‘A deeply personal honor’: Oakton College inducts 2 student-athletes into junior college hall of fame
Oakton College honored two outstanding student-athletes by inducting them into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 4 Hall of Fame class of 2025. Their game-changing performances and lasting impact continue to inspire current and future Oakton athletes.
This year’s honorees included former men’s soccer player Alexios Fronimos, who received the recognition in person during a ceremony on Feb. 13, and baseball player Alex Crinigan.
Alexios Fronimos
Fronimos made a significant mark on Oakton’s soccer program. In 2009, as a freshman, he was selected to the Region 4 First Team and the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference First Team.
He was named the Region 4 Division I Men's Soccer Player of the Year and a Second Team Division I NJCAA All-American in 2010, and he is a member of the ISCC Hall of Fame. His leadership helped propel the Owls to back-to-back ISCC championships and the 2010 Region 4 championship. The 2010 Owls finished the season ranked No. 8 nationally.
“Being inducted into the NJCAA Region 4 Hall of Fame is a deeply personal honor that reflects the hard work, passion and dedication I poured into the game,” said Fronimos. “It’s a reminder of the friendships, challenges and unforgettable moments that shaped me both as an athlete and person.”
Under Fronimos’ leadership, the team remained undefeated in conference play for two consecutive seasons (2009—2010). After Oakton, Fronimos competed as a member of the University of Illinois at Chicago (Division I) soccer team.
“Alexios was the definition of a student-athlete,” said Steve Brody, head coach of Oakton’s men’s soccer team. “He was a leader on and off the field, his hard work and dedication to his team and the program were incredible. He captained the most successful team in Oakton’s soccer history and is a deserving inductee into the Region 4 Hall of Fame.”
Alex Crinigan
Crinigan was a dominant pitcher for Oakton’s 2018 NJCAA Division III National Championship baseball team. His outstanding performance earned him 2018 NJCAA Division III Pitcher of the Year honors. He led the championship with 12 wins and 107 strikeouts, averaging an impressive 9.79 strikeouts per game. His accolades include being named a First Team All-American, First Team All-Region 4, Region 4 DIII Tournament Most Valuable Player, and First Team ISCC honoree.
Crinigan was coached by Oakton’s current head baseball coach, Bill Fratto, and is also an ISCC Hall of Fame member.
“Winning a national championship is the pinnacle of a coach’s career, and Alex played a crucial role in making that dream a reality,” said Fratto. “A true leader on and off the field, I have no doubt he will carry that same determination into coaching and beyond.”
Oakton’s Athletic Department embodies the college’s mission of providing students with education and training for a lifetime. The Owls have a strong tradition of excellence, with multiple championships across various sports.