NECC Inaugural Hall of fame induction first of many to come

NECC had its first hall of fame induction on Thrusday February 28th. The inductees were the 1970-71 men’s basketball team and former track and field star Noelia Figuereo. Figuereo was a two-time National Juinor College National champion while at Northern Essex; in first the 200 meter in 2010, and then the 100 meter in 2011. After her successful career at NECC she transferred to Merimack, where she continued to run track and ultimatey earned a master’s in education, according to Ernie Greensdale in NECC public relations. The 1970-71 men’s basketball team completed the season with a 21-6 record, along with being crowned the Massachusetts Community College champions as well as the Eastern Massachusetts Small College Conference Championship, according to the NECC Knights athlectic page.  It was a special moment for the team, who were able to unite after over 45 years of last playing together.

This may not be the last NECC hall of fame induction for one of the members of this storied team. Joe Tardiff, the current head coach of the NECC men’s basketball tea, was also a member of 1970-71 team. There’s a good chance that Tardiff becomes NECC’s first double inductee, as both a member of this team and also for the coaching career he is currently embarked on. This was NECC’s first Hall of Fame induction, an event that they plan on repeating every year. They will go forward with an open noimination process, according to athlectic director Dan Blair.