Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Saturday, November 24, 2007 Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

The fourth Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Took place on November 26, 2005

Inducted at that time were:

Mike Boys Katy Emig Tom Hjerpe Vernon Iwancin Chris King Frederic Philcox Philip Philip Charles Redmond Karen Russo

In Memorial Thomas J. Wilson

Tom was an ARHS Hall of Fame member and passed away on June 9th, 2006 at the age of 61. He was a graduate of Algonquin Regional High School and Boston College. He lived in Scarborough ME. Surviving him among many loving family members is his wife of 36 years Donna.

The Algonquin Regional High School Hall of Fame would like to take this opportunity to remember Tom and all of his contributions to the Northborough and Southborough communities. Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

**Special Thanks** To all of those responsible For making this event such a huge success The Hall of Fame Selection Committee Kevin Merchant, Chairman Fran Whitten Greg Young Joe Cummings Jeff Dale Nick Capello Dan Derby

The Athletic Council – Hall of Fame Committee Allison McGinnity and Molly Wraight, Chairpersons

Kristen Armata Tim Lewis Liz Conti Karissa O’Keefe Lauren Dubois Stephanie Shelton Liz Hegarty Danielle Turpin Graham Henningson Colleen Virgil Sarah Kacevich

Cover …………………. Jon Matthews (Class of 2000) Program Profiles……… Neil Cronin Program Assembly…… Jeff Dale Plaques……………….. Crown Trophy Catering………………. Tom Lowe Cafeteria Staff……….. Terri Locke & Diane Cofer Beverages…………… T.J. Fluherty of Polar Beverages Sound System………. Dennis Wrenn Booster Club ………... Alice Edman Decorations …………. Danielson Florist Music ………………… ARHS Jazz Combo Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Saturday, November 24, 2007 1:00pm

Program Welcome -- Mr. Francis Whitten III Luncheon

Induction Ceremony – Inductees Robert E. Melican Sue Allen Bill Stapleton Beth Minnucci Evan Berte Andrea Sinerate Dallas Mall Mike Mocerino

Closing Remarks - Mr. Francis Whitten III Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Robert E. Melican

Worcester State College – Graduate 1969

 First hired in the Northborough School system in 1969 as a teacher in the Peaslee School; subsequently, a Northborough Middle school teacher of mathematics  Assistant to the superintendent  Superintendent of Schools for the Northborough-Southborough Regional School District – 1996-2005 o Passionate and persistent involvement in several successful building projects, innovative curriculum initiatives, and consensus-building strategic planning o Open and progressive management style o Encouraged and promoted expansion of the Algonquin athletic programs . Most recently boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, co-ed swimming, alpine skiing, boys’ volleyball and girls’ ice hockey – resulting in a total of 30 varsity sports and 57 teams

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

 Massachusetts superintendent of the year – 2004  Distinguished alumni Award, Worcester State College – for contribution to the greater Worcester community – 2004  Re-naming of the Northborough Middle School – 2002 to the Robert E. Melican Middle School (a reflection of the esteem in which he is held)

Statement:

Thank you to the Algonquin Athletic Hall of Fame committee for my induction into this most prestigious group. To be placed alongside such wonderful and outstanding men and women is such an honor. As superintendent of schools from Northborough and Southborough, I always believed that one of my main responsibilities was not only to provide for the academic challenges for our students, but also to provide as many sporting opportunities for the young adults of our two towns. Over the nine years as superintendent, I was fortunate to meet and listen to the students of Algonquin regarding their needs. I sometimes felt that they knew I was a soft touch and would never say “no” to their requests for a new sport or equipment. The coaches, student athletes and athletic directors that I have worked with over those years have never let me down. Again, thank you for this honor.” Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Sue Allen Class of 1961 Class Valedictorian

 Varsity field hockey, 1959-1961 (co-captain, senior year)  Varsity basketball, 1959-1961 (co-captain, senior year) o Held record for most points scored in a game until late 1970’s  Varsity softball, 1959-1961 (captain, senior year)  Tufts University, bachelor of science degree, physical education major  University of Michigan Master’s Degree in adaptive physical education  Teacher at Perkins School for the Blind  Algonquin physical education teacher and coach (volleyball, track, softball, and basketball for over twenty years – her favorite) o Basketball highlights: . 1977-1978, 11-6 record utilizing man-to-man defense when most teams were using a zone defense . 1978-1979, Midland League Champions with a 14-0 record (17-0 overall) . Won District Championship and advanced to state semi-finals, losing to Westwood, finishing 19-1 for the season o Sportsmanship Award for the Midland League  Massachusetts Physical Education Teacher of the Year (in the 1980’s)

