NHTI celebrates inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame

CONCORD, N.H. (NHTI) – NHTI Athletic Department celebrated the first ever Hall of Fame class with an induction ceremony on Friday, September 20. The class of former coaches, athletes and special contributors to NHTI Athletics celebrated with a special ceremony on the beautiful NHTI campus with a crowd of 175 family, friends and guests. A cocktail reception was followed by the induction ceremony with every inductee receiving a commemorative plaque, special gift and DVD of the ceremony.

The 15 inductees included Katie Stockton (women's soccer/Claremont), Luke Merrill (baseball/Pittsburg), Mel (Keeler) Crane (women's softball/Concord), Nick Papamichael (men's soccer/Raymond), Robert Bechard (men's basketball/Manchester), Lauren (Daniels) Last (women's basketball/Concord), Austin Fox (Hooksett/Golf), Katie (O'Connell) Lacey (volleyball/Northwood), Chris "Speedy" Lawes (men's basketball/Peterborough), Nacho Hernando (Cross Country/Spain), Shalynn (Napolitano) Ouellette (softball/Lawrence, Mass), Andrew Bird (men's soccer/Hollis), Heather Searles (cross country/Henniker), Coach Steve Ambra (women's soccer) and Coach Don Welford (men's soccer).

Stockton was an inaugural member of the very first USCAA Hall of Fame in 2017. Searles won a National Championship in women's cross country in 2008 held at Southern Virginia University. Lawes was a member of the 2005 USCAA D-2 National Championship men's basketball team.

Hernando, Bird and Ouellette all sent in video clip acceptances that were included in the ceremony. Hernando lives in Miami, Florida, Bird in Dorsett, England and Ouellette in Bakersfield, California.

"Our first ceremony celebrating a fantastic collection of athletes and coaches was amazing" says Paul Hogan who served as the night's master of ceremonies. "Their many contributions, athletic exploits and careers have left a distinct legacy at NHTI. This was a glorious night to celebrate this special group of inductees"