Part 2 takes a glance at the last of the newest inductees

MELROSE—The Melrose High Athletic Hall of Fame will be inducting their 2024 Class on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

The newest class members include the following individuals:

•      Donald MacInnes, MHS Class of 1956, hockey

•      Ken Runge, MHS Class of 1981, baseball

•      Tim Reilly, MHS Class of 1981, hockey

•      Keith H. Bowden, Co-Founder of Melrose Athletic Hall of Fame

•      Mike Sweezey, MHS Class of 1997, wrestling, football

•      Sarah McGowan, MHS Class of 2013, volleyball, tennis

•      Brooke Bell, MHS Class of 2013, volleyball, basketball

•      Eric Mercer, MHS Class of 2014, football, hockey, lacrosse

•      Samantha D’Alessandro, 2018, swimming

•      Bionca St. Fleur, MHS Class of 2013, track and field

Last week, we looked at five of the newest inductees and will look at the last of them, starting with:

Mike Sweezey, MHS Class of 1997. Mike was a 2-year captain of the MHS varsity wrestling, and over his 4-year wrestling career, he amassed an impressive record of over 100 wins. His accomplishments include being named a Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic in 1997, capturing two Middlesex League and two North Sectional championships, and claiming the Division II State and All-State Championships in 1997—the first-ever All-State Champion at MHS. Mike’s dominance extended to the New England level, where he finished 6th in his weight class. In football, Mike was an essential part of the team’s undefeated season in 1993, and he made headlines as the 1996 Kiss 108 Turkey Toss winner. He played football at Sacred Heart University.

Eric Mercer, MHS Class of 2014, was an exceptional multi-sport athlete who excelled in football, hockey, and lacrosse. During his four-year athletic career, he led each of these teams as a senior captain. Eric was simply dominant as a MHS football player, racking up several awards in football, including two Middlesex League All-Star nods, the Middlesex League MVP in 2013, and in the same year was named All-Scholastic by both The Boston Herald and The Boston Globe. He was also selected to play in the Shriners All Star Team. He was also a standout player on the MHS hockey team, a starter for 4 years, senior captain and Middlesex League All Star in 2013. He took his football game to Saint Anselm College and graduated in 2018. In that time, he was a 4-year player, Northeast 10 All-Rookie team 2014, Northeast 10 All Conference player in 2017 and was named captain in 2017. He was 4th in all-time total tackles by the time he graduated.

Samantha D’Alessadro, MHS Class of 2018, was one of the best swimmers to take the plunge at MHS. A dominant force during her 4-year varsity swimming career at MHS, she broke 8 of 11 school records, was a 2-time Middlesex League Champion, and an 8-time Middlesex League All-Star. Samantha was also a 16-time qualifier for Sectional and State Championships, where she earned 2 silver medals and 4 bronze medals at States. She became a Div. 1 recruit and swam on scholarship at Fairfield University, where she graduated in 2022. In her four years there, she broke records. D’Alessandro was a two-time conference event champion, a two-time MAAC conference meet champion, a 6-time top 8 finisher at conference championships, a 2-time MAAC Conference All Academic, a National Invitational qualifier and a school record holder in 3 events.

Brooke Bell, MHS Class of 2013, was an outstanding leader and two-sport athlete at MHS. She truly excelled in volleyball, serving as varsity player 4 years and captain 2 years. Her team was the only team to date to earn a state championship and she was a member of four North Sectional and Middlesex League championship teams from 2009-2012. She was a two-time Boston Herald and Boston Globe All Scholastic in 2011 and 2012 as her role as setter on the MHS varsity squad. She was chosen as the league MVP in 2012 and All-Star from 2010-2012. She was named to the MGVCA All State team in 2011 and 2012. Moreover, she holds the MHS record in assists at 1,856. For her cumulative efforts she was named to The Boston Herald All Decade team. She also was co-captain of the varsity basketball team, where she played four years and was a 2021 All Star. She continued her volleyball career at Keene State College.

Keith Bowden, an original co-founder of the Hall of Fame, will also be honored. Bowden has been a driving force behind its success and growth since its inception. Serving as Director from 1993 to 2024, his unwavering commitment and vision have been instrumental in shaping the Hall of Fame into what it is today. Keith’s leadership and passion for honoring athletic excellence have left a legacy.

The Hall of Fame event on September 21 starts with a plaque ceremony that will take place at 4:30 p.m. at Melrose High School Learning Commons, where athletes will be presented with their induction plaques and their exceptional athletic achievements will be highlighted. This event is free to the public. The Induction Ceremony and Banquet will take place at Melrose’s Memorial Hall at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets for that are $50.00 per person. All ticket requests should be sent by email to Johnwconnery@gmail.com