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October 16, 2024Greater Capital Region Aquatics Hall of Fame Hosts Celebration Honoring its First Class of Inductees
On Saturday, October 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Clifton Park, The Greater Capital Region Aquatics Hall of Fame will celebrate its inaugural class of honorees. Established earlier this year by the Capital Region Aquatic Center, the Hall of Fame will annually recognize athletes, coaches, officials and community supporters who have made significant contributions to local aquatic sports.
Spearheading the Hall of Fame effort has been Tim Sinnenberg, a local coach, parent and Capital Region Aquatic Center advisory board member.
“We believe this inaugural class exemplifies the rich sports culture here in the Capital Region,” said Sinnenberg. “Each honoree has dedicated themselves to elevating the excellence of aquatic sports throughout the region, setting the standard for generations to come.”
The inaugural Hall of Fame class includes:
- Kari Andersson
Kari was an NCAA Division III champion for Williams College and a 13-time All-American. Ranked first in the 2000 FINA World rankings for the 25-29 age group in the 100-meter backstroke, Kari today is an All-American U.S. Masters Swimmer (USMS). Among her achievements are 12 relay and 24 individual USMS top ten times.
- Cassandra Cardinell-Metzler
Cassandra represented Team USA at multiple international events, including placing seventh at the 2004 Summer Olympics in the women’s synchronized diving 10-meter platform. At Indiana University, she was a 2005 NCAA champion on the platform and in 2008 won a national title in the Senior Women’s 10-meter platform. In 1999 while attending Shaker High School, Cassandra set the Section 2 diving record, breaking the New York state diving record in the process.
- Richelle (Depold) Fox
Richelle competed on the U.S. National Team from 1995 through 2000, winning medals at the U.S. National Championships and at Swimming World Cup meets. While attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she was a six-time individual All-American and a two-time ACC Swimmer of the Year. Prior to her outstanding collegiate career, Richelle was the most decorated Section 2 female swimmer ever. With multiple wins at NYS meets, she was named the event’s top performer three times.
- Edward (Ned) Monthie
Ned is the long-time swimming and diving coach for Shaker High School. During his illustrious career, he has coached divers who competed in both the Section 2 Championships and the New York State Swimming and Diving Championships. Among the many successful divers he has mentored is fellow Hall of Fame inductee Cassandra Cardinell. Ned was the Section 2 Swimming and Diving Coordinator for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and is a member of the Shaker High School Hall of Fame.
- Kevin Paulsen
Kevin is the most decorated male swimmer in the history of Section 2. A five-time NYS Champion with eight Sectional titles, he was undefeated in individual events and held Section 2 records in the 200 and 500 freestyle. A member of St. Bonaventure University’s Hall of Fame, Kevin placed first at the Eastern Intercollegiate Championships several times during his collegiate career.
- Pat Potter
Pat has spent more than six decades dedicating herself to the Glens Falls swimming community. She was a diving clinic instructor for 35 years and for 30 years, volunteered as a diving judge or referee at the New York State Championships. Pat also served as the president of the New York State Section 2 Officials Association for 12 years.
- Kathleen Rogan
Kathleen has participated in the Special Olympics since 1999, competing in 231 track and field and swimming events. In 2018 and 2022, she competed in swimming at the USA Games and a World Games in Ireland.
- Arthur F. Young Jr.
Arthur is the director of Adirondack Swimming. Instrumental in creating USA Swimming, he went on to serve as the organization’s finance committee chairperson for several years. Arthur was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for New York State Certified Swimming Officials.
In addition to honoring the inaugural class of inductees, the October 19 event will recognize the Shenendehowa Girls and Boys Swimming and Diving Staff as Coaches of the Year. Both teams won Section 2 Large School championship titles, with numerous athletes competing at the New York State Championships.
For information on how to purchase tickets, or to support the Hall of Fame as a sponsor, go to capitalregionaquaticcenter.org or email tsinnenberg@gmail.com.
