Lehman College Athletics Hall of Fame Inducts Six New Members

Lehman College inducted six new members into its Athletics Hall of Fame at a luncheon and ceremony on May 19 at The APEX. Athletics Director Dr. Martin Zwiren welcomed guests and BronxNet TV talk show host Gary Axelbank was emcee for the Hall of Fame ceremonies. Dr. Anne Johnson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and Lehman President Ricardo R. Fernández also participated. New members of the Hall of Fame include:

Pauline Lulu Carney-Tellone, 1974–78

A versatile student/athlete, Pauline “Lulu” Carney-Tellone excelled in gymnastics, cross-country, track and field, and softball. In 1975-76, she was named Most Valuable Player in cross-country and softball. In 1976-77, starring in Lehman’s first ever CUNY track and field championship team, she became the MVP among the legendary “Magnificent Seven,” a group of athletes who won CUNY’s indoor and cross-country championships with only seven members on their team. That same year, she set a school record in the 100-meter hurdles, which has lasted almost 25 years. In her junior year and pregnant with her first child, she made it into the final rounds in each of her events in the Colgate Games at Madison Square Garden.

A three-time gymnastics MVP, she went on to graduate in 1970 with a 3.4 grade average and has been a successful teacher of physical education and gymnastics coach in the New York City school system. In 1999, she earned her master’s degree from Lehman in recreation education.

Elaine Hochuli-Fincham, 1974–77

A quiet, effective leader who could always be counted on to keep team morale high, Elaine Fincham set six school records in three seasons on the Lehman Swim Team (for the 50-yard, 100-yard and 200-yard Individual Medley, 500-yard Freestyle, and 50-yard Breaststroke) as well as two relay records (for the 200-yard Medley and Freestyle). Qualifying for the State AIAW Championship Finals in 1975, 1976, and 1977, along with the Eastern Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Regional Tournament for Women in 1975, she was a Gold Medalist at the Queens Invitational in those three years. She was Most Valuable Swimmer for the women’s varsity in 1976 and 1977. In 1977, she was co-captain and “Outstanding Athlete of Lehman College.”

She won the ECAC Award for Scholarship and Athletic Prowess and the 200-yard Butterfly Gold Medal at the ’77 Metropolitan Swim Conference Championships. Elaine, who received a B.S. with honors in recreation education, continues to compete as a master swimmer, with multiple All-American Honors.

Ana M. Martinez, 1989–92

Ana Martinez, a champion with a dazzling record, holds 12 varsity letters and represented Lehman in three Hudson Valley Women’s Athletic Conference: cross-country (1989) and softball (1990, 1992). Twice voted Hudson Valley all-star in softball, she was also a CUNY all-star in softball in 1991. In that year she also took first place in the 20-pound Weight Throw competition in the Public Athletic Championships and set a record for the hammer throw, only to break her own record the following year. During 1989-90, she won four individual varsity athletic awards in cross-country and track. Voted Most Valuable Player four times, twice for softball and twice for track and field.

Ana is a four time record holder in track and field and also holds records for the 2 x 800-race walk and shot put. In 1992, she received the Lehman College President’s Award. Since then, she has pursued a successful career teaching physical education for the New York City Board of Education.

Edward Sullivan, 1971–75

Three-year Lehman varsity starter Edward Sullivan was the quintessential teammate on two CUNY Basketball Tournament Championships quintets (1974 and 1975). Adept at passing, rebounding, and scoring, it was his relentless defense that made him extraordinary. At 6' 2", the sinewy Sullivan had the strength and extension to neutralize taller front-court opponents and the quickness to shut down sharp-shooting guards. Throughout 79 varsity games, not one of the opponents Sullivan was assigned to guard ever reached his scoring average. As a senior, he represented Lehman in the CUNY-SUNY All-Star Legislative Classic and shared the Lehman team’s Most Valuable Player honors. Sullivan has taught physical education, biology, health, and computer skills at Blessed Sacrament/St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle where he received the Gannett Newspapers “Teacher Recognition Award” (1994) and the Elizabeth Ann Seton “Compassionate Educator Award” (1996). Last year he was appointed Assistant Principal for Academics.

Nick Testa , 1968–87

Nick Testa is the “George Washington” of Lehman College Baseball. The College’s first baseball coach, he ended his career with a triumph: the 1974 CUNY Baseball Championship. Testa’s enthusiasm for physical education and fitness kept his athletes and coaches in top shape. He taught Physical Education at Lehman for over 20 years and was Intramural Director and Student Government Studies Program Director. During summers, Testa played minor league baseball in Canada and also coached and played for the New York Giants. Through his coaching and contacts, a number of Lehman baseball players signed professional contracts after college. He has been a batting practice pitcher and bullpen catcher with the New York Yankees, including five World Championship teams.

Lynne Withers, 1970-74

Regarded as an extraordinary athlete by the Lehman faculty as well as her peers, Lynne Withers holds 11 varsity letters. In her freshman year, she was voted Athlete of the Year. In 1973, she was co-captain of the only CUNY team to compete in the volleyball nationals, which were held that year in Salt Lake City. As a captain on both softball (1972–74) and volleyball (1973–74) teams, she earned the MVP award four times. Since her graduation, she has enjoyed a 26-year career in teaching physical education and athletics, and has coached and officiated on high school and college levels. She was instrumental in convincing the New York City Board of Education to add in-line skating to its 1998 curriculum and has developed a sports website for Lehman High School, where she teaches. Her accomplishments place her in “A League of Her Own.”