Westfield State College Hall of Fame

2005 Hall of Fame Class announced - Click here for details

2003-2004 Inductees

JIM BRUNO

Jim Bruno was a basketball shooting and scoring sensation for Westfield State College.

The 1991 WSC graduate set 17 school records, including all the 3-point shooting standards, during his four years at Westfield State. The year (1986) he entered Westfield State was the advent of the 3-point shot in college basketball, and the 5-10 sharpshooting guard from Southwick took full advantage of this landmark rule change, cranking up nearly half of his career field goal attempts from beyond the arc.

Forty-four percent of his 1,575 career points were the result of 3-point baskets, and Bruno held the New England Division III career records for most 3-pointers made (231) and attempted (504). He is still holds all of Westfield State 3-point records, including 3-point baskets made (8), attempted (14) and shooting percentage (8 for 10) in a game.

During his sophomore season, he set records for 3-pointers made (79), 3-pointers made per game (3.7), and shooting percentage (.485). He shot 45 percent from beyond the arc and averaged nearly two and a half 3-point baskets made per game during his four-year collegiate career.

Bruno also excelled from the foul line, where he established school records for most consecutive free throws made (39), and free throw shooting in a season (86 percent in 1989) and career (82 percent).

Bruno’s senior season was especially satisfying as he also played point guard in leading the Owls to a 16-11 record and second place in the Mass. State Conference. Bruno set a then school record that season with 589 points, an average of nearly 21 points per game despite his additional duties of directing the offense. He scored 20 or more points in 11 straight contests during this second half of the season, averaging 27.1 points per game. In addition, he led the Owls in assists per game (3.6).

His efforts did not go unnoticed as he was a second-team All New England selection and an all-conference first team pick in 1991. He also was a first-team all-conference selection during his sophomore season.

A three-sport standout in basketball, baseball and soccer at Southwick High School, Bruno continues to stay active by playing in highly competitive basketball leagues in the Springfield area during the winter and summer months.

A criminal justice major at Westfield State, Bruno is currently employed at the Ludlow prison.

PAT DONOGHUE

Pat Donoghue was a star defensive football player for Westfield State College in the late 1980s.

During his senior year in 1989, Donoghue – a 5-10, 210 pound linebacker - was named an NCAA Division III second-team All American. Donoghue was the only player from Massachusetts and one of only four from New England to receive the prestigious national honor.

The Malden, Mass., native also was a first-team ECAC All New England and a first-team New England Football Conference (NEFC) selection in 1989. During his junior season he was an NEFC all-conference pick.

A two-year captain, Donoghue set school records during his senior season for most tackles in a game (23), season (131) and career (419). He still holds the school record for most career tackles, and shares school records for most tackles in a game and most fumbles recovered in a season (4) and career (9).

Donoughue graduated from Westfield State in December of 1989 with a criminal justice degree. He graduated from the New England School of Law in 1999 and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 2000. He is currently employed in the Middlesex sheriff’s office in Billerica, Mass.

Donoghue and is wife Maura – a 1991 Westfield State graduate – live in Georgetown, Mass., with their three daughters: Rory (6) and identical twins Caitlin and Brenna (4).

PAULA EATON-KOHARI

Paula Eaton-Kohari (’93) gained national recognition as a base stealing whiz while playing softball at Westfield State College in the early 1990s.

During her junior season in 1992, Eaton-Kohari was selected a first-team All America outfielder when she batted .514 and set an NCAA Division III record with 52 stolen bases in 33 games.

Eaton-Kohari finished her outstanding four-year career with 139 stolen bases, also an NCAA Division III record. Eleven years later, she still ranks third nationally in career base thefts.

Her breakout season came as a sophomore when she led the nation in stolen bases per game. The fleet outfielder from Middleboro, Mass., swiped 37 bases in 25 games for an average of 1.48 steals per game. This feat placed her on the All New England Division III first team and Northeast Region second team.

During her junior and senior seasons, she was named to the Mass. State Conference, All New England and Northeast Region first teams. Her base stealing exploits, however, weren’t the only facet of her game that attracted regional and national recognition. Eaton-Kohari finished her career with a .449 batting average and a .516 on base percentage, both Westfield State records.

In total, she set and still holds 13 school records, including most runs scored in a career (109), most hits in a season (55) and career (151), and most hit by pitches in a season (8) and career (17).

Eaton-Kohari was very active on and off the playing field at Westfield State. She also played soccer for three years at Westfield State and made the all-conference team in 1991. In the classroom, she was a movement science major with concentrations in elementary physical education and sports medicine. Because of her double concentration, some semesters she took as many as seven classes to achieve her academic goals. Furthermore, she was hired as a permanent substitute teacher in the West Springfield school district during her senior year.

Eaton-Kohari has remained extremely active since graduating from Westfield State. She played in numerous softball leagues and has run in many road races, including a grueling 17-mile run over a 13,500 foot mountain.

Eaton-Kohari also is an accomplished hiker, rock climber and mogul skier, participating in the latter 85 days per year for the past six years.

Eaton-Kohari works in a preschool in Telluride, Colorado, where she resides with her husband Moiz, and two children Sarah and Noah.

VICTOR GILMER

Victor Gilmer was a two-time All American and a six-time New England champion for the Westfield State track and field team during the second half of the 1980s.

Gilmer earned All America honors in the 110 meter hurdles in 1986 with an eighth place finish at the NCAA Division III outdoor championships, and by placing third in the 55 meter hurdles at the national indoor championships held at Smith College in 1988. He just missed All America honors a third time by placing seventh in the 55 hurdles at the 1986 indoor nationals.

Gilmer made an immediate impact upon arriving to Westfield State in 1985. He captured New England Division III individual championships in the 55 and 110 hurdles in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. He also was and a member of Westfield’s New England championship 4 x 100 relay squads in 1985 and 1986.

The 1989 Westfield State graduate still holds school records in both hurdle events. He earned New England honors 10 times, including a second place in the 55 meter dash during his freshman year.

Gilmer was the first freshman in Westfield State history to place in the All New England championships that includes Division I colleges, finishing sixth in the 110 hurdles. He also exhibited his versatility by placing second in the 1985 Mass. State Conference triple jump finals with an outstanding effort of 44-2.

The biggest hurdle the Jamaica Plain, Mass., High School graduate cleared came after sustaining a knee injury while playing football for the Owls in the fall of 1986.

Following reconstructive knee surgery, Gilmer spent many hours in rehabilitation. His strenuous workouts proved successful as won the ECAC title and finished third in the 55 hurdles at the 1988 national championships.

Gilmer is currently self-employed and has worked in consumer and real estate financing since graduating from Westfield State with a business management degree.

He resides in Dorchester, Mass., with his wife, Yvonne, and two sons, Darius (8) and Evan (6).

JERRY GRAVEL

Jerry Gravel is the most successful coach and served the longest coaching tenure in the history of Westfield State College varsity athletics.

Gravel began the men’s track and field program upon his arrival to Westfield State in 1969, and developed the sport into a state and regional power before announcing his retirement as in June of 1999 after 30 stellar seasons.

His teams were particularly strong in the 1980s. Westfield State won the New England Division 3 outdoor championships in 1980 and 1985; placed second in 1981 and 1988 and third in 1982 and 1989; and finished fourth in 1986.

The Owls were even more dominating on the conference level. After track and field became a Mass. State Conference sport in 1972, Gravel’s teams won or shared 20 of 26 championships, including 13 consecutive titles from 1983 to 1995.

Westfield’s track and field teams also achieved many individual successes. Gravel guided 32 All Americans and 139 national qualifiers in NCAA Division 3 championship meets.

He also began the Westfield State men’s cross country program in 1969 and built it into a conference perennial power, serving as the head coach for a total of 15 years.

Always showing concern for his students both on and off the playing field, Gravel constantly stressed the importance of individual accomplishments.

"Once you’ve maximized individual potential you have a winning team," Gravel said. "Individual potential counts, along with having fun."

This simple philosophy has gained him a large and loyal alumni following, many of whom still keep in close contact with their college coach.

"I had a lot of good experiences at Westfield State," said Gravel. "I’ve had a lot of good kids who were successful students and who are now successful in their professions."

Gravel, a native of Attleboro, graduated from UMass-Amherst in 1960 and was a member of the track team. He spent two years in Ohio, graduating with a master’s degree from Kent State and coaching high school basketball in Massillon for a year.

After serving in the Army, Gravel was the cross country and assistant track and field coach at East Islip High School on Long Island until 1966. Before coming to Westfield State in 1969, he was the field events coach at Boston State, now UMass Boston, for three years.

Gravel also was a highly respected faculty member in the movement science department during his long tenure at Westfield State. Upon his retirement, he was honored with faculty emeritus status as an associate professor of movement science.

Gravel now resides in Oceanside, Calif., near San Diego, with his wife Joan. He teaches part-time at a local community college and enjoys the outdoors. He and his wife also enjoy spending time with their two children and three grandchildren.

EDWARD WELCH

Edward Welch made significant contributions during the formative years of the Westfield State intercollegiate athletics program.

He joined the Westfield State College faculty in 1948 and served as the adviser/director of the Men’s Athletic Association for eight years. All male students at the college were members of the Association, which included intramural sports and two intercollegiate sports: baseball and basketball.

Welch played a pivotal role in the expansion of the athletics program in the mid-1950s, an era when the college’s male enrollment nearly doubled. Welch initiated the long-range plans to increase the number of varsity sports offered, and he was a catalyst in Westfield State’s acceptance into the 15-member New England Teachers College Athletic Conference in March of 1955.

His efforts also were crucial in the campus’ expansion movement from downtown Westfield to its present location in 1956.

Following his involvement with athletics, Welch served as the college’s dean of men and director of admissions until his retirement in 1973. After his retirement, the commonwealth named Welch Hall – one of the college’s three apartment residential halls – in his honor.

Welch spent his retirement years in both Newport, R.I., and Mansfield, Conn. He lived in Newport from 1973-1985 and from 2000 until his death in 2002 at the age of 92. In Newport, he served as a guide and historian at the Preservation Society’s Hunter House and wrote a history of the house.

Welch was born in Williamstown, Mass., and graduated from Williams College in 1931 with an English degree. He also obtained a master’s degree from Williams. Welch taught at Williamstown High School until 1938 when he accepted a position at the New York Military Academy in Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y. He was drafted by the U.S. Army in August of 1943 and was captured by German troops in November of 1944. He remained a Prisoner of War until the end of the war.

Following his Army discharge, Welch became a member of the faculty of the postwar branch of the University of Massachusetts at Fort Devens. Three years later he joined the faculty at Westfield State.

Welch is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; a son, Christopher of Newport; a daughter, Alicia Watt and her husband, James Watt, of Troy N.Y., and two grandchildren.

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2002 Inductees

Peter Laviolette, Head Coach of New York Islanders, Among Six To Be Inducted Into Westfield State College Hall of Fame

Six former Westfield State greats, including New York Islanders head coach Peter Laviolette, have been selected for induction into the College's Athletics Hall of Fame.

The eighth annual inductions will take place on Saturday evening, Sept. 7, 2002, at Scanlon Banquet Hall on the Westfield State campus. Following the inductions this September there will be 63 members in the prestigious Hall.

The Class of 2002 inductees include: Laviolette ('86), ice hockey; Mitch Longley ('86), track and field; Ken McCarron ('76), soccer; Mark Pananos ('77), baseball; Rob Quinn ('89), lacrosse; and Lori (Vincent) Hadley ('91), swimming and diving.

In addition to honoring the six inductees, Westfield State and its Athletics Hall of Fame Committee will pay a special tribute to two former student-athletes who sacrificed their lives in military service during wartime for their country. Honored posthumously with "Awards of Valor" will be John Earle ('66), baseball/soccer; and Earl Wilson ('42), basketball.

Contact the Westfield State athletics department at 572-5405 for ticket information. The public is invited to attend the inductions on Sept. 7.

PETER LAVIOLETTE

Peter Laviolette has given Westfield State College both national and international recognition as a hockey player and coach.

The 1986 Westfield State graduate represented the United States in two Winter Olympic Games: the 1988 Calgary Games and in 1994 at Lillehammer, Norway. Laviolette was the only NCAA Division 3 player on both teams and earned the prestigious honor of being named captain of the 1994 Team USA squad.

More recently, Laviolette's outstanding leadership qualities have emerged in the National Hockey League as the head coach of the New York Islanders. In his first year at the helm of the NHL club, the 37-year-old led the vastly improved Islanders to the 2002 playoffs, where they lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a seven-game, first-round series.

Under Laviolette's direction, the Islanders went from having the worst record in the NHL to the fifth best mark in the Eastern Conference with 98 points. Their 44-point increase from the 2001 season was the fourth best turnaround in NHL history.

Laviolette's meteoric rise in the coaching ranks begin as an assistant coach while finishing his playing career in 1997 as a member of the Providence Bruins, Boston's minor league affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL). In 1997-98, he began his minor league head coaching career with the Wheeling Thunderbirds in West Virginia and led them to the East Coast Hockey League playoff semifinals.

In 1998, he began a two-year stint as head coach of the Providence Bruins. In 1998-99, he led Providence to the winningest season in AHL history with a 56-14-4-4 record and a 15-4 postseason run as it captured the AHL's Calder Cup championship. At the conclusion of the season, Laviolette was named the league's Outstanding Coach.

In 1999-2000, he again led Providence to a playoff spot despite using more than 80 players due to injuries and recalls to Boston. His two-year record at Providence was 89-54-10-7 with a 25-8 playoff record.

During the 2000-2001 season, Laviolette was promoted to the NHL where he served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins.

The Franklin, Mass., native played professional hockey for 11 years, and fulfilled a childhood dream by playing in the National Hockey League for 12 games with the New York Rangers in 1988-89.

Laviolette has been a leader throughout his ice hockey career and a captain at every level of competition.

He was a captain during his senior, junior and sophomore seasons at Westfield State, where he was an all-conference defenseman and led the team in scoring his senior year. A four-year starter at Westfield State, he ranks 14th in career scoring with 43 goals and 44 assists. Laviolette also was actively involved in the intramurals sports program at Westfield State for four years and supervised the college's floor hockey league.

In high school, Laviolette was a captain of the 1982 Franklin High School team that advanced to the state finals. Furthermore, he had the distinction of being the Providence Bruins' captain in their inaugural season of 1992-93. He played for the Boston Bruins' top minor league team for a total of four seasons and was voted the teamÕs best defenseman in 1995. At the end of the 1996 season, he had scored 111 career points with Providence, which placed him fourth on the teamÕs all-time list.

Laviolette spent four years in the New York Rangers organization, playing in Denver and Binghamton, N.Y., where he was captain in 1992. He began his professional career in 1986 with Indianapolis of the International Hockey League.

Laviolette was first honored by Westfield State in 1988 when he received the Alumnus of the Year Award. He and his wife, Kristen, have two sons, Peter and Jack, and a daughter, Elizabeth Rose.

MITCH LONGLEY

Mitch Longley is the most prolific thrower in the history of the Westfield State track and field team. He was a seven-time national qualifier, earned All New England honors nine times, and was a five-time Massachusetts State Conference champion while competing in the hammer throw, discus and shot put.

Longley still holds school records in the hammer throw (173-5) and the 35-pound weight throw (55-6 1/2). Both records were set during his graduation year of 1986.

Longley's most successful season was as a junior when he claimed both the New England Division III indoor and outdoor titles in the shot put. During the indoor season, he placed eighth at the national championships in the 35-pound weight throw with a then school-record heave of 48-11. In addition, during the outdoor season he was the Mass. State Conference champion in the hammer throw and shot put and finished second in the discus.

Longley was a three-year captain for the powerful Westfield State track and field teams of the mid 1980s that won the New England Division III championship in 1985 and finished fourth in New England in 1986.

During his postgraduate years, Longley continued to excel in athletic endeavors. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1986-1990 and participated on its track and field and wrestling teams. He was the shot put champion while stationed at Guantanamo Bay and Camp LeJeune, N.C.

In 1988 he placed second in the 198-pound weight class at the Virginia state powerlifting championships.

Longley is employed as a firefighter/EMT in Palm Beach County, Fla., and is the Palm Beach County record holder in the firefighter combat challenge. He participated in the firefighter combat challenge world championships in 1998, 1999, and 2000. He won the Southeast Regional firefighter combat challenge in 2000 with a time of 1:41, then led his squad to an eighth place finish in the USA championships.

Longley graduated from Marblehead, Mass., High School and finished second in the shot put at the state championships. He still holds the shot put school record of 52-10 1/2.

Longley resides in Royal Palm Beach with his wife, Margo. They have a son, Spencer (5), and a daughter, Sarah (2).

KEN McCARRON

Ken "Mac" McCarron was a standout defender on the Westfield State's men's soccer championships teams in 1973 and 1974.

The Ludlow native was the starting center fullback on the 1974 Westfield State team that won the Massachusetts State Conference championship, the New England Division III championship, and placed third at the NCAA national championships.

McCarron was a two-time Massachusetts State Conference All Star, All New England selection and named Westfield State's Defender of the Year in both 1973 and 1974. The Owls also participated in the NCAA Tournament and were conference co-champions during his junior year.

Following his graduation from Westfield State in 1976, McCarron was a member of the Ludlow Lusitanos semi-professional soccer team, and was selected to the Ludlow Bicentennial soccer team in 1976. But he soon began to make a name for himself in the American sport of football.

McCarron was an All-Star place-kicker for the Marlboro Shamrocks of the Eastern Football League. Possessing a powerful right leg, he finished second in the league in scoring and drew the attraction of NFL scouts.

The 6-2, 210 pounder signed a professional contract with the Washington Redskins in 1978, followed by a free agent contract with the New England Patriots in 1979 and 1980. Despite his limited football playing experience, the former Westfield State soccer standout was in serious competition for an NFL roster spot with the highlyregarded Mark Mosley (Redskins) and John Smith (Patriots) before the teams decided to keep their veteran kickers.

McCarron, who transferred to Westfield State from Holyoke Community College, was an All Western Mass soccer standout at Ludlow High School where he also participated in football, basketball and baseball. McCarron majored in criminal justice at Westfield State, and later received a master's degree in criminal justice from American International College in 1982.

From 1977 to 1979 McCarron was a Deputy Sheriff with the Hampden County Sheriff's Office. McCarron then became a member of the U.S. Capitol Police patrol division and honor guard in addition to assisting the Secret Service with VIP motorcades in Washington, DC from 1981 to 1985.

Since 1985 McCarron has earned national recognition as a senior special agent and supervisory special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He has been awarded numerous letters of commendation and awards for exceptional service for his effort in drug enforcement in South Florida, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

In addition, McCarron was awarded the United States Department of State Award for Heroism, the DEA's Award of Valor and United States Coast Guard Silver Star for his display of heroism in the rescue of 13 people in the Bahamas during Hurricane Floyd.

McCarron resides in Sunrise, FL with his wife, Lori.

MARK PANANOS

Mark Pananos was a four-year pitching star for the Westfield State championship baseball teams of the mid-1970s.

Pananos was an All New England selection in 1976, a three-time all conference selection, and a two-time team Most Valuable Pitcher. He was a team captain during his senior year, then signed a professional contract with the Milwaukee Brewers following his graduation in 1977. He is one of seven Westfield State players to sign a professional baseball contract.

Pananos, who also played four years of varsity volleyball at Westfield State, posted a career pitching record of 25-8 for the Owls, who won two conference championships and played in three NCAA Tournaments during his four years. The diminutive lefthander still holds school records for strikeouts in a season (71), lowest career earned run average (2.41), and career starts (33). Possessing outstanding control, Pananos averaged approximately two walks per game in his collegiate career.