Statement: (thoughts by Jean Fedak, a colleague)

“As a co-worker, mentor, and friend, Sue Allen has taught me a tremendous amount about education, coaching, and life in general. I have always admired her intelligence, creativity, innovation, and compassion. She is one of the most trustworthy and honorable people I have ever met. She is the ultimate role model for students, athletes, and peers. Her passion and drive to excel are second to none. I truly admire her ability to never compromise her values and never lower her standards. She has a knack for making everyone rise to a higher level. The positive impact she has made on her athletes, the coaching staff, and her co-workers will continue for years to come.” Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Bill Stapleton Class of 1973

Football:

 Tight end, defensive end, punter, and pace kicker (extra points and kickoffs)

Basketball:

 Varsity, four years; co-captain, senior year  High scorer and top rebounder on team junior and senior years (including the six points and six rebounds in the famous “freeze game” played against Hudson, in 1973, won by ARHS 13-8)  Team went to Clark, the Bay State, and District Tournaments, 1973  Recognition – All-Honor team, Class B, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, junior and senior years  All-Star, Midland League (sophomore, junior, and senior years); Marlborough Enterprise-Sun, sophomore, junior and senior years); and the News Recorder (junior and senior years); and Central Massachusetts – playing against teams from other districts in the state

Track:

 Ran dashes (100,220) on occasions; and part of relay team when needed  Held school record for shot put (52’5”) and javelin  Shot put district champion junior and senior years and second in the state finals, senior year

College – basketball at Worcester State; football at Framingham State

Semi-Pro Football, 1978 – 1986, Marlborough Shamrocks of the Eastern Football League

 Playing in more than 100 games  Captain, EFL All-Star  Starter in first AAA minor Professional Football Association East-West All-Star game in New Orleans, January 29, 1981  Free agent tryout with Atlantic Falcons, 1980  Participant in first Irish-American football game, Dublin, Ireland, November 29, 1986  Selected on team’s all-eighties team and to team’s super team as offensive lineman

Statement: Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

“Late in life, I realized the full value of what the teachers and coaches had instilled in me and what they had tried to do for me to become a better person and an asset to society. I was very fortunate to have been taught by quality people with sound values, people who knew how to teach those values to me. The coaches and athletic department made the most difference for me. They taught me about having standards and integrity, the value of hard work, and of perseverance. The morals and work ethic they taught me have become very instrumental in life. It was a great school – just the joining together of Northborough and Southborough was a blessing in itself. Some of the friends I made at Algonquin have become life-long friends. I have three daughters – one of whom is an Algonquin graduate and two who are there now. I hope they enjoy and get as much out of the school as I did. This Hall of Fame nomination came as a complete surprise to me. Going back in time, thinking about ‘the Good Old Days’, made me appreciate life a little bit more. Thanks.” Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Beth Minnucci Class of 1986

 Varsity soccer – four years  Varsity softball – four years o All-Star – three years

 Class President – sophomore year  Honor society – senior year

Statement:

“Being a member of a team at ARHS provided me with the building blocks for life. Teamwork, self-confidence, commitment, and communication were some of the life skills I developed as a result of playing a team sport at ARHS. I would not be the person I am today without having had the opportunity to participate in such a great program. Athletics at ARHS started a solid foundation to build from.” Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Evan Berte Class of 1998

Track and Field:

 Participant in many different events – undefeated in 100 and 200 yard dashes in dual meets  Record holder in 100 meters with a time of 10.9 seconds and the 200 meters, 23.9 seconds  4x100 meter relay (running the anchor leg), 46.1 seconds  Javelin – 156’1”  Shot Put – 40’ 6”  All-Star, 1998, Worcester Telegram & Gazette and the Middlesex News

Football:

 Three-year starter at fullback, 3038 yards, 34 touchdowns  Single-season rushing record holder – 1789 yards 19 touchdowns  All-Star selections – played in 1977 Children’s Hospital Football Classic o Mid-Wach League; Middlesex News, and Worcester Telegram & Gazette  Awards – offensive MVP in eight games (one in 1996 and seven in 1997) o 1997 team captain and team MVP o 1997 Thanksgiving MVP o Gold Helmet, Coca Cola

Statement:

“Before attending Algonquin, I had never played football on an organized team, and my outlook on education was not very positive. Classroom work was a struggle until I joined the football team which motivated me to place more positive emphasis on my school work making me realize the importance of education and giving me the patience to help me earn my college degree in 2003 (criminal justice). More importantly, Mr. Vincent Damore, Mr. Thomas Ferris, and Mr. Mel Laughton provided me with structure that no other experience could have duplicated. They gave me a glimpse of true greatness and what the word accomplishment should mean. They showed me the meaning of honesty loyalty, and the value of human life. Those men and my family were major influences… and I am forever indebted to my Algonquin experience because of what those men and others at the school have done for me. I am truly a better person for having attended Algonquin Regional High School, and I hope that I have contributed to the legacy of the football and track and field programs at the school.” Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Andrea Sinerate Class of 1999

