Hall of Fame Inductees Showcase the Spirit of Wilkes Athletics

Each spring, Wilkes honors community members who dedicate their time and talent to athletics excellence at the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame induction and ceremony. Whether they be staff or students, these outstanding individuals represent the best of sportsmanship. The induction ceremony took place on April 27.

Two alumni who were anchors to their teammates, Anthony Dattolo ’12 and Melanie (Nolt) Hamely ’13, were inducted at this year’s ceremony for wrestling and women’s tennis, respectively.

Dattolo, a legend of the 149-pound weight class, scored over 100 wins in his four-year wrestling career, and earned All-American honors for his junior and senior year. He held a 33-1 record, with his only loss occurring at the National Finals. A two-time Metropolitan Conference Champion, Dattolo earned his bachelor of arts in business administration, proving his talents for strategy on and off the mat.

Hamley is the most decorated player in Wilkes women’s tennis history. Her list of achievements in athletics include Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom Player of the Year all four of her years at Wilkes, a four-time First Team All-MAC Freedom Selection and a member of the MAC All-Century Team, along with more than four all-time wins in the women’s tennis record book. Her versatility in the classroom also proved to be legendary, as she was named the Wilkes Female Athlete of the Year in 2011. Hamley graduated with both a bachelor of business administration in finance and a bachelor of science in accounting, proving that her success in doubles went beyond the court.

On the staff side, Addy Malatesta, Phil Wingert and Thomas Dunsmuir dedicated a combination of more than 100 years to the support and success of Wilkes student-athletes.

Malatesta served Wilkes for 34 years, navigating athletic, structural and livelihood improvements for the community. In 23 years as athletic director, she oversaw major renovations to the University’s athletic facilities spanning a multitude of buildings and fields. Malatesta’s dedication to developing Wilkes into an athletics powerhouse grew the program to as many as 23 varsity teams and over 500 rostered athletes a year. She coached softball and field hockey, served on an extensive list of boards and committees and worked closely with MAC committees. A recipient of the Board of Governors Award in 1994, the Ancestral Colonels “Esprit de Corps” Award in 2008 and the Wilkes President’s Award for Excellence in Community in 2016, Malatesta impacted almost every corner of student life. She retired in 2023.

Similarly, Wingert held roles in administration, men’s soccer and both tennis teams. He was a fixture on the sidelines, coaching multiple generations of athletes for 35 years. During his time, Wingert coached over 600 soccer games, many of which earned recognition in the MAC. His students earned high recognition and honors for their achievements as well. His retirement from coaching allowed him to pivot to a role as associate athletic director. The contributions and support Wingert offered over 60 athletics staff members and the hundreds of athletes on campus were honored with a Colonel Blazer. He retired, officially, in summer 2022.

Another dedicated athletics department staff member, coach and Colonel Blazer recipient, Dunsmuir served four decades in a multitude of roles. He was the equipment and facilities manager, tackling the backend of sports such as equipment, uniforms, relocation and more. His support as softball coach and athletics coordinator allowed the smooth and seamless success of students and trainers. Behind the scenes and on the field, Dunsmuir left a legacy on our campus. He retired in fall 2022.