Boston, MA- On the evening of Saturday October 5th, 2019, the Fisher Athletics Department proudly welcomed its 14th class into the Fisher Falcons Athletic Hall of Fame. This years class members were Baseball pitcher, Kevin Michael '11, Women's Soccer player Deanna Morency '14, and Men's Basketball point guard Kyle Murphy '14. The event took place off campus at the beautifully decorated Longwood Inn in Boston, MA, which was directly across the way from The Winsor School where all of the Homecoming happenings occurred earlier in the day. The well-attended event was highlighted not only by the induction of the three Hall of Famers, but also the presentation of the Ryan Henry Award, the Dennis Bistany Award, the Barbara Haggerty Award, and the Elaine McGovern Award. Baseball coach, Scott Dulin, was also presented with an award for his career milestone 500th win that occurred in the 2018-2019 season. 

Falcons Athletics were honored to induct the 14^th class in to the Athletic Hall of Fame. Kevin Michael was a right handed pitcher for the Falcons over his four-year career. During his tenure as a Falcon, he served as a captain and was an All-Conference player in 2011. Michael is currently 7^th all-time in the Falcons record book in games played (50), tied for 3^rd all-time in games started (29), 4^th all-time in complete games (10), 3^rd all-time in innings pitched (184.7), tied for 4^th all-time for wins (15). Coach Dulin had the pleasure of coaching Kevin for four years. "Kevin was a true competitor and leader.  The baseball team does not always name captains, but Kevin was elected captain by his peers because of the way he approached the game.  His 15 wins and winning record came during the transition years where the schedule was enhanced with more games versus scholarship schools," said Dulin. Kevin was presented his award by his former pitching coach, John Trask.

Deanna Morency was a four-year starter for the Women's Soccer program. She did just about everything on the field for the Falcons, including goalkeeper. During her sophomore season, Morency had an astounding 140 saves, which currently ranks second on the all-time list in the Falcons record book. Deanna is also second all-time for games started in goal (19) and career saves (246). In her four years, she earned All-Conference honors in three different conferences as both a goalkeeper and defender. Deanna was also a true leader not only on her team but on campus. She served as captain for her junior and senior season, and was involved in many other activities on campus. Director of Alumni Affairs and Student Activities Amanda Matarese had the pleasure of getting to know Deanna. "Deanna was heavily involved on campus. When she wasn't on the field, she could be found giving tours to prospective students or getting involved in student activities. Her smile was contagious," said Matarese. As stated by her nominator, Janice Dominguez,"Deanna defined what it was to be a Fisher soccer player. Her main objective was always to better the team. You saw this in the countless amount of times that she made individual sacrifices on the field (like playing goalkeeper, although it was not her primary position). Deanna represented the program in a multitude of ways on and off the field." Deanna was presented her award by her former coach William "Bill" Maddock.

Kyle Murphy was the starting point guard throughout his four-year tenure for the Falcons. He also excelled as a commuter in the classroom, always maintaining one of the highest GPA's on the men's basketball team. Kyle was also a captain during his senior season and was considered a tremendous leader by his teammates, both on and off the court. As stated by his nominator and Former Fisher athlete and teammate of Kyle, Chris Sadafsaz, "Kyle was a great leader on and off the court. Him and I shared the court for four seasons. There was no better point guard to be on the court throughout our playing time together. Everyone looked to him for ways to improve their game." Kyle was also successful on the court as a player as he holds the Fisher Falcons career record for assists (453), is 9th all-time in defensive rebounds (256) and 9th all-time in steals (118). He also holds the season record for assists as he tallied 164 during his senior season. Kyle was presented by his nominator and teammate, Chris Sadafsaz.

Along with the Hall of Fame inductions the other Falcons awards were presented throughout the evening. The Ryan Henry Award is given out to those student-athletes that exemplify team spirit. Ryan Henry was a basketball player for Fisher College in 2008-2010.  Ryan was not just known for his talents on the court.  Ryan was respected amongst all students on campus for his outgoing and positive attitude towards the Fisher College community.  Ryan was tragically murdered while he was home over break. Because of his contagious Fisher spirit, we named the Fisher College Ryan Henry Spirit Award in his honor. This year the award was presented to two current Fisher Basketball players, seniors Anthony Lewis and Piper Mali.

The Barbara Haggerty Award is awarded as a Fan Appreciation. Barbard was the mother of Kyle Van Offeren, a baseball player that graduated in 2007.  Kyle started here as a player in 2003, where his mom became the face of the Fisher College Falcons fan base.  She attended multiple sporting events and followed when she could not attend games.  She traveled all over New England to watch games.  In the spring of 2005, she was diagnosed with cancer that ultimately took her life later that spring.  She was unable to leave the hospital to see the baseball team win their first Regional title being played on the Cape.  After the Championship game, the team went straight to the hospital to give her the plaque.  That same year, we named the Fan Appreciation Award in her honor. This year's Barbara Haggerty Award was presented to Sport Management professor, Dr. Katie Shea.

Next up was the Dennis Bistany Award which was an award created in Dennis' memory as a way honor good character. Dennis Bistany was an assistant coach for baseball from 2003-2007.  Dennis was known in the department as the moral compass, never compromising his integrity and values.  Dennis was also known for his selflessness when it came to helping our youth.  He volunteered for many youth organizations and left the corporate world to go into education.  Dennis died the same way he lived, trying to help others.  He drowned while trying to save his friend in a lake in New Hampshire. This year's Dennis Bistany Award was presented to Women's Basketball senior and ASA President, Meghan Case, and a junior outfielder on the baseball team, Jordan Gosselin.

Lastly, the Elaine McGovern Award was presented to a faculty or staff member that exemplifies school spirit and the spirit of giving back to the students. Elaine McGovern, the wife of former Fisher President and Hall of Fame member, Thomas McGovern, bleeds Fisher blue in every sense.  She attended all events to show support in spirit and she always came with gifts.  She poured her heart and soul into helping make the Fisher student experience as good as it could possibly be. This year's Elaine McGovern Award was presented to former Director of Housing, and Fisher alum, Kyle Grenier '07.

Each Hall of Fame inductee, along with past Hall of Fame inductees were presented with a gift from Director of Athletics, Cathy Courtney. "The Hall of Fame night is my favorite event of the year.  We celebrate our history and foundation as we look to the future of Fisher athletics.  Past Hall of Fame inductees, along with the Fisher Senior class were in attendance, all sharing stories of their respective athletic experiences in their time at Fisher, said Courtney. "We wanted to give the inductees a gift. We went with a jacket that the inductees could wear proudly." 

The next Hall of Fame ceremony will take place in the Fall of 2021, which will be a special one, as it will mark the 20th anniversary of Fisher Athletics. The Athletics Hall of Fame Committee will continue to take nominees over that time, with the nomination form found here.