CLARKSON
ATHLETICS HALL of FAME

HANK HODGE
Inaugural Class of 1992 Inductee

Hank Hodge devoted virtually his entire professional life to Clarkson and Clarkson athletics, and in those years made many invaluable contributions to the institution and its programs. In 1929, Hodge embarked upon his long and illustrious years of service to Clarkson which lasted 38 years. After coaching record-breaking teams in baseball, basketball and football, he was named director of athletics and physical education in 1944, a position he held until his retirement in 1967. He was widely known in collegiate athletic circles throughout the East, and was particularly active in baseball, which he coached at Clarkson for 35 years, the longest tenure of any Golden Knight coach.

During his career he received many honors, among them induction in Phalanx, Clarkson's highest recognition society and his selection as a Clarkson Golden Knight in 1967, the alumni association's loftiest honor. The 1956 Clarksonian was also dedicated in Hodge's honor. The dedication read in part: "In dedicating the 1956 Clarksonian, we find that there is one man whose direction and guidance in the field of athletics here at Clarkson, has devoted himself to developing a superior athletic program which he has superbly accomplished. There is not a doubt in our minds in dedicating this yearbook, that Mr. Hodge, in his many years of amiable and constructive guidance of Clarkson's athletic program, has proved to be an invaluable asset to the students and the college."

Hodge continued his long affiliation with Clarkson in his retirement as a special assistant on a consulting basis to then President John W. Graham, Jr. until 1971. Hodge died on February 21, 1980, and on July 11, 1981 Clarkson recognized him as a predominant figure in its athletic history by naming its major sports and recreation facilities the Henry R. Hodge Sports and Recreation Complex. A memorial is erected in front of the complex, which includes the Alumni Gymnasium, Snell Field, and the Schuler Recreation Center.

The Clarkson University Athletic Hall of Fame was founded to honor and perpetuate the memory of those individuals who, either through participation, support or interest have made outstanding contributions to Clarkson athletics, and who have helped to bring recognition, honor and distinction to the University. It is with great pride that Clarkson inducts Hank Hodge into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

 

William O' Flaherty
____________________
Hall of Fame Chairman
October 31, 1992