By Laura Amato
The rich athletic history of Cardozo High School got even more impressive Saturday as the Judges inducted five individuals into the program’s athletic hall of fame.
Daliah Muhammad, Jordan Richman, Ron Naclerio, Albert Matican and Edward Tatarian received the honor, cementing their places in Cardozo lore.
Of course, each inductee boasts an impressive athletic resumé. Muhammad is currently training for the United States track and field Olympic team. Naclerio, the Judges’ boys basketball coach, is one of the most recognizable faces in New York City sports. Richman is one of the most successful tennis players in Cardozo history. Meanwhile, Tatarian was part of the original Cardozo staff, helping to build the school’s baseball team, and Matican led the Judges to their first city basketball title.
This latest honor, however, was particularly important for the inductees.
“It was amazing because so many years have gone by and for someone to remember us is very, very nice,” Tatarian said. “It’s something we never expected, something out of the blue. We never looked for accolades, we just looked to do the job the best we knew how and this is icing on the cake.”
It was a moment of reflection for all of the honorees, but particularly for Naclerio, who is not only still heavily involved in the school, but played during his own high school sports career at Cardozo under both Tatarian and Matican.
“That’s very special because this will be the first time in, probably 30 years, that I’ll be in the building with Al Matican and Ed Tatarian,” Naclerio said. “Two of—minus my father—probably the most important people in my life.”
Although all five inductees were honored together, each individual competed and coached for the Judges at a different point in the school’s history. The ceremony wasn’t simply a chance to honor each honoree’s achievements, but also an opportunity to reflect on the changes that Cardozo has gone through over the past 50 years.
“The school isn’t that old,” Naclerio said. “But for a school this young, the history is amazing. To be a part of it, this is phenomenal.”
The five Judges standouts honored as part of the 2016 Hall of Fame class each left their own stamp on Cardozo athletics, but as they were each honored, the inductees couldn’t help but turn their attention to the future as well. They’ve all left their imprint on the program and, now, they can’t wait to see what comes next.
“The kids were always wonderful,” Matican said. “It’s really been great and this is a wonderful way to show that Cardozo has a strong sports history. Otherwise this could all have been forgotten.”