During the summer months, Pananos played with a number of his Westfield State teammates, including Hall of Famers Butch LaMagdelaine, Dave Tabin and Bob Kallstrom, for a Holyoke-based club in the Tri-County League. Pananos was the Tri-County League college player of the year in 1975 and 1976 and helped to lead the team to three consecutive regular season championships. Pananos also played for the Chicopee Falls Tigers in the Tri-County League.

Following his playing days he was the head baseball coach at American International College from 1982 to 1988.

Pananos is a native of Nashua, N.H., but his family moved to Western Massachusetts in the early 1970s, and he had an illustrious pitching career at Holyoke High School. He posted a three-year record of 19-3 and earned All-League honors two years and All Western Mass. honors his senior year.

Pananos has taught high school mathematics for 23 years, including 17 years at high school alma mater. Since 1997 he has taught advanced level mathematics at the Academy at Swift River in Cummington, Mass., where he also serves as the dean of the academic faculty and chair of both the math and science departments. He resides in Cummington and has a 10-year-old son Timothy.

ROB QUINN

Rob Quinn was an All American lacrosse player at Westfield State and has continued to excel in the sport as a head coach.

Quinn was voted the 2002 coach of the year in the New England Small College Athletic Conference in his first year at Colby College in Maine. He led Colby to an 11-5 record, up from 3-9 in 2001, and a berth in the conference's championship game vs. Middlebury, which has won the past three NCAA Division III national titles.

Quinn, who is also an assistant football coach at Colby, earned Commonwealth Coast Conference coach of the year honors twice at New England College in Henniker, N.H. He was the head lacrosse coach/assistant athletics director at New England College from 1995 to 2001 and posted a seven-year record of 80-25 with three conference titles. In 2000 he led New England College to a perfect 16-0 regular season record and its first berth in the NCAA Division III national tournament.

The 1989 Westfield State graduate also was an assistant coach at Roanoke, Va., College for two years (1993-94), and served a three-year stint (1990-92) as the head coach at the University of Hartford. His 11-year record as a head coach is 106-56.

As a player, Quinn led the Owls to the Pilgrim League title in 1989 when he was selected an NCAA All American; he is the only Westfield State lacrosse player to achieve the national honor.

Quinn also was chosen to play in the prestigious North/South All Star game in 1989. He was a three-time All New England Division III midfielder and a three-time Pilgrim League All-Star.

The former Longmeadow, Mass., High School standout is the second leading scorer (128 goals, 64 assists, 192 points) in school history behind Mike Gorassi, a 1997 Westfield State Hall of Fame inductee. He started every game during his four-year career, led the team in scoring three years, and was a three-year captain.

Quinn's passion for the sport remains strong; he still plays competitive lacrosse and participates annually at tournaments in Vail, Colo., and Lake Placid, N.Y. In addition, he is the former president and a current member of the executive board of the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association, and has served on the NCAA Division III All-America selection committee and the Division III national tournament advisory committee. He coached in the East/West All Star game in 1992, 1997, and 2000.

Quinn resides in Oakland, Me., with his wife, Sonya. They are the proud pet guardians of a seven-year-old Springer Spaniel named "Bailey-Boy."

LORI (VINCENT) HADLEY

Lori (Vincent) Hadley is the only All American in the 20-year history of the Westfield State swimming and diving program.

Competing in the diving events, Hadley was a three-time All American and a six-time national qualifier. In 1991, during her senior year, she earned her highest All American recognition by placing eighth on the one-meter board. She gained All American honorable mention status by finishing 12th nationally in the three-meter diving in 1991 and 11th in the same event in 1990.

Hadley also earned All New England honors in both diving events in 1989, 1990, and 1991. Until this past season Hadley was the school record holder in all diving events; she still holds school records in eight of the nine dives. She was Westfield State's NCAA Women of the Year nominee in 1991 and was named a recipient of the WhoÕs Who in America Colleges and Universities.

A team captain, Hadley also excelled academically. She was a national swim coaches association 1990 Academic All America and was a Dean's List student for seven semesters. During her college years she served as a Freshman Orientation Group Leader and a Student Counselor. She also participated in intramural athletics and was a member of the Westfield State cheerleading squad.

Hadley is a 1987 graduate of Pittsfield High School and was a Berkshire County diving champion as well as an All Western Mass. diver. She graduated from Westfield State with a major in business management and a minor in psychology. She received her MBA from Western New England College in 1995.

Following her graduation from Westfield State, Hadley worked with abused children at Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc., in Lenox. She worked as a clinical intern for one year, then was promoted to assistant program director - a position she held for the next six years. Since the birth of her first child she has been operating a licensed family day care center from her home, and has just recently become an independent consultant for PartyLite, which specializes in home sales of candles.

Hadley resides in New Ashford, Mass., with her husband, David, a 1993 Westfield State graduate and a former basketball player for the Owls. They have three children: Connor (5), Cameron (3 1/2), and Caroline (1).

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2001 Inductees

2001 Hall of Fame Highlights

It was another special night for a special group of alumni.

Before of crowd of nearly 200 last March, six former greats were inducted into the Westfield State College Athletics Hall of Fame. There are now 57 members in the prestigious Hall, and like their predecessors the Class of 2001 had plenty of fond recollections of their years spent at Westfield State, both on and off the playing fields.

Honored during the seventh annual inductions were: Paul Bracken ('80), ice hockey; Chris Moukas ('77), men's soccer; Tim Parker ('73), basketball; Lou Ann Simchak ('77), softball/basketball; Bill Weber ('75), baseball; and Miles Woodhouse ('90), track and field.

Bracken was a standout player for the highly successful Westfield State ice hockey teams of the late 1970s. He ranks as the second all-time leading scorer in Westfield State history with 222 points: 102 goals and 122 assists in 103 games played.

He was the leading goal scorer in the ECAC in 1978, when the Owls finished 20-2 and captured the ECAC championship, and team captain from 1978-80. Bracken also was one of the top five scorers in the ECAC in 1977 and 1979, and an ECAC All-Star in 1978 and 1979.

During his four years at Westfield State, the Owls played in four ECAC Tournaments and posted an aggregate record of 75-27. In addition, he was a star intramurals athlete at Westfield State.

"To be called one of the best of the best of all the players whoever played sports (at Westfield State) is truly a dream come true," said Bracken.

Moukas was one of the star players of Westfield State's powerful soccer teams of the 1970s. During his four years at Westfield, the Owls compiled an aggregate record of 61-13-4, captured two Mass. State Conference championships, and participated in four NCAA Tournaments, including a third-place finish nationally in 1974.

The Athens, Greece, native ranks fifth on the all-time scoring list with 134 points (51 goals, 32 assists). The 1977 Westfield State graduate was an All New England selection during his junior year in 1975. He was a team co-captain in 1976 and received the Most Promising Freshman Award in 1973 when the Owls made their first NCAA Tournament appearance. In 1974, after his game-winning goal vs. Framingham State, the Owls were off to Wheaton, Ill., to challenge for the national title.

For the past 17 years, Moukas has been director of studies at a prominent private language institute in the northern suburbs of Athens.

During the inductions, which was his first trip back to Westfield State since graduating 24 years ago, he was greeted by 11 of his former teammates.

"I'd like to thank (former men's soccer coach) John Kurty for getting me to come here because coming here was a very, very good experience in terms of soccer...and second of all, academically, it was a remains to be a very good college.

"I am very proud to have been a student at this college and from what I've seen around since I've been here a few days it's very, very impressive from both athletic purposes and academic purposes."

Tim Parker, who was honored posthumously, also was well represented. More than 30 friends and family, including four brothers and four sisters, remembered him as more than just a basketball star.

"There are many friends and relatives of Timmy here tonight and I believe that respresents the kind of person Timmy was," said his sister Maureen, a 1989 Westfield State graduate. "They are all here to congratulate him on his achievements in basketball and to remember him as a remarkable human being he was to all of us."

Tim Parker stood tall for the men's basketball team in the early 1970s as a scoring and rebounding threat. The Springfield native still holds school records for rebounds in a game (28), and rebounds per game in a season (17.4) and career (14.9).

The 1973 Westfield State graduate ranks 10th on the all-time scoring list with 1,178 points despite missing all but four games of his sophomore season because of an illness.

Following his graduation from Westfield State, Parker played professional basketball in Holland for 11 years before his death in 1986 at the age of 34.

Drawing the loudest ovations was Lou Ann Simchak, the current softball coach at Westfield State College who was surprised and overwhelmed by her entire team's presence at the banquet.

One of the finest all around athletes in Westfield State history, Simchak excelled in basketball and softball from 1975-77.

In basketball, she was the team Most Valuable Player in 1975 and received an invitation to the Olympic basketball tryouts in 1976.

In softball, the 1977 Westfield State graduate was the team MVP in 1976 and a key player on the 1975 squad that posted an 18-2 record and captured the Mass. State championship. Simchak batted .508 that season with 30 runs batted in and a team-high six home runs. She was a standout catcher with a career batting average of .494.

Simchak transferred to Westfield State after playing at colleges in Wisconsin and South Dakota.

"I got here to Westfield State a little late and needless to say I'm still here," said Simchak, who is also serves as the intramurals director. "I love the place; you can't ask for a better institution than Westfield State."

Bill Weber credited his teammates with helping him to achieve Hall of Fame status. During his senior season in 1975, the Owls posted the best record in school history (32-8) and earned their first ever bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they played six games before losing to Montclair State in the Northeast regional finals.

Weber set school records during his senior season that still stand today for victories (9), pitching starts (12), and innings pitched (83 2/3). He was selected to the Massachusetts State all conference team and was a team captain.

During his junior year, Weber became the first Westfield State baseball player to be named to an NCAA District All-Star team, as well as All New England. He compiled a 6-2 record and a 1.09 earned run average.

"Many people think baseball is an individual sport and all every player thinks about is their own stats. But I don't agree with that. I was able to perform at a high level because of my teammates...and I knew that I couldn't let them down.

"My performance also was affected in a most positive way by the environment of Westfield State College. The baseball field back then was located on the campus green. It was a great place to play and the centerpiece of the campus.

"I feel honored that I was able to be part of the team that posted the best season record at Westfield State," he continued. "I am honored to have played with my friends and teammates being part of a team with a goal and attitude to succeed. That's what I remember best about this."

Miles Woodhouse ('90), the youngest inductee, emphasized the impact the urban education program at Westfield State played in his personal development.

"I'd like to thank urban education for creating a home at Westfield State College for me and for helping me make that critical transition from high school to college," he said. "I pray that everyone here knows and understands how valuable the urban education program is at Westfield State. I know that in the bottom of my heart I would not have made it here at this college without the help of urban education, especially (associate dean of academic achievement) Carlton Pickron."

Woodhouse is the most decorated athlete in the history of the tradition-rich men's track and field program. The talented Jamaica Plain native earned All America honors five times in his outstanding four-year career, including four times in his specialty: the triple jump. He is the only Westfield State athlete to achieve All America honors more than twice, and the first to achieve All America status in two events.

Among his national accolades are: nine-time national qualifier; All America triple jumper for both the 1989 and 1990 indoor and outdoor seasons; and All America member of the 1600 indoor relay team in 1988.

Regionally, Woodhouse garnered All New England honors 19 times.Woodhouse dominated the competition in the Mass. State Conference outdoor championships, claiming seven individual crowns, including the 400 intermediate hurdles for four consecutive years. Woodhouse set a conference record in the triple jump and still holds the school record.

"One thought I would like to leave you with is something I learned at urban education and that is to maximize your resources," said Woodhouse. "Take a few minutes to know and understand the people on your team, the people you work with, the people around you, and the people you interact daily with."

PAUL BRACKEN

Paul Bracken was a standout player for the highly successful Westfield State ice hockey teams of the late 1970s. He ranks as the second all-time leading scorer in Westfield State history with 222 points: 102 goals and 122 assists in 103 games played.

He was the leading goal scorer in the ECAC in 1978, when the Owls finished 20-2 and captured the ECAC championship, and team captain from 1978-80. Bracken also was one of the top five scorers in the ECAC in 1977 and 1979, and an ECAC All-Star in 1978 and 1979.

During his four years at Westfield State, the Owls played in four ECAC Tournaments and posted an aggregate record of 75-27. In addition, he was a star intramurals athlete at Westfield State.

Following his graduation from Westfield State in 1980 with a degree in business administration, Bracken entertained offers to play pro hockey in Sweden and Finland.

Bracken was a three-sport standout in soccer, baseball and hockey at Braintree High School. He was considered a major league prospect by baseball scouts before deciding to concentrate on hockey in college.

He led the soccer team to the state semfinals, and the hockey team to the state finals, which were held at the Boston Garden. As an all-scholastic player, Bracken broke school records for goals and points. In baseball, Bracken was instrumental in leading the team to two state finals.

Bracken is a Little League coach for the town of Windham, N.H., where he now resides This past spring his team of 10 year olds advanced to the state semifinals. Also, he has been a coach for the Salem, N.H., Saints hockey program for the past six years.

For the past 17 years, Bracken has been a top salesman in the soda distribution business. His wife, Cheryl, also a Westfield State graduate, is a program director for an early childhood center in Windham. They have two children: Josh (11) and Sara (7).

CHRIS MOUKAS

Chris Moukas was one of the star players of Westfield State's powerful soccer teams of the 1970s. During his four years at Westfield, the Owls compiled an aggregate record of 61-13-4, captured two Mass. State Conference championships, and participated in four NCAA Tournaments, including a third-place finish nationally in 1974.

The Athens, Greece, native ranks fifth on the College's all-time scoring list with 134 points (51 goals, 32 assists). The 1977 Westfield State graduate was an All New England selection during his junior year in 1975. He was a team co-captain in 1976 and received the Most Promising Freshman Award in 1973 when the Owls made their first NCAA Tournament appearance. In 1974, after his game-winning goal vs. Framingham State, the Owls were off to Wheaton, Ill., to challenge for the national title.

After a successful tryout with the Dallas Tornadoes semi-pro team, Moukas continued to play soccer for seven years in his native Greece before a knee injury forced him to retire from the sport.

Moukas grew up in Sydney, Australia and first started playing soccer for the Belmore Club and was on the Belmore school cricket team. In 1967 his family moved back to Athens. He attended the American Community Schools of Athens, where he played for the varsity soccer team and concurrently played for a club team. In 1972 he captained the varsity team. After graduating from high school, Moukas successfully tried out for a professional team. Unfortunately, his transfer to pro soccer fell through at the last minute because of a snag in his citzenship, which prevented him from signing on.

For the past 17 years, Moukas has been director of studies at a prominent private language institute in the northern suburbs of Athen. He has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for 23 years and has been an active member of the EFL community in Athens. Moukas has been a member of TESOL/Greece - a international teacherÕs association - for the past 13 years and is currently the vice-chairperson of the association.

Moukas lives in a beautiful suburb on the outskirts of Athens. He is married to a wonderful woman, Mandy, who originates from Wales, United Kingdom, and is the head of the English department at a private school in Athens.

TIM PARKER

Tim Parker stood tall for the men's basketball team in the early 1970s as a scoring and rebounding threat. The Springfield native still holds school records for rebounds in a game (28), and rebounds per game in a season (17.4) and career (14.9).

The 1973 Westfield State graduate ranks 10th on the all-time scoring list with 1,178 points despite missing all but four games of his sophomore season because of an illness.

Parker, a 6-7 forward with an excellent shooting touch from the outside, was an All-East and a New England State All Conference selection for the Owls. He received the Westfield State College Lettermen's Club Outstanding Athlete Award in 1972 when he averaged 20.9 points and 17.4 rebounds per game. He also was a regional all-star selection his freshman year when he averaged 17.4 points and 13.4 rebounds.

Before entering Westfield State, Parker was an All-City player at Springfield Classical High School.

Following his graduation from Westfield State, Parker played professional basketball in Holland for 11 years before retiring at the age of 33. He began his pro career with the No. 1 ranked team in the Netherlands, and traveled to places such as the French Riviera and the Greek Islands to play. Parker was one of the most popular players on the team and also one of the best, scoring 51 points in one game.

He worked for more than a decade as an administrator at Kinzo, a tool company. He held an administrative post at a Dutch social security office the last few years before his death in 1986 at the age of 34.

Parker is survived by his wife, Nora, who still lives in the Netherlands; four brothers, four sisters and his mother Pat.

LOU ANN SIMCHAK

Lou Ann Simchak is one of the finest all around athletes in Westfield State history. The Westfield native excelled in basketball and softball while attending Westfield State from 1975-77.

In basketball, she was the team Most Valuable Player in 1975 and received an invitation to the Olympic basketball tryouts in 1976.

In softball, the 1977 Westfield State graduate was the team MVP in 1976 and a key player on the 1975 squad that posted can 18-2 record and captured the Mass. State championship. Simchak batted .508 that season with 30 runs batted in and a team-high six home runs. She was a standout catcher with a career batting average of .494.

Simchak went on to have a stellar 15-year semi-pro softball career with the Westfield Whips. She was a five-time all-star selection, team MVP, a seven-time captain, and participated in three national tournaments with the highly regarded fast pitch team. Simchak also competed on the international level with a U.S. Eastern All-Star team vs. the Venezuela national team.

During her high school years, Simchak found the time to participate in five sports: basketball, softball, field hockey, tennis, and track and field. She was the Westfield High School Most Valuable Player in basketball for three years and for a year in softball. In track and field, Simchak was the Western Mass. champion for two years in both the javelin and the 440-yard dash. She was selected the high schoolÕs top athlete during her senior year in 1972.

Following her high school graduation, Simchak was offered a full basketball scholarship at Northland College in Wisconsin. She played there for a year before transferring to Yankton College in South Dakota, where she also received a scholarship. Simchak attended Westfield for three years and received a B.S. degree in health and physical education.

Simchak has been involved with numerous athletic organizations during the past quarter century. She has coached high school and recreational girls' basketball, and has officiating experience in five sports: basketball, field hockey, volleyball, softball, and baseball.

Simchak has served as the head coach of the Westfield State softball team for the past three years, and director of the College's intramurals athletics program for the past two years.

BILL WEBER

Bill Weber's pitching prowess vaulted Westfield State College into national prominence in baseball in the 1970s. During his senior season in 1975, the Owls posted the best record in school history (32-8) and earned their first ever bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they played six games before losing to Montclair State in the Northeast regional finals.

Weber set school records during his senior season that still stand today for victories (9), pitching starts (12), and innings pitched (83 2/3). He was selected to the Massachusetts State all conference team and was a team captain.

During his junior year, Weber became the first Westfield State baseball player to be named to an NCAA District All-Star team, as well as All New England. He compiled a 6-2 record and a 1.09 earned run average. He pitched 57 innings, allowing only 41 hits, seven earned runs and 19 walks, while striking out 44.

The Dedham native played in the prestigious Cape Cod League during the summer of 1974 for the Yarmouth Red Sox. He was named the Most Valuable Player in the Brockton Invitational in 1975, and led East Bridgewater to the Cranberry League championship the same year.

Weber has stayed involved in athletics, coaching CYO basketball and a girls' team in the summer basketball league in Holliston. He resides in Holliston with his wife, Susan, also a Westfield State graduate. They have two daughters: Alyssa, a student at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., and Sara, a recent graduate of Holliston High School.

Weber is currently employed with CVS Corporation. He also is a certified fitness trainer affiliated with the International Sports Sciences Association in the Metro West Area.

MILES WOODHOUSE

Miles Woodhouse ('90) is the most decorated athlete in the history of the tradition-rich men's track and field program, excelling both on the national and regional levels.

