Sport teaches many lessons, regardless of specific sport. The biennial Hall of Fame induction shared timeless lessons for our benefit.
Last night's speeches can help us better athletes, coaches, parents, and people.
One posthumous inductee's family and a teammate shared his values:
Gratitude
Bryan Cook consistently recognized his good fortune and appreciation for his teammates and coaches at Melrose, Exeter, and Harvard.
Leadership
In addition to always being an exceptional scorer, he was always the captain, from eighth grade to his senior year in college.
Passion and Mentoring
Kevin Persons explained how much he enjoyed many sports, but his coach redirected him to track. He explained how he was alway best at "freeze tag" and how success in childhood play helped him become a champion in high school and an All-American at Williams.
Culture
Sarah McGowan was a volleyball state champion and Gatorade Player of the Year finalist. When she went to the local volleyball camp she found a welcoming culture that made her gravitate to the sport.
She thanked her coach, Scott Celli, for his encouragement and her teammates for helping her to succeed.
Storytelling
She also thanked local sports media for 'exceptional storytelling' that helped capture the experience for the players and community.
Love of Sport
Griffin Barriss spoke representing the 2017 Distance Medley Relay team. He explained how running created a lifelong love of sport whether running in high school or the Boston Marathon. He noted that "practice in our sport is called punishment in other sports."
Feeling Alive
Coach Kevin Allison (Track, Cross-Country) explained how athletes had the privilege of gathering in electric atmospheres with crowds, music, and hundreds or thousands of other athletes. He thought that nothing felt you "feel as alive" as those moments in sport.
Values in Sport
Adam Caffey spoke for the 2017 football team (13-0) that captured a State Championship. He addressed commitment, culture, and sacrifice and the role of parents, coaches, and sport in building the men they are today.
Nobody plays high school sports with the idea that they'll be inducted into a local Hall of Fame. In team sports they play for each other, for the joy of the game, and the love of competition.
Lagniappe. What does your workout look like? Is it about looking good or creating the player that helps a team win?
I see many kids working out like a PRO when theres no need for it right now. Hella dribbles, hella isolation stuff like your Luka or James harden at the top of the key. Aint nobody playing like that. Work on catch & shoot. Catch & drive. Catch & pass & get it back. It TRANSLATES!
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) September 16, 2026
