GHS59-Hall-of-Fame

10/22/2012 7:10:00 AM

GHS Athletic Hall of Fame inducts newest class

Mike Richard
Gridiron Grind

GARDNER — The Gardner High Athletic Hall of Fame ushered in six new members and — for the first time — two championship teams to its hallowed halls on Saturday night in impressive ceremonies before a sizable crowd in Landry Auditorium. Nearly 200 in attendance heard the heartfelt speeches, recalled the glory days of yesteryear and cheered on the living legends in the induction ceremonies, held for the first time in six years.

Memories of special teammates, influential coaches and teachers, support from parents, a proud sports-minded community and the Wildcat athletic tradition
were the dominant themes which resonated in speeches offered by the inductees.

From the opening strains of the National Anthem beautifully sung by Gardner High senior Kaitlyn Mearn, it was a night where Gardner’s storied athletic past came to life during’s Saturday’s ceremony at Landry Auditorium.

Each inductee was given the opportunity to express their gratitude at being selected to this prestigious honor.

The inductees were:

— Stephanie (Lafond) Barstow ’96, a top-scorer on
the field hockey team and standout softball pitcher
who threw the first varsity softball no-hitter in
Gardner history.

— Jacques Cesaire ’98, a defensive standout and
tight end with the 1997 Wildcat Super Bowl team, he
played nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers
and is one of three Gardner High graduates to make
it to the NFL.

— Jillian (Croft) Paige ’98, the most decorated
female track star in Gardner High history, a two-time
state and New England champion in the long jump
and still the holder of eight Gardner track records.

— Eric Swedberg ’98, who rewrote the Gardner football record books as the single-season and career leader in yards gained, touchdowns and points, and also helped lead Gardner to the 1997 Super Bowl victory over Wahconah. He was also an basketball team to go undefeated in the regular season included, front outstanding catcher with the baseball team.

— Samantha (Arsenault) Livingstone ’99, a four-time
state champion swimmer and state record holder in

--Carol (Eliason) Hamilton, Sandra (Deacon) Carr, Caroline (Casavant)
the 500-freestyle, reached the pinnacle of success in Raymond. 2000 winning the gold medal at the Sydney Summer Olympics. She was unable to attend as she awaits the birth of twin daughters, and her award was accepted by Gardner High Hall of Famer Karri (Charpentier) LeGault.

— Howie Klash, varsity softball coach from 1985-2011, who logged a career record of 339-237, had 18 district qualifying teams, four district titles and three state finalists. He also served as Gardner High athletic director from 2006 until his 2012 retirement.

— 1958 Football Team, which won the North Worcester County Championship with a 9-0 record and amazingly allowed only six points for the entire season. Coach Walter Dubzinski Sr., the football patriarch who will turn 93 later this week, was in attendance. Co-captains **Bob Dill and **Ed Nobrega shared recollections of that season. Other team members in attendance included John Awdycki, Don Barry, **Norman Beauregard, Assistant Coach Joe Bishop, Bob Cormier, Bob Coffin, Gordon Dickie, Walt Dubzinski Jr., Stanley Gemborys, **Tony Kraskouskas, Tom Ryan, Jim Sand, Len Slomski, **Charlie “Bud” Smith and **Ken Stone.

** Indicates member of the Class of ‘59

— 1981-82 Girls’ Basketball Team, the only basketball team in Gardner High history to conclude a season undefeated, they won the District E, Division 2 championship with a 19-0 record but were unable to compete at the state level due to the Proposition 2 1/2 cuts that season. Coach Steve Hancock and team members Terry (Kanozak) Henry and Lisa (Mara) Meehan addressed those in attendance of their memories of the season and team. Also attending the induction from the team were Caroline (Casavant) Raymond, Pam (Cutting) Edmonds, Sandra (Deacon) Carr, Carol (Eliason) Hamilton, Helen (Gemborys) Poremba, Cathy (Girouard) Favreau, Karen (Hulette) Sevier, assistant coach Peggy (Lesneski) Aalto, Patty (Martin) Canino and Lisa Wilson.

A dozen Gardner High School athletic captains served as ushers and presented plaques to the Hall of Famers during the ceremonies. In addition, senior captains Sarah Robertson and Mitch Ryan spoke on behalf of the student body. In addition, some 25 Hall of Fame alumni were also in attendance to share in the festivities.

Hall of Fame chairman and emcee Mike Richard introduced several guest speakers who offered opening remarks including Mayor Mark P. Hawke, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol Daring, Gardner High School principal Donna Pierce and Athletic Director Nicole Therrien.

Following the ceremony, the inductees and many well wishers in attendance moved to the hall of fame where the nine new plaques on the wall raised the number of honorees to an impressive 178.

Brian Fontaine of Valley Florist donated boutonnieres for the inductees, while the Gardner Ale House donated refreshments for a post-induction gathering at the Gardner Post 129 American Legion.

(Mike Richard can be reached at Rich0725@aol.com. or in writing c/o The Gardner News, 309 Central St. Gardner,
MA 01440)

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