New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) will honor its largest number of inductees at its eighth annual Athletics Hall of Fame awards banquet on Thursday, June 15, at 6 p.m., at Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Bill DaCosta, a baseball star from Massapequa, will be among those honored by the institute.

This year marks the first time in NYIT's history that an entire team will be inducted into its Athletics Hall of Fame. The roster of the 1980 men's basketball team, which advanced to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II finals, includes more than 20 players and coaches. The trainer from that 1980 squad was John Smillie of Massapequa Park.

Among the inductees will be NYIT's Director of Athletics Clyde M. Doughty Jr., of Wheatley Heights; three-time NCAA Division II All-American Kelvin Hicks, of Woodhaven; and Head Coach Sam Stern of New York City.

NYIT will also present the inaugural William T. "Buck" Lai/Wonderful Life Achievement Award to former New York Jets defensive tackle Marty Lyons.

This award is given to individuals who have dedicated themselves to establishing high standards in the field of education, with an emphasis on athletic achievement to enhance the academic experience and overall quality of life for young adults. The award was named in honor of the late William T. "Buck" Lai, who was NYIT's athletics director from 1984 to 1988.

Additional hall of fame honorees this year include Matt Calamari (football) of Glen Head, Bill DaCosta (baseball) of Massapequa, Bill Easteadt (men's soccer coach) of Long Beach, Kevin O'Brien (lacrosse) of Babylon, and Terri Kenney (women's softball and basketball) of Plainview.

"As we end another fine year of NYIT athletics, we once again honor individuals who have brought great distinction to the college," says Doughty. "As a member of the 1980 men's basketball team that played for a national championship, I feel privileged to be part of this experience. In addition, it is with great pride that we induct Matt, Bill, Kevin, Terri and coach Easteadt."

Established in 1998, NYIT's Athletics Hall of Fame honors outstanding performances by NYIT alumni athletes on the fields of play, as well as those who have distinguished themselves as model coaches and administrators. To date, 53 members have been inducted into NYIT's Hall of Fame, representing athletes, coaches and administrators from 13 intercollegiate sports. For more information about the NYIT Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony, please contact Clyde M. Doughty Jr., NYIT director of athletics, at 686-1133 or e-mail cdoughty@nyit.edu.