Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Share the Important Role VA Played in their Lives

Head of School Dr. Jennifer L. Zaccara, welcomed attendees. In her remarks, she noted, “So much of what goes into building an outstanding athlete is more than the hours spent on skill development, and as we all know, a school like Vermont Academy devotes itself to those skills and mindsets that are so individual to each athlete.”

Chad Wittman was introduced by Dave Bonner who was Chad’s lacrosse coach, a teacher, and dorm parent. When speaking about Chad’s time at VA, Dave said, “Chad was a positive force. He inspired us all, not just through his talent but also through his character, dedication, and relentless drive to push others to reach their potential.”

After Vermont Academy, Chad, who shared that school did not come easily to him, realized that “If I can work so hard on the field and get up at 5 a.m., then I can probably apply that same mindset to school. I applied that work ethic that I had on the field to my work off the field and that’s how I got through college.” His advice to current students was to apply yourself in all areas of life and to be persistent. 

Thom Collins introduced recipient Brooke Mooney. Thom recalled starting the VA crew team as a science teacher in 2009. When Brooke shared with Thom that she was interested in rowing in college, he arranged a 2k test, which he described as a “full-out spring for 1.25 miles” which would be necessary to get the attention for recruiting purposes. He shared, “With what appeared to be a modicum of effort, Brooke pulled around a 7:20. This was one of the fastest times I had ever seen a young woman pull as a high school student and I instantly knew that we had a phenom in our midst.”

During her acceptance, Brooke acknowledged the important role that Thom and Vermont Academy played in her success. “Without going to VA and without starting to row under Thom Collins, I would not have started my path to becoming an Olympian. As they say, you just have to start somewhere and my somewhere was at Vermont Academy.”

Head of School Dr. Jennifer L. Zaccara introduced our third and final Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Jim Frey ’66. Jim was a long-time teacher, coach, and athletic trainer at Vermont Academy. Dr. Zaccara shared that in addition to designing Vermont Academy’s athletic training room, Jim, “made the athletic training program more professional than it had been. The impact of your commitment to your athletes is evident, Jim, in the enthusiastic response to Vermont Academy’s alumni hockey games as former Vermont Academy players eagerly travel to campus to once again play for Coach Frey.”

Jim espoused his love of Vermont Academy during his acceptance, sharing that “It’s a privilege and honor to share the stage with Chad and Brooke, two true athletes.” Jim expressed his gratitude for all that Vermont Academy has given him from his use of it’s 500 acres as a playground during his childhood to his career which allowed him to play in the classroom and work with students and athletes.