Lake Erie College Athletics Hall of Fame
Laddie Andahazy came to the United States from Hungary when he was eight years old. He brought with him a love for horses that eventually led to the development of the equestrian programs at Lake Erie College and the growth of show jumping in America.
Following WWII, in which he participated in the D-Day invasion in Europe, Laddie Became fully involved in the equestrian world. He came to Lake Erie in 1955 with a clear plan of what he wanted to do. The program was initially an adjunct of the physical education department, but grew to be the first equestrian program in the country to offer major accreditation. The program began on campus, and, through Laddie's efforts, moved to Morley Farm. By the time Laddie retired in 1977, it grew in size and stature to become one of the best known in the county. Laddie is responsible for the prestige that the Lake Erie equestrian program holds today.
Laddie's influence also extends beyond Lake Erie College. He is credited with introducing the concept of Grand Prix show jumping to America. In 1965 he won the America Horse Show Association Course Designer award, the most prestigious honor bestowed by that organization. Laddie founded the Cleveland Chapter of the Professional Horseman's Association and the Western Reserve Carriage Association. He also created the Prix DeVille of North American Jumping and Dressage Competition and the Dressage Derby of Ohio.
The Lake Erie College Athletic Hall of Fame Committee recognizes all of these efforts by Laddie Andahazy with his induction in to the Athletic Hall of Fame on April 29, 2000.
