WASHINGTON - Three deserving former student-athletes 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. 26. The Class of 2022, which was the first in two years due to COVID, was honored at Claudio Grossman Hall at the Washington College of Law.

Field hockey's Christine Fingerhuth, men's swim & dive's Mark Liscinsky and women's swim & dive's Meghan Thiel were the inductees into the Cassell Hall of Fame which now includes a total of 92 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 Loyola Maryland for Senior Day. 

After an introduction from Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Billy Walker and remarks by American University President Sylvia Burwell, Fingerhuth was the first to be honored and was presented by friend and former Athletics staffer Andrew Bashuk.

AU volunteer assistant coach for men's and women's swim & dive Beth O'Connor Baker introduced Liscinsky, whom she both coached in the pool and coached with after he graduated.  

Thiel was presented by former teammate and best friend Michelle Risinger.

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