The talented Jamaica Plain native earned All America honors five times in his outstanding four-year career, including four times in his specialty: the triple jump. He is the only Westfield State athlete to achieve All America honors more than twice, and the first to achieve All America status in two events.

Among his national accolades are: nine-time national qualifier; All America triple jumper for both the 1989 and 1990 indoor and outdoor seasons; and All America member of the 1600 indoor relay team in 1988.

Regionally, Woodhouse garnered All New England honors 19 times. He was a 10-time All New England (Divisions I, II, III) performer, and nine times placed in the New England Division III championships, including a first place in the triple jump during the 1989 outdoor season.

Woodhouse dominated the competition in the Mass. State Conference outdoor championships, claiming seven individual crowns, including the 400 intermediate hurdles for four consecutive years.

Woodhouse set a conference record in the triple jump and still holds the school record. In addition, he is the former school record holder in the 400 hurdles.

During his four years at Westfield State, Woodhouse's talents helped to lead the Owls four conference championships; a second and third place, respectively, in the 1988 and 1989 New England Division III outdoor championships; sixth place finishes in three New England Division III finals; and a 10th place in the 1988 indoor nationals

A business management major at Westfield State, Woodhouse has worked for the past six years for City Year, an AmeriCorp national youth service program that unites a diverse group of young adults for 10 months of community service. While at City Year, Woodhouse has held a number of positions: national human resource representative, project manager, recruitment manager, and director of recruitment.

In addition, he has worked on a number of projects, including: City Year's annual national convention; City Year Boston Martin Luther King Celebration; and City Year Boston Serv-a-thon.

Woodhouse is currently working for the PARTNERS program at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education as the program coordinator. His responsibilities include recruiting, training and evaluating teachers; overseeing major events; and engaging corporations to support this very unique urban-suburban partnership.

Prior to that he worked for two years as a recruiter and counselor for the Urban Education program as his college alma mater.

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1999-2000 Inductees

1999-2000 Inductees Banquet Highlights

By Mickey Curtis, SID

Fond memories and heartfelt tributes dominated the dais at the Sixth Annual Westfield State College Athletics Hall of Fame inductions held May 13, 2000, in the Scanlon Banquet Hall.

The Hall now numbers 51 who achieved fame on the playing fields at Westfield State College. The six inductees for the Class of 2000 were: Jack Crowley ('86), football; Charles "Bud" Hagan (1956-1990), coach/administrator; Ed "Butch"Ó LaMagdelaine ('79), baseball/volleyball; Debbie (O'Reilly) Kline ('83), field hockey/softball; Tom Parks ('76), basketball; and John Vassallo ('80), soccer.

Crowley, Westfield's first All American in football, still holds school records for most tackles by an interior lineman in a season and career. The Hingham native also excelled in the classroom as he was a GTE Academic American, graduating with a 3.5 grade point average.

"Westfield was a great place to attend college; it had a strong curriculum, a diversified student body and an administration that truly cared and worked for each student," said Crowley, who is employed by PricewarehouseCoopers, LLP, as an audit manager in the technology group.

Crowley's acceptance speech also centered on the friendships he established at Westfield State; sentiments repeated throughout the evening by the other inductees.

"My wife and I still maintain many of the friendships we developed at Westfield State and as we grow in our adult life we meet a lot of people who went to Westfield, and the thing they all have in common fond memories of Westfield State. I don't think that's a coincidence and the administration and faculty should be commended for making Westfield such a special and exceptional place."

Hagan, who wore many hats during his 34 years of service, related some interesting anecdotes about the early years of Westfield State athletics. Hagan ushered Westfield State into its modern era of intercollegiate athletics, serving as the first full-time athletics director beginning in 1956, the year the college moved from its downtown Westfield location to Western Avenue.

"There were two buildings (Parenzo and Scanlon) when we first came up here and less than 350 students," he recalled. "Things were primitive but we made a go of it. We traveled to our games in cars and there was very little money for meals."

From 1956-62 Hagan coached the baseball and basketball teams, was a physical education instructor, and directed the intramurals and intercollegiate athletics programs. He was the registrar at Westfield State until his retirement in 1990.

A native of Westfield, Hagan has a special bond with the College. At least 10 members of his family circle, including three brothers, two aunts and two sisters-in-law, graduated from Westfield State. One of his aunts wrote the alma mater and his son James (Class of '84) is chairperson of the College's Board of Trustees.

"Westfield State has played a major role in my life and the friendships and experiences I had here I will cherish them dearly," Hagan said.

LaMagadelaine, a standout pitcher in the late 70s, nearly echoed Hagan's sentiments when he stated:

"What I remember most is my fellow players and the friendships I made; I still hold them dearly."

LaMagdelaine still holds school records for most games pitched in a season and career and most relief appearances in a season and career.

Kline believes her experiences at Westfield State have helped her greatly in achieving success as a coach and teacher. The 1983 Westfield State graduate has coached softball for the past 15 years at Beverly High Schol and has received Coach of the Year honors four times. She coached field hockey for 10 years and was Coach of the Year once.

Kline was a star play on WestfieldÕs field hockey team that placed third in the first NCAA Division III national championships, hosted by Westfield State in 1981. She set school records that year for goals and points scored that still stand today.

"I'm trying to relate the experiences that I had at Westfield State that were so good to my players and encourage them to continue with athletics when they reach the college level," she said.

Tom Parks also had plenty to be thankful for and he shared the spotlight with his many friends, family and teammates who were in attendance.

"I've got to be honest with you, I feel like I'm getting an Oscar and it's always befitting when you feel ths way to thank those folks who have been instrumental in making this day a reality."

Parks was a four-year basketball standout from 1973-76. He is seventh on the all-time scoring list with 1,256 points and is the former record holder for career rebounds. His skills did not go unnoticed as he received a free agent tryout with the Boston Celtics.

"I appreciate everything and I really feel I've gained an Oscar tonight, " Parks said in his closing statements.

Like many inductees - both past and present - John Vassallo is an active member of his community. He has coached his sons in Wilmington youth soccer leagues for the past nine years and in Little League baseball since 1993. He is president of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and secretary of the Wilmington Rotary Club.

While at Westfield State, Vassallo earned All America honorable mention status in 1979 when he led the Owls with 19 goals and 11 assists.

"The education I received at Westfield State I received not only on the field but in the classroom. I think it made the type of person I am today, helping not only my family but in the community, " he said.

JACK CROWLEY

Jack Crowley was Westfield State's first All American in football, earning the honor during his senior season. He was an All New England and all conference selection in both 1984 and 1985 and an ECAC All-Star in 1985.

A team captain during his senior season, Crowley was Westfield State's defensive player of the year in 1984 and 1985 and still holds school records for most tackles by an interior lineman in a season (131) and career (211).

The Hingham native also excelled in the classroom as he was a GTE Academic All-America, graduating from Westfield State with a 3.5 grade point average. He majored in accounting and minored in computer science.

Crowley obtained his master's degree in business administration from U-Mass Boston in 1991 and earned his CPA license in 1993. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Crowley is employed by Pricewarehouse Coopers, LLP as an audit manager in the technology group. He is married to Barbara (Coughlin) Crowley (Westfield State Class of 1987), and they reside in Hingham with their one-year-old son Scott.

CHARLES "BUD" HAGAN

Charles "Bud" Hagan ushered Westfield State into its modern era of intercollegiate athletics, serving as the first full-time athletics director beginning in 1956, the year the college moved from its downtown Westfield location to Western Avenue.

Hagan wore many hats during his 34 years at Westfield State. From 1956-62 he coached the baseball and basketball teams, was a physical education instructor, and directed the intramurals and intercollegiate athletics programs.

Hagan was the registrar at Westfield State until his retirement in 1990. He has been a member of the College's athletics Hall of Fame committee since its inception, serving the first three years as chairperson and the past three years as an ex officio.

Hagan was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball, football and track at Westfield High School. He played basketball and baseball at Arnold College, now the University of Bridgeport, and received his master's degree from American International College.

A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Hagan began his coaching career in the Canadian Maritimes. He coached basketball and football at St. Patrick's High School, and basketball at King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

While in the Maritimes, Hagan was a standout pitcher for the St. John Dodgers in the New Brunswick Provincial League, and in basketball he led Halifax to a second-place finish in the Canadian Amateur Championships in 1954-55. Hagan poured in a city record 42 points in one game during the season.

Hagan enjoys skiing and golf in his retirement years. He and his wife Kathleen (O'Rourke) have three children - twin daughters Sheila Meyer and Nancy Healey and son James, who is the current chairperson of the Westfield State College board of trustees - and seven grandchildren.

ED "BUTCH" LaMAGDELAINE

Ed "Butch" LaMagdelaine was a workhorse pitcher for the powerful Westfield State baseball teams of the late 1970s that posted an aggregate record of 119-43-1 and qualified for four NCAA Tournament during his four years.

LaMagdelaine still holds school records for most games pitched in a season (15) and career (43), and most relief appearances in a season (11) and career (22). His career totals include a 21-7-1 pitching record, 103 strikeouts, and an earned run average below 3.00.

The Holyoke native was a team captain in 1979 and an All New England conference second team selection in 1978, the same year he threw a no-hitter in North Carolina vs. Division I Campbell College. LaMagdelaine also had two other memorable pitching performances: he threw complete games in a 14-inning 1-1 tie vs. Siena College in 1976 and 12 innings in a 2-2 tie vs. Springfield in 1977.

LaMagdelaine also participated in intercollegiate volleyball for two years and was a standout athlete in Westfield State's highly popular intramurals program, winning the Superstars competition during his freshman and sophomore years. Following his graduation in 1979 LaMagdelaine continued to play baseball in the Tri-County League and was the winning pitching for BG Mechanical of Holyoke in the 1985 league championship game.

LaMagdelaine moved to North Carolina in 1991 and lives in Charlotte, where he is a sales, service and installation manager for US Environmental, a water purification company. He and his wife, Ellen (Case), a 1986 Westfield State graduate, have an 11-year-old son Shawn.

DEBBIE (O'REILLY) KLINE

Debbie (O'Reilly) Kline was the star player on Westfield's field hockey team that captured the Massachusetts State Conference title and placed third in the first NCAA Division III national championships, hosted by Westfield State in 1981. She set school records that year for goals (23) and points (54) that still stand today.

Kline was a three-year member of the Westfield State field hockey team - she did not play her freshman season because of a knee injury - and played softball in 1979 and 1980. She was an all conference field hockey selection in 1982 when she tallied 12 goals.

She was a Boston Globe All Scholastic in field hockey at Beverly High School, where she also starred in basketball and softball.

The 1983 Westfield State graduate also has been a successful coach. She has coached softball for the past 15 years at Beverly High School and has received Coach of the Year honors four times. She coached field hockey for 10 years, including seven seasons at Beverly, and was Coach of the Year once. She now officiates high school field hockey games.

Kline has been a physical education instructor at Beverly High School for the past seven years. She and her husband, Anthony, reside in Pride's Crossing, Mass., with their five sons: Lawrence (13), John (12), Thoai (8), Bao (6), and Anh (18 months).

TOM PARKS

Tom Parks was a four-year basketball standout from 1973-76 when the Owls posted an aggregate record of 61-37 and qualified for the ECAC Tournament in 1974.

The Dorchester native is seventh on Westfield's all-time scoring list with 1,256 points and is the former record holder for career rebounds. Parks averaged 13.2 points and 9.1 rebounds during his collegiate career and played in 95 games, second on the all-time list.

Parks was an all conference selection and team captain in 1976 and his skills did not go unnoticed as he received a free agent tryout with the Boston Celtics.

Off the court, Parks was a member of the Westfield State student security team and worked in the career planning and placement center.

Parks received his master's degree in education from Westfield State in 1981 and has been a seventh grade social studies teacher in the Boston school department since 1985.

Parks is heavily involved in community and church affairs in the Boston area. He had coached middle school basketball for the past 14 years and led his team to city championships in 1992 and 1993.

He now resides in Easton, Mass., with his wife, Donna Renee, and four children: Thomas Jermaine (22), Brandon Darius (10), Imani Renee (5) and Taylor Louise (5).

JOHN VASSALLO

John Vassallo earned All America honorable mention status in 1979 when he led the Westfield State soccer team with 19 goals and 11 assists. He also was an All New England first-team selection in 1979 and all conference in 1978 and 1979.

The Amherst, Mass., native is seventh on the all-time scoring list with 120 points (46 goals, 28 assists). During his four years at Westfield State the Owls posted an aggregate record of 47-17-1, won two conference championships, and qualified for one NCAA and two ECAC Tournaments.

In high school, Vassallo was a Hampshire League all-star in soccer, basketball and baseball. He was an all Western Mass. performer in soccer in 1975.

Vassallo resides in Wilmington, Mass., with his wife, Jaimee (MacKenzie), a 1979 Westfield State graduate, and three sons: Danny (14), Michael (12), and Kenny (8). He has coached his sons in the Wilmington youth soccer leagues for the past nine years and in Little League baseball since 1993. He is president of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and secretary of the Wilmington Rotary Club.

While at Westfield State, Vassallo earned All America honorable mention status in 1979 when he led the Owls with 19 goals and 11 assists.

"The education I received at Westfield State I received not only on the field but in the classroom. I think it made the type of person I am today, helping not only my family but in the community, " he said.

JACK CROWLEY

Jack Crowley was Westfield State's first All American in football, earning the honor during his senior season. He was an All New England and all conference selection in both 1984 and 1985 and an ECAC All-Star in 1985.

A team captain during his senior season, Crowley was Westfield State's defensive player of the year in 1984 and 1985 and still holds school records for most tackles by an interior lineman in a season (131) and career (211).

The Hingham native also excelled in the classroom as he was a GTE Academic All-America, graduating from Westfield State with a 3.5 grade point average. He majored in accounting and minored in computer science.

Crowley obtained his master's degree in business administration from U-Mass Boston in 1991 and earned his CPA license in 1993. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Crowley is employed by Pricewarehouse Coopers, LLP as an audit manager in the technology group. He is married to Barbara (Coughlin) Crowley (Westfield State Class of 1987), and they reside in Hingham with their one-year-old son Scott.

CHARLES "BUD" HAGAN

Charles "Bud" Hagan ushered Westfield State into its modern era of intercollegiate athletics, serving as the first full-time athletics director beginning in 1956, the year the college moved from its downtown Westfield location to Western Avenue.

Hagan wore many hats during his 34 years at Westfield State. From 1956-62 he coached the baseball and basketball teams, was a physical education instructor, and directed the intramurals and intercollegiate athletics programs.

Hagan was the registrar at Westfield State until his retirement in 1990. He has been a member of the College's athletics Hall of Fame committee since its inception, serving the first three years as chairperson and the past three years as an ex officio.

Hagan was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball, football and track at Westfield High School. He played basketball and baseball at Arnold College, now the University of Bridgeport, and received his master's degree from American International College.

A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Hagan began his coaching career in the Canadian Maritimes. He coached basketball and football at St. Patrick's High School, and basketball at King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

While in the Maritimes, Hagan was a standout pitcher for the St. John Dodgers in the New Brunswick Provincial League, and in basketball he led Halifax to a second-place finish in the Canadian Amateur Championships in 1954-55. Hagan poured in a city record 42 points in one game during the season.

Hagan enjoys skiing and golf in his retirement years. He and his wife Kathleen (O'Rourke) have three children - twin daughters Sheila Meyer and Nancy Healey and son James, who is the current chairperson of the Westfield State College board of trustees - and seven grandchildren.

ED "BUTCH" LaMAGDELAINE

Ed "Butch" LaMagdelaine was a workhorse pitcher for the powerful Westfield State baseball teams of the late 1970s that posted an aggregate record of 119-43-1 and qualified for four NCAA Tournament during his four years.

LaMagdelaine still holds school records for most games pitched in a season (15) and career (43), and most relief appearances in a season (11) and career (22). His career totals include a 21-7-1 pitching record, 103 strikeouts, and an earned run average below 3.00.

The Holyoke native was a team captain in 1979 and an All New England conference second team selection in 1978, the same year he threw a no-hitter in North Carolina vs. Division I Campbell College. LaMagdelaine also had two other memorable pitching performances: he threw complete games in a 14-inning 1-1 tie vs. Siena College in 1976 and 12 innings in a 2-2 tie vs. Springfield in 1977.

LaMagdelaine also participated in intercollegiate volleyball for two years and was a standout athlete in Westfield State's highly popular intramurals program, winning the Superstars competition during his freshman and sophomore years. Following his graduation in 1979 LaMagdelaine continued to play baseball in the Tri-County League and was the winning pitching for BG Mechanical of Holyoke in the 1985 league championship game.

LaMagdelaine moved to North Carolina in 1991 and lives in Charlotte, where he is a sales, service and installation manager for US Environmental, a water purification company. He and his wife, Ellen (Case), a 1986 Westfield State graduate, have an 11-year-old son Shawn.

DEBBIE (O'REILLY) KLINE

Debbie (O'Reilly) Kline was the star player on Westfield's field hockey team that captured the Massachusetts State Conference title and placed third in the first NCAA Division III national championships, hosted by Westfield State in 1981. She set school records that year for goals (23) and points (54) that still stand today.

Kline was a three-year member of the Westfield State field hockey team - she did not play her freshman season because of a knee injury - and played softball in 1979 and 1980. She was an all conference field hockey selection in 1982 when she tallied 12 goals.

She was a Boston Globe All Scholastic in field hockey at Beverly High School, where she also starred in basketball and softball.

The 1983 Westfield State graduate also has been a successful coach. She has coached softball for the past 15 years at Beverly High School and has received Coach of the Year honors four times. She coached field hockey for 10 years, including seven seasons at Beverly, and was Coach of the Year once. She now officiates high school field hockey games.

Kline has been a physical education instructor at Beverly High School for the past seven years. She and her husband, Anthony, reside in Pride's Crossing, Mass., with their five sons: Lawrence (13), John (12), Thoai (8), Bao (6), and Anh (18 months).

TOM PARKS

Tom Parks was a four-year basketball standout from 1973-76 when the Owls posted an aggregate record of 61-37 and qualified for the ECAC Tournament in 1974.

The Dorchester native is seventh on Westfield's all-time scoring list with 1,256 points and is the former record holder for career rebounds. Parks averaged 13.2 points and 9.1 rebounds during his collegiate career and played in 95 games, second on the all-time list.

Parks was an all conference selection and team captain in 1976 and his skills did not go unnoticed as he received a free agent tryout with the Boston Celtics.

Off the court, Parks was a member of the Westfield State student security team and worked in the career planning and placement center.

Parks received his master's degree in education from Westfield State in 1981 and has been a seventh grade social studies teacher in the Boston school department since 1985.

Parks is heavily involved in community and church affairs in the Boston area. He had coached middle school basketball for the past 14 years and led his team to city championships in 1992 and 1993.

He now resides in Easton, Mass., with his wife, Donna Renee, and four children: Thomas Jermaine (22), Brandon Darius (10), Imani Renee (5) and Taylor Louise (5).

JOHN VASSALLO

John Vassallo earned All America honorable mention status in 1979 when he led the Westfield State soccer team with 19 goals and 11 assists. He also was an All New England first-team selection in 1979 and all conference in 1978 and 1979.

The Amherst, Mass., native is seventh on the all-time scoring list with 120 points (46 goals, 28 assists). During his four years at Westfield State the Owls posted an aggregate record of 47-17-1, won two conference championships, and qualified for one NCAA and two ECAC Tournaments.

In high school, Vassallo was a Hampshire League all-star in soccer, basketball and baseball. He was an all Western Mass. performer in soccer in 1975.

