Western New England College
Downes Athletic Hall of Fame

Western New England College's Downes Athletic Hall of Fame is named in honor of former professor and coach William A. (Bill) Downes who was among the inaugural group inducted in 1999.

Nominations for future inductees will be solicited each year through the Alumni Communicator, and selected by a committee consisting of representatives from the alumni, athletic department, faculty and staff. Induction will take place each year during Homecoming.

Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame
Saturday, September 18, 2004

The 2004 Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on September 18 during Homecoming Weekend. College president Anthony S. Caprio (left) and athletics director Mike Theulen (right) pose with the new honorees. They are (from left): Chicopee native (and Enfield resident) Gary R. "Captain" LaPerle '75, baseball and soccer; Ludlow native Anthony "Tony' Pio '79, soccer; Sebby Amato '84, wrestling; East Longmeadow native Kathryn M. "Kate" Brunelle Roman '99, soccer; Longmeadow native (and Wilbraham resident) Joel D. Castleman L'87, lacrosse coach, and Springfield resident Kevin McCaskill
'84, basketball.

FIVE FORMER WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE STANDOUTS AND COACH JOEL CASTLEMAN NAMED TO DOWNES ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Five former outstanding student-athletes and a former coach were inducted into the sixth annual Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 18, 2004, during Homecoming Weekend.

The Class of 2004 featured Gary R. LaPerle '75, baseball/soccer; Anthony (Tony) Pio '79, soccer; Sebastian S. (Sebby) Amato '84, wrestling; Kevin McCaskill '84, basketball; Kathryn M. (Kate) Brunelle-Roman '99, soccer, and former men's lacrosse coach Joel D. Castleman L'87.

LaPerle, nicknamed "The Captain," served as a captain of the baseball and soccer teams for two seasons. A first baseman on the baseball squad, he helped the Golden Bears win the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) championship his sophomore season. LaPerle also played goalie and fullback on the soccer squad for three seasons. He was voted the Best Defensive Player on both teams and was the school's Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year as a senior. LaPerle received his Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and master's degree in business administration at Western New England College. A native of Chicopee, he now resides in Enfield, Connecticut.

Pio, a native of Ludlow, was among the top members on the soccer team that won the NAIA District VIII New England Championship while placing fourth at the national championship in 1975. He also served as a captain of the Golden Bears' squad his senior season. Pio started all 74 matches during his career scoring 90 points (35 goals, 20 assists). WNEC compiled a 46-22-6 record (66.2%) with Anthony in the lineup. For the past 25 years, Pio has been a member of the Pioneer Valley Soccer Officials Association and a member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association since 1983. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Amato, a two-year wrestling captain, placed first in the 142-lb. weight class at the New England Championship his senior season and second as a sophomore, He participated in three national tournaments and the 1983 New England All-Star Meet. Amato earned his bachelor of science degree in marketing. He will start his 19th season as wrestling coach at Trinity College this winter. He was the 2001 New England College Conference Wrestling Association (NECCWA) Coach-of-the-Year after his team won the team title for the first time in school history. Trinity also won the 2003 New England Dual Meet Championship. During his tenure at Trinity, Amato has coached 11 Academic All-Americans, eight All-Americans, and seven New England champions. A native of New Britain, Connecticut, Amato resides in Newington, Connecticut.

McCaskill scored 1,254 points during his four seasons on the men's basketball team that ranks eighth on the school's all-time scoring chart. He was named to the NAIA District 5 All-Star Team his junior and senior seasons. McCaskill also served as the men's basketball coach at Springfield Technical Community College and assistant coach at Springfield College under present WNEC athletics director Mike Theulen. Since 1992, McCaskill has coached the Holyoke Community College men's basketball team. He was the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 21 (New England) Coach-of-the-Year at both STCC and HCC. McCaskill earned his bachelor of arts degree in mathematics. He earned his master of education degree in educational administration at Westfield State College. A long educator and community leader in Springfield, McCaskill is the new principal at the Roger L. Putnam Vocational High School in Springfield. A native of Patterson, New Jersey, he resides in Springfield.

