Field hockey standout
Virginia Casabo
'99 and men's soccer defensive
stalwart
Stephen Franzke '98 were
inducted as the 44
th Class of the Stafford H.
“Pop” Cassell Hall of Fame earlier this month. It was a
gala evening in which family, friends, teammates and alumni
gathered to honor the outstanding athletic achievements of two
deserving individuals.
- Photo Gallery (Pictured right:
Stephen Franzke '98, Jack Cassell '77 & Virginia Casabo
'99)
TNT Basketball Analyst and American University graduate
David Aldridge '87 served as the master of
ceremonies for the event, adding to an already prestigious
event.
Casabo, one of the most impactful players in the history of
American University field hockey, was inducted by head coach
Steven Jennings.
Casabo was a part of the class that set one of the best
four-year records in program history, going 58-19 in her four years
at American. She continued her illustrious career in the
international ranks, competing for Uruguay with over 50
international caps and was named the Uruguayan National Field
Hockey Player of the Year in 1997. In 2007, she served as captain
of the squad that competed in the Rio de Janeiro Pan American
games.
Franzke, an integral part of American's 1997 NCAA
Tournament run, leading the Eagles to the NCAA Quarterfinals for
just the second time in program history, was inducted by current
head men's soccer coach Todd
West and then former AU head coach Bob
Jenkins.
Franzke was a four-year starter and four-year captain for the
American University men's soccer team. He was a two-time
First Team Regional All-American in 1996 and 1997.
The Stafford H. "Pop" Cassell Hall of Fame was created in 1969.
Sponsored by the Cassell Family, the Hall of Fame was established
to recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals
associated with American University Athletics and Recreation.
Nominations are now open for the 45th Hall of Fame class, which
will be honored in February 2014. Former student-athletes must have
graduated from American in 2003 or earlier. Coaches and
administators who have served at least five years at AU can also be
nominated. Please click
here to submit a nomination for next year's
class.