Vassallo resides in Wilmington, Mass., with his wife, Jaimee (MacKenzie), a 1979 Westfield State graduate, and three sons: Danny (14), Michael (12), and Kenny (8). He has coached his sons in the Wilmington youth soccer leagues for the past nine years and in Little League baseball since 1993.

Vassallo is employed with the JV Associates Insurance Agency. He is president of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and secretary of the Wilmington Rotary Club.

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1998 Inductees

1998 Inductees Banquet Highlights

By Mickey Curtis, SID

It was another special night at Westfield State College's 1998 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductions held Oct. 16 in the newly renovated banquet hall.

The Fifth Annual inductions brought back many special memories and heartwarm feelings to those who were enshrined. In addition, many friendships were renewed and photographs taken during the special evening. There are now 45 members in the Westfield State College Athletics Hall of Fame, and the inductions banquet continues to be one of the signature events during the academic year.

"I had heard from some of the past inductees that this was something special, but I never thought that it would be this good," said Ed Matulewicz, one of six 1998 inductees.

Matulewicz, like the four other former student-athletes who were enshrined, thanked Westfield State College for giving him the opportunity to exceed athletically, academically and socially.

"I just can't believe this," he said. "This school was so tremendous to me. It gave me so many opportunities....It was the greatest four years of my life.

"I was fortunate to play for some great coaches here," he continued. "They gave me the confidence to play at the college level. At first I never went out for sports here because I was worried about my grades."

Matulewicz, who graduated in 1969, was a team leader in three sports at Westfield State - basketball, soccer, and tennis - and was a team captain in all three during his senior year. The Chicopee native's leadership qualities and athletic skills did not go unnoticed as he received the President's Cup Award, the Outstanding Student-Athlete Award, and the Tennis Award during his senior year.

"I was really lucky to play on the teams I did," said Matulewicz. "I think it was the 'hey dey' of college sports here. A played with a lot of the people who are already in the Hall of Fame."

Matulewicz shared the Hall of Fame honor with his brother and former teammates.

"I was especially lucky to have two older brothers who taught me how to be a team player," he said. "And I'd like to accept this award for all the players who didn't have the statistics. I thought when I got this award tonight that the alumni was honoring those types of players."

Chet Symancyk, Class of 1953, also recognized his teammates for helping him to be enshrined. The Westfield native was a four-year participant in both basketball and baseball. In basketball, he led the team with a 16.1 scoring average in 1951, the year the Owls posted a school best 15-2 record. In baseball, his career average was .300, with a season-best of .392 in 1952.

"One of the greatest things that happens to you in sports is that you are part of a team; you go up together and you go down together. But you are still a team," said Symancyk, who noted that five of his former teammates (Bill Miller, Jim Slattery, George Hines, Don Farr, Bob Farr) were at the inductions. "I'd like to thank my teammates....it is a real honor to get this award from Westfield State College."

Kevin Crowley, Class of 1981, thanked the college and his teammates for giving him the opportunity to excel in cross country and track. Crowley is Westfield's first and only men's cross country All American, and he earned All New England honors four times and participated in four NCAA championships.

"The first thing that struck me when I got to Westfield State was the scenery and the the people I met," said Crowley. "My teammates came up to me and said how glad they were to have me.

"I also want to thank the school; it's given me a lot."

Marian (Tully) McGee, Class of 1978, also was humbled by the Hall of Fame honor. She played from 1975 to 1978, compiling a then school record .414 career batting average. She still holds school records for most runs scored, most triples, and most runs batted in. All three records were set during his stellar freshman season when Westfield State was 18-2 and won the Mass. State Conference championship.

"I was very fortunate to play on a team that was loaded with talent," she said. "The records that I hold from my freshman year are a direct reflection of the teammates that I had here.

"I believe a lot of my success as an athlete can be attributed to my childhood years," she added. "I grew up with four older, competitive brothers....it wasn't easy...."

Russell Thompson, Class of 1987, earned a cartful of basketball honors during his four years at Westfield. He is Westfield's first and only basketball All American, and ranked as one of the nation's top Division III rebounders for three consecutive seasons. But the award he cherishes the most from Westfield State is the Blue Key Award, given to students for their devoted participation in many college activities.

"I grew a lot here (Westfield State)," said Thompson. "I came through the Urban Education program, which gave me the opportunity to develop as a person. Westfield State is a small school with few minority students, and I thought I represented them well."

F. Paul Bogan, who was posthumously inducted, also represented the College well in his 32 years (1962-95) as athletics director. During his tenure, the Owls captured four Smith Cup and 63 Massachusetts State Conference team championships. The Owls won 15 regional titles and participated in 19 NCAA Tournament and 32 ECAC Tournaments.

Bogan held many titles during his years at Westfield State. He was the head baseball coach for 10 years, the men's basketball coach for four years, and taught physical education during his early years at Westfield.

Bogan's leadership experience extended beyond Westfield State. He was the commissioner of the Massachusetts State College Athletics Conference form 1980 to 1990, and was actively involved in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. He was on the association's executive committee from 1976 to 1980; the secretary from 1980-85; and the parlimentarian from 1985 until his death in July of 1997.

"It is my belief that the name F. Paul Bogan and the athletics department at Wesfield State College are indeed synonymous terms; you can't think of one without the other and the facts speak for themselves," said Fran Bogan, who accepted the award for her late husband. "He was extremely devoted to the students and his involvement in national organizations put Westfield State on the map.

"Paul is here tonight and he is here right next to me......" she concluded. "He is telling you that 'I want to thank you most sincerely for this honor you have given me and I will always be a part of the athletics program at Westfield State College.'"

F. PAUL BOGAN

F. Paul Bogan played a significant role in the rise and prestige of Westfield State athletics department. Bogan served as athletics director for 32 years, from 1963 to 1995, and the program grew from two sports to as many as 22.

During his tenure, Westfield State captured four Smith Cup and 63 Massachusetts State Conference team championships. The Owls won 15 regional team titles, and participated in19 NCAA tournaments and 32 ECAC tournaments. Additionally, countless athletes earned individual honors on the regional and national levels.

Bogan held many titles during his years at Westfield State. He was the head baseball coach for 10 years (1963-72) and the head men's basketball coach for four years (1964-67). In addition, he was a faculty member during his early years at Westfield State, teaching physical education.

Bogan's leadership experience extended beyond Westfield State. He was the commissioner of the Massachusetts State College Athletics Conference from 1980 to 1990, and the commissioner of the New England Football Conference from 1991 to 1996. Also in 1991 he was president of the New England College Athletic Conference.

Bogan was actively involved in the Natonal Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. He was on the association's excecutive committee from 1976 to 1980; the secretary from 1980-85; and the parlimentarian from 1985 until his death in July of 1997.

This past January, the 92nd annual NCAA Convention adopted a memorial resolution commemorating his distinguished service to athletics.

Bogan officiated high school and college soccer games for many years, and served on various committees of the national and New England Intercollegiate Soccer Officials.

Following his retirement from Westfield State in August of 1995, he became the first full-time commissioner of the Northeast 10 Conference.

Bogan also displayed his leadership abilities in the city of Westfield. He was on the board of directors at Camp Togawauk; a group leader in the community drug abuse program, and a committee member of the Westfield Industrial Development Financing Authority.

The Fall River native graduated from Durfee High School in 1953, and was a star athlete infootball, baseball, track, and basketball. He attended Boston University from 1956-59 and played football there, then transferred to UMass Amherst, where he graduated from in 1960. Bogan earned a master's degree at Penn State in 1961 and a doctorate in administrative from Heed University in Florida in 1975.

KEVIN CROWLEY

Kevin Crowley was a frontrunner in cross country and track, earning All New England honors four times and participating in four NCAA championships.

He is Westfield State's first and only men's cross country All-American, placing 23rd at the NCAA Division 3 national championships in 1978 with a time of 24:23.

That same season Crowley finished third in the prestigious Codfish Invitational and placed fourth in the New England championships. In 1977 he won the Codfish Invitational and qualified for the national championships.Crowley holds the Westfield record on the five-mile Stanley Park course with a time of 24:22.

In track, Crowley still holds the school record in the three-mile run with a national qualifying time of 14:08.9 in 1979. In addition, he was the Mass. State Conference champion and a national qualifier in the 3,000 steeplechase, setting a new conference record with a time of 9:23.6. He was unable to compete in the 1979 national championships because of an injury.

Crowley was an All New England performer in 1980, placing fifth in the steeplechase with a time of 9:16.83. He also claimed the conference championship in the 5,000 meter run, as well as placing fifth in the conference javelin throw.

In 1979, Crowley was conference champion in the steeplechase (9:30) and finished second in the 5,000 meter run (15:14).

Crowley transferred to Westfield State from Boston State, now UMass Boston, where he was All American and All New England in the steeplechase.

Crowley is a 1975 graduate of Wakefield High School, where he was a six-time Class B state champion. He was inducted into the Wakefield High School Hall of Fame in 1993.

The 1981 Westfield State alumnus graduated from the New Hampshire Standards and Training Academy in 1987 and held the Academy record in the 1.5 mile run. He returns frequently, by invitation of the Academy staff, to instruct several classes.

Crowley is a master-patrolman, employed 12 years by the city of Nashua, New Hampshire, police department. He was promoted to detective in 1992 and attained his current rank of master patrolman in 1993. He served three years as the weapons specialist and training officer within the training division. He is presently assigned to the division of uniform field operations and is serving as a founding member of the Nashua police department's bomb squad, having successfully completed his national certification with the FBI in 1997.

Crowley's most recent accomplishment was to complete construction on his new home in Francestown, New Hampshire, where he resides with his wife of 12 years, Sarah; their seven-year-old son, Sean, and five-year-old daughter, Shayla.

ED "TOOLIE" MATULEWICZ

Ed Matulewicz was a team leader during the late 1960s at Westfield State, and continues to be a leader today in the teaching profession.

Matulewicz played three sports at Westfield State - soccer, basketball and tennis - and was a team captain in all three during his senior year. The 1969 graduate's leadership qualities and athletic skills did not go unnoticed as he received the President's Cup Award, the Outstanding Student-Athlete Award, and the Tennis Award during his senior year.

In tennis, "Toolie" was the No. 1 singles and doubles player during his two years with the team, and was a three-year starter in both soccer and basketball. Drawing the toughest assignment in each match, he led the tennis team to second place conference finishes in both 1967 and 1968.

In soccer, he was named all conference and All New England his junior year when he recorded six goals and six assists. The Owls were New England champions that season with a 9-5 record. During his senior season, Westfield State was the New England state co-champions with a 12-2-3 record.

Matulewicz's best sport was basketball, where his playmaking and ballhandling skills led the Owls to successful seasons. He scored 540 career points; however, no assists records were kept during this era. The Chicopee native scored 170 points his senior season and led the team in free throws, shooting 83 percent.

In 1965 Matulewicz helped to lead the Chicopee Comprehensive High School basketball team to the Western Mass. championship and a berth in the inaugural state championship game, which was staged at the Boston Garden. Chicopee Comp's leading scorer was classmate Alex Popp, a 1995 Westfield State Hall of Fame inductee.

Matulewicz has continued to play recreational sports, winning several tennis titles in his hometown of East Longmeadow. He is employed as a science teacher in the Birchland Park Middle School, and has been a great influence and friend to many students over the past 30 years. He has been selected Who's Who in teaching several times, the last year being in 1998.

Matulewicz and his wife, Marie (Cadogan), also a Westfield State ('70) graduate, have two daughters, Amy and Kate, both recent graduates of Boston College.

CHET SYMANCYK

Chet Symancyk was a four-year participant in both basketball and baseball from 1949 to 1953.

In basketball, the Westfield native led the team with a 16.1 scoring average in 1951, the year the Owls posted a school best 15-2 record. He was a team co-captain during his senior season.

In baseball, Symancyk's career batting average was .300, with a season-best of .392 in 1952.

Symancyk was involved in many activities during his years at Westfield State; he was the president of the Men's Athletic Association during his junior and senior years and was a sports reporter for the college newspaper.

Symancyk received a master's degree from Springfield College in 1957, and an administration certificate from Queens College in 1963.

Symancyk, who resides in Endwell, N.Y., was an elementary school principal in Endicott, N.Y., for 23 years before retiring in 1991. He served on many community committees, including president of the Lions Club, and received a national PTA award. He is active in the local Polish American Community.

Symancyk and his wife Marie, a 1958 Westfield State graduate, have two daughters, Laura and Lisa, and four grandsons.

RUSSELL THOMPSON

Russell A. Thompson was a dominating men's basketball player at Westfield State College in the mid 1980s. The Springfield native is Westfield State's first and only basketball All-American, and is the only Westfield player to total more than 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds - milestones that he both surpassed in a 1987 game against Worcester State.

Thompson, a 6-4, 220-pound lefthander, used a combination of quickness, anticipation and leaping ability to rank as one of the nation's top NCAA Division III rebounders for three consecutive seasons. He first began making a name for himself nationally during his sophomore year when he was the second leading rebounder in the country. In his junior season, Thompson led the NCAA in rebounding, ripping down 351 rebounds in 23 games for a 15.3 per game average. Thompson had a better average his senior year (16.1 per game) when he finished second nationally.

In addition to leading the Owls as team captain and Most Valuable Player during his final two seasons, the Springfield Classical High School graduate was selected a 1987 third team All American by three organizations - Kodak, Basketball Times and the Associated Press. He was a two-time all conference selection; an All New England pick his senior year; an ECAC and Coach's All-District All-Star, and a seven-time ECAC Player of the Week.

Thompson was a consistent player, averaging 13.1 rebounds and 12.1 points per game during his four-year career. He averaged 16.4 points per game in both 1986 and 1987. During his sophomore season he averaged 13.6 rebounds and 11.4 points in leading the Owls to their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Thompson was named to the NCAA Region All-Tournament team, totaling 37 rebounds and 24 points in two games, including 25 rebounds vs. Albany State.

Thompson has 1,169 career points and holds school records in five categories: career rebounds (1,194), career blocked shots (139), career field goal shooting percentage (.579), rebounds in a season (354 in 1987), and field goal shooting percentage in a game (9 for 10).

In addition to his accolades on the basketball court, Thompson was a two-year member of the Student Judicial Board, graduated with academic honors, and was a 1987 recipient of the Student Senate's Blue Key Award.

Thompson has had a successful law career since graduating from Westfield State in 1987. He was a 1990 cum laude graduate of the Western New England Law School and a member of its Law Review. From 1990-94, Thompson was employed with the United State Securities and Exchange Commission as an Enforcement Attorney. Following his employment with the SEC, Thompson helped several professional athletes with the start-up and development of several sports and entertainment related companies in the Atlanta, Ga., area.

Thompson returned to private practice in 1995 with the Prudential Insurance Company of America at its corporate headquarters in Newark, N.J., where he has received numerous performance recognition awards. He is a member of the Massachusetts and New York Bars with specialty practice concentrations in corporate, securities, insurance, and entertainment law.

Thompson resides in Montclair, N.J., with his wife and college sweetheart, Kerri (Price) Thompson, who is also a 1987 Westfield State graduate. They have three-year-old son: Austin Russell Thompson.

MARIAN (TULLY) MCGEE

Marian (Tully) McGee was a star shortstop during the early years of softball at Westfield State College.

McGee played from 1975 to 1978, compiling a then school record .414 career batting average. She still holds school records for most runs scored (49), most triples (5), and most runs batted in (35). All three records were set during her stellar freshman season in 1975 when she led Westfield State to an 18-2 record and the Mass. State Conference championship. McGee batted .500 and slugged six home runs during her rookie year.

The Holyoke native was a team captain in 1978 when the Owls were crowned MAIAW champions with a record of 14-11. Westfield State posted an aggregate record of 49-28 during her four years.

McGee was actively involved in sports at Holyoke Catholic High School as a four-year participant in softball, swimming and cheerleading.

The South Hadley resident has been an elementary school teacher in Holyoke for the past 10 years. She has coached youth soccer, baseball and basketball teams.

She and her husband, Bob, also a 1978 graduate of Westfield, have two children, Tim, 14, and Lauren, 11.

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1997 Inductees

RAY ARRA

Ray Arra ('65) starred in baseball and basketball during the early 1960s. Arra was the baseball team's Most Valuable Player in 1963 and 1964 and was a three-year co-captain. He led the Owls in hitting for three years and pitching for two years. Arra compiled a 14-4 career pitching record and batted .405 in 1963; .384 in 1962; and .357 in 1964.

In basketball, Arra led the team in scoring in 1964 until he sustained an injury midway through the season. Additionally, he was president of the Men's Athletic Association during the 1963-64 academic year.

Before coming to Westfield State, Arra was a standout in baseball, football and basketball at Needham High School, where he graduated from in 1959. He played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates' Class D team in Hobbs, New Mexico, from 1960-61. Arra then served as a Western Mass. scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1966-73.

Arra has been a high school teacher for the past 32 years and currently teaches middle school in East Longmeadow. He has coached baseball for 23 years, winning more than 400 American Legion and high school games. His high school teams have qualified for nine postseason tournaments and his Legion teams have never finished below second place.

A resident of Westfield, Arra re-started the Westfield American Legion program in 1966. He has coached Legion baseball for 18 years, with stops at Needham, Westfield, Southwick and West Springfield. He has coached high school baseball at Westfield Vocational, East Longmeadow and presently at Minnechaug Regional. From 1972 to 1974 he was the athletics director at Westfield Vocational High School.

Arra coached on the collegiate level for one year, 1991, as an assistant at American International College when the Yellow Jackets won the Northeast 10 title and played in the NCAA Division 2 College World Series.

In addition, Arra has 16 years of coaching experience in high school basketball. He also was an assistant coach at Westfield State for four years, from 1990-94, when the Owls qualified for one NCAA tournament and two ECAC tournaments. He has directed numerous basketball and baseball camps in the area.

Arra and his wife, Judy (Boron), a 1966 Westfield State graduate, have two children, Christine, who recently graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and Kimberly, who will be attending UMass Amherst this fall.

JIM COLLINS

Jim Collins compiled impressive statistics and honors during his four-year ice hockey career at Westfield State. The Owls were a powerhouse in ice hockey in the late 1970s, and Collins was their catalyst, a take-charge player who was well respected by his teammates. The Reading native was a team captain for four years and the only Owl player ever to serve as an alternate captain as a freshman.

Collins was the team's Most Valuable Player in 1977, 1978 and 1980, and was selected the ECAC Rookie of the Year in 1977. He was a two-time ECAC All-Star and a Mass. State Conference All-Star his senior season in 1980. The Owls qualified for the ECAC Tournament all four years, posting an aggregate record of 75 wins and 27 losses. They won the ECAC Championship in 1978 with a 20-2 record.

Collins was a deceptive skater with excellent puck control skills and a major scoring threat. He is Westfield State's all-time leading scorer with 262 points in 94 games, and also holds school records for goals (110) and assists (152) in a career, and goals (39), assists (53), and points (81) in a season. He led the ECAC in scoring in 1977 and was the second leading scorer in 1978.

Collins has been a police officer in Reading since 1986. He is an assistant ice hockey coach at Reading High School and also coaches in the Reading youth hockey league. Collins and his wife, Nancy, have five children: Katie (15), Sean (14), Brian (12), Jaime (11), and Garrett (7).

BOB D'AGNESE

Track and field standout Bob D'Agnese is one of the finest athletes to graduate from Westfield State. He was a seven-time New England Division 3 champion, a six-time national qualifier, and an NCAA All American during his senior year in 1982.

D'Agnese still holds the school record in the 400 meter run (48.25), which is the former New England record. He set the record at the New England Division 3 championships when he upset then undefeated Keith Steinhouse of the United States Coast Guard Academy.

