CLARKSON
ATHLETICS HALL of FAME

PINKY RYAN '35
Inaugural Class of 1992 Inductee

Few people in the history of Clarkson athletics have made more of an impact at the school than Philip J. "Pinky" Ryan. He was very devoted and dedicated to the Golden Knights sports teams and the individual student-athletes. He was a man who could perk up a player down in the dumps or deflate a swelled head, a man who was held in the utmost respect by every team member in the school.

Pinky, as called by his friends and associates, served on the Clarkson athletic staff for 26 years from 1947 until his death on October 17, 1972. A 1935 Clarkson graduate, Pinky returned to Clarkson in September 1947 after serving as athletic director and coach for 10 years at St. Michael's College. Upon his return he became athletic trainer, assistant baseball and basketball coach, and assistant professor of physical education. He also served as an associate director of athletics at Clarkson. Pinky, one of the most well-known figures on campus for many years, was very active in Clarkson alumni affairs.

As a student at Clarkson, Pinky was very active in all aspects of college life. He was Ice Carnival King, a member of Sigma Delta fraternity, Phalanx and the Varsity C Club, and president of the junior class as well as being one of the most outstanding and popular athletes ever to attend Clarkson.

Pinky, a small Irishman, starred and served as captain on the Golden Knights' basketball and baseball teams. As a guard on the basketball team, he combined scoring ability with deft ball-handling skills. On the diamond, he was rated as one of the few men capable of playing professional baseball in the major league directly out of college. As a centerfielder he moved with the crack of the bat and never looked back until he would turn and catch the ball. After graduating from Clarkson. He played three years of baseball for the Malone team in the former Northern New York League.

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 Philip John "Pinky" Ryan into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

 

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