Which Scarlet Knights were selected to Rutgers Athletics 2023 Hall of Fame Class?

The Rutgers University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced five members and one team to their 2023 Hall of Fame class.

On Wednesday, the Rutgers University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced five members and one team to their 2023 Hall of Fame class.

The Scarlet Knights elected Rita Kay Thomas (athletic administrator), Katie Batiuk (women’s lacrosse), Jeff Frazier (baseball), Robert Galbraith (men’s swimming & diving), George Peter Savidge (men’s lacrosse), and the 1976 football team to their 2023 Hall of Fame class.

The Hall of Fame induction will occur on Friday, September 29, at the East Brunswick Hilton. Also, the inductees will be recognized the following day when the Scarlet Knights host Wagner at SHI stadium.

Below are the members of the Rutgers Athletics 2023 Hall of Fame Class.

RITA KAY THOMAS – Athletics Administrator

Rita Kay Thomas was the anchor for women’s athletics when she got hired in September 1974. Thomas took on multiple roles within Rutgers Athletics throughout her Scarlet Knight career. She was the Assistant Athletic Director for Women’s Sports and head coach of the women’s tennis team. Also, she was hired as Rutgers’ first director of women’s athletics and was a member of the athletics administration until her retirement in 2001.

KATIE BATIUK – Women’s Lacrosse

Katie Batiuk was a top student-athlete in Rutgers women’s lacrosse history, selected four-time all-conference and all-region, and a 2007 All-American. The former midfielder finished her Rutgers career top 10 in goals (160), assists (56), caused turnovers (75), and draw controls (120). Within four seasons, Batiuk recorded 216 points. As a senior in 2007, she finished with a team-best 42 goals and 48 points. Also, she guided the Scarlet Knights to a 12-5 record and a trip to the Big East Tournament.

JEFF FRAZIER – Baseball

Jeff Frazier made his mark in Rutgers baseball’s history, setting the program record with 13 home runs. Also, Frazier was named Freshman All-America by Baseball America. The New Jersey native from Toms River, New Jersey, was part of 102 wins, two Big East Tournaments, and played in the 2003 NCAA Regional in Tallahassee, Florida. Frazier is ranked fourth in home runs (34), fifth in RBIs (167), seventh in total bases (370), and ninth in single-season RBIs (59 in 2004) in Rutgers record books.

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ROBERT GALBRAITH – Men’s Swimming & Diving

Robert Galbraith was Rutgers’ first-ever national champion. Also, he was one of two Scarlet Knights to participate in the 1924 Men’s Swimming NCAA Championship. He helped the Scarlet Knights capture the Eastern Collegiate Championship.

GEORGE PETER SAVIDGE – Men’s Lacrosse

George Savidge was a multi-sport athlete at Rutgers, playing lacrosse and football from 1963 to 1966. Savidge was a tremendous defenseman on the lacrosse field, earning three-time All-American status. In his three seasons with the Scarlet Knights, Savidge captured 25 victories. Also, Savidge got named to the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

1976 TEAM – Football

The 1976 Rutgers football team was the best in Rutgers’ history, recording a perfect 11-0 record under head coach Frank Burns. The 1976 team was anchored by their defense, leading the nation in scoring (7.4), rushing (83.9), and total defense (179.2). Also, they held 8-of-11 opponents to single-digit points. On offense, the 1976 team outscored opponents by a combined total of 287-81. According to the Associated Press, the 1976 team finished the season with the No. 17 ranking.

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