WMA Athletic Hall of Fame
2009
Harold Bud Porter '44was 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 has a 75-year association with the Academy, having entered the Winchester School as a fifth grader.
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."
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 '70 credited Tim's energy and magnetic personality for the longevity of the water polo program, which celebrated its 25th season in 2009.
The 1989 Track & Field Team were the 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.
2007
Phillip J. Cardone, former coach and faculty member of both Monson Academy and WMA, was inducted into the new WMA Athletic Hall of Fame. He 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, Class of 1986, 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 remains a fixture around campus as a volunteer landscaper, keeping WMA beautiful.
Former coach and faculty member Philip H. Shaw Sr. of Wilbraham Academy was posthumously inducted into the new WMA Athletic Hall of Fame during inaugural ceremonies held on campus October 13. Philip H. Shaw Jr., Wilbraham Class of 1957, 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.
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