POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — The Marist University Athletics Department is proud to announce its inaugural Hall of Fame class, honoring the exceptional achievements, championship moments, and transformative impact of Red Fox student-athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters.

The class features a former NFL standout, an NBA all-star, two legendary MAAC student-athletes, a championship-winning coach with 11 conference titles, and a longtime Trustee whose leadership helped shape the future of Red Fox athletics.

The six-member class consists of Terrence Fede '13, Rachele Fitz '10, Jack Gartland, Brian Giorgis, Rik Smits '88, and Chris Tracz '05. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 at the McCann Center in conjunction with Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. The first inductees will have plaques installed and will be part of an enduring annual tradition that pays tribute to Marist's best athletic performers.

"I think we have an incredible group of inductees for our inaugural class," Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray said. "I can't thank our nominating and selection committees enough for the terrific job that they did, both in their preparation and our detailed conversations. There were so many deserving nominees, and while unfortunately we can't induct everyone at once, we are looking forward to the continued recognition of our outstanding representatives of Marist University in the years to come."

Here are the accomplishments of each inductee:

Terrence Fede '13
Fede became Marist's first NFL Draft choice in 2014, when he was selected in the seventh round by the Miami Dolphins. He played for the Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New York Giants during his NFL career.

Fede played defensive end for the Red Foxes from 2009-13. He holds the program's career and single-season records for sacks. Fede was named the Pioneer Football League's (PFL) Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, and he was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented to the top defensive player in the FCS.

Rachele Fitz '10
Fitz is Marist women's basketball's all-time leader in points and rebounds. She was named Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America in 2009 and 2010, and was a three-time MAAC Player of the Year and two-time MAAC Tournament MVP.

She was the leading scorer and rebounder for the first team in MAAC basketball history (women's or men's) to reach the Sweet Sixteen. Fitz is the only player in program history to have her number retired.

Jack Gartland
Jack Gartland was elected chairman of Marist's first lay advisory board in 1956. He became a member of the Board of Trustees in 1969, served as chairman from 1972-74, and was elected Life Trustee in 1999.

Gartland served for 20 years as Chair of the Buildings & Grounds Committee, guiding the design and development of a campus that saw nearly every building constructed or renovated under his leadership. As President of the James J. McCann Charitable Trust, he secured millions in grants that drove major expansions, including the McCann Center building and its later addition, the opening of Gartland Athletic Commons, and the construction of McCann Baseball Field.

Brian Giorgis
As head coach of Marist women's basketball from 2002–23, Giorgis won a record 11 MAAC championships—including the program's first in 2004 and an unprecedented nine straight from 2006–14—along with 13 MAAC regular-season titles and eight MAAC Coach of the Year awards.

In 2007, he became the first MAAC coach, men's or women's, to lead a team to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, earning five NCAA Tournament wins overall. Giorgis tallied 463 victories in 21 seasons, including two 30-win campaigns, guiding the Red Foxes to a program-record 32 wins in 2007–08 and 31 in 2010–11, with both seasons culminating in second-round NCAA appearances.

Rik Smits '88
Smits became Marist's first NBA Draft selection when he was selected second overall by the Indiana Pacers in 1988. In his career at Marist from 1984-88, Smits was named an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American in 1988. He earned numerous ECAC Metro honors, including Player of the Year twice, First Team All-Conference three times, Tournament MVP, and Rookie of the Year.

Smits set 25 school records in his career, including a then-single game scoring record of 45 points in his final collegiate game to match his uniform number, which is retired. Smits led Marist to its first two NCAA Tournament berths in program history in 1986 and 1987.

Chris Tracz '05
A standout pitcher for the Red Foxes from 2001–05, Tracz remains the program's all-time leader in wins, strikeouts, starts, complete games, and innings pitched. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning Freshman All-America and MAAC Rookie of the Year honors, and later became a two-time First Team All-Region pick and two-time MAAC Pitcher of the Year.

He helped Marist set a program wins record in 2002. In 2005, he led Marist to the third MAAC title of his career. After his playing days, Tracz returned as pitching coach before serving as head coach for 13 seasons.

The Red Foxes are the MAAC's all-time leader in conference championships and Commissioner's Cups. Student-athletes have excelled in the classroom, reached the highest levels of their sports, and they have continued to bring pride and distinction to Marist long after their time on campus.
 
About Marist University: Founded in 1929, Marist University is a comprehensive, independent four-year institution that blends the liberal arts with pre-professional studies and emphasizes experiential learning to enrich classroom instruction. With campuses in Poughkeepsie, New York, and Florence, Italy, as well as more than 70 programs offering a variety of international study options, the University is a portal to the world and is devoted to nurturing a welcoming, inclusive community. Through six schools offering nearly 50 majors, Marist fosters the intellectual growth and well-being of its more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The University encourages students to explore beyond traditional academic boundaries, pursuing coursework and personal experiences that provide valuable occupational expertise and reflect their individual passions. Marist has been recognized as a top institution in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal, The Princeton Review, and others.