In his junior year, D'Agnese won the New England Division 3 indoor 500 meter championships in 1:04.7, also a school record. In his senior year, D'Agnese posted the fastest time in the nation at 400 meters, running a 49.1 at the Division 3 indoor championships. In addition, he was a member of the record-setting 400 (41.81) and 1600 (3:12.61) relay squads. The 400 and 1600 relay times are still New England Division 3 records. The 1600 relay anchored by D'Agnese in a blistering 47.2 split earned him All-American status with a fourth place finish at the 1982 NCAA Division 3 national championships.

The Owls were a powerhouse during D'Agnese's years at Westfield State, winning the 1980 New England Division 3 outdoor championship and placing second and third, respectively, in 1981 and 1982.

D'Agnese graduated in 1977 from Swampscott High School, where he also starred in track, basketball and football. He still holds the Swampscott High School record in the 400 meter dash at 50.3. The following year he was a Maine state prep champion in the 200 and 400 meters.

D'Agnese lives in Swampscott and is employed at the Boston Mariott Copley Place. He is the proud father of a five-year-old son, A.J. D'Agnese still runs today, with his son riding his bicycle beside him.

MIKE GORRASI

Mike Gorrasi was a record-setting scorer in lacrosse at Westfield State from 1983-1986. He holds school records for most goals scored in a career (144), season (58) and game (10), and is the all-time leading scorer with 232 points.

Gorrasi was an All New England selection in 1986 when he was second nationally in goals scored per game (4.14) and ninth nationally in points scored per game (5.71). In 1984, he ranked sixth nationally in points per game (5.25) and ninth in goals per game (3.33).

Following his graduation from Westfield State in 1986, Gorrasi played for the North Adelaide Lacrosse Club in South Australia for two years. He was selected to play for the New England Blazers professional indoor lacrosse team from 1989-90. He continues to play for club lacrosse teams in the Boston area.

Gorrasi resides in hometown of Winchester and is an airline pilot for USAirways Express. He and his wife Kristen (Connors), also a 1986 Westfield State graduate, have two children: Nicholas (4) and Zachary (three months).

BETH HENNESSY

Beth Hennessy established high standards for Westfield State women's basketball. The 1987 WSC graduate is the first women's player to score 1,000 points and is currently second on the all-time scoring list with 1,374 points despite an injury-plagued senior season.

Hennessy was a four-time team Most Valuable Player and a two-time captain. She was a three-time all conference performer and an All-American nominee in 1987.

Hennessy's best seasons statistically were in 1986 when she averaged 20.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, and in 1985 when she averaged 17.5 points and 9.5 rebounds each contest.

In addition to her scoring prowess, Hennessy, a 5-8 forward, is the former school record holder in career rebounds (701) and assists (184), and field goals (471) and free throws made (432).

The Northampton native resides in Enfield, Conn., and is an elementary school and language arts resource teacher at East Farms School in Farmington, Conn. She participates in two women's basketball leagues and enjoys golf, skiing and traveling.

AL STREETER

Al Streeter, Class of 1972, was a soccer and baseball standout at Westfield State. A goalie in soccer, Streeter still holds school records for most shutouts in a career (30) and season (9). He set the season standard in 1970 when he was an all conference selection and helped to lead the Owls to the New England state championship with a 15-1-1 record.

Streeter was a four-year starter and the Owls posted an aggregate record of 49-10-9. In his senior season, Streeter was a co-captain and received the team's College Award for his outstanding contributions.

Streeter also captained the baseball team his senior year. He led the team that season with 30 hits, six home runs, 23 RBI and a .345 batting average.

Streeter, a native of Dalton, is a math teacher at Kiley Middle School in Springfield and has served as an assistant varsity boys' soccer coach at Springfield Cathedral High School since 1978. In the past 19 seasons, Cathedral has won three state championships, nine Western Mass. titles, and was ranked second nationally in 1993 with a 23-0 record. In 1991 Streeter was presented a letter of commendation from the Pioneer Valley Soccer Officials Association.

Streeter resides in Hampden and has been actively involved in the town's recreation association for many years. He coaches youth basketball and baseball teams and is the father of three children: Chris (22), Kerry (19) and Bryan (11). Chris is a senior at Westfield State College and is a captain of the men's soccer team.

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1996 Inductees

1996 Inductees Banquet Highlights

By Mickey Curtis, SID

The Third Annual Westfield State College Athletics Hall of Fame inductions were held before an appreciative audience of 160 friends and relatives on Friday evening, Oct. 18, at Scanlon Banquet Hall.

Six distinguished Westfield State graduates were inducted during the impressive event, bringing the total to 33 in the College's Athletics Hall of Fame. Thirteen were inducted in 1994 and 14 were honored last year.

"We would like to thank all of you for making this a meaningful and delightful experience," said master of ceremonies Charles "Bud" Hagan, a former coach and registrar at Westfield State.

The six inductees represented five decades of Westfield State sports history, which were also documented in a 10-minute slide show.

The first inductee of the evening, Len "Bunky" Collamore, gave one of the most moving speeches. The 1956 Westfield State graduate was a four-year standout in baseball and basketball. He still holds the school record for most free throws made in a game (19) and earned the nickname Cousy for his playmaking skills.

"This is an honor I'll always treasure," Collamore said. "I'd like to thank my teammates of yesteryear...back then we were truly a sports team."

Collamore stressed how a Westfield State education has played a significant role in his family's life. His wife's mother graduated from Westfield in 1917 and his mother's sister graduated in 1940. The Collamore connection at Westfield also includes his wife, Rosemary, his sister, daughter and son, and "many nieces and nephews."

"In 1951 my wife Rosemary was voted the first Winter Carnival Queen at Westfield and we will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary next month," Collamore said. "Westfield State is a special place in our memories."

Collamore is a history professor at Springfield Technical Community College and served as the college's president from 1980-82. His interest in education extends beyond the classroom as he was the originator of the popular local television program "As School's Match Wits."

"Forty-five years ago my dad took a day off from work and put his young, immature son on a bus in Holyoke to enroll at Westfield State College," Collamore recalled.

"I stand here this evening honored by this occasion and because of my mother and father, who were wiser than their son and more sure that he got his education at Westfield State and that has made all the difference."

Bob Farias, Class of 1968, also thanked his mother and father for "giving a young Portuguese kid the opportunity to go to college."

"Westfield State was very different back then than it is now," Farias said. "We had the Righteous Brothers for a concert but just one brother showed up because they had just broken up. And their backup singer was Glenn Campbell without sideburns."

Farias, who was a four-year standout in basketball at Westfield State, stressed how his athletics career has greatly aided him in becoming a highly respected high school educator and basketball coach in Lexington.

"Athletics teaches you something that no other part of the curriculum can. It teaches you loyalty, teamwork and resiliency," he remarked.

Farias said that he was fortunate to cross paths with so many outstanding players and mentors during his four years at Westfield. Three of his former teammates - Ray Glynn, Alex Popp and Ron Knowe - are also in the Hall of Fame and highly repsected educators.

"I would be grossly remiss if I didn't mention of what I got out of Westfield as far as dealing with so many various personalities. There were so many great people - Dean Hagan, Coach (John) Kurty. But two people particularly stood out, and if there's anything I've accomplished in life as an educator it's because of them...They are former president Leonard Savignano and former athletic director Paul Bogan. Without these two men I wouldn't be where I am today because they've served as an inspiration to me and taught me never to quit on a kid."

Christopher Kinback, Class of 1986, also related how his participation in sport taught him many valuable life skills. Kinback is one of the finest two-sport athletes in Westfield State history, starring in both football and lacrosse. He was a two-time All American in lacrosse and led the nation in scoring his junior year. In football he was and a two-time All New England selection at linebacker.

Kinback now lives in Chattanooga, Tenn., where he is an assistant vice president for the Provident Company, Inc., which is the largest carrier of disability insurance in the country.

"The lessons that I learned on the playing field at Westfield State are lessons I still draw on today," he said. "Adapting to unexpected changes, bouncing back from losses, and the discipline to achieve a goal. Those are a part of my education that I didn't learn from a book."

Bob Moniz, Class of 1978, said his teammates and parents played major roles in his success as the most dominant pitcher in Westfield State history.

"My parents are the reason I am here," he said. "They were always there at my games: Orono, Maine; Dover, Delaware; Framingham State or North Adams. They were my driving force."

Moniz was a three-time All New England player who helped to lead the Owls to four straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The Owls posted an aggregate record of 120-40-1 during his four years. The big righthander still holds five Westfield State records and posted an impressive 31-6 career record with 234 strikeouts.

"I couldn't have done any of this without my teammates," he said. "It certainly makes it easy to pitch when you have a five or six run lead in the first inning, and those were the kind of teams we had when I was here at Westfield. I certainly have to thank them for allowing me to be successful."

Chris Scanlon, Class of 1972, talked about the many Westfield State experiences that have helped to make him one of the most successful girls' high school soccer coaches in the country. Scanlon's Winchester High School team's have won four state championships and his teams have been ranked in the top 20 nationally for the past seven years. He has guided Winchester to 17 Middlesex League championships and an astounding 346-22-20 record.

"It's been a great experience to be an alumnus of Westfield State," he said. "One of the things that keeps the thought in my mind is that I knew everybody, from the president right through to the custodian at this college. Westfield State allowed me to learn to become a student and a teacher. It was a great opportunity to be here for four years."

While playing at Westfield State, Scanlon was a member of two New England state championship teams and two state conference champions. He ranks third in career scoring at Westfield with 146 points.

"Coach Kurty is the person who really showed us how to play soccer," said Scanlon. "He is a big reason for my successes."

Capping the night was the induction of Margaret "Peg" Gleason into the Hall of Fame. In 1947, her senior year, Gleason was recipient of the "Highest Athletic Award" given by the college.

Gleason continued her interest in sports following her graduation, as she joined the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leeds, Mass., working in special services at the recreation director.

In the early 1960s, Gleason contracted multiple sclerosis. She continued her work at the medical center for the next 20 years while fighting the disease and won several awards for her service to the veterans. She was the recipient of the Governor's Award in 1970 in recognition of her contributions with the "Employ the Handicapped program." She was chosen for the award for the example she demonstrated in overcoming a serious physical handicap.

"I am very happy to be chosen a member of the Hall of Fame," Gleason said. "I thank my classmates and my family for being here. It's been a great night for us."

In a special presentation, the Class of 1947, six of whom were in attendance, made a donation of $665 to the Westfield State College athletics department in honor of its Hall of Fame classmate, Peg Gleason. The donation is being earmarked for a permanent Athletics Hall of Fame display room that is being planning at Westfield State College.

LEONARD COLLAMORE

Leonard "Bunky" Collamore was a standout basketball and baseball player for Westfield State during the 1950s. He averaged approximately 10 points per game during his four-year basketball career at Westfield State, which was interrupted by a two-year stint in the service. Collamore scored many of his points from the free throw line and still holds the school record for most free throws made in a game with 19.

Collamore was best known for his playmaking skills on the basketball floor. Tagged with the nickname Cousy, Collamore thrilled spectators and frustrated opponents with his deft ball handling and passing. Westfield won 46 and lost 26 during his four years, including a school best 15-2 record in 1951. The 1956 Westfield State graduate also was a starting second baseman on the baseball team.

In high school, Collamore was a captain and an All Western Mass. selection for the powerful Holyoke teams of the late 1940s.

Collamore is a history professor at Springfield Technical Community College and served as college's president from 1980-82. His interest in education extends beyond the classroom as he was the originator and a producer of the popular local television program "As Schools Match Wits."

Collamore has also been active in local politics. He was a Springfield City Counselor for 12 years and has served as a Hampden County Commissioner from 1968 to present.

MARGARET GLEASON

Margaret "Peggy" Gleason participated and excelled in several sports activities during her four years at Westfield State. In 1947, her senior year, she was recipient of the 'Highest Athletic Award' given by the college.

Gleason was a hub of activity during her four years at Westfield. She played on most athletic teams, including basketball, softball, field hockey and bowling, and showed great enthusiasm, leadership and sportsmanship at all times.

Among other honors, she served as president of the sophomore class and was elected president of the Student Council during her senior year. She was president of the Women's Athletic Association her junior year and a delegate to the women's athletic association conference in Framingham. Gleason played varsity basketball for three years at Northampton High School.

After graduating from Westfield she taught school in Northampton for one year, then joined the staff of the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leeds, working in special services as the recreation director. She organized trips and planned the recreation activities for the residents.

In the early 1960s, Gleason contracted multiple sclerosis. She continued her work at the medical center for the next 20 years while fighting the disease and won several awards for her service to the veterans. She was the recipient of the Governor's Award, presented by former Gov. Francis Sargent, on Oct. 5, 1907, in recognition of her contributions with the 'Employ the Handicapped program.' She was chosen for the award for the example she demonstrated in overcoming a serious physical handicap.

Gleason has continued her love of sports and people throughout the years, always quoting facts about Westfield State's teams. She is proud of the growth of the college and its athletic programs. She resides in the Hampshire County Long Term Care facility and enjoys sports and movies on television and reading.

BOB MONIZ

Bob Moniz was the most consistent and dependable pitcher for the powerful Westfield State baseball teams of the late 1970s.

The 1978 graduate was a three-time All New England player and helped to lead the Owls to four straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Westfield was the New England Region Tournament runner-up during his freshman and junior seasons; the Owls posted an aggregate record of 120-40-1 during his four years.

Moniz holds five Westfield State records, including pitching 27 complete games in his outstanding four-year career, which is also a New England Division 3 record.

The Swansea native pitched in 41 career games, posting an impressive 31-6 record and 2.78 earned run average. He holds school career records for victories, innings pitched, and strikeouts with 234. He also holds the single season record for complete games with eight in both 1975 and 1977.

Moniz was named to the New England Region All-Tournament team in 1977 when he almost single handedly pitched the Owls into the NCAA World Series. After leading them to a dramatic 10-9 victory over Eastern Connecticut, Moniz pitched another nine-inning game on one day's rest against Brandeis in the regional championship game. He yielded only three earned runs in Westfield's 5-3 loss to Brandeis. Following his junior season Moniz pitched in the prestigious Cape Code summer baseball league.

A physical education major at Westfield State, Moniz works for the Department of Mental Retardation in the human services division at the Paul Dever School. He resides in Taunton with his wife, Kathy, and sons Kyle, 17, and David, 10. Moniz has been active for the past six years officiating and umpiring high school and summer basketball and baseball games.

CHRIS SCANLON

Chris Scanlon, one of the best soccer players in Westfield State history, is now recognized as one of the top high school coaches in the United States.

The 1972 Westfield State graduate has developed a powerhouse women's soccer program at Winchester, Mass., High School, claiming four Division I state championships and eight Eastern Massachusetts titles. His teams have been ranked in the top 20 nationally for the past seven years, including the 1990 squad that was rated No. 1 in the country by USA Today.

The Longmeadow native and Springfield Cathedral High School graduate has guided Winchester to 17 Middlesex League championships and an astounding 332-22-19 record. His teams have lost only seven league games in his 18 years as head coach.

Scanlon's personal accolades have been numerous. He was named the National Coach of the Year in 1986 by the National Soccer Coaches of America Association. In 1994 the association named him the New England Coach of the Year. Five times he has been honored by the Boston Globe as the Coach of the Year, and in 1989 he was inducted into the state soccer coaches Hall of Fame.

Scanlon is also coaching director of the Winchester Soccer Club and coaches the state Olympic development program 16-and-under team.

While playing at Westfield State College, Scanlon was a member of two New England state championship teams and two state conference champions. He was a two-year captain, an all conference selection in 1969, and received the team's Letterman Award in 1971.

Scanlon ranks third in career scoring at Westfield with a total of 146 points. He ranks second in career assists with 44 and fourth in career goals with 51.

Scanlon and his wife, Kathy, reside in Winchester with their three children: Kelly, Patrick and Christopher. He is a teacher in the Lexington Public Schools.

CHRISTOPHER KINBACK

Christopher Kinback is one of the finest two-sport athletes to graduate from Westfield State. He starred in both football and lacrosse for the Owls during the first half of the 1980s.

Kinback was a two-time All America in lacrosse, leading the entire nation in his junior season with 46 goals in 12 games. Kinback was the second leading scorer in NCAA Division 3 his senior year, scoring a then school record 54 goals in 13 games.

The 6-0, 200-pound attacker played in the prestigious East-West Senior All-Star game in 1985 and scored four goals. Kinback ranks fifth on Westfield's all-time scoring list with 125 goals and 31 assists for 156 points. The Owls posted a record of 26-11 during his three years on the team.

In football, Kinback was a standout inside linebacker, leading the team in tackles for three straight seasons. During his sophomore year in 1982 he was a member of Westfield State's first varsity football team. He was an honorable mention all conference selection and led the Owls with 100 tackles and three interceptions.

Kinback was a first team New England Football Conference selection in both 1983 and 1984. Additionally, he was selected to the Associated Press' All New England squad his senior year. Kinback was a graduate assistant coach for the Owls during the 1985 season before graduating in with a bachelor of arts in English in 1986.

He transferred to Westfield State in 1982 after attending Mass Maritime Academy, where, as a freshman, he was a starting linebacker in football and an honorable mention all conference selection in lacrosse.

Kinback is a native of Beverly, where he was a two-year starter in football and a three-year also was a starting second baseman on the baseball team. and tarter lacrosse. He still holds the Beverly High School record for most career goals, and in football he was a Boston Globe All Scholastic selection and captained his team in the Harry Agganis All-Star game.

At Westfield State, Kinback was a football captain for three years and a two-year lacrosse captain. His leadership skills have carried over into the work force as he is an officer of the Provident Company, Inc., located in Chattanooga, Tenn. Kinback is an assistant vice president in the claims division for Provident, which is the largest carrier of disability insurance in the country.

Kinback and his wife, Kara, reside in Signal Mountain, Tenn.

BOB FARIAS

Bob Farias was a four-year basketball standout at Westfield State in the late 1960s. He led the team in scoring during his sophomore season, averaging 18.6 points per game, and was captain during his junior year. Farias scored more than 750 points in his WSC career and received the Presidential Basketball Award in his senior year. He also was president of the Men's Athletic Association.

Farias' most memorable game at Westfield State came during his sophomore year when he scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Owls past American International College, 80-76, for the biggest upset victory in school history.

Farias' athletic achievements go back to his high school days at Durfee in Fall River, where he was an All County selection in both football and basketball. He quarterbacked the Hilltoppers to an undefeated football season in 1963, and was the captain and second leading scorer of the basketball team. He was recently inducted into the Durfee High School Hall of Fame.

Farias earned a bachelor of science in education from Westfield State in 1968. He has a master's degree in education from Boston University and is currently the director of the A.C.E. program, an alternative education program of the Lexington, Arlington, Bedford, Burlington and Belmont Public Schools.

He is also the head boys' basketball coach at Lexington High School, where he has been coaching since graduating from Westfield State. He began as an assistant to Rollie Massimino, former head coach of Villanova and UNLV.

During his six years as junior varsity coach, Farias' teams won 104 games and lost 14 and won five Middlesex League JV titles. In 1975 Farias started his highly successful tenure as head coach; his varsity teams have won 319 games and lost 91. Lexington won the Division I state title in 1978, defeating his alma mater Durfee, and Farias was named the Coach of the Year by the Boston Globe and Boston Herald. Lexington has earned 10 Middlesex League titles and has made six Division 1 North Final appearances during Farias' 21 years as varsity head coach.

