Hall Of Fame - 2000

Laddie Andahazy came to the United States from Hungary when he was eight years old. He brought with him a love for horses that eventually led to the development of the equestrian programs at Lake Erie College and the growth of show jumping in America.

Following WWII, in which he participated in the D-Day invasion in Europe, Andahazy became fully involved in the equestrian world. He came to Lake Erie College in 1955 with a clear plan of what he wanted to do. The program was initially an adjunct of the physical education department, but grew to be the first equestrian program in the country to offer major accreditation. The program began on campus, and, through his efforts, moved to Morley Farm. By the time Andahazy retired in 1977, it grew in size and stature to become one of the best known in the country. Andahazy is responsible for the prestige that the Lake Erie equestrian program holds today.

Andahazy's influence also extends beyond Lake Erie College. He is credited with introducing the concept of Grand Prix show jumping to America. In 1965, he won the America Horse Show Association Course Designer award, the most prestigious honor bestowed by that organization. He founded the Cleveland Chapter of the Professional Horseman's Association and the Western Reserve Carriage Association. He also created the Prix deVille of North America Jumping and Dressage Competition and the Dressage Derby of Ohio.

Jill Knowles of Stevensville, Michigan attended Lake Erie College from 1986-1990. She received a bachelor of science degree and concentrated in equestrian studies.

While at Lake Erie, she played four years of NAIA volleyball, rode three years at Jumper Prix deVille and participated one year in Dressage Prix deVille. In her third year of volleyball, she was given honorable mention on the NAIA District 22 all-star team. While playing volleyball, she was voted Most Valuable Player all four years. During her last two years, Lake Erie teams compiled a match record of 44-27.

Knowles also contributed in clubs and organizations such as the Student Government Association. She was SGA treasurer in her junior year, moving up to president the following year. She received the LEC Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Contribution in Furthering the Goals and Ideals of the Institution in 1988-89.

Since graduation, Knowles worked in the Lake/Geauga area, then as a trainer for a breeding farm in Elkhart, Indiana. She is currently self-employed as owner of Hidden Knoll Farm in Lake Forest, Illinois.

The Lake Erie College Athletic Hall of Fame Committee recognizes all the athletic achievements and extracurricular contributions by Jill Marie Knowles with induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame on April 29, 2000.

 Brett Kenneth Vana

Brett Kenneth Vana, originally from North Royalton, Ohio, attended Lake Erie College from 1991 to 1995. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry.

While at Lake Erie College, Vana was a four-year starter and captain of the men's basketball team. At his time of induction, he held records in five major statistical categories, including points scored (1184), field goals made (423), free throws made (333), steals (129) and assists (490). He was named "Lake Erie College Male Athlete of the Year" in 1993-1994 for his achievements on the basketball court. During his senior year, he was named to the Great Lakes NAIA All Region team.

Vana was active in many clubs and organizations throughout his undergraduate years at Lake Erie College. He was a member of the Italian club, Mortar Board and Student Government Association. Vana also served as a resident assistant (RA) in the dormitories for the Office of Student Life.

Three short years after graduation, Vana found himself coaching a state championship team in North Carolina. The next year, he left Providence Day High School to become a men's basketball assistant at Western Kentucky. Since then, Vana has been living in Switzerland coaching a professional men's basketball team.