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Honoring Excellence at Tabor’s First All-School Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony

Honoring Excellence at Tabor’s First All-School Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony

On Friday, October 25, 2024, Tabor Academy inducted Torin J. Francis ’02, Andrew J. Santos ’52, Kathleen Dwyer Teravainen ’89, Captain George E. Glaeser, and the 1995 Boys Varsity Squash team into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

This year’s event looked a little different than years prior—the induction ceremony was presented in front of the entire school, in Hoyt Auditorium, for the very first time. The ceremony opened with a performance of the National Anthem by Ashley Byrnes ’25 and Tabor’s alma mater by the Madrigals. Director of Athletics Kelly Walker welcomed inductees and their guests back to campus, followed by the Athletic Hall of Fame Address from Head of School Tony Jaccaci, and ending with introductions and speeches from inductees and those receiving the honor on their behalf.

“This is a new format of the Hall of Fame for us and the goal is to spark the aspirations of our students as they might find themselves here for an induction of their own one day,” said Walker. 

By showcasing the accomplishments of past athletes, the communal celebration encouraged school spirit and unity, fostered a sense of belonging, and brought together diverse groups to support and celebrate Tabor’s rich athletic history. Emotions ran high as memories were shared and, through laughter and tears, there was a tangible sense of pride for teammates, coaches, classmates, and Seawolf Nation.

The 2024 class of inductees now join 55 members of the Athletic Hall of Fame, whose names are all on display along the concourse of the Fish Center for Health and Athletics. Made up of individual athletes, coaches, and teams spanning years from as early as 1937 to as recently as 2004, they all share a few things in common: the attributes of sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and achievement.

“In looking at this year’s inductees and those who joined the Hall since its inception in 2016, I cannot help but be impressed by the depth and breadth of the athletic excellence here at Tabor. To say that athletics is an important part of the Tabor experience would be an understatement,” remarked Jaccaci.

On behalf of their historic achievements and for contributing to the lasting legacy of Tabor’s athletic program, Tabor is honored to induct the below individuals and team into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Their efforts and commitment to excellence inspire the students and faculty who walk the same halls, courts, fields, and seas that the awardees once did. You can find their full bios online, and a recording of the induction ceremony at the bottom of this article.

Coach: Captain George E. Glaeser

Captain Glaeser was introduced by Izzie Konowicz ’26, current Executive Officer (XO) of SSV Tabor Boy. In her speech, she recounted stories shared with her by David Mears ’87; Captain Geil, who commanded the Tabor Boy from 1987 to 2020; and Christine Glaeser Williams, who accepted the award on her father’s behalf. In closing, Konowicz reflected, “I know that Captain Glaeser and I had at least one thing in common: a love for Tabor and for the Tabor Boy program. My time sailing here has taught me that anything is possible, and that Captain Glaeser could not have been more right in saying, 'Never underestimate the power of a teenager.'”

Team: 1995 Boys Varsity Squash

The squash team was introduced by Guillermo Moronta ’02, alum, current faculty member and squash coach. “Squash is a relentless sport. It demands more than just skill; it demands endurance, speed, agility, and mental toughness,” he stressed, “A match can feel like a chess game played at 100 miles per hour—strategic and thoughtful, yet physically exhausting.” Moronta went on to share some of the 1995 team’s accomplishments—such as winning the New England Championship after an undefeated season—and thanking Coach Mike Silipo for his leadership.

Individual Athlete: Torin J. Francis ’02

Under the leadership of Coach First, Francis pushed Tabor’s basketball program into the national spotlight and three of its best seasons in history, which included both a 27- and 25-win season and a spot in the USA Top 25 national rankings. During his senior season he became the first and only Tabor basketball player to ever be named a McDonald’s All-American and the 2002 McDonald’s National High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Miles Wright ’14 returned to his beloved alma mater to introduce Francis to the community at the Hall of Fame ceremony. Although they graduated over a decade apart, he remembered hearing stories of the basketball legend during his time as a student. Wright emphasized, “Torin’s journey is not one of just athletic achievement, it’s a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of community … Torin was the best basketball player in the entire country and still valued his education and was involved throughout the Tabor community.”

Individual Athlete: Andrew J. Santos ’52

Santos was a standout three-season athlete, who earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and golf. After graduating Tabor, he not only continued to play golf and football while at Williams College, but also led his basketball team to the NCAA Division I Championship Tournament in 1955, an achievement that later earned him and his team induction into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. At the Hall of Fame Ceremony, he was introduced by Rick DaSilva ’89, who expressed, “As a fellow Tabor graduate who shares Cape Verdean ethnicity and is a native of Marion, I am proud and deeply moved to be here celebrating the life of someone whose inspired experiences paved the way for future generations, including mine … Today, we celebrate Andy Santos, the athlete, coach, and educator; and Andy Santos, the trailblazer, role model, and friend.” 

Individual Athlete: Kathleen Dwyer Teravainen ’89

Another three-season varsity athlete, Teravainen played field hockey, squash, and lacrosse. Katie Murphy ’25, captain of the field hockey team, was given the opportunity to introduce her at the induction ceremony. She highlighted some of Teravainen’s many athletic achievements, including being selected to the U.S. Olympic Development Program; leading the 1988 field hockey team to be New England Co-Champions; and attending Duke University on a full scholarship for field hockey, where she was awarded the title of Atlantic Coast Conference Senior All Star before graduating. Murphy concluded, “As an athlete myself, I get to see firsthand the competitive high stakes sports world and let me tell you, it is not easy or common for someone to be as accomplished as Kate in multiple varsity sports … She has become an inspiration and role model for me. From the outside looking into Kate's life, her hard work and determination to always strive for greatness has motivated me to reach my full potential.”

The School by the Sea would also like to extend a special thank you to the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee: Rick DaSilva ’89, Nicole DeBlois Greene ’95, Diana Cochran Knightly ’88, Tiffany Kornegay Rivera ’08, Rich Roller, and Kelly Walker.