| Title: | Class of 1987 |
Stephen H. Kokernak, as a standout in basketball your accomplishments are among the most memorable at Worcester State College. As a four year starter, you played on teams that won 65 percent of its games compiling a 55-30 record from 1960 to 1963.
Your leadership abilities were rightfully acknowledged when you were named captain of the team your senior year. You also hold the distinction of being the first Most Valuable Player for Worcester State College as selected by the Worcester Area Coaches-Sportswriters Association for 1961-1962. You were again cited by that organization as MVP for the 1962-1963 season.
You earned four varsity letters in basketball and at the time of your graduation you were the College's all time leading scorer with 1,486 points. You also held the single game scoring record with 36 points which you scored against Willimantic State (now Eastern Connecticut) and Lowell State (now University of Lowell). You were a "pure shooter" before the term became commonplace on the sports pages.
The first three years you played for a team that reached the finals of the New England State College Conference and in 1962 you played a key role in the Lancers winning the New England title with a win over Gorham, Maine State College, now the University of Southern Maine.
Your leadership qualities were also evident off the court as you were selected class Vice President in your junior and senior years and you were also the President of the Men's Athletic Association your senior year.
You were the varsity basketball coach at Clinton High School from 1963 through 1965 and you were an assistant coach at Doherty Memorial High from 1969 through 1980. You are currently serving as a teacher in the Worcester Public School System at Doherty.
Stephen H. Kokernak, it is with a great deal of pride that we induct you into the Worcester State College Athletic Hall of Fame.