1998 Hall of Fame Inductees
Dr. Joseph Grassi, men's tennis coach, Posthumously: Dr. Joseph Grassi was head coach of Fairfield University men's tennis from 1969 to 1997. A fierce competitor and fine tennis player in his own right, Dr. Grassi always aimed to instill those qualities in his teams to make them as competitive as possible against all levels of competition. As a result, the Stags won three MAAC Championships in 1991, 1994, and 1995. Dr. Grassi posted nine winning seasons from 1982 to 1997. In addition, he succeeded in molding Fairfield tennis individuals into a true team and was able to organize the return of former players for the annual alumni tennis match. For his many years of loyalty and hard work, Dr. Grassi earned the Athletic Department's prestigious Distinguished Service Award in 1991. In 1997, he received the ECAC Medal of Merit Award. Dr. Grassi was a leader in collegiate tennis circles, serving as president of the New England Intercollegiate Tennis Association in 1987 and 1989.
Jim McElderry '93, men's soccer: Jim played a key role in the soccer team's success in the early 1990s. During his four years, Fairfield posted a winning record in MAAC play (19-8 over four years) and posted three seasons of .500 or better play, including its all-time best season of 13-7 in 1991. The Stags advanced to the MAAC semi-finals in Jim's sophomore season and to the MAAC Championship in his junior and senior seasons. Jim was team co-captain in 1992. Individually, Jim finished his career with 17 goals and nine assists for 43 total points, making him the school's all-time leader in career points and career goals. He ranks fourth in career assists. Jim capped his senior season with the MAAC Player of the Year Award and earned a spot in the Northeast Intercollegiate All-Star Game. He was also All-MAAC First Team in 1991 and made the All-MAAC Tournament Team in 1991 and 1992. Jim finished his career at Fairfield having started every game.
Ralph A. Rehn '75, men's basketball: Ralph was an instrumental player for Fairfield during an important era in Stags basketball history. He helped the red and white garner their first bids to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in 1973 and 1974. He was a three-year starter who capped his career by leading the team in scoring and earning the team's Co-Most Valuable Player Award in 1975. His accomplishments did not go unrecognized as Ralph was selected to play in the prestigious New England College All-Star game. Ralph ranks as one of the program's most accurate shooters, never finishing a season with a field goal percentage under 50 percent or a free throw percentage less that 70 percent during his career. He tallied 1,023 points, which at the time placed him 12th in Fairfield's record book. Following his career, Ralph played professionally in Venezuela.
James T. Turney '91, men's swimming and diving: Jim was one of the top swimmers of his time at Fairfield, and his name continues to adorn the swimming and diving record books. Jim was captain of the Stags in his junior and senior seasons. At one point, he was the holder of ten separate records, six individual events, and four relay events. He currently is the record holder in four individual and three relay events. Mostly a freestyle swimmer, Jim is the record holder in the 200 freestyle (1:43.00), the 400 freestyle (4:41.19), the 1000 freestyle (10:12.08), and the 1650 freestyle (16:39.17). Jim was also a member of three relay teams that hold school records including the 200 freestyle relay (1:31.46), the 500 freestyle relay (3:19.35), and the 800 freestyle relay (7:26.66). When Jim finished his athletic career in 1991, he also held the 100 freestyle, 200 individual medley, and the 400 medley relay school records.
Kim Zagajeski-Gallagher '91, softball: Kim certainly ranks as one of Fairfield University's best softball players ever, holding several records to this day. She finished her career with an impressive .356 batting average and hit better than .360 in three of four seasons. Currently, Zagajeski-Gallagher holds the school record for runs in a season (38), total bases in a season (82), and triples in a season (8). Kim also set several pitching records at Fairfield including wins in a season (15) and winning percentage in a season (.714). For her career, Kim set eight school records including RBIs (67), runs scored (111), hits (163), total bases (242), doubles (23), triples (15), wins (36), and strikeouts (291). Kim was also named to the All-MAAC Tournament Team as an outfielder and at second base from 1989-91, was named MAAC Outstanding Player of the Year in 1989-91, and had one of the top batting averages in Division I in 1988 and 1990. In addition, Kim was named Fairfield's Female Athlete of the Year in 1990 and Fairfield's Alumni Association Female Athlete of the Year in 1991. | 
