Athletic Hall of Fame

Our Mission

The WMA Athletic Hall of Fame exists to recognize and celebrate the remarkable individuals and teams who have made a lasting impact on our athletic program. Through their dedication, leadership and achievements, they have built a tradition of excellence that continues to inspire today’s student-athletes.

Introducing the Class of 2025

The Class of 2025 will be honored at an Induction Ceremony on campus on Oct. 11, 2025. Please stay tuned for details. For questions, please contact Mike Mannix at mmannix@wma.us.

Athletes

Dana Gahres '74

Russell Dinkins '09

Brittany Barry '11

Harrison Wilson III '73

Teams

Boys Basketball - 1968-1969

Girls Soccer 2000

Coach/Contributor

Coach: Gary Cook

Coach/Contributor: Hugh Harrell

Class of 2007

Phillip J. Cardone

Phillip J. Cardone, former coach and faculty member of both Monson Academy and WMA, was honored for his many legendary contributions to the football, wrestling, and lacrosse programs before a large gathering of alumni, family, and friends. Andrew Bazarian '86 gave the induction speech, which pointed out the many ways that Coach Cardone formed the characters of the young men and women he taught. Phil remained a fixture around campus as a volunteer landscaper, keeping WMA beautiful before his passing in Jan. 2019.

Phillip H. Shaw Sr.

Former coach and faculty member Philip H. Shaw Sr. of Wilbraham Academy was posthumously inducted into the WMA Athletic Hall of Fame during inaugural ceremonies held on campus. Philip H. Shaw Jr. '57W gave an eloquent induction speech to honor his father of his coaching prowess in football, soccer and track as well as his time as Athletic Director at Wilbraham Academy.

Class of 2009

Capt. Timothy Jessup '87 USMC

The late Captain Timothy Jessup '87 USMC was the heart and soul of the Varsity Water Polo team during his tenure at the Academy. Coach Steve Gray '70W credited Tim's energy and magnetic personality for the longevity of the water polo program, which has spanned four decades.

Harold "Bud" Porter '44W

Harold Bud Porter '44W was honored for his remarkable athletic ability. At Wilbraham Academy, he was a five-sport athlete, playing both baseball and track in the spring. More than once he trotted across the field from his baseball game, changed his footwear, and ran a heat in a track meet. Bud had a 75-year association with the Academy, having entered the Winchester School as a fifth grader.

Monson Football 1966

The Monson Academy Football Team, coached by WMA Hall of Fame coach Phil Cardone and Ed Baker, was undefeated in 1966. Coach Baker remembered the transformation of the players from a "ragtag group that were not a pretty sight" into a team of self-confident athletes who completed a season that "changed them forever."

MORE PHOTOS

1989 Track & Field

The 1989 Track & Field Team were New England Champions. Coach Jeff Siekierski remembered the runners, jumpers, sprinters and throwers as all having the four elements of team success: passion, work, knowledge and a common goal.

Committee members

Hall of Fame Committee members

Brian P. Easler, Head of School (ex oficio)
Don Nicholson '79, Director of Athletics
Mike Mannix, Interim committee member for Director of Advancement

Alumni/former faculty

Katie Carrigan Houston '98
YD Kwon '88
Steve Marcus '10
Molly Socha '15

Current faculty members

Elizabeth Fontaine Squindo, Dean of Students
Tim Harrington '73, Faculty, English

Ad hoc members

Heather Hamel '08, Director of Alumni Relations
Russ Held, Director of Communications

Eligibility standards

The selection process of choosing each class of Hall of Famers is a team effort. We need your help in both finding qualified candidates and supplying documentation for the Hall of Fame committee to use in its selection process. See below for eligibility standards.

Alumni Eligibility

Alumni are eligible for nomination at any time beginning 10 years after graduating from Wilbraham & Monson Academy.
Must have distinguished themselves by their outstanding participation and leadership while at WMA.
Must have represented WMA with honor, courage, leadership and sportsmanship.
After graduation, must have continued to distinguish themselves at a standard of personal and/or professional excellence.
The Athletic Hall of Fame Committee may use its discretion in exceptional/extraordinary circumstances for non-graduates of WMA.

Team Eligibility

Must be 10 years removed from Wilbraham & Monson Academy.
Must have distinguished itself in its sport (outstanding win-loss record, league championship, tournament participation, etc.)
Must have represented WMA with honor, character, courage and sportsmanship.

Coach/Administrator Eligibility

Coaches and administrators shall be eligible after leaving or retiring from Wilbraham & Monson Academy.
The AHOF Committee maintains the discretion to consider an active coach or administrator who has a minimum of 15 years/seasons of distinguished service to WMA’s athletic program.
Must have been a positive role model, exhibited leadership qualities, and demonstrated superb sportsmanship and team spirit.
Must have made outstanding contributions to WMA’s extracurricular or athletic program and have significantly contributed to the development of student-athletes.

Athletic Hall of Fame Committee members shall not be eligible for selection.

Qualified nominees not selected for induction will remain on the master nomination list for consideration in future induction classes.