of the top players on a team that went on to win a pair of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) titles during her tenure (2005, 2007).
- Was the first player in MAAC history to eclipse the 100-goal mark with 102 tallies in 2007.
- Would then follow that season with a new record - a 107-goal season during 2008.
- Her 107 goals still rank as the ninth-most in a season in conference history.
- Averaged 3.34 goals per game in 2008, good for the sixth-highest total in a single season in conference history.
- Finished her Wagner career as the all-time leader in goals (373), assists (113) and steals (179).
- Named a First Team All-MAAC selection for three consecutive years (2006-08).
- Earned MAAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2007.
- Led the entire NCAA tournament field in 2007 with 11 goals.
- Named MAAC Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year and the MAAC Tournament MVP in 2004.
Mark Porter '08 - Men's Basketball (2004-08)
- One of the most dynamic guards in program history who helped guide the Green & White to three NEC Tournament berths, including a berth in the NEC Championship and another semifinal appearance.
- Earned All-NEC First Team and All-NEC Tournament Team in 2007-08.
- Was an All-NEC Rookie Team selection as well as an All-NEC Tournament honoree in 2004-05.
- Currently ranks seventh all-time in career scoring with 1,577 points.
- Is also slotted fourth all-time in career assists with 523 dimes.
- Compiled the seventh-most assists in a single season in 2007-2008 with 172.
- Ranks third all-time in career free throws made (425) and free throws attempted (578).
- Converted the third-most free throws made in a single season in in 2007-08 with 163.
- Is slotted 10th all-time in career field goals made (511) and seventh in career field goals attempted (1,244).
- Owns the ninth-most career steals (152) and blocks (84) in program history.
- Appeared in 118 total games, the sixth-most by a single player in program history.
