Wehner, Carmody, Caruso inducted into hall of fame, Zavattaro receives NEIBA hall of fame plaque
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Athletics department held their annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday evening at the Holiday Inn in downtown North Adams. This years class was comprised of Kevin Carmody (Baseball 1985-1988), Phil Caruso (Soccer 1996-1997), and Jen Wehner (Basketball/Soccer 2009-2012).
The ceremony also featured a presentation for long time baseball coach and athletics director Joe Zavattaro, who was presented the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) hall of fame plaque.
The event was well attended as nearly 100 people packed the Holiday Inn.
Coach Zavattaro was a member of the inaugural NEIBA hall of fame class. Well known and respected amongst his peers, Zavattaro racked up 493 wins, 11 conference championships, and sent numerous players on to play professionally. As the athletics director, Zavattaro led a program that captured the MASCAC Smith Cup in 1986, a year in which six programs qualified for the NCAA tournament. Zavattaro is beloved by his former players, many of whom came back to honor their coach and longtime friend.
One of those players who admired Coach Zavattaro, was Kevin Carmody. Carmody was selected in the 25th round of the 1988 MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. He played three seasons professionally along with having four terrific years in North Adams. Carmody was a member of two MASCAC championship teams, was an All New England outfielder, and was counted on to drive in runs and hit towering home runs. He was also used as a pitcher, which is where he played as a professional.
To read Kevin Carmody's bio, please click HERE
Phil Caruso was a two year standout under hall of fame coach Ron Shewcraft in the Mid-90's. Caruso came to MCLA and his first season he played center back where he was an All New England selection and led the team into the ECAC tournament. As a senior, the Pembroke, MA native led the team in scoring with 8 goals and 3 assists. He was a tough competitor and led by example. For his efforts, he was also named team MVP.
To read Phil Caruso's bio, please click HERE
Rounding out the 2017 class was Jen Wehner. Wehner burst on to the scene during her freshman basketball season and was named All MASCAC all four seasons at MCLA. The two sport star excelled in both sports, setting records along the way. On the pitch, Wehner led MCLA to the 2010 MASCAC regular season championship with a 0.59 goals against average. She collected 202 saves as a junior and made 495 saves in her storied career.
To read Jen Wehner's bio, please click HERE
While her soccer numbers alone are Hall of Fame worthy, her basketball accolades are off the charts. Wehner was an All New England standout for her final two seasons at MCLA and was the MASCAC player of the year as a junior. She led MCLA to their only NCAA appearance in 2010, where the Trailblazers would face off against #1 Amherst. Wehner collected 19 points in defeat, but she would go on to become the only player in basketball history to record over 1,000 points and rebounds in a career. Wehner ended her campaign as the school's all time leading scorer with 1,606 points in a Trailblazer uniform. She was an easy choice as a three time team MVP.
Each of the honorees conducted a ten minute interview about their induction which came with strong messages to the student athletes who were in attendance.
For more information on the Hall of Fame at MCLA, please click HERE