| Title: | Class of 2009 |
Steve R. Hennigan, was a leader for the Lancers in the Indoor and Outdoor track seasons, most notably for his performance on the field as a long jumper. As a senior in 1977, Hennigan captains both men's squads.
Coach Richard "Okie" O'Connor began recruiting Steve as early as 1971, when at the age of 15 and only a sophomore at South High, he won the Worcester Inter High School high jump title. He went on to win the Massachusetts State Indoor High Jump title the following year at Northeastern and as a senior won the District III high jump and long jump events. Steve also won the District III high jump in his senior year and set the state record with a leap of 6'2.5.
When Steve came to Worcester State Steve made an immediate impact as he became one of the most consistent point scorers. Steve competed in numerous individual and relay events which included the high jump, the long jump, the triple jump, the 100 meter dash and the quarter mile intermediate hurdles. He also ran on the quarter mile and sprint medley teams.
A four-time All-MASCAC coaches' selection, Hennigan was a scoring member of the 1976 MASCAC championship team alongside of Lancer Hall of Famers Mark Bockus `77 and Arthur Belmonte `77 for his performances in the long jump and javelin throw.
In his junior year in 1976 he placed second in the long jump as he chalked up 21'5.75 at the New England Indoor AAU Track & Field Championships at Northeastern. In his senior year he won city championships in the indoor season with a jump of 21'4.75 at Holy Cross and again in the spring during the outdoors at WPI with a mark of 20'8.75.
After Hennigan graduated from Worcester State he won the AAU Track and Field Triathalon at Brandies University. He then continued to compete in track and field events for another 20 years until he retired at the age of 42.
Hennigan received his master's degree in education from Worcester State in 1982 and started his career in Shrewsbury at the Irving A. Galvin Regional Center as an educator. Hennigan has worked for the Southbridge Public School system for the last 22 years and he is currently a Team Chairperson for the Special Education Department. He also coaches the boys and girls cross country teams at Southbridge High School.
It is with great pleasure that we induct Steven R. Hennigan into the Worcester State College Athletics Hall of Fame.