Former Rams Patrick Bird (2007), Pete Jokisch (2006), Yochanan (Jared) Katz (2003), join the first coach in program history, Tom Skillman (1968-1971) in being inducted by the Colorado State University Lacrosse Alumni Association. Former Sport Club Director Bill Hill (1989-2003) has been named an honorary inductee this season for his years of service to the university and all Sport Club programs.
Patrick Bird was one of the premiere midfielders of his era in the MCLA, being named first-team all-league for three straight years in 2005-2007. He was also a two-time first-team all-America selection in 2006 and 2007. As a midfielder and captain, Bird racked up an impressive 145 total points on 114 goals and 31 assists, good enough for 12th all-time in CSU lacrosse modern history. Bird was an integral piece of CSU’s 2006 national championship and was named to the MCLA all-decade team in 2010.
Speaking of the 2006 national championship, Pete Jokisch was a senior goaltender that season and a star for all three of his years starting in goal for the Rams. Jokisch was a part of two national championship teams in 2003 and 2006 and had a career record of 49-6 in goal. He continues to lead the program in all-time saves by a wide margin with 536 and finished his career with a save percentage of 66.2%. Jokisch was also a two-time all-America selection in 2006 and 2007.
Another midfield stalwart for the Rams from the 2000-2003 season was Yochanan (Jared) Katz. Katz was a captain for CSU in 2002 and 2003 and one of the unsung heroes of the team during his time at Colorado State. Whether it was filling the wings on face-offs, playing man-down defense or contributing as a two-way midfielder, Katz was one of the most versatile players in the country and finished his career with 75 points on 39 goals and 36 assists. He was a two-time national champion, was named to the MCLA’s all-tournament team in 2003, and will represent Team Israel in the 2014 World Games.
One of the original Rams, Tom Skillman was the program’s first lacrosse coach. At the time, he was working as the editor of CSU’s alumni magazine when the team formed and was a natural fit as a coach. He was very involved with getting CSU lacrosse off the ground and giving it the foundation to become the great program that it is today.
Finally, Bill Hill served as the Sport Clubs Director at Colorado State University for 15 years. He has been around campus for much of his life – since he was as freshman at the school in 1966. Hill’s support of the program – and all Sport Clubs – was palpable and he was always an advocate for the students. His administration and excitement towards the program had much to do with helping CSU lacrosse to national and university-wide prominence in the 1990’s and early 2000’s.
This year’s Hall of Fame Game will be held at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch, CO on March 15, 2014 at 7 p.m. CSU will host the Cal Bears in the teams’ first match-up in over a decade and will honor this year’s inductees in a halftime ceremony.
By adding four new official members and one honorary member in its seventh year, the CSULAA Hall of Fame now stands at 26 honorees.