Four years of Varsity Soccer, Gymnastics, and Tennis

Soccer:

 All-Star recognition – Metrowest as a sophomore and a junior; All-Central Massachusetts as a junior and a senior (also named honorary captain); and All- State  Honored by Massachusetts Soccer Coaches Association for being leading scorer

Gymnastics:

 Team was state runner-up, freshman year  Team won league championship, sophomore and junior years

Tennis:

 Team won district championship, sophomore and junior years  Captain of the state champion runner-up team senior year  Championship doubles team runner-up (along with partner Jean Lin), senior year

1997 – Attended the Massachusetts celebration of National Girls-and-Women-in-Sports Day

Statement:

“Algonquin was, and still is, a community that I will treasure and credit with some of the most fulfilling and productive years of my life. I consider myself lucky to have been a part of a high school in which the leadership exemplified by the staff and students created an inspiring cycle that I strove to become a part of. Algonquin is a foundation for many of my morals. I was lucky to be on successful sports teams while at Algonquin and can credit my teams, my coaches, and my parents for my individual achievements. Thanks, Algonquin!” Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Dallas Mall Class of 2000

Baseball:  Varsity, senior year  Batting average - .350  Mid-Wach B champs and district finalists

Basketball:  Freshman – averaging four points per game  Sophomore – averaging 17 points per game o Mid-Wach B Champs o Clark Tournament finalists o District quarter finals o All-Star, Mid-Wach B and Metrowest News  Junior – averaging 20 points per game o Mid-Wach B champs o District finals o All-Star, Mid-Wach B and Metrowest News  Senior – averaging 22 points per game o Mid-Wach B champs o State semi-finals o All-Star, Mid-Wach B, Metrowest News, and Worcester Telegram & Gazette o Most Valuable Player Award, Mid-Wach B

Football: Varsity, three years  Junior – over 60 receptions and over 1000 yards with 15 touchdowns o All-Star, Metrowest News o Offensive player of the year for the team  Senior – over 70 receptions, over 1500 yards, and 17 touchdowns o All-Star, Metrowest News and Worcester Telegram & Gazette o Most Valuable Player Award, team Metrowest News Male Athlete of the Year, 2000

Statement:

“Looking back at the four years I spent at Algonquin, I realize the true values that were instilled in me and the immense amount of support I had along the way as I strove for my own personal goals. I was taught the importance of teamwork, dedication, determination, persistence, and most importantly, sportsmanship. Coming from a small school, those values played an important role in achieving my goals at the college and professional levels. Competing in three sports and balancing school work at the same time was a difficult task. I was fortunate to have strong support by my coaches, the athletic department, and teachers which allowed me to succeed both academically and athletically.” Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – November 24, 2007

Mike Mocerino Class of 2000

Basketball:

 Varsity 3 years  State Semi-Finals, 2000

Baseball:

 Infielder for four seasons (an “outstanding one,” said Coach Neil Burke)  Third base as a freshman; second base as a sophomore; shortstop, junior and senior years  Pitcher – three seasons, finishing with a career ERA of 1.97 and a 20-3 won-loss record  Batting – 371 plate appearances, 141 hits (a school record); 41 doubles, 14 triples, 12 home runs, 117 runs scored, and a batting average of .433  Team captain, 2000  All-Star, Mid-Wach and Metrowest, 1998, 1999, 2000; Worcester Telegram & Gazette super team, 1998,1999, 2000; also Massachusetts – Connecticut Team, 2000  Mid-Wach B Most Valuable Player, 2000  Team record for 1998 through 2000 (including three straight league championships and a trip to the Division One State Finals at Fenway Park in 1998), 58-13

Statement:

“I was taught to live by the phrase ‘Never give up,’ that if I wanted to achieve in life hard work and dedication would get me there – along with preparation, loyalty, and devotion (characteristics instilled in me by my wonderful parents and reinforced when I was attending Algonquin). All of these values allowed me to receive a scholarship to play baseball – the sport that I love – at the University of Connecticut. With the additional knowledge a college degree provided, I am now ready to become part of the community and have returned to Northborough to give back some of what I was given – to teach and encourage young people as I was helped, to make an impact on someone’s life. What I miss most is my junior and senior years at Algonquin because those were the years I found out who I was and where I was going – down the straight and narrow path called life.”