Feb. 18, 2002
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y.- Siena College has inducted two former student-athletes into the class of 2002 Sports Hall of Fame. Paul Laniewski (Men's Soccer '88) and Rochelle Travers (Volleyball '96) become the first athletes in their respective sports to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Prior to this Saturday's Men's basketball game versus Marist at the Pepsi Arena the duo will be inducted following a 5:30 p.m. reception at the Steuben Athletic Club in downtown Albany.
Laniewski played from 1984-87 and still is the school's all-time leading scorer. During his career he played in 66 games (sixth most in school history), starting 61. Laniewski was named to the All-Area team (encompasses the entire state of New York) as a sophomore, junior, and senior. He also holds the school records in goals scored (32) and career assists (25). During his junior season, Laniewski scored 30 points and 12 goals--the second most proficient season by any player in men's soccer history. His senior year total of 24 points ranks fifth all-time on the single-season charts. Perhaps more impressive, Laniewski scored eight game-deciding goals in his four-year career.
Laniewski graduated from Siena with a bachelor's of business administration degree in the spring of 1988. The following summer, he began work at KPMG Peat Marwick where he remained until April of 1995 when he accepted his current position as a financial comptroller at Boston Scientific-NAMIC Technology Center. Laniewski and his wife, the former Michelle Frollo '91, reside in Gansevoort, N.Y. and are expecting the berth of their fourth child in March.
Despite playing just two years for the Saints, Travers had a lasting impact on the storied Siena volleyball program. Travers transferred to Siena from Cerritos Community College in California prior to the 1994 season, and quickly inherited the starting setter role. In her two seasons with the Green and Gold, Travers helped the Saints to back-to-back MAAC Championships (1994, 1995). In 1995, she spearheaded Siena's run to the NCAA Tournament, averaging 10 assists per game in helping the Saints to a school record 25-5 regular season mark. A deceptive offensive presence, Travers boasted a .374 attack percentage that year en route to capturing MAAC Player of the Year honors-a distinction rarely bestowed upon a setter.
Renowned as a clutch competitor, Travers was named MVP of the 1994 MAAC Tournament and was selected to the 1995 Tournament team following stellar performances with the season on the line.
The reception and induction ceremony are both open to the general public. The cost of the event, which begins with a 5 p.m. registration at the Steuben Club is $20 and includes hors d'oeuvres. Those wishing to receive more information, or hoping to reserve a spot need only contact the Siena College alumni office at 518-783-2430 (email: alumni@siena.edu).
