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Anne Sarkissian DeRue of Oswego, a 2004 alumna of SUNY Oswego, recently joined the ranks of 78 other accomplished individuals who have been voted into the SUNY Oswego Athletic Hall of Fame, forever solidifying themselves in the college's athletic history.
Standout swimmer Sarkissian DeRue and three fellow Oswego alumni were officially inducted into the Hall of Fame during a ceremony Nov. 2 in the Sheldon Hall ballroom on campus. Others inducted were baseball player Bob Brutsch '71 of Crested Butte, Colo., wrestler Brian V. McGann '70 of Cutler Bay, Fla., and soccer and lacrosse player Kathryn "Kat" Stead '04 of Clifton Park, N.Y.
"This year's honorees represent some of the best athletes in Oswego State's long athletic history," said event organizer Laura Pavlus, '09, interim director of alumni and parent relations. "We are honored to recognize them today."
Sarkissian DeRue enters the Oswego State Athletic Hall of Fame as a 12-time All-American in swimming, and arguably the most-decorated athlete in school history. Her best season came in 2002-03 as a junior when she was an All-American in six events at the NCAA Championships, including a runner-up finish in the 100 butterfly, helping the Lakers place 16th.
"Anne set a high standard for Lakers swimming for four years," said diving coach John Moore, who presented her award. "At our big competitive meets, Anne was the anchor for the relay. I can't remember a single time when she didn't come through."
The three-time NCAA qualifier was a four-time conference champion in the 100 and 200 butterfly, earning SUNYAC Outstanding Female Swimmer honors in 2002 and 2004. She owns the oldest SUNYAC Championship Meet and overall conference swimming records in the 100 butterfly to go along with her school records in the 100 and 200 butterfly.
Sarkissian DeRue also received the 2004 SUNYAC Grace Mowatt Award, which is given to the senior female swimmer/diver based on athletic and academic achievement, and was also an inaugural recipient of the SUNYAC Award of Valor, which is given to individuals who have overcome obstacles and served as an inspiration to others. She serves as an assistant coach of the college's swimming and diving team and is a math teacher in the Fulton City School District.
During her acceptance speech, Sarkissian DeRue shared a story about how a brain tumor interrupted her senior year of high school and swim season, and how swimming saved her life. Her high school swim coach, who was also the head coach at SUNY Oswego, motivated and supported her, and was ultimately the reason Sarkissian DeRue decided to swim at SUNY Oswego.
"Thank you for all of the opportunities that were provided to me while I was a student," she said. "Thank you for this recognition. I don't think I could put into words how much I appreciate this."
The Alumni Association established the Hall of Fame in 2001 to honor those persons who have made outstanding contributions to Oswego athletics. Its purpose is to perpetuate the memory of those who have brought honor, distinction and excellence to Oswego in athletics.
Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News Media Group counts SUNY Oswego among the top public regional universities in the North for 2014, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its 2014 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges," as well as its 2013 list of "best value" colleges and universities nationally.
A 152-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls more than 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.
For more information, visit oswego.edu.
