Canisius University celebrated its 60th Sports Hall of Fame induction class Friday, Sept. 25, during Griff Weekend. The ceremony, held in the Montante Cultural Center, honored eight former student-athletes for their accomplishments as Golden Griffins and recognized longtime Canisius athletics supporter and alumnus Erik Brady ’76 with the Rev. Paul J. Dugan, S.J., ’45 Award.
[Photo from right to left: Shawn Parkhurst ’13, Brittané Russell ’10, Allyson Severyn ’13, Connor Panas ’15, Tim Edwards ’15, Billy Baron ’14, Maria Kotas ’14, Mallory Aldred ’09, Eric Brady ‘76.]
The 2026 Sports Hall of Fame inductees:
Mallory Aldred ’09 – Softball
A four-year softball standout from 2006-09, Aldred was a two-time All-MAAC selection and set an NCAA record with 15 saves during her junior season. She finished her career with 29 wins and 293 strikeouts.
Billy Baron ’14 – Men’s Basketball
A two-time All-MAAC First Team honoree and the 2013-14 MAAC Player of the Year, Baron is one of the most prolific scorers in Canisius men’s basketball history. He earned Associated Press All-America honors and scored 1,405 points during his two seasons as a Griff.
Tim Edwards ’15 – Men’s Lacrosse
A four-year letterwinner, Edwards earned First-Team All-MAAC honors three times and was the 2012 MAAC Rookie of the Year. He finished his career ranked among the program’s leaders in points and assists.
Maria Kotas ’14 – Women’s Lacrosse
Kotas was one of the most decorated players in Canisius women’s lacrosse history. A four-time All-Championship Team selection, she helped lead the Griffs to four MAAC titles and finished her career with 200 points.
Connor Panas ’15 – Baseball
A two-time MAAC Student-Athlete of the Year, Panas was the 2015 MAAC Championship MVP and earned All-American honors. He helped lead the Griffs to a MAAC championship and NCAA tournament appearance during his senior season.
Shawn Parkhurst ’13 – Men’s Swimming and Diving
Parkhurst became the first swimmer in Canisius history to earn five MAAC individual championships. He graduated holding 18 individual or relay records and remains the school-record holder in the 1,000- and 1,650-yard freestyle events.
Brittané Russell ’10 – Women’s Basketball
A four-year letterwinner, Russell became the 19th member of the Canisius women’s basketball program’s 1,000-point club. She was a two-time All-MAAC Second Team honoree and the 2008-09 MAAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Allyson Severyn ’13 – Volleyball
Severyn was a four-year volleyball standout and the 2010 MAAC Libero of the Year. She remains Canisius’ all-time career leader in digs, with 2,288, and played in every match and set during her four-year career.
Erik Brady ’76 – Rev. Paul J. Dugan, S.J., ’45 Award
Brady, a longtime sports journalist and dedicated Canisius athletics supporter, received the Rev. Paul J. Dugan, S.J., ’45 Award, which recognizes individuals whose efforts have significantly benefited Canisius athletics. A former Buffalo News sportswriter and member of the original USA Today sports department, Brady has continued to highlight Canisius and its alumni throughout his career.
With this year’s class, the Canisius Sports Hall of Fame now includes 223 individual members.
