Wehner, Carmody, and Caruso to be enshrined into 2017 Hall of Fame class
North Adams, MA- The hall of fame is designed to honor the best of the best in Athletics. In 2017, a trio of former athletes embody that moniker as the MCLA Athletics department will honor three individuals at their annual induction ceremony set for Saturday, September 23 at 6pm at the Holiday Inn in downtown North Adams.
Headlining the class is two sport standout Jen Wehner '12. Wehner is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder for the basketball program and a four year starting goalkeeper for the soccer program. Wehner holds numerous school records in both programs. Joining Wehner in the 2017 class is Kevin Carmody (Baseball 1985-1988) and Phil Caruso (Soccer 1995-1996). Both players were named to their respective All New England teams while Carmody was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1988 MLB draft.
Registration for the annual event on September 23rd will open August 1st. Cost to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony is $50 and the event is part of MCLA's reunion weekend. Full details will be released once registration is available.
Jen Wehner '12- Basketball/Soccer
Wehner was a four year letter winner in both sports and hailed from Cooperstown, NY. She was an All MASCAC selection all four years on campus and is the only basketball player in school history with 1,000 points and rebounds. She ended her brilliant career with 1,606 points and 1,213 rebounds. Wehner led each program to a respective conference championship. In 2010, she was named the MASCAC tournament MVP in basketball after leading the Trailblazers to their first ever tournament championship and subsequent NCAA appearance. During the 2010-11 basketball season, she became the first Trailblazer to win the MASCAC player of the year award after averaging 17.7 points and 14.3 rebounds as a junior.
On the pitch, Wehner was outstanding under head coach Deb Raber. She led the Trailblazers to the 2010 regular season championship and set numerous save records for the program. Wehner also led the team into the ECAC tournament on two separate occasions.
Kevin Carmody- Baseball 1985-1988
Carmody was a four year standout under legendary head coach Joe Zavattaro. The Nahant, MA native became a starter the moment he stepped on campus. He became an instant threat in the middle of the NASC lineup. Carmody's career took off during his junior season. In 1987, he batted .371 with 8 HR's, 37 RBI's, and 38 runs. He led the team back into the NCAA tournament, his third consecutive appearance, and was also a contributor off the mound. He was named All New England after his impressive campaign.
Carmody didn't slow down as a senior as he batted .405 and smacked 13 HR's while driving in 42 runs. He would score 45 times during the season, but his ultimate highlight came a few weeks after his season concluded. Carmody's name was called in the 25th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. Upon signing, Carmody would play three years of minor league baseball, primarily as a pitcher.
Phil Caruso- Men's Soccer 1995-1996
Caruso played two years after transferring into NASC and made an indelible impact. During his first season under hall of fame head coach Ron Shewcraft, Caruso was an NSCAA All New England back anchoring a defense the spearheaded a run into the ECAC tournament. Caruso was a first team All MASCAC choice as a junior and saved his best season statistically for his senior season.
As a senior, Caruso went on the offensive. He would tally 8 goals and 3 assists in 1996, up from two goals as a junior. The Pembroke, MA native once again was the focal point of opposing game plans as he finished out his two year stint.