New York Institute of Technology's (NYIT) Department of Athletics recently inducted its largest number of all-star athletes to its Athletics Hall of Fame at the eighth annual awards banquet held at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place.

Among those honored was Glen Head resident Matthew Calamari.

This year also marked the first time in NYIT's history that an entire team was honored for excellence.

The entire 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. Other inductees include 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.

Also inducted into NYIT's Athletics Hall of Fame were Matthew Calamari (football) of Glen Head; Bill DaCosta (baseball) (B.S. '90) of Massapequa; Bill Easteadt (men's soccer coach) of Long Beach; Kevin O'Brien (lacrosse) (B.S. '95) of Babylon, N.Y., and Theresa A. Kenney (women's softball and basketball) (B.S. '84) of Plainview.

NYIT also presented the inaugural Dr. William T. "Buck" Lai Wonderful Life Achievement Award to former New York Jets defensive tackle Marty Lyons. The 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 is named in honor of the late Buck Lai, who was NYIT's athletics director from 1984-88.

Established in 1998, NYIT's Athletics Hall of Fame honors outstanding performances by alumni athletes on the fields of play, as well as those who have distinguished themselves as model coaches and administrators. To date, 58 athletes and one athletic team have been inducted into NYIT's Athletics Hall of Fame, representing 13 intercollegiate sports.