Canterbury Celebrates the Athletics Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026

In 2015, Canterbury’s Athletics Hall of Fame inducted its first class to honor and perpetuate the legacy of teams and individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the field of athletics at the School. On May 1, the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026—Michael K. Onorato, Patrick Finn, C. Scott Mastusovich ’88, and Patricia (Sordoni) Rasmusen ’92—was celebrated at a ceremony in the Steers Center Ragland Commons.

“The Athletics Hall of Fame gives us the opportunity to pause and recognize not only extraordinary athletic achievement, but the character, leadership, and commitment behind it, and the individuals whose contributions have helped define Canterbury athletics over time,” said Head of School Caroline Blatti in her opening remarks. 

Michael earned a posthumous induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame and was honored as an “Extraordinary Individual.” Widely regarded as one of Connecticut’s finest skate sharpeners, Mike managed the grounds department and hockey rink at Canterbury. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously by Director of Athletic Training and Associate Director of Athletics, Misi Babington.

“Mike Onorato’s legacy at Canterbury is not defined by a single title or role, but rather by nearly 30 years of service, passion, and unwavering dedication to athletics and community,” she said. “He may not be in the record books for points, goals, assists, saves, personal bests, or fastest times, but he certainly made it possible for Canterbury students to do exactly that.”

Rich Carter ’95 inducted Patrick, who served as the coach of Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse at Canterbury from 1986 to 2001. Rich praised Coach Finn as a deeply caring, consistent, respectful leader whose commitment to his players extended far beyond the field, a sentiment Pat echoed in his own remarks. “The wins and losses, they don’t really mean that much,” he said. “What we did on the field was really an extension of advisory, morning meeting, classes, and everything else we do here. We just carried it onto the field and tried to create the same kind of experience.”

Board of Trustees member Douglas Famigletti ’90, P ’25 inducted Scott, who excelled as a triple varsity athlete at Canterbury. He went on to play hockey at Yale, was drafted by the Calgary Flames, and played for the Nashville Knights, New Haven Senators, Wheeling Thunderbirds, and Portland Pirates. “Over the past several weeks, I’ve received so many calls, emails, and messages from friends, classmates, and teammates, and it immediately brought back all the memories of why this place is so special,” Scott shared in his remarks. “The time on the ice, on the field, in the locker room, piling into vans for away games, they are some of the best memories of my life.”

Former Saints basketball coach Jim Pettyjohn inducted Patricia, another triple varsity athlete who served as the Girls’ Lacrosse captain, Girls’ Soccer captain, and a basketball player, named MVP of the NEPSAC League, MVP of the 1990-1991 season tournament, and 1991–1992 All-Star. Jim described Patricia as a tenacious athlete and a leader who never backed down from a challenge. “I invited Jim Pettyjohn to be here tonight because he believed in me before I believed in myself,” Patricia said. “I was this tall, awkward kid who didn’t know what I could become, and he saw something in me. And that’s what Canterbury does. It shapes you through moments like that—through people who invest in you.”

Each of the four honorees reflects athletics’ ability to build community and character. As the Hall of Fame continues to grow, it preserves not only the remarkable accomplishments of teams and individuals but the spirit, determination, and sportsmanship that will continue to define Canterbury and its athletes. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!