Athletic Hall of Fame

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CRA Athletic Hall of Fame

The CRA Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the proud tradition and rich heritage of athletic excellence in Dalton and its neighboring towns — Hinsdale, Windsor, Cummington, Peru, Becket, and Washington. Established to recognize, preserve, and honor the legacy of those who have made significant contributions to our local athletic programs, the Hall of Fame pays tribute to athletes, coaches, and supporters whose dedication and achievements have left a lasting impact on our community.

By honoring these individuals, we not only preserve their stories but also inspire future generations to carry forward the values of hard work, sportsmanship, and community pride.

A Space for Celebration, Reflection, and Connection

The CRA Hall of Fame room is more than just a tribute to athletic excellence — it’s a place where stories come alive and memories are shared. Located within the Community House, the Hall of Fame room is designed to honor the past while serving the present. This beautifully curated space welcomes visitors to take a walk down memory lane. With plaques, photographs, and memorabilia showcasing decades of local athletic history, the room offers a powerful reminder of the dedication, teamwork, and community pride that have shaped our programs over the years.

In addition to being open to the public, the Hall of Fame room is a fully functional space available for a variety of events. From team banquets and alumni gatherings to birthday parties, business meetings, and conferences, the room provides a warm and inspiring atmosphere for groups of all kinds. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a more formal event, the Hall of Fame offers a unique backdrop that blends functionality with a sense of tradition.

Rental options are available through the Community Recreation Association. With flexible setup options, Wi-Fi access, and support from our friendly staff, we’re happy to help make your event smooth and memorable.

Whether you’re reconnecting with former teammates, hosting an event, or simply exploring the stories that built our community, the CRA Athletic Hall of Fame room invites you to be part of something meaningful — a space where the past continues to inspire the future.

Hall of Fame Nominations

Nominations for the CRA Athletic Hall of Fame are always open! We encourage community members to nominate deserving athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors who have made a meaningful impact on local athletics.

To be considered for the current year’s nomination class, nominations must be submitted by Memorial Day. Any nominations received after will be held and reviewed for the following year’s nomination cycle.

Please note that nominations only need to be submitted once — those not selected in the current year will remain on file and be eligible for consideration in future years.

To submit a nomination, please fill out the following form. Forms are also available at the Community House front desk.

Athlete

Nominees in the Athlete category are individuals who demonstrated outstanding athletic achievement during their time participating in local athletic programs. These individuals consistently displayed skill, dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership both on and off the field. Whether they achieved significant success in high school, collegiate, or professional athletics, their accomplishments serve as a source of pride and inspiration for the community. To be eligible, athletes must be at least five years removed from active competition at the high school level.

Coaches

This category honors coaches, administrators, and athletic staff who made a lasting impact on local athletic programs through their leadership, mentorship, and commitment to youth development. These individuals have gone above and beyond in shaping the character and success of the athletes and teams they served. Their influence extends beyond wins and losses — they have helped build strong programs, guided generations of student-athletes, and strengthened the foundation of community athletics.

Teams

Teams selected for induction into the Hall of Fame are those that achieved exceptional success, demonstrated outstanding teamwork, or had a meaningful impact on the community’s athletic legacy. Whether through championship victories, groundbreaking accomplishments, or inspirational journeys, these teams represent the spirit and strength of unity. Inducted teams serve as a reminder of what can be achieved when talent, hard work, and community support come together.

Contributor

This category recognizes individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to the success and sustainability of local athletics, often behind the scenes. Whether through volunteer work, fundraising, program support, or advocacy, these honorees have played a vital role in building and preserving the athletic experience for generations. Their dedication reflects a deep commitment to community values and the belief that athletics can enrich lives and bring people together.

Hall of Fame Story of the Year

Each year, the CRA Athletic Hall of Fame selects one outstanding story that exemplifies the heart and soul of our local athletic tradition. The Story of the Year highlights an individual, team, or moment that captures what our Hall of Fame is all about — perseverance, sportsmanship, community pride, and the lasting impact of athletics on people’s lives.

This featured story may spotlight a dramatic victory, a personal triumph, an underdog journey, or even a quiet act of leadership or kindness that made a lasting difference. It could come from any era, any town, and any level of sport — as long as it reflects the values and spirit of our Hall of Fame.

More than just a highlight, the Story of the Year helps bring our history to life, reminding us that beyond the stats and trophies, it’s the people and their journeys that truly define our legacy.

Baseball in the Berkshires

a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of baseball in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. One of their notable initiatives is the monthly pop-up exhibit held at the CRA Athletic Hall of Fame. These rotating exhibits focus on specific themes or historical moments in Berkshire County’s baseball history, offering visitors a chance to delve into the local impact of the sport. For instance, past exhibits have highlighted the 1943 Dalton High School baseball team’s journey to the state finals and showcased artifacts like a 1970s George Foster Little League aluminum bat and memorabilia from the 1969 and 1967 Post 68 American Legion teams, both state finalists.

