Bourget, Brown, Esmond and Simonds Enter SJC Hall of Fame

STANDISH, ME – The Saint Joseph’s College Athletics Hall of Fame grew by four members when the eighth class was inaugurated on Saturday, November 13th.

One of the largest crowds to ever attend the annual event was on hand to witness the induction of Rick Simonds, Jill Bourget Kelly ’94, Kendra Brown ’01 and Chris Esmond ’94 into the Hall of Fame.

Athletic Director Brian Curtin kicked off the event with an introduction, which included a recap of recent Monks’ athletic achievements. Saint Joseph’s President Dr. Joseph Lee followed with a welcoming statement before Master of Ceremonies Mike “JJ” Johnson ’81, former Monks Basketball standout and 2006 inductee, commandeered the microphone. 2009 inductee Sister Joyce Mahany RSM delivered a heartfelt invocation before a delicious meal, courtesy of Bon Appétit, was served.

After the meal, Women’s Basketball Head Coach Mike McDevitt ’83 introduced Jill Bourget Kelly ’94, one of the 15 1,000-point scorers he has had the pleasure of coaching, as the first individual to be honored during the ceremony. Baseball Head Coach Will Sanborn ’86 presented former pitcher Chris Esmond ’94 and David Roussel, current Saint Joseph’s Associate Dean and former Women’s Soccer coach, took the podium to speak about Kendra Brown ’01, an excellent two-sport athlete as a basketball player and one of the best goalkeepers in program history.

McDevitt and former SJC Softball Head Coach Dick Bailey, a 2008 inductee, proceeded to speak of the countless contributions made to St. Joe’s Athletics by the final 2010 honoree, Rick Simonds. As the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Saint Joseph’s for 23 years, Simonds put the Monks on the map with his long-range aspirations and his legendary ability to promote sporting events.

The Saint Joseph's Athletics Hall of Fame was founded in 2000 and the addition of this year's class increases the membership to 54 athletes, coaches, administrators, philanthropists and teams.

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