TROY, N.Y. - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Athletics Hall of Fame Selection Committee has chosen six former student-athletes for induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame. The Class of 2025 consists of Ben Fazio '17 (Men's Cross Country / Track & Field) Cathy Butler Urbach '95 (Softball / Women's Ice Hockey), Jeanne Carboni Debonis '87 (Women's Swimming & Diving), Joseph Zongol '08  (Baseball), Larry Landon '81 (Men's Hockey), and Shanny Lin '18 (Women's Swimming & Diving).

"I am thrilled to honor this year's inductees to the RPI Athletics Hall of Fame later this month," said RPI Director of Athletics, Dr. Kristie Bowers. "As we celebrate the achievements of our Hall of Fame inductees, we honor not only their remarkable accomplishments but also the spirit of perseverance and excellence that embodies our athletic community. Each inductee represents the very best of Rensselaer, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for greatness both in competition and in life. Congratulations to everyone and we look forward to a great celebration ahead." 

Fazio, who currently serves an assistant coach with the men's cross country and track & field programs, was an NCAA Champion in the Distance Medley Relay and the first All-American honoree in RPI men's cross country history in 2014. Fazio would repeat as an All-American one year later to become the first Engineer to earn All-American status in multiple seasons.

Butler Urbach starred for the RPI softball and women's hockey program in the mid-1990's. In addition to listing among the career leaders in multiple softball categories, she was a key figure in helping women's hockey transition from club status to the varsity level.

A trailblazer in RPI athletics, Carboni Debonis was the first female student-athlete to represent Rensselaer at the national level in any sport when she competed in the NCAA Swimming & Diving National Championships in 1984. Additionally, she was the first female to receive All-American accolades.

One of the best pitchers in RPI baseball history, Zongol owns the Engineer's career program record in strikeouts. Zongol was named an All-American and the Liberty League Pitcher of the Year while leading RPI to the conference championship in 2008.

Landon eclipsed 30 points in all four seasons in a RPI men's hockey uniform, including two years in which he served as a captain. After graduating from RPI and playing professionally for several years, Landon would go on to serve for more than 30 years as the Executive Director of the Professional Hockey Player's Association.

Lin was a three-time All-American in the water for the Engineers. RPI was 49-4 in dual meets across her four years, including two undefeated seasons. Lin also played a key role in helping RPI win its first-ever Liberty League Swimming & Diving Championship in 2018.

The Class of 2025 induction and celebration brunch will take place on Sunday, April 27th beginning at 10:30 am at the Heffner Alumni House. Information regarding tickets to the event can be found HERE.