WASHINGTON - Four standouts were celebrated by family, friends and fans at their induction into the Stafford H. "Pop" Cassell Hall of Fame at American University on Saturday, Feb. 8. The Class of 2020, which matched the Class of 2019 as the largest ever, was honored before 180 guests at Claudio Grossman Hall at the Washington College of Law.

Ray Ruhling, Irene Schickhardt, Rubena Sukaj and Mike Cannon were the four inductees into the Pop Cassell Hall of Fame which now includes a total of 89 athletic standouts at AU.

All attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m., following the Eagles' men's basketball win over Army. 

After an introduction from Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Billy Walker, Ruhling was the first to be honored and was presented by friend and fellow alum Ronald "Boots" Nissenbaum ('68). 

American University head field hockey coach Steve Jennings introduced 2008 All-American First Team honoree Schickhardt, whom he coached to four Patriot League Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. 

Three-time All-American Sukaj, who also won four Patriot League Championships, was presented by AU head volleyball coach Barry Goldberg, himself an inductee just a year ago. Goldberg has led AU to 16 Patriot League titles, getting four of those with Sukaj on his team in the mid to late 2000s. 

Former wrestling coach Mark Cody introduced the final inductee, Cannon, a three-time All-American who graduated in 2010.

Guests enjoyed a gourmet meal following the cocktail hour, and were treated to video introductions of all four inductees. 

American University's Stafford H. Cassell Hall of Fame has been in existence since 1969. Sponsored by the Cassell Family, the Hall of Fame was developed to recognize the achievement of individuals associated with American University Athletics and Recreation. Cassell was a legendary coach, athletic director, and vice president at the university. To view a newly-updated video, narrated by AU alumnus David Aldridge, about "Pop" Cassell and his unmatched legacy at AU Athletics, click here.