Hempstead, NY - Each week, leading up to the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on April 12, GoHofstra.com will feature members of the Class of 2015. Today's spotlight is on former Hofstra Lacrosse standout James C. Metzger '83. 
 
"Jim's dedication to Hofstra University is unparalleled. We are so appreciative of his unwavering support of the entire campus, but especially his extraordinary support of the Department of Athletics. Jim was a tremendous student-athlete at Hofstra and he continues to be a standard bearer for the rest of our community in terms of supporting the academic and athletic endeavors of our student-athletes. We congratulate him on this well-deserved induction into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame. I deeply respect that he always remembers where he came from and cares strongly for the people that have touched his life." – Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeffrey A. Hathaway.
 
James C. Metzger, a two-year member of the men's lacrosse program, enters the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame in the Extraordinary Service to Hofstra Athletics category.
 
In addition to his passion and commitment to Hofstra Athletics, Metzger was also a United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association All-American lacrosse player for the Pride in 1980. He led Hofstra in assists in 1979 (12) and 1980 (28), and in points per game in 1980 (4.9). His points per game average that year ranks fifth all-time in program history.
 
Metzger has been an ardent supporter of Hofstra for the better part of the last decade and through his efforts, Hofstra has been able to make significant improvements in facilities. The Lou DiBlasi-Michael D'Amato Traditions Project in Margiotta Hall, which recognizes the achievements of the men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse and football programs at Hofstra, was created through his involvement, while he also initiated renovations to the men's lacrosse and women's lacrosse locker rooms and the lacrosse offices. The men's lacrosse locker room was rededicated as the Harry Royle-Vinny Sombrotto Locker Room, while the lacrosse offices were named after him.
 
In 2012 he committed $1.5 million to support Hofstra Athletics, marking the largest gift in the history of Hofstra Athletics. His contribution established a men's lacrosse program endowment as well as supported the capital improvement fund, which benefits all 17 sports, and was renamed in his honor. In addition, James C. Metzger Hall at James M. Shuart Stadium was dedicated April 7 at halftime of the men's lacrosse game versus Marist.
 
Metzger serves on the Hofstra University Athletics Pride Club Board and is also a member of the Blue and Gold Society. He was the recipient of the 2011 Joseph M. Margiotta Pride Club Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his extraordinary dedication, generosity and service to the Hofstra Athletics Pride Club and Hofstra Athletics. He has also lent his support to the academic side of campus by funding the James C. Metzger-Michael D'Innocenzo Endowed Summer Internship for the Center for Civic Engagement. In 2012 he was the recipient of a Hofstra University Alumni Achievement Award.
 
In addition to his support of Hofstra, Metzger has been a major supporter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. In 2010 Metzger was the BBBSLI Presidential Honoree as the organization's Man of the Year. He was recognized for giving much of his time and energy to make a positive impact in the lives of Long Island's children. In addition, he and Hofstra Athletics Pride Club President E. David Woycik joined together to make the largest single donation in BBBSLI history and create the Metzger-Woycik BBBSLI Endowment Fund. In 2013 he was the recipient of the George Young Award from the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. The award is presented to a person who best exemplifies the high ideals of the late New York (Football) Giants General Manager.
 
Growing up on Long Island, Metzger was a three-sport (football, basketball and lacrosse) star at Half Hollow Hills East High School and the school's Most Outstanding Lacrosse Player Award is named in his honor. He was an All-Suffolk County running back who graduated in 1977 as the school's all-time leading scorer and rusher. As a sophomore in 1974-75 he played for the varsity basketball team in the Suffolk County League I playoffs.
 
But it was on the lacrosse field where he truly shined. He was an All-American and Suffolk County scoring champion, and won the Ray Enners Award as the outstanding lacrosse player in Suffolk County in 1977. He was the first player at Half Hollow Hills East to ever receive the award. Metzger was the only athlete to be selected to play in both the North-South All-Star Football game and the North-South All-Star Lacrosse game. He was the starting running back on the North football team and a starting attackman on the North lacrosse team. Metzger was honored for his athletic prowess once again in 2014 when he was inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame.
 
After graduating from Hills East, Metzger attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in 1977-78 where he was the lacrosse team's leading scorer and Most Valuable Player.
 
In 1989 Metzger formed the Whitmore Group, a leading Long Island insurance brokerage and financial services firm. Now Chairman and CEO of the company, the Whitmore Group employs more than 70 people and provides a full range of insurance products and services. The Whitmore Group has grown to be the largest broker provider of commercial property and casualty insurance to the funeral industry nationwide and is proud to be the endorsed Affinity Insurance provider for the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association.