The pop-up exhibits are typically displayed in the Main Room of the Community House and are open to the public seven days a week during normal CRA hours, providing an accessible opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the rich tapestry of baseball history in the Berkshires.

Through these exhibits, Baseball in the Berkshires fosters a deeper appreciation for the sport’s local heritage, connecting community members across generations and preserving the stories that have shaped the region’s baseball legacy.

Athletic Hall of Fame Committee

Alison Peters
Executive Director

apeters@daltoncra.org

Dustin Belcher
Director of Operations

Hall of Fame, Chairman
dbelcher@daltoncra.org

The CRA Athletic Hall of Fame would not be possible without the dedication and passion of our volunteers. From organizing events and maintaining displays to researching nominations and preserving the stories of our local athletic legends, volunteers are the driving force behind everything we do.

Their commitment ensures that the history, pride, and tradition of sports in Dalton and the surrounding towns are not only honored but brought to life for future generations. Whether it’s lending a hand at an induction ceremony, helping with historical archives, or supporting community outreach, every volunteer plays a vital role in keeping the spirit of the Hall alive.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of the CRA Athletic Hall of Fame plays a pivotal role in overseeing the operations, strategic direction, and community engagement of the Hall. Composed of dedicated volunteers, this committee is instrumental in preserving the rich athletic heritage of Dalton and the surrounding towns, ensuring that the Hall continues to honor and celebrate the achievements of individuals, teams, coaches, and contributors. Current members of our Executive Committee include Patrick West, Joanne Dowling, Jackie McLaughlin and Gary Campbell Jr. all longtime community volunteers.

Committee Members – Dustin Belcher, Gary Campbell, Jr., Joanne Dowling, Jackie McLaughlin and Patrick West.

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee of the CRA Athletic Hall of Fame plays a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the rich athletic history of Dalton and its neighboring towns. Composed of dedicated community volunteers, the committee is tasked with gathering nominations, conducting research, and compiling a comprehensive list of potential inductees for consideration.

Committee Members – Jennifer Brandi-Rivers, Craig Crosier, Chris Dumas, Brian Farley, Bethany Hagmaier, Sara Hamilton, Mark Kaley, Kyle Lyman, Matthew Morrison, Ken Pease and Brian Poopor.

Event Committee

The Event Committee of the CRA Athletic Hall of Fame plays a vital role in ensuring the success and vibrancy of the Hall’s activities and ceremonies. Composed of dedicated volunteers and community members, this committee is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing events that celebrate and honor the achievements of local athletes, teams, coaches, and contributors.

Committee Members – Jen Belcher, Greg Barry, Lynn Barry, Wendy Dumas, Kara Keegan, Kelly Lussier, Sue Morrison and Connie West.

Supporting the Future Through the Legacy of the Past

Funds raised through the CRA Athletic Hall of Fame — including donations, event proceeds, and sponsorships — directly support youth athletic programs and community recreation initiatives at the Community Recreation Association (CRA).

These funds help provide equipment, scholarships, facility upgrades, and programming that ensure all children in Dalton and the surrounding towns have access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality athletic opportunities. From helping a young athlete afford registration fees to maintaining the fields and courts they play on, these contributions make a real difference.

Supporting the Hall of Fame means more than celebrating past achievements — it’s an investment in the next generation. By honoring those who came before, we create pathways for today’s youth to discover the same joy, discipline, teamwork, and community spirit that defined their predecessors.

Your support helps ensure that the values and traditions honored in the Hall continue to thrive for years to come.

In Grateful Appreciation to our
Inaugural sponsors

The CRA Hall of Fame would not be possible without the unwavering support of our Inaugural Sponsors. Their early commitment and belief in our vision laid the foundation for what has become a lasting tribute to excellence, innovation, and leadership in our industry. These sponsors are more than supporters—they are partners in preserving our legacy and inspiring future generations. We are proud to honor their contributions and thank them for helping bring the CRA Hall of Fame to life.

David and Susan Lombard
W. Murray Crane Trustees
Feigenbaum Foundation
Helen and Michael Caulfield
Chris and Kim Mathews
Hill Engineers, Architects, Planners Inc.
Silver Whip Media
Wahconah Country Club

Teams

1943 Dalton High School Baseball Team
1985 Wahconah Gymnastics Team
2005 Wahconah Golf Team

Athletes

Glenn Campbell
Jamie Chisum
Tim Cripps
Aliah Curry
Frank Dwyer
William “Mickey” Glendon
Suzanne “Sweep” Voll

Contributors

Louie Allegrone, Sr.
Archie DeAngelus
Charlie DeAngelus