Farias is a highly active and respected professional and citizen in the town of Lexington. He directs a basketball camp for boys and girls in grades fifth through ninth at the Hayden Recreation Centre in Lexington, and also runs a similar camp with the Lexington Recreation Department in the summer. He frequently is a guest lecturer and teacher of basketball skills at camps throughout New England. Farias has been the head coach of the Massachusetts state all-stars and a Bay State Games head coach.

Within his community, Farias recently served on the committee to prepare a Lexington High School exhibit for the New England Sports Museum. He is a member of the board of trustees for the Lexington Babe Ruth baseball league.

Also within this historic community, Farias is an elected member of Town Meeting. He has had the honor of being Parade Marshall for the annual Patriots Day parade, and has served on the committee to choose the annual Youth Award. Additionally, he has served a two-year term as president of the elementary school PTE.

Farias is married to Shirley (Bleau), a former Westfield State College cheerleader who graduated in 1969. They have two daughters, Lisa, 25, and Christina, 23, a 1994 Westfield State graduate.

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1995 Inductees

1995 Inductees Banquet Highlights

By Mickey Curtis

The damp and dreary Alumni Weekend was brightened by the inductions of 14 former athletes and administrators into the Westfield State College Athletics Hall of Fame.

The second annual inductions, held Oct. 20 at the Scanlon Banquet Hall, drew rave reviews from an overflow crowd of 180, and it has quickly become a signature event of the alumni weekend.

The acceptance speeches highlighted the evening, as the inductees shared their special memories of Westfield. Mike Beard ('75), the first track and field athlete to make an impact nationally and in New England, stated that long-time coach Gerry Gravel was his biggest influence.

"Cross country and track is unique because it is a year-long season and coach Gravel took the energy and the time to make the team successful. Coach Gravel gave us guidance and I probably needed it more than anybody on the team."

Bob Farr ('55) joined his brother Donald ('57), a 1994 inductee, in the Hall of Fame and gave a moving acceptance speech.

"I can hardly believe that when I entered Westfield in 1951 that I would have so many memories after four years: even of the simpliest things..."

Farr recalled his playing days when he was a standout in basketball and baseball from 1951-55. He was a four-year starter and captain for two years in both sports, and the first 1,000 point scorer in Westfield State history.

Farr was extremely active in extracurricular activities during his four years at Westfield. A teacher in the Springfield school system for the past 38 years and an administrator for the Massachusetts Migrant Education program for 10 years, he continues to volunteer his time to many organizations.

"I remember when Dr. Scanlon, the president of the college, handed me $100 to help pay for my tuition and I'll never forget what he said when he handed me the check: 'Some day you'll give back.' I've been thinking about that...and as long as God gives me the opportunity I will continue to give back to the community."

Tony Goncalves ('73) is the second brother combination to be inducted; his younger brother Ali ('77), the leading soccer scorer in Westfield State history, was a member of the charter class.

"I'd like to thank the (selection) committee for this honor. It's very gratifying to be selected, especially after my brother was inducted last year. But I have a bone to pick with the selection committee as to why my brother was selected first...The committee neglected one very important fact: I taught him everything he knows," Goncalves said with a smile.

Tony Goncalves is deserving of the prestigious honor in his own right, having excelled as a player or coach for more than 30 years. He ranks 13th in career points and third in career assists despite missing most of his sophomore season with a broken leg.

For the past 22 years Goncalves has been a teacher and coach in his hometown of Ludlow. He has led the high school team to three state titles, including the 1995 state championship, and two runner-up finishes. He was named Mass. State coach of the year in 1976 and 1989.

"It's always good to come back to Westfield State, not just for the good times, but because I've been associated with the most wonderful people I could ever meet," he said.

The night was extra special for Goncalves because he was inducted along with his long-time friend, teammate and coaching companion Jack Vilaca. Vilaca is the second all-time scorer in WSC history and was a three-time All New England selection and four-time all conference. The Owls posted a 52-10-5 record during Goncalves' and Vilaca's four years, claiming two conference championships, one New England title, and one state crown.

"I'd like to thank coach (John) Kurty and my teammates, in particular Tony Goncalves," said Vilaca. "I went to high school with him, he was my college roommate and he is my coaching partner. I treasure his friendship more than anything else."

Paul Hartford ('81) also had good things to say about the people, both faculty and teammates, he met at Westfield State.

"I did not win this honor alone. We had a very good team. They are the reason I stand here today," he said.

Hartford was a leader of the 1981 lacrosse team that won the Colonial League championship and a berth in the ECAC tournament with a 12-2 record. He led the team in scoring three out of four years and ranks as the second leading scorer in Westfield State history.

Academically, Hartford graduated cum laude and was the first Westfield State recipient of the Howard C. Smith Award, given to the outstanding senior student-athlete in the Mass. State Conference.

"Not only has Westfield State given me many memories on the field, but on campus and in the classroom," Hartford said. "Many people will look back on their college days and say 'I wish I had.' I look back and I say 'I'm glad I have.'"

Bob Kallstrom ('76), recounted his baseball seasons at Westfield State like they were yesterday; how the team improved each year, capped by the memorable 1975 season when the Owls posted a school-best 32-8 record and placed second in the NCAA Regional Tournament.

Kallstrom was a three-time all conference selection and still holds the Westfield State record for career runs batted in with 113.

"When I first heard that I had been chosen for this honor I was surprised and began to remember the good times, the events and most of all, the people and good friends who were here at Westfield State during my time on campus," Kallstrom said.

"The person I'd most like to thank is my coach, Ken Ralph," said Kallstrom, who is the director of a corporate services operations in Davie, Fla. "Much of my own management style was patterned after him."

Ron Knowe ('68) also reflected on his days at Westfield and the "people who touched his life." He especially remembers Paul Bogan, Westfield State athletics director for 32 years who retired this past summer.

"He is responsible for me attending Westfield State," said Knowe. "He was my coach for both baseball and basketball, but he was more than just a coach. When I had a problem he was always there for me and he always helped. And for that I am always grateful."

Knowe was one of the finest two-sport student-athletes in Westfield State history. He was a four-year starter at shortstop, posting a career batting average of .334. Knowe scored 587 points during his three-year basketball career at WSC. In 1968 he was the recipient of the President's Cup as the Outstanding Scholar Athlete.

Knowe has coached both basketball and baseball at East Longmeadow High School, including the past 13 years as head coach of baseball. He recently posted his 100th career victory.

"I remember graduating from high school with two dreams, " said Knowe. "One, I wanted to become a professional baseball player, and the other was to become a teacher and a coach. And thanks to Westfield State College the second dream became a reality."

Inducted posthumously was Edward Kosior, who was the head coach of baseball and basketball from 1951 to 1956 when Westfield first began playing intercollegiate sports on a regular basis. During his six years as basketball coach, Westfield compiled a 59-38 record, including an all-time best of 15-2 in 1951. Kosior went on to become a coach, teacher, principal and athletics director in the Springfield school system.

"There were many life lessons my husband learned as an athlete and a student," said his wife, Agnes. "The life lessons shaped and guided his personal and professional ideas and it is only fitting, in this day when many would argue these ideals are missing from our society, we celebrate them here today....we are very proud."

Westfield native Barb Norton ('76) excelled as a gymnast during her four years at Westfield State. Commenting on the slide show presentation which showed her performing various routines, Norton said: "The pictures probably make it look easy but it was a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifice to attain the level of gymnastics that I did attain. But I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I'd like to thank Westfield State for the opportunity to continue my (gymnastics) career after high school and for giving me an excellent education."

Former basketball standout Alex Popp ('69) also had many good things to say about Westfield State College. Popp was a four-year starter and scored 1,433 points while earning All New England accolades. He was very active in extracurricular activities during his WSC years, and is now the principal at Lincoln Elementary School in Melrose.

"I am so very proud of the college," he said. "My father still lives in Westfield, so I've been fortunate to get back and see all the wonderful changes (at Westfield State)."

Playing a major role in the changes that have occurred at Westfield State College during the past 40 years was Leonard Savignano, president of the college from 1961-72 who was inducted posthumously into the 1995 Hall of Fame. Savignano strongly encouraged the growth of the Westfield State athletics program which grew from two to 16 teams during his tenure.

Westfield State as a whole saw a tremendous growth during his 11 years as president. The campus grew from two to eight buildings and the student body increased from 480 to 2,400. Also during his tenure, major subject areas of curriculum jumped from one, in education, to 19.

"At an early age, Len recognized the importance of a sound body and a keen mind," said his nephew, David Savignano, who accepted the award. "And as a result it paved the way for the major growth in athletics and academics at Westfield State College.

"His achievements were many. He was an athlete, scholar and an educator. But more importantly, he was a good friend to many."

Pat Sullivan ('75) entered Westfield State near the end of Savignano's presidency and took full advantage of the opportunties that were being offered to women then.

Sullivan was a four-sport standout in field hockey, basketball, softball and volleyball. She captained all four sports and was recognized for her participation nationally with the Athlete of America award.

"Westfield State gave me the opportunity to try to be my best at any sport I participated in and I'd like to thank the college for that," said Sullivan. "I don't think I had a lot of talent but I had some athletic ability and used it. I had to fight for what I wanted."

Margaret "Peg" Keenan ('33) had even fewer opportunities when she attended Westfield six decades ago, but her passion for sports did not stop her. The Springfield native participated in numerous sports, including field hockey, basketball and tennis, and was named the Best All Around Athlete at Westfield State Teachers College in 1933.

"We played games differently back then than they do today, but I don't have any regrets," said Keenan, who proudly displayed a pennant that signified all of her athletic accomplishments at Westfield. "I've often said if I could live a part of my life over it would be my four years at Westfield."

Marjorie Williams ('27) also enjoyed her years at Westfield despite the limited opportunities in athletics. Ironically, athletics was the reason the Westfield native decided to enroll in the Westfield Normal School after attending a gymnastics exhibition staged by Dr. Theresa Lammers.

Williams participated in field hockey, tennis and basketball competitions at the Normal School. Outside the school the lifelong Westfield resident was a member of the YMCA girls' basketball team, and in the 1950s she was the golf club champion at Tekoa Country Club.

"I was very grateful for the athletics that we did have," said Williams. "I owe one great debt of gratitude to Westfield Normal School."

Williams shined as an educator for 49 years before retiring from the teaching profession in 1978. She spent 33 years as a critic teacher at the Westfield college training school demonstrating various teaching techniques, and 14 years as a principal at Fort Meadow Elementary School.

Her volunteer work in the city of Westfield is legendary. She remains active with her church, the Red Cross, Noble Hospital and the YMCA.

MIKE BEARD

Mike Beard was the first Westfield State track and field athlete to make an impact nationally and in New England. Beard was a two-time national qualifier at Westfield State College and placed fourth in the New England indoor two mile championship in 1974. Beard's performance against competitors from all divisions marked the first time in the college's history that a Westfield State entrant placed in the New England championships. Additionally, Beard was a two-time Mass. State Conference champion in the two mile run, placing first in 1974 and 1975.

Beard still holds school records in the two mile run (9:09.6) and the six mile run (30:10.5), and formerly held school records in the three mile run (14:15) and the five mile run (24:38).

The 1975 Westfield State graduate also was a four-year standout in cross country and captain his senior year. Beard was all conference in 1972 and 1974 and held the school record of 25:25 on the old Westfield State course. The Dorchester native placed eighth in the prestigious Cod Fish Invitational at Franklin Park in Boston in 1974 with a time of 24:38.

Beard is a full-time father and is employed part-time as an information services coordinator at the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary in Boston. He is a member of the board of directors at Carter Nursery School and a member of the Republican Town Committee in Needham. He and his wife, Barbara, reside in Needham Heights with their two children: Emily (11) and Charles (7).

ROBERT FARR

Bob Farr was a standout in basketball and baseball at Westfield State from 1951 to 1955. He was a four-year starter and captain for two years in both sports. Farr was the first 1,000 point scorer in Westfield State history, scoring 1,050 points in 52 career games for a 20.2 average. In baseball, Farr compiled a career batting average over .300 while playing shortstop. He was honored for his athletics prowess by being selected as the first recipient of the Westfield State Athletics and Achievement Award in 1955.

Farr also was extremely active in extracurricular activities during his four years at Westfield State. He was president of the freshman class, secretary of the junior class, vice-president of the senior class, president of the Men's Athletic Association for two years, a three-year representative of student council, and an art editor for the yearbook and student newspaper.

Additionally, Farr was the first president of the Westfield State College Lettermen's Club, an alumni group that promoted the intercollegiate sports program, from 1967 to 1971. Also, he served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957.

Farr was a three-sport standout at Holyoke High School, earning All Western Mass. honors in soccer, basketball and baseball. In 1951 he was the United States Boys Club free throw shooting champion, making a perfect 60 free throws in 60 attempts.

Farr resides in Westfield and has taught in the Springfield school system for the past 38 years. Additionally, he has been an administrator for the Massachusetts Migrant Education Program for 10 years, and in May of 1994 was recognized for outstanding leadership in the education of migrant children and dedicated service to the program.

Farr is also on a scholarship awards committee for the Westfield Vocational Technical High School. He is an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Westfield and serves as vice-chairman of the church's administrative board. He and his wife, Judith, have been married for 37 years and are the parents of two daughters.

TONY GONCALVES

Tony Goncalves has excelled as a player or coach including from 1969 to 1972 when he was a key member of Westfield State's powerhouse soccer teams. Westfield won two conference championships during the era, claimed the New England state championship in 1970 with a 15-1-1 record, and advanced to the ECAC championship in 1972 with a 15-2-1 record.

Goncalves ranks 13th in career points and third in career assists with 41 despite missing most of his sophomore season with a broken leg. The injury did not discourage Goncalves as he came to each practice and game and, according to former head coach John Kurty, was like a coach on the sidelines, offering encouragement to his teammates.

Goncalves was a co-captain and an all conference and All New England selection during his senior season. An excellent ball distributor from his midfield position, Goncalves shares the school record for most assists in a game with five. His playmaking skills and competitiveness did not go unnoticed as he was the recipient of the WSC Letterman's Award, named one of the Outstanding College Athletes of America, and received an U.S. Olympic Eastern Regional team tryout in 1970.

Goncalves played for the Gremio Lusitano semi-pro team from 1966-78 and was a three-year standout at Ludlow High School, helping to lead them to two state championships.

For the past 22 years Goncalves has been a teacher and coach in his hometown. He has been the head coach at Ludlow High School for the past 17 years, leading his team to two state titles, in 1976 and 1979, two state runners-up finishes in 1989 and 1994, and four Western Mass. championships. Goncalves was named Mass. State coach of the year in 1976 and 1989, a recipient of the Larry Briggs Award for soccer officials, and has coached teams that have played in England and Belgium.

Goncalves also is a highly respected high school and college soccer official. He has served as a president and vice-president of the Pioneer Valley Soccer Official Association, and on the executive board of the New England Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association.

Goncalves resides in Ludlow with his wife, Darlene, and children, Michelle (18) and Matthew (16).

PAUL HARTFORD

Paul Hartford excelled both in the classroom and on the playing field during his four years at Westfield State. During his senior season in 1981, he led the Westfield State lacrosse team to the Colonial League championship and a berth in the ECAC tournament with a 12-2 record. Hartford led the team in scoring three out of four years and ranks as the second leading scorer in Westfield State history.

Hartford was a team player, talented and very tough, as he played during most of his stellar senior season with broken thumbs and casts on both hands. During his senior season he ranked 13th nationally in scoring and fourth in the nation in assists. He was selected to play in the 1981 New England East-West All-Star Game. He still holds school records for assists in a game (7), season (47) and career (107).

Academically, Hartford graduated cum laude and was a member of the national criminal justice honor society. The Rockland, Mass., native was the first Westfield State recipient of the Howard C. Smith Award, given to the outstanding senior student-athlete in the Mass. State Conference.

Hartford currently works for the Massachusetts Parole Board in Boston. His leadership skills have carried over into the work force as he was a 1991 recipient of the Massachusetts's Pride and Performance Award. He participated in the U.S. Marshal's Operation Sunrise and Operation Gunsmoke to apprehend violent fugitives, and is currently a member of the FBI Violent Fugitive Task Force. In addition to Hartford's task force work, he has been intimately involved in many cases that have gained notoriety over the years, including the Carol Stewart murder case and the Hudson, New Hampshire, armored car robbery.

He and his wife, Heather, have three children: Timothy (6), Shannon (4) and Matthew (1).

BOB KALLSTROM

Bob Kallstrom was a hard hitting first baseman who captained Westfield State to its finest season, a 32-8 record during his senior year in 1975. Kallstrom was an all conference selection in 1973, 1974 and 1975 and formerly held New England records for home runs in a season (9) and career (20). He still holds the Westfield State record for career runs batted in with 113, and finished with a career batting average of .342. During his senior year when the Owls placed second in the NCAA Regional Tournament, Kallstrom led the team with 41 runs batted in, nine homers and five triples, and was voted Westfield State's Most Valuable Player by his teammates.

Kallstrom also was a member of the Westfield State basketball team for two years and was the leading scorer of the freshman team in 1972, scoring 391 points for a 19.6 points per game average.

The East Walpole native played for Holyoke in the Tri County League in 1975 and was named the league's MVP. He played for Bridgewater in the semi-pro Cranberry League from 1977-80 before moving to Florida in 1981. The 1976 Westfield State graduate is currently the director of corporate services operations for Racal-Datacom, a manufacturer of communications equipment.

Kallstrom resides in Davie, Florida, with his wife, Marsha Ann, and children Eric (8) and Kimberly (5). For the past five years he has coached youth league baseball and soccer. He is also an avid golfer.

MARGARET KEENAN

Margaret "Peg" Keenan was named the Best All Around Athlete at Westfield State Teachers College in 1933. She excelled in numerous sports, including field hockey, basketball, tennis, horseshoes, tenikoit, and baseball. Keenan was a member of the Women's Athletic Association for four years and was the student supervisor of the sports program for two years.

A classmate describes Keenan's passion for sports: "She was called the happy athlete. She loved playing and she loved learning about sports, unlike many of her contemporaries, who did it because it was part of the curriculum. Peg loved it as no other student."

Keenan participated in other extracurricular activities at Westfield. She was the athletics editor of the yearbook, a member of the Glee Club for four years, and a member of the Commuters' Club, as she came from Springfield first by trolley car and then by train to attend classes at Westfield. Keenan's wrote her thesis for her B.S.E. degree on "The correlation of physical education with history and geography in grades four thru six."

After graduating from the college's first four-year class in 1933, Keenan served as a substitute teacher for two years in Springfield and Agawam schools. Remaining active in athletics, she played basketball at the YWCA and instructed teenagers in the sport, and bowled and played tennis.

Keenan was a social worker for the federal government from 1935-1941 and an air raid warden during World War II. Because teaching jobs remained scarce, she accepted an office position with the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company. She worked for the company for 36 years in various health related capacities, including the handling of public liability workmen's compensation claims, and group insurance hospital and surgical claims for about 1,700 employees and their family members.

For the past 65 years she has volunteered and worked on all church drives at Holy Name in Springfield. Keenan is single and resides in her hometown of Springfield. During her leisure time she enjoys watching sports on television, including her favorite team: the Boston Red Sox.

RON KNOWE

Ron Knowe was one of the finest two-sport athletes in Westfield State history. Knowe starred at shortstop for the Owls from 1965-68, posting a career batting average of .334. He batted .316 or better for four consecutive seasons and led the team with a .348 batting average in his senior season. During the summer of 1965, Knowe played for Chatham in the prestigious Cape Cod League and was selected a league all-star.

Knowe scored 587 points in his three-year basketball career at Westfield State, averaging 12.5 points per game in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. In 1968 he was the recipient of the President's Cup as the Outstanding Scholar Athlete at Westfield State.

