The Algonquin Hall of Fame inducted new members on Friday Nov. 29, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions to Algonquin athletics.

Friends, family and old classmates gathered to celebrate honored individuals ranging from a class of 1967 graduate to the 2011 and 2012 girls’ gymnastics teams. Major themes of the event were the advancement of women in sports, recalling inductees’ time as athletes at Algonquin and remembering Richard “Dick” Walsh, an inductee who died in September of this year.

The first inductee was class of 1973 graduate Cynthia “Cindy” Taylor Dayotas. As a senior, she participated in the first Clark Basketball Tournament following the 1972 passing of Title IX, which allowed greater equity for women in sports. Dayotas’ high school athletic career involved three years of varsity basketball, four years of varsity softball and participation on five Midland League Championship teams.

“We had great coaches, many gifted athletes from Northborough and Southborough, and many opportunities to practice and play any sport we chose,” Dayotas wrote in a personal statement for the induction program. “The bonds we enjoyed in sports developed deep friendships that continue today.”

Dayotas reflected on the impact fellow inductee Richard Walsh had on her athletic experience.

“I wish coach Walsh was here today to see the skinny little girl from the neighborhood who completely understands his love of sports,” Dayotas said.

Another inductee who was recognized for her accomplishments in womens’ sports was Patti Fouracre Serafin, who competed in 11 seasons of Algonquin athletics, nine of which were varsity seasons. She competed on the 1969 and 1970 girls’ field hockey teams and the 1971 girls’ basketball team which all had undefeated regular seasons. Serafin was grateful for her induction, referencing what it means to the larger fight for gender equality in women’s sports, which was prevalent during her time at Algonquin.

“Thank you to all of us, at that time called tom-boys, who pioneered a way for women in sports,” Serafin said.

Dayotas and Serafin also received praise from Richard Walsh’s son, Mike Walsh.

“Every womens’ team member participating in Algonquin sports today should be thankful to both [Serafin] and [Dayotas] (and others, of course) for quieting all the critics and proving that women’s sports deserved the same opportunities as the men’s sports at a time when there were many doubters back in the late ’60’s,” Mike Walsh said via email.

Mike Walsh and his brother John Walsh also had words to share on behalf of their father. The brothers found a speech their father wrote for the induction before his death. Mike Walsh read the speech in which Richard Walsh reflected on his impact as a coach, athletic director and Physical Education teacher.

“My only hope is that my presence and involvement with all the students and the staff and the administrators and the coaches made a difference,” Richard Walsh wrote.

In his speech, Richard Walsh also allowed himself to be remembered, sharing that while he is no longer at Algonquin, he is accessible and still very much a part of the community.

“In closing, please feel free to stop by and say hi, but take note that I have relocated,” Richard Walsh wrote. “I am no longer in at 10 Assabet Drive. You won’t find me on the football field or on the baseball field. Don’t look for me on the softball field, pitching at softball [physical education] class, or at the top of the trees in the Project Adventure course. The ladies in the cafeteria will be busy watching 1400 students eat lunch all by themselves without me, so don’t go there either looking for me. I relocated.”

Another inductee with a long legacy in Algonquin’s athletic history is 1967 graduate A. Bruce Whittier who still holds the longest-standing record in Algonquin athletics: a 1966 shot put record of 56’ 2”. Whittier’s speech reflected on the nature of a sport where the only person who could affect the outcome was himself.

“When you take up a sport like track, the eyes are on you,” Whittier said.

Whittier credited his success to an abundance of effort.

“That’s what I learned at Algonquin,” Whittier said. “The harder I worked, the luckier I got.” 

The ceremony then shifted to celebrate the 2011 and 2012 undefeated back-to-back State Champion seasons of the girls’ gymnastics team. Led by head coach and current social studies teacher Amelia Braun, this girls’ gymnastics team was one of the first female teams to bring Algonquin back-to-back championships. However, Braun believes the team’s success is better defined by their experiences than their accolades.

“What truly sets this team apart is their unwavering commitment to each other and their community,” Braun said. “For these athletes, it was never about the individual achievements no matter how significant. It was always about the team.”

In addition to the inductees, the Hall of Fame awards the Spirit Award each year, celebrating a member of the community who has supported Algonquin student-athletes and athletic programs. This year, it went to photographer Jeff Slovin. As he has taken photos since 2013, Slovin has enjoyed getting to know student photographers and athletes alike during his time on the sidelines.

“There’s a lot of great athletes here at Algonquin, and I love helping them show their talents,” Slovin said.

The final inductee was Ann Fidyrch, who established the Mark Fidrych Foundation in the name of her late husband, Algonquin graduate and 1976 Major League Baseball American League Rookie of the Year, Mark “The Bird” Fidrych. 

“[The Mark Fidrych Foundation] is organized for charitable and benevolent purposes to enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs, with a focus on sports and sports education,” the induction program stated.

Donating to Algonquin’s Unified Sports programs, Fidrych has been a major contributor to the development of opportunities for students with disabilities to experience athletics.

“Algonquin being a Unified Champion school, we are able to provide them with funding but they do all of the heavy lifting,” Fidrych said.

Recently, the Unified Basketball team hosted a “Boros Unified Ballers” event which Fidrych attended along with friends who found joy in the inclusivity of Algonquin sports.

“A friend of mine sitting next to me said, ‘I wish all sports could be like this where the kids just enjoy the moment and have joy because they can play,’” Fidrych said.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a celebration of increased inclusivity, legendary commitments and years of success in Algonquin athletics. Many of the inductees credited Algonquin sports as a catalyst for their development.

“[I] thank Algonquin, my family, my lifelong childhood friends and the Northborough community for the roots that anchored me in my teens and gave me the knowledge and strength to grow new roots on my journey,” Serafin wrote in a personal statement for the induction program.