The 2002-03 Brandeis University Athletics Hall of Fame class will include seven athletes as well as a women's basketball team that Athletic Director Jeff Cohen calls a group of "true pioneers."The inductees, who will be honored at the Westin Hotel in Waltham on April 5, are men's soccer player Jim Belanger, baseball star Bob Boutin, three-sport standout Chris Corsac, cross country runner Dennis Donoghue, women's fencer Kristen Foellmer, men's basketball player Andre James, baseball skipper Tom O'Connell and the undefeated 1955-56 women's basketball team.

Belanger, a two-time soccer captain in the late 1970's, led the Judges to two NCAA tournament appearances from his midfield position. He helped Head Coach Mike Coven capture two New England regional titles.

Boutin, a four-year starter at second base for Brandeis baseball, played on a team that made an impressive three appearances in the NCAA tournament. Twice a GTE Academic All-America, Boutin returned to Brandeis after graduation, serving for seven years as an assistant coach. "Bob was a tough as nails second baseman and a wonderful coach who will make a great head coach someday," said the Brandeis Athletic Director.

"Chris Corsac," remarks Cohen, "was really a breakthrough athlete on our women's basketball team. She was our first truly pure shooter, and helped to lift the program to the level it's at today." Corsac, the second leading rebounder in Brandeis women's basketball history, lettered in soccer, softball, and basketball in the late 1980s.

"Kristen Foellmer," said Cohen, "is the finest fencer of her generation at Brandeis. Her third place finish in the NCAA National Championships (held at Brandeis) is the highest ever recorded by a Judges fencer. Her skills were truly world-class." Foellmer, who graduated in just three years, won two UAA titles and remains the last Brandeis fencer to advance past the first round of the NCAA's.

Andre James maintained a Cal Ripken-esque playing streak at Brandeis, never missing a game in his four years with the Judges. A two-time captain, James compiled an astounding resume between 1988 and 1992. He finished his career as the school's fifth all-time scorer (1,524 points) and third-leading rebounder (981 boards).