Brunelle-Roman, a native of East Longmeadow, is the second leading scorer in women's soccer at Western New England College with 241 points (93 goals, 55 assists) that ranks 10th all-time among NCAA Division III players. She was first nationally in points (83) and second in points per game (4.15) her senior season. Brunelle-Roman holds the school single season marks for points (87) and goals (34), both set in 1998, and is 11th on the all-time NCAA Division III list in points per game (3.05). Brunelle-Roman was honored as the school's 1999 Female Scholar-Athlete and Senior Female Athlete-of-the-Year.

As a freshman, Brunelle-Roman was selected the MVP of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament after leading the Golden Bears to the program's post-season championship title. She was a two-time selection on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III All-Metro Team. Brunelle-Roman also was named to the New England Women's Intercollegiate Soccer Association (NEWISA) All-Star Team her senior season.

Brunelle-Roman, a two-year captain, led the Golden Bears to a school best 20-2 record in 1998 along with a first place showing ECAC Division III Metro Tournament, which was the school's first ever ECAC Tournament title. Western New England College posted a 57-21-1 record (72.8%) with Brunelle-Roman in the lineup. She also served as an assistant coach at Western New England College for two seasons. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.

Castleman compiled a 32-14 record in four years (1986-89) as the men's lacrosse coach at Western New England College that were the first four winning seasons in school history. His squad posted a 10-1 record in 1987 and captured the program's first Pilgrim League Tournament title in only its sixth year of existence. More importantly, he started the winning tradition in men's lacrosse at Western New England College that continues today. Castleman was a lacrosse official for 11 years officiating in three NCAA Tournament games. He also founded the Pioneer Valley Summer Lacrosse League in 1988 serving as its commissioner for seven years. Castleman received his undergraduate degree from Colby College and law degree from Western New England College. A native of Longmeadow, Castleman lives in Wilbraham.

Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame
Saturday, October 18, 2003

The 2003 Class of the Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame (from left): athletics director Michael D. Theulen, Phil Sweeney, Tony Aguiar, Peter Harris, Roma St. George-Knapton, Brian Kelliher, and soccer captains Carrie Hoffman, and Kate Brunelle-Roman, and College president Anthony S. Caprio.

Four former outstanding student-athletes, a coaching legend, and a championship soccer team were inducted into the fifth annual Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 18, during Homecoming Weekend.

Western New England College's Athletic Hall of Fame is named in honor of former professor and present men's golf coach William Arthur (Red) Downes who was among the inaugural group inducted in 1999.

The Class of 2003 features Tony Aguiar '69, soccer; Peter Harris '79, basketball; Roma St. George-Knapton '83, basketball/softball; Brian Kelliher '94, football; former men's tennis coach Phil Sweeney, and the 1998 Golden Bears women's soccer team.

Aguiar, a forward, is the school's all-time leading scorer in men's soccer with 175 points (60 goals, 55 assists) in three seasons. He also holds several other school marks including goals in a season (26 in 1966) and assists in a game (5 vs. Franklin Pierce in 1968). With Aguiar leading the way, the Golden Bears captured the 1967 New England State College Conference Tournament and placed second at the NAIA New England Regional Championship. A native of Ludlow, Massachusetts he now resides in Richmond, Virginia.

Harris, a guard, led the Golden Bears in scoring during the 1977-78 and 1978-79 seasons with averages of 21.3 and 21.6 points. He is a member of the school's 1,000-point club and ranks fifth on the school's all-time list with a 21.4 average. A native of Manchester, Connecticut, Harris was named to the All-New England Division III First Team his senior year and received an honorable mention on the NCAA Division III All-America Team.

Knapton, a native of Chicopee, Massachusetts, was the first player in Golden Bears women's basketball history to score 1,000 points; she is now sixth on the all-time list (1,260 points in three years). A center, she had one of the greatest seasons in school history in 1979-80 averaging 20.8 points and 22.1 rebounds. Knapton also is the school's only two-time honoree on the Verizon (now GTE) Academic All-America Team. Knapton played second base in softball and compiled a .350 career batting average. She was the first .400 hitter in school history with a .437 average in 1980.

