Coach Rick Francis was the kind of person who not only worked tirelessly with athletes on the football field and basketball court, but served as a mentor off the field as well.
“He was always quick with a smile, a hearty hello, and a word of encouragement,” wrote Peter Kostos ’87 in his nomination. “He was also, at least to many of us who played for him, a surrogate parent, somebody we could trust and come to with a problem, concern, or question that we felt we could not ask somebody else.”
Ledell Robinson ’14
Ledell, played a significant role in the varsity baseball team’s last two games against Pomfret and Millbrook. During the week, Ledell went 3 for 6 at the plate with a grand slam and 7 RBI. Ledell also scored four runs and had two stolen bases while playing strong defense at his centerfield position in the outfield.
Karly Simpson ’13
A captain for the girls varsity lacrosse team, Karly has had an outstanding start to the season. In two big in wins over Westminster and Millbrook, Karly scored nine goals and had six assists. With a competitive edge and natural leadership skills, Karly’s will to win is undeniable. She has been a motivator on and off the field, dominating in draw control and ground balls, and being a positive role model for her teammates.
Cam LaMotte ’14
In boys JV lacrosse, Cam LaMotte is a co-leader in goals so far this season. That includes an overtime goal to win the team’s first game and a hat trick against Hopkins. Cam was recently elected captain by his teammates, in recognition of his hustle and leadership both on and off the field. He has been an energetic and enthusiastic leader throughout the season and continues to push himself and his teammates to improve every game and practice.
Coach Ray Brown, who was known to heft more than a few victory cups in his time, has been inducted into not one, but two halls of fame. Both were nods to his long, winning records as the boys soccer coach (1965-1993) and girls basketball coach (1976-2002).
After attending Williston Academy as a post-graduate with the Class of 1955, Coach Brown played soccer and basketball at Kenyon College. He returned to Williston in 1959, where he would remain for the next 43 years.
Coach Wilmot “Babs” Babcock certainly knew how to win, accumulating an astounding 341-47-2 record over the course of 20 years. After starting the Williston swimming program in 1951, Coach Babcock took the team to 15 New England Championships — 11 of them in a row. This legacy also produced 15 national prep champions.
“This one’s a no-brainer. Just looking at Bab’s record speaks volumes by itself,” wrote Paul Doty ‘64, one of Mr. Babcock’s former swimmers. “But what you may not know is how advanced he was for his time. We were doing pulley weights before Doc Councilman at Indiana was!”
Was there any title that Patrick Rissmiller ’97 didn’t earn? It doesn’t seem likely. During his time at Williston, the ice hockey star (who also the most valuable player and All-League selection for soccer and team captain in lacrosse) led the team to a 23-4 record. For those keeping score, that’s the most wins in school history.
“My parents wanted me to repeat my junior year in high school,” said Mr. Rissmiller of on his two years at Williston Northampton. “It worked out great.”
In his senior year, Mr. Rissmiller was named both captain and MVP. While cranking out enough points to put him third for all-time single season totals, Mr. Rissmiller was named an All-New England selection, and NEPSAC West Senior All-Star. He was also selected to play for the Team Massachusetts in Chicago Showcase.
“He’s the guy you want out there (on the ice) if you’ve got a penalty shot. He’ll put it past most goalies,” said Mike Fay, boys varsity ice hockey coach. “He’s just a really creative player who sees the game well and makes things happen.”
Out on the cross-country course, no one could catch Martha Grinnell ’85. They still can’t — Ms. Grinnell’s course record of 19.40 over 3.3 miles still stands.
Ms. Grinnell, who went undefeated in dual meets over two years and was one of the most decorated runners in the school’s history, held course records at five schools by the time she graduated. As captain of Williston Northampton’s team, Ms. Grinnell set records for both the 1,500 meters (5:01.3) and 3,000 meters (10:32.4).
She was no slouch off the course, either. At graduation, Ms. Grinnell was presented with the White Blazer, as the top senior girl.
Whether he was taking to the court or the field, Mark Timm ’76 was simply outstanding — at almost any sport. While earning 12 varsity letters over the course of his time at Williston, Mr. Timm was also named captain for three sports.
To kick off his freshmen year, Mr. Timm was named starting quarterback on the varsity football team. He passed for 609 yards and ran for 192 yards, leading his team in both statistics.
David “Duff” Tyler ’63 was a record-setting swimmer and soccer player. As part of the 1963 swimming team, he set national prep records in three events—50 free, 100 free, and 200 free—and was named All-American for both those events and three others—200 medley relay, 200 free relay, and 100 butterfly.
Mr. Tyler continued his domination at Trinity College, where he was named All-American three times, was a national champion in the 500 free, a national runner-up in the 200 free, and set seven Trinity records.
Erik Ostberg ‘14
Boys varsity baseball captain Erik Ostberg has made an early impact on the season thus far. Erik was 5-8 this week with two doubles and a triple. He also scored 2 runs and had 2 RBI. On the season he is hitting .615 with a .733 OBP and a 1.077 Slugging Percentage. Erik leads the team in RBI with four and he has also played a key defensive role behind the plate at catcher.
Caroline Borden ’16 and Yoonji Kim ‘15
New double partners Caroline Borden and Yoonji Kim have been an outstanding duo for the girls’ varsity tennis team. Always arriving eager and prepared for practices and matches, the pair has shown exemplary leadership, commitment, and motivation. Coach Wilinsky says, “They are a true pleasure to coach and an inspiration to their teammates.” Undefeated in third doubles so far, Caroline and Yoonji look to pursue a successful season as doubles partners.
Mackenzie Possee ‘15
In the JV girl’s lacrosse home opener against Miss Porter’s, Mackenzie Possee made an impressive showing in her first-ever game in net. Making save after save Mackenzie was able to keep the Williston girls in the game leading them to a 12-10 victory. Mackenzie always brings a positive attitude and has proven to be a true leader on and off the field.
The 1963 football team had a perfect 7-0 record under the leadership of Coach Rick Francis and captains Dick Buckley ‘64 and Bob Montgomery ‘64. In the first undefeated (and untied) season since 1895, the Williston Academy team was the highest scoring prep team in New England.
