Manchester Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Inductees

MANCHESTER, CT — The Manchester Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 2023 inductee class.

The 2023 Manchester Sports Hall of Fame inductee class includes:

Individual Achievement Award

(Awarded in recognition of athletic or coaching achievements)

• Richard Cormier: 1996 MHS graduate, All-State Champion and record-holder swimmer.
• Jack Maloney: 1975 MHS graduate, 3-sport letterman, football, basketball and baseball standout.
• Meghan McFee Balavender: 2007 ECHS graduate, All-State and MVP volleyball and basketball player.
• Mark Murphy: 1979 ECHS graduate, MVP basketball player at ECHS and Fordham University.

Legends Award

(Being presented posthumously for life-long participation and support in Manchester sports)

• John F. Tierney: 1931 MHS graduate

Founders Award

(Awarded to individuals and organizations that have dedicated their time and support to Manchester athletics)

• Christopher Silver: 1985 MHS graduate, Director of the Town of Manchester’s Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation

McCluskey Award

(Awarded to individuals for exemplary achievement or support to the Manchester Road Race)

• Lance Morgan: Key supervisor for the Manchester Road Race (MRR) AMR Blood Drive.

Marcy MacDonald/Title IX Award

(Awarded to those who contribute to women sports and the spirit of Title IX)

• Dennis Cumberbatch: Co-founder and organizer of Manchester’s Girls Town and Travel soccer league and teams.

2023 Team Award

(Awarded to teams that have excelled in the sports arena)

● 1994-1996 MHS Girls X-Country Team - Coached by Stan Bebyn, honoring three years of running excellence in Connecticut and New England.

An induction ceremony and dinner for the 2023 class is slated for Nov. 4 at 4:30 p.m. with a social hour followed by dinner at 6 p.m. at Georgina’s Restaurant in Bolton. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the Park Hill Joyce Flower Shop, located at 36 Oak Street, Manchester.

For questions regarding ticket purchase, call 860-649-0791.

The Manchester Sports Hall of Fame is a volunteer-based organization that focuses on recognizing the athletic achievements of past and present members of the Manchester community. The MSHOF commemorates an annual class of Manchester sports heroes, as well as offers a scholarship program to local high school scholar-athletes.

The Manchester Sports Hall of Fame in partnership with the Town of Manchester Bicentennial group will unveil its new exhibit on Sept. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m at its new home at the Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center, 110 Cedar St.

The multi-floor exhibit highlights the first 42 years of Manchester Sports Hall of Fame inductees.

Accentuated with display panels, the exhibit spans two floors of the recently revamped Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center, officially signifying the move from its original home at the Old Manchester Museum at 126 Cedar St.

The exhibit’s new location will allow for increased access by the public and allow for the continued expansion of recognized athletes. The exhibit aims to recognize the history and accomplishments of the diverse slate of athletes from the Town of Manchester and to inspire all those who visit to achieve excellence, both inside and outside of athletic competition.

Food and refreshments will be provided by Highland Park Market. There is no fee to attend.