Knowe was an all-star and all league selection in the Tri-County League from 1970-75. Before coming to Western Mass. he was standout basketball and baseball player at Durfee High School in Fall River. Earlier this year he was inducted into the Durfee High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

He has coached both basketball and baseball at East Longmeadow High School, including the past 13 years as head coach of the baseball team. His 1985 East Longmeadow team won the Western Mass. championship and advanced to the state semifinals. He also posted his 100th career victory this year. Knowe is a member of the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association's Executive Board and has been involved in coaching and directing numerous youth activities. He was an assistant coach for the Massachusetts-Connecticut High School baseball all-star game played at Fenway Park in 1994.

Knowe resides in East Longmeadow where he is a reading teacher in the Birchland Park Middle School. He and his wife Kathleen (Ksen), a 1968 Westfield State graduate, have two children, Kelly (22) and Douglas (20).

EDWARD KOSIOR

Edward S. Kosior devoted more than a quarter of a century to serving youth, beginning with his years at Westfield State College. Kosior was the head coach of basketball and baseball from 1951 to 1956 when Westfield State first began playing intercollegiate sports on a regular basis. During his six years as basketball coach, Westfield State compiled a 59-38 record, including an all-time best of 15-2 in 1951.

Following his six-year stint at Westfield State, Kosior coached at Holyoke Community College and at Trade High School in Springfield. While at Trade High School, he was a mathematics teacher, head basketball coach, and an assistant football coach for more than a decade.

Moving into the administrative ranks in 1966, Kosior served as an assistant principal for two years. He was the principal at Trade High School until 1971 when he became the director of athletics for the Springfield school system. He served in this capacity until he passed away in 1976 at the age of 52.

In his memory, the Edward S. Kosior scholarship was established in 1977. It was awarded to the best all around senior athlete in the Springfield school system until this year when the scholarship was moved to Hopkins Academy. The Kosior League in football is also named in his honor.

Kosior was born in Hadley and was a 1941 graduate of Hopkins Academy, where he starred in basketball, baseball and soccer. He joined the Marine Corps and fought in World War II. Upon returning from the war he attended American International College, where he played basketball, baseball and football. He was a two-year captain, including the 1945-46 AIC basketball team that posted a 21-3 record, and was later selected to the college's all-time basketball team.

After graduating from AIC in 1948 with an accounting degree, Kosior played two years of professional basketball in Scranton, Pa., then joined Mass Mutual where he was employed for several years. During the 1950s, Kosior earned a master's degree from Springfield College and was one of the top semi-professional basketball players in the Springfield area.

BARB (NORTHUP) NORTON

Westfield native Barb (Northup) Norton gave Westfield State instant recognition during the early stages of its women's intercollegiate athletics programs with her outstanding performances in gymnastics. Norton competed in the Eastern Regional Gymnastics Championships in each of her four years at Westfield State: at Temple University in 1973, the University of Massachusetts in 1974, Princeton University in 1975 and Cornell University in 1976. Westfield State posted a 25-15 dual meet record during his four years.

Norton competed in each of the four gymnastics events, but specialized in the balance beam and floor exericise. During her senior year of high school she placed second in the all-around competition in the Western Mass. championships, including a first place on the balance beam and a second in floor exercise. During her senior year of high school, too, she was selected Outstanding Gymnast by the YMCAs of the Northeast Region.

Norton returned to her college alma mater in 1980 as the head coach of the gymnastics team for a year. She received a degree from Springfield Technical Community College in the physical therapy assistant program in 1984. She currently resides in Sebastian, Fla., with her husband, David, and works as a physical therapy assistant in the home health field. They have two children, Jeremy (18) and Carolyn (16). She is a member of the Indian River Dog Training Club and an amateur photographer specializing in pets and wildlife.

ALEX POPP

Alex Popp was a sharpshooting basketball player during the late 1960s. He was a four-year starter, averaging 15.9 points in 90 career games to rank fifth on the all-time scoring list with 1,433 points. Popp is second in career field goals made (639) and attempted (1,306) and fifth in free throw shooting percentage (.712 percent, 156 for 219). During his sophomore season he led the team in scoring, averaging 19.7 points per game. Westfield State posted a 55-35 record during his four years, and in 1969, the year he was a team captain, Popp was selected to the New England State Teachers College all star team.

Popp was very active in extracurricular activities at Westfield State, and in 1969 he was named one of the Outstanding College Athletes of America. He was a dean's list student, dorm council president, presidential host, vice-president of the Men's Athletic Association, Blue Key Award recipient, and a member of the drama club and newspaper staff.

Popp was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, and graduated in 1965 from Chicopee Comprehensive High School, where he was a first team All Western Mass. selection during his senior year. He lived in many states and several European countries before enrolling at Westfield State. His father, Alex, was a career man in the Air Force and he, too, graduated from Westfiel
d State ('78).

Popp has been the principal at Lincoln Elementary School in Melrose for the past two years. He was affiliated with the Lexington schools for 24 years, both as a teacher/coach and later as an assistant principal. He was the assistant boys' basketball coach at Lexington High School from 1972-1982 and the girls' varsity tennis coach in 1985 and 1986. Popp is an educational consultant for IBM and National Geographic, and was one of two teachers statewide selected to attend the National Geographic Society Educational Leadership Institute in Atlanta in 1992.

Popp resides in Winchester with his wife, Linda (Tsohonis) Popp, also a 1969 Westfield State graduate, and their two children: Alison (16) and Alex (11). Popp's hobbies include playing tennis and coaching youth soccer, basketball and baseball. He is a former director of the Winchester Swim & Tennis Club and past president of the Winchester Tennis Association.

LEONARD SAVIGNANO

Leonard J. Savignano was the most enthusiastic booster of the Westfield State athletics program during his tenure as president of the college from 1961-72. An active athlete himself in high school and college, Savignano strongly encouraged the growth of the Westfield State athletics program, which grew from two to 16 teams during his tenure. Savignano personally knew most of the athletes and greeted them with his broad grin and cheerful salutations.

Westfield State as a whole saw a tremendous growth during his 11 years as president. The campus grew from two to eight buildings and the student body increased from 480 to 2,400 with another 1,800 enrolled in the evening division. Also during his tenure, major subject areas of curriculum jumped from one, in education, to 19 including all of the liberal arts. Faculty and administration rose from 32 to 165.

A pioneer in international education, Savignano served as state director of the Center for International Education in the state college system from 1972 to 1981. He later established International Education, Inc., which continues to work for the global betterment of education. Savignano served as a representative to numerous education conferences in South and Central America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and was honored by the Greek and Nicaraguan governments for contributions to education there.

Savignano graduated from the Newton Public Schools and continued his education at Fitchburg State College where he was awarded his B.S. in education in 1938. He received his master's and doctorate from Boston University.

A dedicated teacher, Dr. Savignano began his teaching career in a rural school in Tunbridge, Vermont. His public school experiences included teaching and administrative assignments in Newton, Wellesley and Needham. He was an Army veteran of World War II, and attained the rank of second lieutenant.

At the collegiate level he served on the faculty at Boston University, as Director of Teaching Training at Northeastern University, and as a visiting professor at Syracuse University. Prior to his appointment as President of Westfield State College, he was head of the Elementary Department at Framingham State College.

Savignano received several prestigious awards during his years at Westfield State, including the Springfield UNICO Club's Man of the Year Award in 1971; the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award from Springfield's Channel 22 in 1972; the Enrico Fermi Award from the Massachusetts Italian-American War Veterans in 1972; and the Man of the Year Award from the Springfield Knights of Columbus Chapter in 1972.

Savignano lived in Wareham for 19 years before passing away in 1993 at the age of 76. His wife for 47 years, Mary, still resides in Wareham.

PATTY SULLIVAN

Patty Sullivan took full advantage of the opportunities to play women's sports in the early 1970s as the 1995 Hall of Fame recipient was a four-sport standout while earning 15 varsity letters.

During her senior year in 1974, Sullivan was recognized nationally with the Athlete of America Award for her participation in intercollegiate basketball, softball, field hockey and volleyball. Besides playing all four women's varsity sports offered then, Sullivan won the WSC intramurals women's singles tennis championship and was co-winner of the mixed doubles badminton tournament.

Sullivan was the second leading scorer in basketball in 1974, averaging 10 points per game. She then batted .545 in softball despite wearing a special helmet to protect her broken nose. Sullivan was highly respected by all of her teammates and coaches as she was named captain in all four sports.

Following her graduation in 1974, the Ludlow native stayed active in sports as a coach and player. She was the assistant women's basketball coach at Westfield State in 1975. She also coached varsity softball and soccer and JV basketball at Ludlow High School during the 1980s.

Sullivan played third base for 10 years for the Westfield Whips, one of the best semi-pro softball teams in the Northeast. She also has played in volleyball, basketball and softball leagues in the Springfield area.

Sullivan resides in Chicopee and is a postal clerk for the Ludlow Post Office.

JACK VILACA

Jack Vilaca joins his former teammate and current coaching partner, Tony Goncalves, in this year's Hall of Fame. Vilaca, also a Ludlow native, is the second all-time scorer in Westfield State history, amassing 177 points (77 goals, 23 assists) from 1969 to 1972. Vilaca was a three-time All New England selection and a four-time all conference pick. He was named the team's best offensive player in 1971 and 1972 and an "Outstanding College Athletes of America" selection in 1972. Vilaca also played volleyball for four years at Westfield State.

Consistency was Vilaca's trademark as he scored 21, 17, 20 and 19 goals in his four years. He ranks first in career goals and 12th in career assists. The Owls posted a 52-10-5 record during his four years, claiming two conference championships, one New England state title and one state crown.

Vilaca has coached soccer at Ludlow High School for the past 20 years. He was the head coach from 1984 to 1987 and has served as the assistant head coach from 1976 to 1983, and from 1988 to the present.

Vilaca played semi-pro soccer from 1973-83. He recently received a letter of commendation from the Pioneer Valley Soccer Officials Association for his contributions to soccer in Western Massachusetts.

Vilaca is a teacher at the Paul R. Baird Middle School in Ludlow. He is the father of two daughters: Audrey (13) and Jaclyn (11).

MARJORIE WILLIAMS

Marjorie Williams' volunteer work in the city of Wesfield is legendary. And her zest for participating, along with her unending interest in health and fitness, began during her years at Wesfield Normal School from 1925-1927. Williams competed in field hockey, tennis and basketball competitions at the Normal School. Outside the school the lifelong Westfield resident was a member of the YMCA girls' basketball team, and in the 1950s she was golf club champion at Tekoa Country Club.

Williams shined as an educator for 49 years before retiring from the teaching profession in 1978. She spent seven years as assistant to the principal at Margaret McDonought School in West Springfield, 33 years as critic teacher at the Westfield college training school demonstrating various teaching techniques, and 14 years as principal at Fort Meadow Elementary School in Westfield.

Over 60 of her children's stories and articles have been published in educational magazines. She is a member and past president of the Westfield and Hampden County Teachers Associations.

Her involvement in education also extended to her church - the United Church of Christ - where she taught for 20 years and served for two years as superintendent. She was also chairman of the finance committee, chairman of the deacons, clerk and moderator, and served as deacon for eight years.

Williams has been a Red Cross volunteer for 60 years. From swim instructor in the summer community swim program to chairman of the Motor Corps during World War II, to a three-year stint as chairman of the Westfield chapter's board of directors, her relationship with the Red Cross has been a long and busy one. She has put in over 1,000 nurse's aid hours at the hospital and given five gallons of her blood.

Williams is well known in the YMCA, too, where she continues to teach senior exercise classes. She has served in numerous capacities, and and is a past president of the board of directors.

For Noble Hospital, Williams also serves on various boards. She has volunteered 3,000 hours, mostly in the emergency room and as patient advocate. Through her organizational assistance, the Lifeline home communications system for the elderly and handicapped is now in its 11th year, having served over 1,000 individuals.

Williams has also captained Girl Scout troops in Springfield and Westfield. She has been a corporator and investment committee member for the Westfield Athenaeum and is currently vice-president of the Westfield Woman's Club.

Her numerous awards include YMCA Layman of the Year, BPW Massachusetts Woman of the Year, Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, the VFW Voice of Democracy Award, and the 1995 community spirit award recipient by the Westfield Chapter of the American Red Cross.

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1994 Charter Members

Special Night Honors 1994 Hall of Fame Charter Members

By Mickey Curtis

It was a special night to honor a special group of people, as Westfield State College inducted 10 alumni and three former faculty members into its Athletics Hall of Fame.

The inaugural induction ceremony, held during College Weekend in the Scanlon Banquet Hall, was extremely well received by the150 in attendance. Master of ceremonies Charles "Bud" Hagan said in his opening remarks, "it is a night for fond memories and pleasant faces," and there was an abundance of both during the four-hour affair.

"I've heard nothing but positive comments," said Hagan, who also serves as chairman of the Hall of Fame board. "It was interesting to hear what the inductees had to say. It was very emotional; there were tears from some of the men who were inducted and that's something you don't often see."

"I think today you heard some very sincere remarks about Westfield State College," said athletics director Paul Bogan.

The first Hall of Fame inductions also was informative as the athletics history of Westfield State College was traced from its beginnings. WSC President Ronald Applbaum, in his opening remarks, noted that physical activity was an important part of the curriculum as far back as the 1850s.

It was fitting that one of the pioneers of the WSC athletics program was among the first inducted. Theresa Lammers, who taught at Westfield State from 1926-1965, was responsible for the formation of the Women's Athletics Association. Lammers was the director of the physical education program at Westfield for 17 years before transferring to science in 1943.

Lammers, who celebrated her 94th birthday on Sept. 23, moved the crowd with a 3 1/2 minute taped telephone conversation from her hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich.

"I'm honored to be a member of the charter chapter of the Hall of Fame," said Lammers. "I had the good fortune to be at Westfield when the new head of the college saw the need for an athletic field (located behind what is now the Westfield City Hall). I was able to get the job done because of his support."

Accepting the award for Lammers were two of her former students: Westfield resident Majorie "Billy" Williams ('27) and Springfield resident Margaret "Peggy" Keenan ('33).

"Tess Lammers is the reason why I came to the college and received an education," said Williams. "I owe her great debt. I also knew her as a teacher at the training school for 35 years and she was always in charge and efficient, and very nice."

Erna Bayless, a faculty member from 1943 until her retirement in 1968 at the age of 70, also was inducted because of her dedication and loyalty to the college.

Bayless was chair of the physical education department for women during her years at the college. Through her tireless efforts the Women's Athletics Association flourished as she developed a large program of activities.

In addition to having over 20 hours of scheduled classes, Bayless voluntarily taught extra courses that students needed but could not get in the regular curriculum. She died in 1984 at the age of 86.

"It's an honor to be here and see where she spent so much of her time and effort," said Christine Jeffreys, Bayless' great niece from Rhinebeck, N.Y., who accepted the award.

John Kurty was the first former coach inducted. Kurty, who retired from the Westfield State faculty as a physical education instructor in 1988, compiled a brilliant 153-36-13 record in coaching the WSC soccer team from 1966 to 1977. At the time of his retirement, his .790 winning percentage was the highest of any coach, active or retired, in all New England divisions. Kurty led the Owl booters to five straight NCAA tournament appearances and three New England state championships. Kurty's 1974 club finished third in the nation.

Kurty also coached golf for 10 years and volleyball for seven years at WSC, and was a volunteer assistant for the baseball team. In his retirement years, Kurty is an avid golfer, an umpire for local college and high school baseball games, and the clock operator for WSC men's and women's home basketball games.

"I've had a lot of good things happen to me but it's been a long time since I felt 10 feet tall," said Kurty. "I've coached a lot of great athletes and I'd like to feel that I am accepting this honor in their behalf.

"I'm very proud and happy to be a part of the athletics program at Westfield State," he added. "It's given this college so much positive publicity."

Kate Broga, Class of 1983, was the first athlete to receive her Hall of Fame plaque and jacket. Broga was a second team All American softball player her senior senior and an All New England outfielder in 1982 and 1983. She formerly held New England and school records for stolen bases in a season (33 in 33 attempts) and career (108).

In 1982 and 1983, Broga was the NCAA Division 3 national leader with 24 and 33 steals, respectively. She still holds the national record of six stolen bases in a single game. The Chester, Mass., native struck out only seven times in her four year career, drew 61 walks for an on base percentage of .414, and scored 107 runs.

Westfield State participated in the NCAA tournament during her junior and senior years and placed third in the nation in 1982.

In her acceptance speech, Broga thanked Joyce O'Donnell, her former coach, for her patience and confidence, and her family for their support and providing her with a competitive spirit.

Mike Ciampa also was a terror on the basepaths during his four-year baseball career that ended in 1980. He holds 13 school records and two New England records for steals in season (46) and consecutive successful steals (29). He led the nation in stolen base percentage (46 of 47) in 1979 when he was a first team All American and batted .399.

The Reading, Mass., native was a two-time All New England and all conference selection. The Owls went to three NCAA tournaments and won and won two conference championships during his four years. His career statistics include 106 stolen bases, a .345 batting average and 141 runs scored.

Ciampa was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and starred in center field in their minor league organization before a hamstring injury curtailed his promising professional career.

He was voted team MVP at both Elmira and Winter Haven, and received a Silver Glove Award for his defensive prowess at Class AA New Britian. Twice he was named the most popular player by the fans.

"I'm taken back by this," Ciampa said. "You can get all the honors in the world, but being inducted into your school's Hall of Fame is the most special."

In the night of firsts, Donald Farr, Class of 1957, recalled being one of the first athletes to play in Parenzo gymnasium when the campus moved from downtown to its present site in 1956.

"We thought it was like Madison Square Garden when we came here (Parenzo Gym)," he remarked. "It was one of the best gyms around at that time."

Farr scored 1,550 career points, third on the all-time scoring list. He was an All New England selection his senior year when he averaged 21 points per game; he averaged 23.5 points per game his junior year. The Holyoke native was a two-year captain in basketball and a three-year starter on the baseball team.

Farr lives in Westfield and has been a teacher in the Springfield schools for 37 years. He is active in many community and church youth and sports programs.

"When I was at Westfield there were 500 students and they were all teachers," Farr said. "I consider this paypack time. The skills and philosophies we learned at Westfield we've got to give its back to them (students)."

Raymond Glynn also has excelled as a teacher after starring the Parenzo Gym hardcourt from 1966-69. He is the deputy superintendent of schools in Wilmington, Del., and is a past president of the Massachusetts Elementary Principals Association.

The Rehoboth, Mass., native is fourth on the all-time scoring list with 1,507 points and second with 805 career rebounds. Glynn was an All New England and all conference pick in 1969 when he averaged 22.6 points per game, third on WSC's all-time list.

Glynn holds the school record for points scored in a game (50). In 1969 he ranked second in the nation in field goal shooting percentage for small college division players behind Hall of Famer Earl "The Pearl" Monroe. Glynn was a basketball captain and a four-year member of the golf team.

"When the Hall of Fame committee called, I never dreamed I'd be standing here," Glynn said. "The reason being is that we were all nonscholarship athletes and we all earned our way through school and to a degree."

Glynn thanked his father and former WSC president Leonard Saviagno for their support. Both are deceased. "They were very, very special to me,". he said. "I know they are looking down and saying 'that scrawny kid made it.' "

Ali Goncalves, Class of 1978, was one of the star players of Westfield's powerful soccer team's of the 1970s. The Ludlow native was an All American and conference MVP his senior year in 1976, and a four-time All New England and all conference selection. He is the all-time scoring leader at Westfield with 198 career points.

