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. Afte