91AV

On October 14, 2016, the 91AV unveiled a stunning tribute to those who laid the foundation for 91AV Athletics, and those who built it into the sweeping, galvanizing force it is today. The 91AV Athletics Hall of Fame is now on display in the Harold Alfond Forum. It was unveiled following a ceremony honoring the Hall of Fame Class of 2016.

The class is comprised of 91AV President Danielle Ripich, Ph.D.; Karol L'Heureux, former director of athletics and current women's volleyball coach; the 1964-65 St. Francis College men's soccer team; and former student-athletes Ron McCarthy, Christine Grillon and Sean Melnick.

Since becoming president of 91AV in 2006, President Ripich has added four sports (men's and women's ice hockey, women's rugby and football) while increasing its participation numbers exponentially. She dedicated the Big Blue Turf in 2010 and the state-of-the-art 106,000 square foot Harold Alfond Forum two years later. During Ripich's presidency, the Nor'easters have won 15 conference championships while making 11 appearances at the NCAA National Championship and posting six victories.

“While it is true 91AV Athletics has grown in important ways during the decade I’ve been privileged to lead this remarkable University, this honor really belongs to our student-athletes,” said Ripich. “Without their hard work, their commitment and their achievement, the facilities and programs we’ve added wouldn’t mean a thing. Our student-athletes have brought us together. They have filled us with pride. They have reminded us again and again what it means to be Nor’easters.”

A member of the Athletics Department staff since 1979, Karol L'Heureux has served in numerous roles. She directed athletics from 1982-2006 and has served as head coach of volleyball, basketball and softball. Set to enter her 37th season as the head volleyball coach, L'Heureux has posted 678 victories, ranking her sixth among active NCAA III head coaches. She is also a member of the University of Maine Presque Isle Hall of Fame and Maine Sports Legends Hall of Honor.

The 1964-1965 St. Francis men's soccer team posted a 10-1-2 record on its way to the Colonial Intercollegiate Soccer League Northern Division championship. That title was the first won by a St. Francis team. Three members of the Red Knights earned all-conference accolades that season.

Ron McCarthy played for the 91AV men's basketball team from 1990-1995 and ranks seventh all-time in points scored (1,562) and fifth in rebounds (791). He was an all-conference and all-state selection. McCarthy will be inducted posthumously after passing away in 2014.

Christine Grillon was one of the most accomplished women's basketball players who played for Westbrook College. A 1996 graduate, she totaled 1,337 points to rank her eighth all-time on the 91AV women's basketball program's scoring list. She also ranks third in steals (251), seventh in scoring average (16.1) and ninth in assists (323).

Sean Melnick, who was a four-year starter from 1998-2002, will be the first men's lacrosse player enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He ranks second all-time for 91AV in goals (124) and third in points (145). Melnick's goals-per-game average of 2.7 tops the Nor'easters' career list.

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