Duthie to Join Cornell Greats

ITHACA, N.Y. -- William Duthie, who served as Cornell's first varsity head coach for women's ice hockey, is among 12 individuals who have been selected for induction into the Cornell University Athletic Hall of Fame at the 32nd annual ceremonies to be held Friday, Oct. 9, on the Cornell campus. After this year's class is inducted, the membership in the Hall will stand at 510.

Joining Duthie in the 2009 induction class are Jason Elliot '98 men's ice hockey; Jennifer Bass (Scharpf) '95, women’s lacrosse; Joe Rooney ‘24 lacrosse; David Sarachan '74, men’s soccer; and Jessica Shaw (Raha) '99, women's track and field and cross country; Eric Krawczyk '98, football; Craig Lambert '72, football; Kimberly Milligan (Thomson) ’97, women’s swimming; John S. Murray ’61, track and field; Kenneth Veenema ’77, baseball; and Julie Westbrock '99, softball.

In addition to the formal induction ceremonies Friday evening, the honorees will be recognized at halftime of the Cornell-Harvard football game on Saturday afternoon.

The Cornell Athletic Hall of Fame was initiated in 1978. It became a reality through the thoughtfulness and generosity of the late Ellis H. Robison '18, whose devotion, advice and financial support to his alma mater started immediately upon graduation from the university.

A brief biography of Duthie follows.

William Duthie ’71, Special Category; Ice Hockey; Coach, Women’s Ice Hockey
Duthie was the first varsity head coach for the women's ice hockey team, and his tenure included a .611 winning percentage. He led the team to six consecutive Ivy League championships from 1976-81, a league record. His overall record was 135-85-5. Duthie had 13 All-Ivy first team selections. His teams compiled three consecutive 17-win seasons from 1976-80. His best season was the 1979-80 campaign when the Big Red won its fifth straight league crown, finished second at both the Granite State Tournament and the Concordia Invitational, and recorded a third-place performance at the first-ever AIAW championship. As a wing for men's ice hockey team, Duthie was a member of Cornell's historic undefeated (29-0) season (1969-70) en route to the national championship. He served as tri-captain for 1970-71 season. Duthie was the recipient of the Sam Woodside award for most improved player in 1971.