Webster inducts Athletic Hall of Fame inaugural class

17 Dec

Webster is a huge sports town.

We have two very successful high school athletic programs, multiple public and youth sports clubs, and high-quality sports facilities like the Webster Athletic Center, Webster Thomas Field House, Lakefront Soccer Club and several lighted stadiums, which draw athletes from all over the region for swimming and diving, softball, hockey, soccer and Special Olympics competitions.

Because of the Webster community’s strong commitment to sports, our programs have produced dozens of respected coaches and athletes who made a lasting impact here and have gone on to accomplish remarkable things.

On Friday, Jan. 2, the achievements of 23 of these men and women will be recognized when the Webster Central School District announces the inaugural class of the Webster Athletic Hall of Fame.

The entire community is invited to join the festivities. They begin with a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder auditorium, 875 Ridge Road. The celebration then moves that evening to Schroeder gymnasium, where the varsity girls basketball team will play at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the action will pause for the public introduction and honoring of the inaugural Webster Athletic Hall of Fame class. The celebration concludes with the varsity boys basketball game immediately afterward.

These coaches and athletes, representing decades of Webster athletics, will be honored:

  • Kevin Akins, athlete – track, class of 1978;
  • Chris Barnes, coach – girls lacrosse, class of 1984;
  • Brian Bliss, athlete – soccer, class of 1983; 
  • Dave “Boots” Boutillier, athlete – cross country, track and field, class of 1988; 
  • Marc Carlton, athlete – swimming and diving, class of 2000; 
  • Jim Cripps, athlete – basketball, football, track, class of 1961; 
  • Carl Garritano, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2003; 
  • Gregor Gillespie, athlete – wrestling, class of 2005; 
  • William J. “Bill” Guerrera, coach – boys lacrosse, football
  • Colleen C. Kelly, athlete – basketball, soccer, softball, class of 2002; 
  • Patrick J. Kelly II, athlete – basketball,  football, lacrosse, class of 1983; 
  • Brian Kozlowski, athlete – football, class of 1988; 
  • Jim Kruze, coach – cross country, girls soccer, track and field, class of 1967; 
  • Rachel Kruze, athlete – soccer, class of 1999; 
  • Brenna Mason, athlete – soccer, class of 2012; 
  • Linda McCoy, coach – basketball, field hockey, softball; 
  • Bill O’Rourke Jr., coach and athlete – basketball, class of 1968; 
  • Bill O’Rourke Sr., coach – basketball; 
  • Thomas O’Rourke, athlete – basketball, class of 1970; 
  • Emily Resnick, athlete – lacrosse, class of 2015; 
  • Carrie Santore, athlete – gymnastics, class of 2000; 
  • Nina Scalzo, athlete – soccer, class of 2000; and 
  • Joseph Zaccardo, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2005.

The Webster Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the rich athletic heritage of Webster’s public high schools. It recognizes the exceptional achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have shaped their winning traditions, be they Ridgemen, Lakers, Warriors, Titans, or Lions.

Plans have not yet been finalized for a permanent display of all of the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, so stay tuned for details about that.

Nominations are ongoing. The selection criteria include:

  • The candidate must have excelled in one or more sports while a student at any Webster public high school.
  • Former students must have graduated from Webster at least 10 years ago.
  • Coaches must be retired from the position at which they served, or been actively coaching at a Webster public high school for a minimum of 10 years before being considered for induction.
  • Athlete/coach must have been in good standing while participating on, or coaching an athletic team. and have conducted his or herself in such a way as to reflect honor on the school.

For more information and the nomination form, click here.

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(posted 12/17/2025)

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