By Jerry Filmore
The Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Committee has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, recognizing former student athletes, coaches, a historic team, and a longtime sports journalist for their contributions to Worcester public school athletics.
According to an official announcement from the committee, the induction ceremony and dinner will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Hogan Campus Center at the College of the Holy Cross. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner and the induction ceremony at 6:00 p.m.
Committee Chair Tom Murray said in a statement that this year’s class reflects a wide range of athletic achievement across multiple decades and schools within the Worcester Public Schools system.
2026 Individual Inductees The Class of 2026 includes the following individuals:
- Tammy Murphy Bailey, South High School, Cross Country and Track
- Wade Bovaird, Burncoat High School, Football and Baseball
- Jahkari Carpenter, Doherty Memorial High School, Football
- Judy Cusick, Doherty Memorial High School, Basketball, Softball, Soccer, and Field Hockey
- Eddy Frazier, Burncoat High School, Football and Track
- Tishaun Jenkins, Worcester Vocational Technical High School, Basketball
- Robert Kelly, South High School, Baseball, Basketball, and Football
- Elaine McKay, Burncoat High School, Coach of Girls Tennis, Field Hockey, and Basketball
- Sean Mulcahy, Doherty Memorial High School, Football Coach
- Leigh Trzcinski, South High School, Softball, Basketball, and Cross Country
- Leo Varetas, Doherty Memorial High School, Soccer
- Todd Walles, Doherty Memorial High School, Baseball, Football, and Basketball
- Trafficia Warburton, Burncoat High School, Basketball
The Burncoat High School 1989–1990 Boys Basketball Team will also be inducted.
In addition, the committee named Jennifer Toland, sports reporter for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, as this year’s Outstanding Contributor for her years of coverage of local high school athletics.
Event Information Tickets for the induction ceremony are $100 per person or $900 for a table of ten, according to the committee. Information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities is available through the Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame at [link needed]. Interested individuals may also contact Shannon Bartley at 508-574-7339 for additional details.
The Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame was established to recognize athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors who have had a lasting impact on the district’s athletic programs.
Additional information about selection criteria and the nomination process was not included in the announcement.
🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box
- Project / Topic: Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026
- Current Status: Inductees announced
- Key Dates or Decisions: Induction ceremony scheduled for May 8, 2026
- Estimated Cost: $100 per individual ticket; $900 per table of ten
- Timeline: Reception at 5:00 p.m.; ceremony at 6:00 p.m.
- Immediate Next Steps: Ticket sales and event preparation
- Primary Sources: Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Committee announcement; statement from Committee Chair Tom Murray
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