WMA Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame
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.
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 celebrated its 35th season in 2019.
Philip 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
Track & Field 1989
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.
Philip 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.
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."