Kelliher, a strong safety, was a two-time captain and Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) selection. He was selected to the All-ECFC First Team and Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England All-Star Second Team his senior season. A native of Rockland, Massachusetts, Kelliher compiled 244 tackles and had 11 interceptions during his career.

Sweeney, 86, served as the head coach of the Western New England College men's tennis squad for 18 years, amassing nearly 100 career victories. More importantly, he is credited with saving the program from elimination in the 1980's. Sweeney also was an adjunct faculty member teaching tennis for 10 years at the College. One of the top players in the area, he was the 1949 New England Public Parks singles and doubles champion. He also represented the United States against Canada in the Gordon Cup Championship (the senior equivalent to the Davis Cup) in the 1980's. Sweeney won tournaments in every decade from the 1930's to the 1990's. A native of Springfield, he is a former principal at both Commerce High School and Classical Junior High School in the city. In 1981 the City of Springfield honored Sweeney by naming the Commerce athletic fields in his honor.

The 1998 Western New England College women's soccer team, coached by Ron Dias, established a school record for wins with a 20-2 mark and captured the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Metro Championship for the program's first post-season tournament title.

Team members: Dianne Baron (Chicopee, MA), tri-captain Jennifer Bonafede (Troy, NY), tri-captain Kate Brunelle-Roman (East Longmeadow, MA), Molly Burke (Westfield, MA), Kristen Ogulewicz-Cunningham (Springfield, MA), Callie Durbrow (Washington, VT), Lisa DiTaranto (Hubbardston, MA), Kristy Eppolitto (West Springfield, MA), Tapleigh Fallon (Springfield, MA), Kate Farry (Pittsfield, MA), Lilliam Guerra (Springfield, MA), Megan Halloran (Waldwick, NJ), tri-captain Carrie Hoffman (Naperville, IL), Deanna Partlow (Northfield, VT), Alison Reseigne (Agawam, MA), Marissa Stawasz (West Springfield, MA), Stephanie Szajna (Sutton, MA), Stephanie Wordell (Little Compton, RI), team manager Travis Wolf (Midland Park, MD), and assistant coach Ryan Kelly.

Brunelle-Roman led the team in scoring with 87 points (34 goals, 19 assists), followed by Burke with 74 points (33-8), Ogulewicz with 48 points (9-30), and Fallon with 45 points (17-11).

Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame
Saturday, September 21, 2002

Five former outstanding student-athletes and a coaching legend were inducted into the fourth annual Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 21, during Homecoming Weekend.

Western New England College's Athletic Hall of Fame is named in honor of former professor and present men's golf coach William Arthur (Red) Downes who was among the inaugural group inducted in 1999.

The Class of 2002 features Peter M. Black '87, men's lacrosse; Joy E. Clark '95, women's basketball/soccer; Alan J. Fabian '89, baseball; Brian J. Solomon '84 and his brother Gary J. Solomon '86, both wrestling, and former coach Patrick A. Ricci.

The 2002 Class of the Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame (from left): athletics director Michael D. Theulen, Joy Clark, Gary J. Solomon, Patrick A. Ricci, Brian J. Solomon, Peter M. Black, Alan J. Fabian, College president Anthony S. Caprio.

Black, a native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, is fourth on the school's all-time scoring list with 152 points (99 goals, 53 assists). As a junior, he set school records for points in a season (54) and goals in a game (eight vs. Nichols College). Black, an attackman, was a four-time Pilgrim League All-Star and an All-New England performer his senior year. He served as a team captain of the 1987 squad that captured the league tournament title and was a New England East-West Senior All-Star Game selection. Black, a three-time team MVP, earned his bachelor science degree in management. He resides in Simsbury, Connecticut.

