MCLA Inducting Eight Into Athletic Hall of Fame
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The inductees include local residents Bill Caprari (class of 1975, baseball), Sam Gomez (cross country coach, a posthumous inductee) and Sue Plankey LeClair (2001, softball), as well as Laurie Pecoraro (2000, soccer), Steve Swail (1989, baseball), Jim Hachey (1986, soccer), Andy Marhoffer (1983, ice hockey) and Tom Cronin (1987, basketball).
Caprari was a standout athlete and educator at MCLA for more than 30 years. The 1975 graduate starred as a member of the baseball team, winning Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference championships in 1972 and 1974. He was the captain of the 1974 team and presented the prestigious Louis Parisien Award in 1975. Following his playing career, Caprari became a staff member at the college, working in the Athletic Department for more than 20 years. He earned his master's in education from the college in 1982.
Gomez founded the cross country program while working as a professor at MCLA and was its first coach. The Sam Gomez Road Race has been run in his honor for the last 32 years.
LeClair was the only four-time MVP in softball history, winning the award from 1998 to 2001. She was a three-time All-Conference performer and earned All New England honors those same years. Her teams won more than 20 games in three of her four seasons, and she was recognized by the Eastern College Athletic Conference and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for her accomplishments.
Pecoraro was a two-time Sue Getchell Award winner. She was voted team MVP on three different occasions and was twice named to the All-Conference team. Pecoraro was named captain for the 1999 soccer season.
Swail was a member of two MASCAC championship baseball teams. In 1989, he was named captain and led his team to a 19-9 record. Swail was also awarded the Parisien Award in 1989. During his career, the baseball team won 66 games in three seasons.
Hachey was a two-time MVP during his soccer career. His teams won 46 games in his four seasons. He was a two-time all conference performer in goals and a member of the 1983 team that advanced to the ECAC playoffs.
Marhoffer was the MVP of the hockey team in 1983.
Cronin was the two-time basketball MVP. He was a captain of the 1987 championship team that advanced to the NCAA tournament, and he was twice named to the MASCAC all conference team for his efforts.
For more information on the Hall of Fame and the induction ceremony, contact the athletic office at 413-662-5411.

