Over the course of this University’s storied athletic history that dates back well into the past century, there have been many talented and dedicated athletes who have proudly sported the blue and black. These competitors have lead their teams to Conference Championships, national titles, have set numerous school records, and have represented the Blue Jays with class, dignity and professionalism during their time on the field and continuing well after graduation into their professional endeavors. To commemorate the achievements of these remarkable alumni, the Johns Hopkins University established its Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994. Now in its 22nd year of operation, the hall has commemorated the athletic achievements and contributions made by 176 former athletes, coaches and administrators who now are forever immortalized in Blue Jay lore. The 2016 class is composed of eight new members who will be inducted into the Hall on Saturday, April 30.
Each of the eight inductees has left their own unique and enduring legacy on Hopkins Athletics, and while a few short remarks will not be able to fully encompass the scope of their achievements, it is important nonetheless to recognize them for their contributions to the betterment of the Hopkins athletic community.
Tom Calder is just the third director of athletics to serve at the University since 1950, and 2016 marks his 21st year in this role. In 2014, he was recognized as one of four winners of the Division III NACDA Under Armour Athletic Directors of the Year. Under his watchful eye, the Blue Jays have won five national championships and 129 Centennial Conference titles, and he has focused tirelessly on keeping Hopkins athletic facilities in state-of-the-art condition.
Matt Campbell, Class of 2005, ended his four-year football career for the Jays as one of the most accomplished defensive players in the history of the program. He was first team All-Centennial as a playmaking safety in each of his final three seasons, ranks second in all-time career interceptions with 16, and starred on a 2003 squad which recorded the first 10-win season in program history.
Matt Doran, Class of 2002, is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of the men’s soccer program and starred on the squad during one of its most dynamic four-year runs in program history. The Blue Jays dominated Centennial competition during the four-year stretch from 1999-2002, recording an overall mark of 65-11-4, two Centennial titles and an appearance in the NCAA quarterfinals. His 70 goals and 28 assists rank second all-time in program history in each category, while his record-setting 2000 season saw him score a single-season record 27 goals to go along with eight assists.
Kyle Harrison, Class of 2005, is one of the greatest players to have ever suited up for the storied Hopkins men’s lacrosse program, leading the team on one of its greatest four-year runs in program history from 2002 to 2005. He was a three time All-American, a two-time recipient of the McLaughlin Award for national midfielder of the year, and the 2005 recipient of the Tewaaraton and Enners Awards when he was recognized as the nation’s best player. The Jays went 55-6 during his time on the squad, receiving the overall no. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament each year between 2002 and 2005. During the 2005 season, the Jays redeemed themselves after some disappointing tournament finishes with a perfect 16-0 record, and the first national title for the program since 1987. In his final game for the Jays, he scored two goals against Duke and ended his career as a national champion.
Brian Mead, Class of 2004, is one of the greatest individuals to come out of the incredibly successful Hopkins water polo squad, setting numerous school records over the course of his remarkable run as a Blue Jay. He was a four time All-American, and led the team in goals during each of his four seasons on the team. His 100-goal season in 2004 remained a school record for over a decade, and he capped his career with 399 career points, which stood as the highest in program history until 2012. The program tallied 67 wins over the four year period between 2001 and 2004, the most successful mark in school history up until that point in time. The Jays also won three Division III Eastern Championships during Mead’s time on the squad.
Heidi Pearce, Class of 2004, entered the Hopkins women’s lacrosse program during a time of incredible transition, and was instrumental in shaping its development into a perennial Division 1 force. Coming to campus just two years after the team jumped to the Division 1 level, Pearce shined as a two-way midfielder. She was named the first 1st team Division I All American in program history, and led the squad to its first Division 1 NCAA tournament appearance in 2004. Her 201 total points (152 goals, 49 assists) rank most ever among midfielders in program history, while she also shined defensively, setting program records in total ground balls (230) and forced turnovers (109). Since her departure from the squad in 2004, the women’s team has developed into a consistent Division I powerhouse, and much of this enduring success must be attributed to her remarkable legacy.
Jerry Pfeifer, Class of 1965, is one of the most multi-dimensional talents in the history of the Hopkins Athletics program, masquerading as a two-sport star during his time as an undergraduate, while also becoming one of the greatest Lacrosse coaches in Blue Jay history. He played on the varsity lacrosse and football teams, earning three All-American selections as an attackman, leading the team in goals and points in each of his three seasons. In football, he played quarterback, while also stepping in as both a punter and kicker when he was called upon. He set records for most passing yards, touchdown passes, completions and attempts, and as a coach later led the team to a season high 7 victories in 1981, a mark which would stand until 2002. He also served as the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach, compiling a 103-16 record between 1981 and 1989, and winning national titles in 1984, 85, and 87.
Karl Sineath, Class of 2002, was one of the best all-around performers in the history of men’s baseball, and stood out both on the field and in the classroom during his time as a Jay. He is one of two players in program history with 170 career hits and 170 career runs scored, while recording a school record 98 stolen bases. His teams won three Centennial Championships and made three NCAA tournament appearances. He also was named All-Centennial Conference three times and was a CoSIDA Academic All District team recipient three times as well. He is just one of two players to have won this impressive academic award a total of three times in their career.
All of these athletes and administrators truly embody the spirit of Blue Jay athletics, and it is with great appreciation that they are welcomed into the Athletics Hall of Fame. To secure a reservation for the ceremony, call Meredith Rosenblatt at (410) 516-0412 or make an online reservation through Blue Jays Unlimited.
