LI Inducts Athletic Hall of Fame Members and Teams

November 8th, 2022

On October 7th, Lyndon Institute inducted ten outstanding individual athletes, two prolific teams, and one legendary coach into the Lyndon Institute Athletic Hall of Fame during its second year of existence. “It was a great night with so many deserving athletes and teams as well as a great coach,” said LI’s Director of Athletics and Activities, Eric Berry. Alumni auditorium was packed. Our inductees and guests shared so many great stories and memories—it reminded us all why we’re Vikings and why we love this school so much.

Members of the newest Hall of Fame class:

Fletcher “Duke” Manley - ‘56 (Football, Track and Field, Alpine Skiing)

Tim Simpson - ‘59 (Track and Field)

Ralph Devereaux - ‘59 (Track and Field, Alpine), official induction 2023

Charles “Chuck” Smith - ‘69 (Track and Field, Football)

John Sackett - ‘77 (Track and Field, Nordic Skiing, X-Country Running)

Wendy Smith Griffin - ‘78 (Track and Field, Alpine/Nordic Skiing)

W. David Williams - ‘78 (Skiing)

Timothy Simpson - ‘81 (Track and Field)

Jen Kirchoff Layn - ‘01 (Softball, Hockey, Soccer)

Riley Blankenship - ‘12 (Basketball, Track and Field)

Coach

Don Erskine - Alpine and Nordic Ski Coach -1950-1965, nine-time Vermont State Champion, two-time New England Champion, thirteen-time District Champion

Teams

Boys Combined ‘59-’63 Ski Teams (State Champs all five years, and New England Champions ‘60 and ‘63)

Girls Softball ‘05-’08 (State Champions all four years and 79 straight wins)

The individual inductees and teams were also honored on October 8th, 2022 with a ceremony at halftime of the home football game, played at home on Lewis Field. Lyndon Institute will be re-inviting the 2005-2008 softball teams to come back next year as well!

The LI Athletic department urges both friends and alumni to nominate athletes, coaches, teams, or others who they feel have made a great contribution to LI athletics over the past 155-year history of the school. You can find out more information about LI’s Athletic Hall of Fame by visiting www.lyndoninstitute.org/athletics/athletic-hall-of-fame.

Posted in the categories Front Page, Alumni.

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