Clark, a native of Agawam, Massachusetts, ranks among the top women's soccer players in school history. She was a three-year starter at a sweeper position and a team captain her senior season. Clark was named to the New England Women's Athletic Conference (NEWAC) All-Star Team in 1996. She also contributed 21 points (8 goals, 5 assists) during her career. In basketball, Clark was a four-year performer at a guard position. She is third in career three-pointers (80), and fifth in both assists (260) and steals (213). Clark earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering. She resides in Middletown, Connecticut.

Fabian, a native of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, compiled a school record .377 career batting average in four years, including a .414 mark his junior season. A catcher, he was named to several All-Star teams, including the 1986 All-New England squad. Fabian also played in the 1986 New England All-Star Game at Fenway Park. He holds numerous other school records, including career marks for hits (144), runs-batted-in (126), and home runs (24). Fabian earned his bachelor of science degree in computer information systems. He resides in Youngsville, Louisiana.

Gary Solomon was a four-time NCAA Division III/NAIA All-American in the 190-lb. weight class and a four-time New England Division III champion at both 177 and 190. He also was a two-time national academic award winner, a two-year team captain and twice the squad's and New England Division III Tournament MVP. This past winter Solomon was inducted into the New England College Conference Wrestling Association (NECCWA) Division III Hall of Fame. A native of Southington, Connecticut, Solomon earned his bachelor of science degree in computer information system. He resides in Durham, Connecticut.

Brian Solomon was a two-time All-America selection after placing second in the 167-lb. weight class at the 1984 NCAA Division III Championship and fifth at 158 pounds at the 1982 NAIA Tournament. He was twice a New England Division III champion and the 1982 tournament MVP. Solomon also was a three-time team MVP and a national academic award recipient in 1983 and 1984. A native of Southington, Connecticut, he earned his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He resides in Plantsville, Connecticut.

Ricci is the winningest baseball coach in school history with a 205-174-3 record from 1974-81 and 1983-87. His teams participated in 10 NAIA Tournaments while winning three District 5 playoffs. Ricci was twice named NAIA District 5 and Area 8 Coach-of-the-Year, and was a former president of the NAIA Baseball Coaches Association. Ricci coached numerous All-Stars, including Alan Fabian who also will be inducted into the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame. A native of Port Chester, New York, Ricci also was the first women's soccer coach in school history compiling a 15-11 record in 1984 and 1985. He led the Golden Bears to a 12-5 mark and a second place showing in the NAIA Eastern Regional playoffs in only their second year of competition. Ricci also coached the women's tennis team at Western New England College for two seasons (1978, 1979). The former Longmeadow resident now resides in San Diego, California.

Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame
Saturday, September 22, 2001

The Class of 2001 features Steven M. Byrne '91, men's ice hockey; Kimberly A. Coia '95, women's basketball; Bruce F. Hambro '74, baseball, and Lori A. Mayhew '95, softball, along with the late Western New England College bowling coach Richard F. "Dick" Burns and present Western New England College wrestling coach Robert E. Skelton.

Participating in the 2001 Downes Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony were (front left) athletics director Mike Theulen, Lori Mayhew, Kim Coia, Steve Byrnes, Mrs. Richard Burns, and College president Anthony S. Caprio. Also, (back row) Bob Skelton and Bruce Hambro.

Steven M. Byrne '91 — A native of Agawam, Steve holds the school record for points per game average (2.45 avg.) and ranks second with 125 career points (55 goals, 70 assists) in 51 games. A forward, he led the Golden Bears in scoring during the 1988-89 season with 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) and again in 1989-90 with 62 points (25 goals, 37 assists). With Steve leading the way, Western New England College participated in three ECAC post-season tournaments.

Kim Coia '95 — Kim, a native of Palmer, is the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,826 points from 1991-95. She holds several school records, including career free-throw percentage (80.3), three-pointers made (203), and scoring average in a season (23.2 in 1992-93). Western New England College posted a 70-23 record (75.3%) with Kim in the lineup (including a 20-1 mark in 1992-93) and participated in the program's only ECAC Division III Tournament in 1994.