The Owls played in the NCAA Tournament in all four of his years and they captured two conference titles. A freshman sensation in 1973, Goncalves led Westfield to its first NCAA Tournament and was second in New England in scoring with 23 goals and 16 assists.

"I have a lot of good memories of Westfield State," said the quiet Goncalves.

Dr. Milan Keser, Class of 1968, was the standout player at Westfield State during the soccer program's formative years. The All New England performer was a four-year captain and is fourth on the all-time scoring list with 138 points. Westfield was 36-14-1 during his four years and claimed New England state championships in 1964 and 1967.

Keser, a native of Yugoslavia, has coached an officiated youth soccer games during the past 26 years. He is very active in the field of ecology and has published a number of scientific papers. At present, he is the manager of Northeast Utilities Environmental Laboratory in Waterford, Conn.

"I had good coaches at Westfield State - Bob Green and John Kurty - they are wonderful people, and I've done well academically because of the teachers I had at Westfield."

Keser also has been a highly successful coach because of some advice Kurty gave him.

"Coach Kurty told me that if you want to be a good coach you have to be the first one to practice and the last one to leave because the kids need you."

Carlton Steele is regarded as one of Westfield State's greatest all around athletes. In baseball, he was a second team All American and first team All New England selection in 1975. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1975 and graduated from WSC in 1979 following his minor league career that saw him advance to the Double AA level.

In the minor leagues, Steele was a league All-Star at Elmira. Injuries cut short his promising professional after playing for Eastern League champion Bristol in 1978.

Steele also starred in soccer and volleyball at WSC and played basketball for a year. He was the soccer team's most versatile player in 1973 and 1974. In volleyball, he was a captain and an All New England performer.

"All the memories I have of Westfield State basically revolve around athletics," said Steele. "I had some good coaches and I miss the comraderie I had with the other players."

Cindy (Sturm) Menard, Westfield State's only two-time national champion in track and cross country, was so moved by being her selection into the Hall that she has begun running competitively again after a 12-year layoff.

"Receiving this award has helped to bring back my competitive spirit," she said.

Menard captured the NCAA Division 3 cross country championship in 1981 and placed first nationally inthe 3,000 meter run during the 1982 outdoor track season. She was a five-time All American, two-time New England champion and five time All New England in her two years at WSC. In 1982, she was the recipient of the Howard C. Smith Scholar-Athlete Award, presented annually to the top senior student-athlete in the Mass. State Conference.

"I was surprised to hear about the induction and more surprised to be a charter member," said Menard. "I'd like to thank the college for giving me the opportunity to compete both regionally and nationally."

David Tabin was a standout player for the nationally ranked WSC baseball program in 1976 and 1977. He transferred from Holyoke Community College and made an immediate impact in the outfield in 1976, as he was selected a third team All American.

Tabin, a two-time All New England and all conference pick, is the WSC career batting leader with a .416 average, hitting .430 in 1977 and .402 in 1976. He holds the school record for most hits in a season (61).

"This is a special honor and a special occasion," said Tabin. "The two years I spent at Westfield State were truly rewarding years, both academically and athletically."

Russ Winchester was a standout sprinter during the dynasty period of the Westfield State's men's track and field program in the early 1980s.

He was Westfield's first two-time All American in the 200 meter dash, losing the 1981 national championship in a photo finish. The Worcester native earned 13 All New England certificates, including four New England titles, and five conference championships.

Winchester holds school records in the 200 (21.65) and as a member of the 400 relay (41.81). He led the Owls to the 1980 New England Division 3 championships and a runner-up finish his junior year in 1981.

"I'd like to thank (WSC track coach) Gerry Gravel, who was very instrumental in my success," Winchester said.

Westfield State College To Induct 13 Charter Members Into Athletics Hall of Fame

Westfield State College will induct 13 charter members into its Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday evening, Oct. 14, during its College Weekend festivities.

The inaugural class of inductees includes 10 WSC alumni and three former faculty members. To be eligible for induction, the athletes must be graduates of WSC for a minimum of 10 years.

"We feel this first class is very representative of what we are trying to accomplish, which is to honor former athletes, coaches, faculty and adminstrators for their outstanding achievements and contributions," said Westfield State associate athletics director Ken Magarian. "We're looking forward to the first inductions in October."

In alphabetical order, here is a brief glimpse at the 1994 Westfield State College Athletics Hall of Fame class:

ERNA M. BAYLESS

Erna M. Bayless was a professor of physical education at Westfield State from 1943 until her retirement in 1968 at age 70. She was advisor of the Women's Athletic Association and chair of the physical education department for women during her years at the college.

She served as faculty adviser for activities such as basketball, bowling, swimming and tennis, and added dance, field hockey and softball to the program in 1946. Active in many campus committees and professional organizations, her popularity with the students led them to dedicate the 1953 yearbook to her.

Bayless, who grew up in Hyde Park, N.Y., taught for many years in the West Springfield and Springfield school systems prior to her years at Westfield State. She received a master's degree from Springfield College in 1949.

For nearly 50 years Bayless was an active member of the Church of Atonement in Westfield, and was a Red Cross volunteer from more than 10 years. She died in 1984 at the age of 86.

KATHLEEN BROGA

Kathleen Broga was a second team All America softball player in her senior year in 1983. She was an All New England outfielder in 1982 and 1983 and a four-time all conference selection. Known as a heady player, Broga formerly held New England and school records for stolen bases in a season (33 in 33 attempts) and career (108).

In 1982 and 1983, Broga was the NCAA Division 3 national leader with 24 and 33 stolen bases, respectively. She still holds the national record of six stolen bases in a single game. The Chester, Mass., native struck out only seven times in four years, drew 61 walks for an on base percentage of .414, and scored 107 runs.

Westfield State participated in the NCAA Tournament during her junior and senior years and placed third in the nation in 1982.

Broga now lives in Billerica and works in Nashua, N.H., as a software quality engineer. Still an active player, Broga was a member of the six-time New England Regional ASA Fast Pitch champions.

MICHAEL CIAMPA

Michael Ciampa also was a terror on the basepaths during his four-year baseball career that ended in 1980. He holds 13 school records and two New England records for steals in a season (46) and consecutive successful steals (29). He led the nation in stolen base percentage (46 of 47) in 1979 when he was a first team All America and batted .399.

The Reading, Mass., native was a two-time All New England and all conference selection. The Owls went to three NCAA Tournaments and won two conference championships during his four years. His career statistics include 106 stolen bases, a .345 batting average and 141 runs scored.

Ciampa was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and starred in center field in their minor league organization before a hamstring injury curtailed his promising professional career.

In Class A ball in the summer of 1980, he was Elmira's leadoff hitter and led the New York-Penn League in runs scored (59), walks (61), stolen bases (35), on base percentage (.455) and putouts (144). He batted .311, sixth in the league, and was voted Elmira's most valuable player and the most popular player by the fans.

In 1982 at Winter Haven, Ciampa was the team's most valuable player and a Florida State League All-Star. He batted .318 with 81 runs scored and 54 stolen bases.

Ciampa continued his outstanding play at Class AA New Britian in 1983. He was again selected the most popular player by the fans and received a Silver Glove Award for his defensive prowess. Ciampa batted .261 at New Britian with 42 stolen bases.

Ciampa lives in Wilmington and is a credit coordinator for the Boston Globe. He and his wife, Ginny, have a daughter Kim (4) and a son Mike, who will be a year old on Halloween.

DONALD FARR

Donald Farr was a standout basketball player in the 1950s. The Holyoke native scored 1,550 career points, third on the all-time scoring list. Farr was an All New England selection his senior year in 1957 when he averaged 21 points per game; he averaged 23.5 points per game during his junior year. He was a two-year captain in basketball and also was a three-year starter on the WSC baseball team.

Farr took time off from his collegiate studies to serve in the Korean War from 1952-54. Returning to Westfield State, Farr was a Dean's List student, president of the Men's Athletic Association for two years, recipient of the Edward B. Welch athletic and citizenship award, and chairman of WSC's first blood bank.

Farr lives in Westfield and has been a teacher in the Springfield schools for 37 years. He is active in many community and church youth and sports programs, and was recently presented with the Circle Award, the highest award bestowed by the Holy Name Society of the Diocese of Springfield for outstanding involvement in both church and community.

Farr served two four-year terms as secretary of the Westfield Park and Recreation commission and is a Boy Scout leader. In addition, he has been a state park lifeguard or ranger for the past 32 years and has directed the basketball program at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield since the early 1960s. He has also been a parish council member for more than 30 years.

He and his wife, Ethel Anne, have been married for 37 years and are the parents of two daughters and two sons who live in North Carolina, Maryland and Colorado.

DR. RAYMOND GLYNN

Dr. Raymond Glynn starred on the hardcourt at Parenzo Gym from 1966-69. The Rehoboth, Mass., native is fourth on the all-time scoring list with 1,507 points and second with 805 career rebounds. He is ranked in the top five in 13 categories in the records book. Glynn was an All New England and all conference selection in 1969 when he averaged 22.6 points per game, third on WSC's all-time list.

He holds school records for most points scored in a game (50) and field goals made (22) and attempted (36) in a game. In 1969 he ranked second in the nation in field goal percentage for small college division players behind Hall of Famer Earl "The Pearl" Monroe.

Glynn averaged 17.5 points in 86 career games, the college's fifth best scoring average. Westfield State was 55-35 during his four years, including a 17-8 record in 1967-68 when the Owls lost to Salem State in the New England playoffs. Glynn was a basketball tri-captain and a four-year member of the WSC golf team.

While at Westfield State, Glynn served as a presential aide for formal functions and was a member of the Drama Club.

Glynn is the deputy superintendent of schools in Wilmington, Del., and is a past president of the Massachusetts Elementary Principals Association. Glynn also has served as a president of the Rotary Club in Westminster, Mass., and a board of director member for the United Way of Fitchburg and the American Heart Association. He is married to Dr. Marsha (Rosencrance) Glynn and is the father of four children (three boys, one girl).

ALEX GONCALVES

Alex Goncalves was one of the star players on Westfield's powerful soccer teams of the mid 1970s. The Ludlow, Mass., native was an All America and the conference MVP his senior year in 1976, and a four-time All New England and four-time all conference selection. He is the all-time scoring leader at WSC with 198 career points. An excellent passer from his halfback position, Goncalves ranks first in career assists with 66 and second in career goals, also 66.

The Owls played in the NCAA Tournament in all four of his years and they captured two Mass. State Conference titles. A freshman sensation in 1973, Goncalves led Westfield to its first NCAA Tournament and was second in New England in scoring with 23 goals and 16 assists. The team record during his four years at WSC was 61-13-4.

Goncalves resides in Ludlow and is a supervisor for the state welfare department. He coaches in a youth soccer league and is a high school and college soccer referee. He and his wife, Diane, have three daughters: Melissa (14), Angela (12) and Kristine (10).

DR. MILAN KESER

Dr. Milan Keser was the standout player at Westfield State during the soccer program's formative years. The All New England performer was a four-year captain and is fourth on the all-time scoring list with 138 points. He is also ranked in the top 10 in career goals (57, third) and assists (24, ninth). He scored 22 goals during his sophomore season in 1965, fifth best in the WSC record books.

Westfield was 36-14-1 during his four years and claimed New England state championships in 1964 and 1967.

Keser, a native of Yugoslavia, has coached and officiated youth soccer games during the past 26 years. From 1973-77, he coached the Husson College soccer team in Bangor, Me., to 66 wins, 9 losses and 4 ties. The team won the league championship each year.

Keser moved to East Lyme, Conn., in 1978, started the East Lyme Soccer Club the same year, and has served as club president since. In addition, he is the head women's coach at East Lyme High School, a program he organized in 1990. The team won the league championship in 1993.

Keser also has served as the Southeastern Connecticut Junior Soccer Association president and as vice-president of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association for the past seven years.

Since graduating from WSC in 1968, Keser has completed M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D. programs at the University of Maine. He is very active in the field of ecology and has published a number of scientific papers. At present, he is the manager of Northeast Utilities Environmental Laboratory in Waterford, Conn.

Keser and his wife, Karen, reside in Niantic, Conn. They have three sons: Milan Jr. (24), Adam (22) and Aleksander (7).

JOHN KURTY

John Kurty is the first former coach who will be inducted. Kurty, who retired from the Westfield State faculty in 1988, had a brilliant 153-36-13 record in coaching the WSC soccer team from 1966 to 1977. His .790 winning percentage is the highest of any coach, active or retired, in all New England divisions. Kurty led the Owl booters to five straight NCAA tournament appearances and three New England state championships. Kurty's 1974 club finished third in the nation.

Kurty also coached golf for 10 years and volleyball for seven years at WSC. He came to Westfield from his hometown of Ludlow, where he coached the high school soccer team to a 10-year record of 150-19-19 and three consecutive state titles.

In his retirement years, Kurty is an avid golfer, an umpire for local college and high school baseball games, and the clock operator for WSC men's and women's basketball games. He and his wife, Rita, have been married for 38 years and have a son, Jack, who now lives in Chicago, and a daughter, Carol, of Westboro, Mass.

DR. THERESA LAMMERS

Dr. Theresa Lammers is the pioneer of the women's athletics programs at Westfield, and is also regarded as one of the college's most outstanding teachers and contributors.

Lammers' 39-year teaching career at Westfield began in 1926. For the next 17 years she was the director of physical education for women at Westfield State Teacher's College, and was responsible for the formation of the Women's Athletic Association.

She transferred to science in 1943, and received her doctorate degree from Columbia University in 1948. In 1951 she achieved the rank of full professor and in September of 1956, when the college moved to the new campus, she became chairman of the department of biological sciences.

On her retirement in 1965, she was made professor emeritus by the board of trustees for the Massachusetts State Colleges. Lammers also served as a speaker and consultant in elementary school science curriculums throughout Massachusetts.

During her active retirement years, Lammers was instrumental in establishing and operating the Alumni Office at Westfield State College. She was general chairperson of the college's centennial celebration in 1939 and chairperson of its 125th anniversary observances in 1964-65.

Lammers, who will be 94 on Sept. 23, now lives in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich. She came East to attend the Sargent School of Physical Education in Cambridge, Mass.

CARLTON STEELE

Carlton Steele is regarded as one of the Westfield State's greatest all around athletes. He was a standout in baseball and soccer for three years, volleyball for two years, and also played varsity basketball for a year.

The talented outfielder was a second team All America and first team All New England selection in 1975 when he batted .372 with eight home runs and 26 stolen bases. The two-time all conference selection was drafted by the Boston Red Sox following his junior year in 1975. He graduated in 1979 following his minor league career with the Red Sox that saw him advance to the Double AA level.

In the minor leagues, Steele was a New York-Penn League All-Star selection while playing for Elmira in 1975. Elmira won the league championship in 1976 when Steele batted .303 with 45 stolen bases. He batted .286 with 49 stolen bases at Winter Haven in 1977. In 1978, he hit .246 with 29 steals for Eastern League champion Bristol. Injuries cut short Steele's promising professional career in 1979.

Steele was named the soccer team's most versatile player in 1973 and 1974. He was a member of two NCAA Tournament teams in soccer and one in baseball. In volleyball, he was a captain and All New England performer.

Steele resides in his hometown of Springfield and is a mailroom supervisor for the Springfield Union News. He is a Cub Scout Leader and school volunteer. As a naval reserve petty officer, he was the recipient of two naval achievement medals. He and wife, Wanda, have two children: Matthew (9) and Timothy (6).

CINDY (STURM) MENARD

Cindy Menard (Sturm), a track and cross country star in the early 1980s, is WSC's first national champion and the only two-time national champ. She captured the NCAA Division 3 cross country championship in 1981 and placed first nationally in the 3,000 meter run during the 1982 outdoor track season. Menard was a five-time All America, two-time New England champion and five-time All New England in her two years at WSC. She also was the recipient of the Howard C. Smith Scholar-Athlete award, presented annually to the top senior athlete in the Mass. State Conference.

Menard, a native of Westfield, was a high school All America, placing second in the state to Olympian Lynn Jennings in both the mile run and cross country state championships. Menard transferred to WSC after competing for two years at the University of Alabama on a partial track scholarship. She won the Southeastern Conference cross country championship both years.

Menard resides in Westfield with her husband, Steven, and two sons. She has worked at Konica Business Machines for the past 11 years and was promoted to computer systems manager this past year.

DAVID TABIN

David Tabin was an All America player for the nationally ranked WSC baseball program in 1976 and 1977. Tabin transferred from Holyoke Community College and made an immediate impact in the outfield in 1976, as he was selected a third team All America. Tabin, a two-time All New England and all conference pick, is the WSC career batting leader with a .416 average, hitting .430 in 1977 and .402 in 1976. He also holds the school record for most hits in a season (61) and had 28 stolen bases in each of his seasons at WSC.

Tabin now resides in his hometown of Holyoke and is a sales respresentive for the Buxton leather company. He officiates college basketball games and is a former collegiate baseball umpire. He is married to Barbara (Poirier), a 1977 Westfield State graduate. They have two daughters: Larissa (10) and Lynnette (7).

RUSSELL WINCHESTER

Russell Winchester was a standout sprinter during the dynasty period of Westfield State's men's track and field program in the early 1980s. Winchester was Westfield's first two-time All America in the 200 meter dash, losing the 1981 national championship in a photo finish. The Worcester native earned 13 All New England certificates, including four New England titles, five All-East certificates, and five conference championships. Winchester holds school records in the 200 (21.65) and as a member of the 400 relay (41.81). He led the Owls to the 1980 New England Division 3 team championship and a runner-up finish his junior year in 1981.

Winchester, who transferred from Assumption College as a freshman, was an assistant men's track coach at Westfield State during his senior year in 1982, coaching the sprinters and the mile relay team that achieved All-America status at the NCAA championships.

Winchester resides in Bolton, Mass., with his wife of six years, Jacqueline (Nelson), and is the Northeast pension manager for Unum Life Insurance Company of America. Previously, he was a financial consultant and stockbroker for a New York stock exchange investment firm in Boston.

Winchester participates in general fitness activities, including golf and softball, and serves as a volunteer at the Special Olympics and the New England Golf Classic. He is especially interested in developing instructional materials for golf and hopes someday to return to coaching.

Athletics Hall of Fame Board of Directors

Permanent College Representatives

Nancy Bals - Assistant Athletics Director
Mickey Curtis - Sports Information Director
Curt Guenther (93) - Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations
William Miller ('53) - Alumni Association Designee

At Large Representatives

Loren "Squire" Bressor (chairperson) - former WSC coach
Tilia Fantasia - Reitired, former WSC faculty member and coach
Donald Farr ('57)
Beth Hennessy ('87)
Russ Winchester ('82)

Ex Officio

Charles "Bud" Hagan - Retired, former WSC registrar and coach

Athletics Hall of Fame Nomination Guidelines

Nomination into the Westfield State College Athletics Hall of Fame shall consist of two categories: (1) athletes; (2) coaches, faculty, staff, administrators or friends/contributors to Westfield State College.

The nomination will be considered with respect to the following criteria in each of two above categories:

1. Athletes

a. Graduate of Westfield State College

b. Alumnus/alumna for a minimum of 10 years

2. Non-athletes

(coaches, faculty, staff and administrators who no longer work at Westfield State, or friends/contributors to Westfield State athletics)

a. Capacity of individual

b. Years of service

c. Contributions of note

d. Leadership

Nominees will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Playing ability

2. Intregrity

3. Sportsmanship

4. Character contributions

5. Honors or recognition

6. Achievements

Nominations can be made by writing to Mickey Curtis, Athletics Department, Westfield State College, Westfield, MA 01086, or by calling (413) 572-5433