Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Athletics Department is sad to announce the passing of long time Cross Country and Track and Field coach Al Halper yesterday. Al was a valued member of the Worcester State community for 19 years (1999-2018) and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Al led the programs to national success over his tenure including back-to-back MASCAC Championships in Track (Indoor and Outdoor) and helped the program claim its first MASCAC/Little East Conference Alliance Championship. His teams were regularly in the top ten in Division III New England and gained several high rankings both regionally and nationally. In more recent seasons, helped guide the Fitchburg State Falcons as an assistant coach.
Prior to coming to Worcester State, Halper had served as head coach of the Holy Cross women’s cross country/track and field programs from their inception in 1976 until June 1999 when Holy Cross decided to make the position full time. Unable to accept the position due to previous teaching obligations, Halper was available to join the staff at Worcester State. Halper’s squads have long been recognized and respected among their competitors. In his twenty-three years at Holy Cross, he helped make the Crusader cross country and track programs among the strongest and most successful in the East. His cross-country teams have made four national championship appearances, finishing second on two occasions. His track and field program produced several nationally ranked relays and a number of top ten All New England Championship finishes both indoor and outdoor including a second place finish in the 1984 Outdoor season.
For those attending services, the family would love for you to wear purple or bright colors in honor of Al. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 4-7 pm at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St, Northborough, MA. The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 10:30 am at Trinity Church, 23 Main St, Northborough, with a procession to Howard Street Cemetery for the burial. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to GoHolyCross.com/InMemoryofAl and designate your donation to “Women’s Cross Country / Track & Field” at The College of the Holy Cross. For more information, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.