Canterbury families, alumni, and current students gathered for the annual Homecoming Weekend and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony hosted on Saturday, October 27.
While several of the Homecoming games were rescheduled due to the weather, the Varsity Football team braved the gusts and rainfall to battle against Proctor Academy, NH, ending the afternoon victoriously for the Saints with a 37-24 win. Water Polo also defied the blustery winds to beat Wilbraham and Monson Academy, MA with a 20-8 win.
While the Homecoming Tent was also affected by the weather, the highly anticipated barbeque from Cookhouse Restaurant tasted just as delicious indoors. Alumni athletes mingled with current Saints competitors in the Athletic Center lobby before the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Seven Canterbury athletes as well as the 1994 Boys' Varsity Hockey team were honored at the evening's reception. Individual inductees included Kristen Dunham Crawford '92, Eric Trach '91, Bill Bjorness '82 (posthumous), Dorothy Alpert '78, Michael McBride '71, Christopher Doyle '67, and Thomas Gilbane Jr. '65.
"We are so grateful to our inductees and their families, as well as the many alumni and friends who were part of such a tremendous evening," remarked Associate Director of Advancement Jen Loprinzo. "The stories of former athletes, coaches and teams that comprise the great tradition of Canterbury athletics were truly inspiring. Likewise, the evening was a vivid reminder of the collective pride our alumni feel for our School–pride that is fueled by fond memories of days on this hilltop and a genuine excitement for Canterbury's future."
The evening began with opening remarks from Board of Trustees President Bob Steers '71 before the transition to speeches from individual inductees. "It is very gratifying to see so many of you gathered here tonight and to feel the palpable pride in this room," noted Bob. "There is tremendous synergy when we bring alumni back to campus. At events like this, we enjoy reminiscing, renewing connections with one another and the School, and learning about the many points of intersection we share as fellow graduates."
Current families, students, Trustees, and faculty spent the evening in close conversation with visiting alumni and extended members of the Canterbury community. The evening's celebration marked the fourth such year of the induction ceremony. Since the inception of the Hall of Fame tradition in 2015, Canterbury has recognized 19 alumni, six coaches, and six teams, honoring the accomplishments of athletes from 1928 through 2003. The Induction Ceremony, in tandem with Homecoming, is a true celebration of excellence in Canterbury athletics—both past and present.