ERIE, Pa. – As Mercyhurst University celebrates its centennial, the Athletics Hall of Fame will place a special emphasis on honoring those who have helped shape the university’s athletic history as coaches. The Mercyhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame will welcome 15 new members as part of its 2027 induction class. Ken Brasington (football), Ron Coleman (golf), Mike Fraley (cross country), Kathy Noble Fraley (cross country), Karl Fogel (men’s basketball), Louis Goulet (women’s hockey), Rich Hartis (women’s soccer), Geraldine Heil (field hockey), Joe Kimball (football/administration), Curtis Robinette (water polo), Chris Ryan (men’s lacrosse), Marty Schaetzle (football), Adrian Spracklen (rowing), Charlie Spano (baseball), and Mike Wehler (wrestling) have been selected for induction as the Class of 2027.
This year’s induction is set to take place Saturday, February 27. Inductees will be honored at halftime of the men’s basketball game at 2:00 p.m. and be officially inducted in a ceremony held at the Ambassador, followed by an after-party at John Russell Brewery on Peach Street. Registration is now open and can be accessed here. The deadline to register is Friday, January 29.
Robinette became the second head coach in Mercyhurst water polo history in 2002 and was responsible for all but two victories in program history at the time. He helped establish the Lakers as one of the strongest programs at the Division II level, leading Mercyhurst to its first Division II Eastern Championship title in 2006 and the program’s first Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC)-West Division title in 2016. He is being honored posthumously for his lasting impact on the Mercyhurst water polo program.
Robinette passed away on August 14, 2021, following a battle with cancer.
A 2002 graduate of Slippery Rock University, Robinette was a standout player. He was a four-year varsity award winner, captain for two seasons and was the recipient of the Dr. Richard Hunkler Water Polo Scholarship.
After four years of coaching swimming at both Slippery Rock and Toledo, Ohio, Robinette made his debut as a water polo coach for the second-year Lakers’ squad.
A native of Maumee, Ohio, Robinette was entering his 20th season as the head coach of both Lakers’ water polo teams and was responsible for over 200 victories with both the men’s and women’s programs at Mercyhurst.
The purpose of the Mercyhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame is to honor those who brought distinction to themselves and Mercyhurst University through their achievement, commitment, sportsmanship, and leadership in athletics. To be eligible for induction, coaches must have served Mercyhurst University for at least five years and be at least two years removed from their time at Mercyhurst. Selections are based on an individual’s accomplishments, impact, and contributions to Mercyhurst Athletics. If you wish to nominate someone for future consideration, please use the athletics hall of fame nomination form found here.
