Belmont Abbey College Announces Inductees for Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame
Belmont, N.C. (August 22, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College announces the induction of three exceptional individuals and one remarkable team into the Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame this fall. On September 23, 2023, the Belmont Abbey community will gather to honor and induct the following into the Hall of Fame:
- 1989 Men’s Soccer Team
- Frank Zinke ’69
- Theresa Breslin ’09
- William Collins ’66
The Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates excellence and outstanding achievements within Belmont Abbey College’s Athletics program. Vice President and Director of Athletics, Stephen Miss, highlights the importance of recognizing these inductees for their personification of ‘The Abbey Way’ and their impact on the college. “The evening of Saturday, September 23rd will be a momentous occasion, providing us an opportunity to Raise the Red collectively in honor of some of Belmont Abbey College’s finest! These Crusaders’ induction in the Dr. Michael P. Reidy Athletics Hall of Fame serves as a recognition and reminder – not only of their outstanding athletic achievements on fields and courts of competition but also of their tremendous professional and personal accomplishments and contributions, which are attributable, in part, to the holistic formation and development of body, mind, and soul afforded all those blessed to receive a Belmont Abbey College education.”
The 1989 Men’s Soccer Team went 20-4 and was undefeated in both Conference Carolinas and District 26 regular season play, rising as high as #7 in the National polls. They also claimed the Area VIII Championship, advancing to the 12 team National Tournament Finals – the first school from North Carolina to break through qualifying since the 1966 Abbey Hall of Fame team. Dozens of honors followed, including: National Coach of the Year, 3 All Americans, an Academic All American, 6 All-South, 7 All Conference & All District performers, as well as the 2 time District & Conference Player of the Year, and the National Tournament MVP-Goalkeeper. Their remarkable achievements on the field were instrumental in defining Belmont Abbey College as an elite soccer program.
Frank Zinke, one of the leading scorers in basketball history at the Abbey, demonstrated exceptional talent and work ethic throughout his athletic career. Zinke’s field goal percentage placed him among the greatest college players of his time, being ranked first and second in the nation in his junior and senior years. His basketball achievements, alongside his off-court involvement and well-known humor and kindness, make him a true role model as a student-athlete who exemplified the mission of Belmont Abbey College.
Theresa (Nolan) Breslin, a standout athlete from the class of ’09, consistently displayed exceptional skill as a three-time All-American on the Women’s Lacrosse team. A member of the team since its inception, Breslin served as team captain before graduating from the Abbey cum laude. She now practices her unwavering commitment to excellence as an attorney of the Florida and Illinois bar and strongly supports the Abbey’s lacrosse program.
William “Bill” Collins, a distinguished student-athlete from the class of ’66, left an indelible mark on the Abbey’s baseball program. He was a member of the 1966 team that won the District 26 Regional Championship and produced the first winning season (18-12) since Belmont Abbey reinstated the program after World War II. A two-time Team MVP, Collins won the Marty Thomas Award in 1966 and earned District 26 First Team All-Regional honors that year. A faithful supporter of the baseball program, Collins’ talent and dedication show the essence of a Belmont Abbey Crusader.
These individuals and team have significantly contributed to the thriving culture of athletic excellence and virtue at Belmont Abbey College, and this induction ceremony honors their contributions to their respective programs and Abbey Athletics.
About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.
