West Boylston Middle/High School Athletic Hall of Fame Inaugural Class of 2015 Induction Weekend

The West Boylston Middle/High School Athletic Hall of Fame recently inducted its inaugural Class of 2015. In a two-part process nine people ranging from the 1940’s to the 2000’s were inducted.

In Part 1 on Thanksgiving morning November 26^th the inductees or family representatives along with family members and friends were introduced, escorted onto the field at the 50 yard line at the West Boylston vs. Assabet Valley Football game at Goodale Park and recognized by the spectators in attendance.

In Part 2 on Saturday November 28^th a formal banquet and induction ceremony took place at the Manor Restaurant.

At the Induction Ceremony the inductees or family representatives were introduced and escorted into the banquet hall by a West Boylston Middle/High School student-athlete. Coach Joe Garofoli was represented by his son Michael who was escorted by Kerri Dougherty, Athletic Director and Coach Ron Ekblom was represented by his wife Virginia who was escorted by Zach Magarian,  Principal and Athletic Director Carlton “Jake” O’Connor by Marissa Hayes, Bob Bonci – Class of 1945 by Katie Gauthier, John Bancroft – Class of 1965 by Kerri Dougherty, Ken Bohlin – Class of 1971 by Marissa Hayes, Lisa Hovsepian – Class of 1989 by Andy Proietti, Meredith Galena – Class of 1993 by Alec Tata, and Kellie Ambrose – Class of 2001 by Max O’Day.

For each inductee or representative a friend or family member provided a brief overview of their accomplishments before inviting them up to the podium. Upon completing their speeches, the inductees were presented with a plaque and photographed with their presenter and Athletic Director Mike Bartkus.  Presenting for Joe Garofoli then introducing his son Michael Garofoli was former West Boylston High School Boys Basketball Coach Paul Constantino. Presenting for Ron Ekblom then introducing Ron’s wife Virginia was family friend Scott Anderson. Presenting Jake O’Connor was MIAA Central Boys and Girls Tournament Basketball Director and retired Oxford High School Principal Roger Bacon,  Bob Bonci Sr. was his son Bob Bonci Jr., John Bancroft was his daughter Jessica Bancroft, Ken Bohlin was his mother Evelyn Bohlin, Lisa Hovsepian was local sportswriter Ken Powers, and Kellie Ambrose was her sister Melissa Ambrose-Dooley.

The induction ceremony was well-attended with 170 people being present. The Athletic Hall of Fame Committee members were: WB M/HS Athletic Director Mike Bartkus, staff members and coaches Kevin Bjorklund and Kelli Milewski, retired WB M/HS Principal Larry Murphy, West Boylston Athletic Association President Kevin O’Malley, and retired public school administrator and West Boylston resident Rich Riley.

Plans are in motion to develop a “Wall of Fame” area at West Boylston Middle High School in the near future.

Attached is a photo of the Hall of Fame Inductees.