Bruce F. Hambro '74 — A native of Springfield, Bruce ranks among the top pitchers in Golden Bears history. He compiled a school record 1.43 career earned-run-average during the 1973 and 1974 seasons. He posted a 3-2 mark with a 1.80 ERA his junior season to help Western New England College capture the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) Championship. Hambro was the MVP of the NEIBA Tournament and a member of the All-Tournament team.

Lori A. Mayhew '95 — Lori, a native of Westfield, hit a school record .485 her senior season and finished her career with a .403 average, also a WNEC all-time best. A third baseman, she was a two-time Northeast Women's Athletic Conference (NEWAC) All-Star selection. Lori has served as the head softball coach at Western New England College the last five seasons.

Richard F. "Dick" Burns — Dick, a native of Boston, was associated with the WNEC bowling program for 40 years, including 33 as head coach of the varsity team. He was co-founder of the Tri-State Bowling Conference and his squads consistently ranked near the top of the conference. Both his men and women's teams captured conference titles during the 1996-97 school year. A 1950 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, Dick served on a numerous national collegiate bowling committees and was the sectional coordinator for seven seasons. He also was a member of the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association All-America selection committee. Dick was a professor of science and education and faculty member at Western New England College from 1958 until his retirement in 1995. He passed away on Feb. 9, 1999.

Robert E. Skelton — One of the top coaches in the nation, Bob started the Western New England College wrestling program in 1975 and has served as head coach of the Golden Bears for the past 26 years. He ranks among the winningest NCAA Division III coaches with an all-time record of 389-199-7 for an impressive 66.0 winning percentage. A former president of the NCAA Division III Wrestling Coaches Association, Bob has coached 136 All-New England Division III performers, 27 New England champions, 13 NCAA Division III All-Americans, and 34 Academic All-Americans. A 1971 graduate of the University of Minnesota, Bob was elected to the NCAA Division III National Coaches Hall of Fame in 1997. Among his top wrestlers was fellow Downes Athletic Hall of Fame member Rodney Smith who captured the bronze medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Bob is a native of Brooklyn, New York.

Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame
Saturday, September 16, 2000

The Class of 2000 features five individuals and one team, the 1975 men's soccer squad, along with Henry "Hank" Bazan, the father of football at Western New England College and longtime Western New England College professor; former football star Jim Bedard '83; men's basketball standout Rodney Butler '71; baseball pitching ace David Eisenberg '86, and women's basketball superstar Jane Marjanski Parenteau '86.

Taking part in the 2000 Downes Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony were (from left): College president Anthony S. Caprio, Jim Bedard, Hank Bazan, Dave Eisenberg, Rodney Butler, Jane Marjanski Parenteau, and athletics director Mike Theulen.

Henry "Hank" Bazan — Hank served as coach of the club football team from 1970 to 1979. He guided the Golden Bears to 38 victories, which included six winning seasons, and was selected the National Club Sports Association (NCSA) Coach-of-the-Year in 1974. A resident of Chicopee, Hank also was instrumental in the fundraising and construction of the football stands and press box that still remain in the center of campus. Hank retired as a professor of management and business at Western New England College in the spring of 2000.

Jim Bedard '83 — A resident of Glastonbury, Connecticut, Jim bridged the gap between the club and varsity programs. He came to Western New England College as a defensive end, but was converted to running back. Jim served as a team captain in 1978 and ran for over 1,400 yards in two varsity seasons, averaging nearly five yards per carry, while scoring ten touchdowns. He was named to the 1980 National Club Football Association (NCFA) All-America Team. A vice president at Travelers Insurance in Hartford, Jim is a 1979 graduate of Enfield High School (Conn.).

Rodney Butler '71 — Rodney, a resident of New Britain, Connecticut, is the most prolific scorer and rebounder in school history, averaging 29.3 points and 19.1 rebounds during his remarkable three-year career. He is third on the schoolÕs all-time scoring list (1,725 points) and is the only Golden Bears player to pull down more than 1,000 rebounds (1,127). Rodney holds the Western New England College single-game record for points (53) and rebounds (30), and is the program's all-time leader in field-goal percentage (61.9). He serves as the director of financial aid and veteran affairs at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Connecticut. Rodney is a 1965 graduate of George Washington High School in New York City.

