Sports

Track star, basketball team to be inducted into NECC Hall of Fame

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Noelia Figueroa and the 1970-1971 men’s basketball team will be first inductees

Northern Essex Community College’s 1970-71 Men’s Basketball Team and Noelia Figueroa will be the first ones to be inducted into NECC’s new Athletic Hall of Fame on February 28, 2018.

Figueroa is a two-time NJCAA track and field national champion. She won the 200 meter in 2010 and then the 100 meter in 2011.

Brooke Santos, a second-year student at NECC loves the fact that a woman is the first individual to be inducted into the NECC Athletic Hall of Fame.

“I will definitely be in attendance to see her be inducted, this is truly inspiring for all females,” she said.

Santos, who is a sports enthusiast herself hopes to be front row for Figueroa’s induction.

Along with one individual being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, one team will also be inducted.

close up picture of Norelia Figueroa, she has a dark skin tone and short black hair and is wearing an athletic jacket
Noelia Figueroa Photo Courtesy of NECC Athletics

The 1970-71 Men’s Basketball Team is accountable for the state community college title and the Eastern Massachusetts Small College Conference Championship.

Key members of the team include NECC alumni; Dick Crawford, Joe Goldsmith, and Andy Desrosiers who son Carson actually played at Central Catholic in Lawrence and went on to play at Wake Forest.

Hudson Reynolds, a business major will also be attending the Hall of Fame induction on February 28th.

“I think it’s pretty neat to see Andy Desrosiers, Carson’s dad to be inducted into our Athletic Hall of Fame. I saw Carson play on Central Catholic’s Basketball team while I was a freshman at the high school.”

“I’m ecstatic about NECC getting an Athletic Hall of Fame, I think this is going to bring comraderie amongst the students here” states first year Criminal Justice major Ezra Dardis.

On February 28, 2018, Northern Essex Community College will permanently induct a decorated individual athlete and a team who has represented the school’s pride and hard work.

Noelia Figueroa and the Men’s 1970-71 Basketball Team will be in NECC’s Athletic Hall of Fame forever.

This accomplishment will indeed encourage and motivate current and future athletes that play and will play for Northern Essex Community College.