October 27, 2003

WPU'S EASON & ALBIES TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE
PIONEER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

DUO SELECTED FOR ENSHRINEMENT IN MORRISTOWN ON NOVEMBER 17

The William Paterson University Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Fame will enshrine five new members at its 24th annual banquet on November 17 at the Madison Hotel in Morristown. The inductees include former William Paterson Director of Athletics Art Eason and current baseball coach Jeff Albies. 

Eason served as director of athletics from 1972-2002 and spurred several positive changes in the athletic department. With him at the helm, the Pioneers captured national championships in baseball, women's swimming and track and field (individual) as well as 27 New Jersey Athletic Conference championships. In addition, he fought successfully for facility upgrades including the Rec Center and the softball field, both considered among the nicest facilities in the region. He also initiated the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program at the University, which increased student-athlete participation in the community.

Eason served on several committees during his 30-year tenure. He was the president of the Collegiate Athletic Administrators of New Jersey, the president of the Meadowlands Kickoff Classic games committee, and the chairperson for the NCAA Nominating committee. In addition, he served as the chairperson for both the NCAA Division III Self-Study committee and the New Jersey Athletic Conference football sport committee. Also, he did tours of duty as the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics secretary; as Metropolitan Athletic Directors Association president, vice president and treasurer; and as a member of the NCAA Management Council.

During his 30-year tenure, Albies has produced an overall record of 780-336-10 (.697), ranking among the active Division III leaders in coaching victories. He has coached the Pioneers to two national championships (1992, 1996), seven regional titles (1982, 1985, 1988, 1992, 1995-96, 1999) and 11 NJAC crowns (1982-83, 1986-89, 1991-93, 1996-97). In addition, 29 of his former players have signed professional contracts, including former Yankee Dan Pasqua and outfielder Bryan Graham, the 2003 NJAC Player of the Year who was a 16th-round selection of the Kansas City Royals in June. Meanwhile, 27 of his players have earned All-American honors.

Albies has been named the ABCA National Coach of the Year twice (1992, 1996) while also earning the organization's Mid-Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year award on nine occasions (1982, 1988-89, 1992-93, 1995-97, 1999). The NJAC has named him its Coach of the Year nine times as well (1982-83, 1987, 1989, 1991-93, 1995-96) and the New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association has honored him six times (1982, 1987, 1989, 1991-92, 1996). On January 4, he will enter the American Baseball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame, becoming one of 204 coaches to have earned induction.