The 1975 Western New England College men's soccer team was inducted into the 2000 Downes Athetic Hall of Fame.

David Eisenberg '86 — Dave was among the most dominant pitchers ever at Western New England College. A native of Lee, Massachusetts, he finished with a career record of 23-2 with a 2.07 earned-run-average (second best in school history). Dave also ranks in the top five in strikeouts. He was a threat at the plate as well, compiling a .293 career batting average. Dave owns the school record for runs in a game with six. A financial analyst for Crane and Company in Dalton, Massachusetts, Dave is a 1982 graduate of Lee High School.

Jane Marjanski Parenteau '86 — Jane is the school career leader in rebounding with 980 and is second all-time in scoring with 1,689 points. The Chicopee, Massachusetts native played a key role as the Golden Bears reached post-season playoff appearances all four years. In addition, Jane is the only Western New England College women's basketball player to appear in over 100 games. She is a senior energy analyst for the Reading (Massachusetts) Light Department. Jane is a 1982 graduate of Chicopee High School.

The 1975 Western New England College men's soccer team, coached by Bill Downes, finished with a 15-4-2 record and won the New England NAIA Championship. The Golden Bears also placed fourth at the NAIA Championship. Mark Starapoli '76 served as the team captain.

Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame
Saturday, Oct. 1, 1999

The inaugural class of the Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame was inducted on Friday, October 1 during Homecoming 1999. Over 200 people turned out to witness the event and honor the accomplishments of the five athletes and legendary coach inducted that evening. The Downes Hall of Fame is located on the second floor of the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

The 1999 Downes Hall of Fame. Front (from left): George Jerman and Mark Staropoli. Back (from left): Keith Fagan, Rodney Smith, Bill Downes, and Margaret Apanell.

Arthur William "Red" Downes - A member of the Western New England College coaching staff and faculty for 31 years, Bill coached baseball, basketball, golf and soccer. He amassed 100 victories as a basketball coach and 190 as men's soccer coach, but he may best be remembered for his love for the sport of golf. Bill resurrected the varsity program at WNEC in the 1980s and quickly built them into one of the strongest Division III programs in New England.

George Jerman, '73, Men's Basketball - George is the College's all-time leading scorer with 2059 points, averaging nearly 24 points per game during his four-year career. He hit an impressive 57 percent of his field goal attempts, and made more than 200 more field goals than anyone in school history. George helped the Golden Bears win two New England NAIA Championships.

Rodney Smith, '88, Wrestling - A former two-time All-American and three-time New England Champion, Rodney made an international splash when he won a bronze medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Barcelona Olympics. He also competed in the Summer Games in Atlanta in 1996, and plans to earn a spot on the U.S. Greco-Roman squad at the 2000 Olympics in Australia.

Mark Staropoli, '75, Men's Soccer - During his four-year career, Mark scored an impressive 52 goals and added 22 assists. He helped the Golden Bears to a 15-4-2 mark in 1975 when the team won the NAIA New England Championship, and finished fourth in the NAIA Nationals. During his career, the men's soccer team had a 40-16-7 record for an impressive 69.0 winning percentage.

Margaret Apanell, '83, Field Hockey - Margaret was one of the pioneers in women's athletics at Western New England and a member of the first varsity field hockey team. Despite playing just two seasons, she is the all-time leading scorer at WNEC with 36 goals. Her 24 goals during the 1981 season was a New England Division III record.

Keith Fagan, '88, Football — Keith is the all-time leading receiver at Western New England College with 124 catches. His mark also ranks him in the top 25 all-time in New England. Keith's numbers could have been even higher, but he played the final two games of his career at quarterback because of injuries. He accomplished all this, despite playing for a different coach during each of his four seasons.