Four New Members Inducted into Jordan-Elbridge Athletic Hall of Fame

The Jordan-Elbridge Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed four outstanding new members during the Hall of Fame & Senior Athlete Banquet held last Thursday evening at The Lodge in Skaneateles. Family, friends, former teammates, coaches, and current student-athletes gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and lasting impact of Kurt Alpha, Mike Leuze, Jessica (Snyder) Robinson, and Jim Gunnip.

Each inductee represents the tradition of excellence that has defined Jordan-Elbridge athletics for generations, excelling as athletes, coaches, mentors, and leaders both on and off the field.

Kurt Alpha (Class of 1983)

A standout wrestler for the Eagles, Kurt Alpha captured two league championships, earned a Section III Class C title, and compiled 96 career victories. He was also a member of the 1983 cross country team and helped lead the wrestling program to five consecutive league championships and the 1981 Class D Championship.

Alpha's impact on Jordan-Elbridge athletics extended well beyond his competitive career. In 2015, he returned to his alma mater as a wrestling coach, helping guide the next generation of Eagle wrestlers. During his coaching tenure, he recorded 33 dual meet victories, coached multiple sectional place winners, and played an important role in the district’s youth and modified wrestling programs.

Mike Leuze

Mike Leuze distinguished himself as a four-sport varsity athlete, competing in golf, football, basketball, and lacrosse throughout his high school career. Following graduation, he continued his athletic journey at Herkimer County Community College, where he served as captain of the lacrosse team and helped lead the program to a National Championship Final Four appearance. He later continued his playing career at SUNY Cortland, helping the Red Dragons reach the NCAA Quarterfinals in both seasons he competed.

Leuze went on to build one of the most successful coaching careers in the region. From 1991 through 2023, he coached multiple sports at Westhill, most notably serving as varsity boys lacrosse coach. During that span, he amassed 259 career victories, won four league championships and six sectional titles, and guided his teams to numerous regional appearances and state tournament runs.

His coaching excellence earned Liberty League Coach of the Year honors in 2013, 2022, and 2023, along with All-CNY Coach of the Year recognition in 2013. His influence as a coach and mentor has impacted generations of student-athletes.

Jessica (Snyder) Robinson

Jessica (Snyder) Robinson was a standout three-sport athlete, excelling in basketball, softball, and soccer.

On the basketball court, she finished her career with 901 points and 648 rebounds while earning multiple First Team and Second Team All-League honors, as well as selection to the Citizens All-Star First Team. In softball, she played a key role on a Class B Overall Championship team, consistently batting above .300 and earning multiple All-League selections.

As a goalkeeper on the soccer field, Robinson recorded more than 500 career saves, showcasing her athleticism, competitiveness, and versatility across all three sports.

She continued her basketball career at Utica College, where she appeared in 110 games over four seasons. Her collegiate accomplishments led to her induction into the Utica College Pioneer Hall of Fame, and she currently ranks sixth all-time in blocked shots in program history.

Jim Gunnip

Jim Gunnip’s Jordan-Elbridge athletic career was defined by leadership and success. A team captain in both football and lacrosse, he helped lead league championship teams in each sport while earning Post-Standard Athlete of the Week honors and recognition as a Section III Exceptional Senior in lacrosse. He concluded his senior year as the school's leading scorer.

At SUNY Cortland, Gunnip was a four-year member of the lacrosse program, helping the Red Dragons capture four SUNYAC championships and make two NCAA Tournament Final Four appearances during one of the most successful stretches in program history.

His passion for athletics carried into a distinguished coaching and teaching career. For 25 years, he has coached lacrosse at the youth, club, and scholastic levels while dedicating 34 years to physical education in Union Springs. Gunnip also helped establish Westhill's first lacrosse coaching program and achieved success coaching multiple sports, including earning Section IV Coach of the Year honors in girls basketball and guiding his team to a remarkable 44-game home winning streak.

In 2023, Gunnip was inducted into the Union Springs Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach.