Hall Of Fame

Coached a handful of Hall-Of-Fame players and earns her induction for her involvement as an engaged parent and Field Hockey Coach from 1990-1998, winning a State Championship in 1996. Joanne likely would've coached for much longer if not for her untimely passing. 

Then Athletic Director Dennis Baker said, "she coached for all the right reasons... she was totally in it for the kids. Paquette was at the forefront in raising funds to keep the programs going." In sharing the news of Joanne's induction with her family, they shared that Joanne said while sick, " nobody's going to remember me" WE DO!

Class of 2023

Coached by Joanne Paquette, had a slow start finishing third in the TVL and ranked 8th in the sectional, but this team was built for a playoff run.

In their quest for a state title, tenacious defense resulted in victories over Milton (1-0) Mansfield (2-1), Medfield (2-1), Hull (1-0) and Watertown (4-3) resulting in a season record of 17-5-1 and the school's 3rd State Championship in an 11-year span, joining the 1985 and 1988 teams.

Class of 2023

Class of 98, made a statement in baseball as a clutch hitter and starting pitcher;  earning a tournament birth and starting a streak of tournament appearances that continue today.  Blackhawk hockey was the Talk of the Town in the late 90s and during the 97 season (Bob’s junior year) the Blackhawks won a TVL title with Bob amassing 48 points (24G, 24A) topped by his Senior Season where he would set the single-season points total with 63 points on 26 goals and 37 assists. He holds the School’s rc*ecord of 100 assists, and is ranked #2 in scoring. 

Class of 2023

BHS Class of '99 was a defensive lineman for the 1998 Super Bowl Championship team, but it is hockey that punches his ticket into the Hall of Fame. Described by many as the most consistent player in Bellingham Hockey history, he was a marksman with a tremendous shot from a quick release. 

Possessing a "hockey IQ" second-to-none, he was aware of where he and everyone else was around him. Justin remains the all-time leader in points with 166.

Class of 2023

Enters the H.O.F as a coach but he is more than that to his players and people who know him. Current Varsity Basketball coach, TJ Chiappone, noted that “Coach was a pleasure to play for. He serves as both a role model in life and coaching; coined the phrase Hawk Hoop”. Gibbs coached the Blackhawks for 8 seasons compiling a 103-65 record that included a Tri-Valley league title and was named the Mass State Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and Boston Globe division 3 coach of the year that championship season. “I was blessed to coach my two sons, Mike and matt, at Bellingham” says Gibbs, “Parents and players who bought into the work ethic of Hawk Hoop.  I had outstanding assistant coaches in John Clancy and Barry Hutchinson.”

Class of 2023

BHS Class of '97, was a two-sport wrecking ball, representing the Blackhawks in both Varsity Hockey (4) and Football (3). Born to play hockey, the 4-year member of the varsity squad was noted in the 1997 yearbook as a defenseman responsible for "bone-crushing" checks in support of a TVL Championship.  

He would be lured to football by Coach Cap during his sophomore year and would contribute to the Varsity program for three years on both sides of the ball ( Def. linebacker and Off. running back.) #44 was named ALL-STATE running back during his senior year, and holds the school's rushing record with 2268, and 28 his senior year.

Class of 2023

BHS Class of '87 was a three-season athlete (field hockey, basketball, and softball/tennis). Oddly, while Beth's first love was basketball, she was a part of a H.S State Championship Field Hockey team, found future success at UMass Amherst where she reached the final 4, and today is the field hockey coach at Whitinsville Christian Academy. 

She credits her success and love of sports to two other Hall-Of-Fame inductees who coached her; Ron Bonollo (FH Coach) and Glen Gariepy (Basketball Coach) who "taught us how to win."

Class of 2023

BHS Class of '96, would go on to play field hockey at Providence College where she would be named Big East Rookie of the Year, play on a team ranked 6th in the nation, and earned Big East All-Star honors her Senior Year. Before all that, she was a three-sport athlete for the Blackhawks (Field Hockey, Basketball, & Softball), finding success in each. Carrie's story is similar to so many hall-of-famers before her... she had coaches she admired and became a coach in her own right and today runs highly successful teams and field hockey camps for the next generation. 

Class of 2023

Has been an integral part of Bellingham athletics, documenting the many successes of our teams, players, and coaches since 1967. We are incredibly grateful to Ken for his mastery in sharing the stories of Blackhawk greatness and being the voice for our teams and players. Ken's presence in the Bellingham athletic programs is as established and celebrated as the players and coaches with whom he is inducted. 

A graduate of Natick High School and Babson College, Ken began his career as a sports journalist in 1967 with the MetroWest Daily News. His stories ranged from high school and college sports to covering the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots. He was honored by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, which selected him for its Distinguished Friend Award in 2010.

Class of 2023

Earns induction as a result of a 39-year career which began at what was then the South Middlesex News (later named the Middlesex News) and today known to all as the MetroWest Daily News. 

He was a mainstay on the sidelines at most high schools, but as a Bellingham Resident, his connection to the Blackhawks showed in his writing. He wrote and recounts with ease most, if not all, of the Blackhawks highlights ranging from the early Field Hockey and Footballl state championships to Basketball and most recently the state Baseball and Softball championships in 2014; the year he retired. 

In retirement, he still contributed to the Milford Daily News and MetroWest Daily News with his "Whatever Happened to ..." articles. Rick can still be found on the sidelines of a Friday night football game. Once a Blackhawk, always a Blackhawk.

Class of 2023

A cornerstone lineman of the Blackhawks first Superbowl win in 1993, Adam Bernard was a bulldozing defenseive lineman and offensive guard who brought new meaning to the term "pancaking" one's opponent. Listed in the 1993 program at 302 lbs., he earned all-state lineman honors and a full scholarship to URI. Outside of football he was a four-time national power lifting champion as a member of the BHS POWER LINE IV lifting programs and two-time state shotput champion.

Class of 2021

Coached by Ron Bonollo, the 1988 team is the first and only Division ONE State Championship Team in school history. The team played an up-tempo style that resulted in a TVL Championship and a 17-1 regular season record enroute to a 23-1 season record. The playoff run included 5 shutouts and 1 goal against. The team set school records for Most Wins in a Season (23), Most Consecutive Wins (21), Total Goals Scored (85), & Fewest Goals Allowed (10).

Class of 2021

The first Lady Blackhawk to join the ranks of 1,000 point scorers, Kim Trites, was a three-sport athlete who finished the 1987 season with 1,062 points and led the Blackhawks to a TVL championship. Her other sports, saw no less success as the 1986 field hockey team won their first ever TVL Championship team while in softball the team advanced to the state semi-finals, collectively earning Kim Female Athlete of the Year.

Class of 2021

A member of the 1,000-point club (1,037 points in a non 3 point shot era) and three time TVL all-star, Roger Canestrari, Jr. was a sharp-shooting guard for the Blackhawks, graduating in 1983. He scored a career high 39 points in his last regular season game, a season where his team was TVL champs with a 17-3 record. A three-year baseball starter as a pitcher 1B/3B, he finished with a .350 career batting average. His basketball prowess would earn him a full scholarship to Assumption.

Class of 2021

Dennis Baker and athletics at Bellingham High School have been synonymous for more than five decades covering two stints as Athletic Director, 10 years as baseball coach and most notable more than 25 years as softball coach, including a state championship team in 2014. During his early years he served as an Adaptive Physical Education Teacher and coordinator for Bellingham's Special Olympics.

Class Of 2021

The ultimate teammate, TJ Chiappone excelled in basketball & baseball. IN basketball, he was an outstanding defensive player & rebounder, setting school records for assists in a game, season, and career. A 4-year starter in baseball, he hit .538 his senior season along with a school record 39 stolen bases. He would return to BHS to teach and coach both basketball & baseball for more than two decades, including a string of 25 consecutive baseball state tournament appearances as of his induction. He was elected to the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2019.

Class of 2021

Dale Caparaso, known to all as "Coach Cap" put Blackhawk football on the map. Beginning with his first season in 1991 through his final season in 2003, Coach Cap won 86 games including four Eastern-Mass Super Bowls. Dale established the POWER LINE IV lifting program that was the foundation of his teams contaminating the line of scrimmage. He would go on to a successful coaching career in Florida where he still coaches today.

Class of 2021

Coach Hutchinson left a legacy of fond memories and success as Basketball Coach of the Blackhawks from 1990-2006; the last seven as Varsity Coach. During his tenure, the Blackhawks won their only basketball State Championship winning the D3 crown in 2003. Known for his intensity on the court and passion for his players, calling them "his kids", he was named TVL Coach of the Year twice as Varsity Coach. Barry Hutchinson tragically passed away at the age of 47. A Basketball Tournament is held annually in his honor.

Class of 2021

Arthur Provost, known to student-athletes for nearly a half-century starting in 1968 to 2004 with a brief hiatus in the late 90's, as "Doc" was a no-nonsense Athletic Trainer. Despite an uncharacteristic old-school demeanor born of a military and boxing background, he was knowledgeable, generous, and kind-hearted. Still today, some twenty years after his retirement he is spoken of with fondness from Blackhawk Coaches and Athletes alike.

Class of 2021

At six-foot-one, 165 lbs., George Laprade was a three-sport athlete competing in cross country, baseball, and his legacy sport of basketball. He was the 2nd Blackhawk to eclipse the 1,000 point mark in scoring (1962), in an era without 3-point shots, and today with 1,296 points scored (49 in one game alone) still remains the 3rd most points scored for the Boys Basketball team. Leading a team that won three straight TVL Championships, he would average 22 points per game and 12 rebounds.

Class of 2021

This 1989 BHS graduate, while not physically imposing, was a veritable giant when he stepped onto the mound for the baseball Blackhawks. To this day, Rich still holds the career record for victories with a three-year varsity mark of 21-9. He is credited with an astounding 284 strikeouts in 219 career innings and completeting 28 games. Those statistics earned him a pair of Tri-Valley League MVP honors and three straight selections as a first-team All-TVL. Rich would go on to Brown University where he was a four-year Varsity pitcher, winning 12 games for the Bears.

Class of 2019

Jackie's field hockey resume bordered on the unbelievable. The 1996 graduate was the starting goalie for the Blackhawks all four years in high school and racked up an astounding 49 shutouts during that time span, generating league, state and regional accolades.

Recognized as a Boston Herald All-Scholastic in 1995 in Field Hockey, she also played a couple of years of basketball and softball for the Blackhawks. She would ultimately take her athletic skills to the University of Rhode Island.

Class of 2019

The 1999 graduate was a ferocious athletic competitor in athletics, particularly in basketball.

She holds the distinction of recording over 1,000 points (1,527) and 1,000 rebounds (1,315) during her career with the Blackhawks. Her points scored totals ranks second among all basketball scorers, regardless of gender. Lauren also played some volleyball, softball and track.

Her play earned her a full basketball scholarship to American International College in Springfield where she was a four-year starter for the Yellow Jackets.

Class of 2019

Ralph is the most accomplished male runner in school history! The 1981 graduate not only holds the cross country course record in Bellingham but at many other TVL schools.

In winter track, he ran a 4:20 miles and a 9:22 two-mile, a school record that still stands. He won the EMass title at BU in the mile and was fourth among all New England runners in the two-mile in a race held at Harvard.

In spring track, Moore placed third as a senior in the New Englands in a school record 4:18, a mark that still stands. He won the league title in both the mile and two-mile sophomore through senior year.

Ralph went to Northeastern University after which he would go on to run professionally for Adidas and New Balance.

Class of 2019

Melissa Ranieri played both softball and field hockey for the Blackhawks, but the 1999 grad was best known for her timely field hockey heroics.

She was on the 1996 Divison 2 state championship team, scoring the tying and winning goal in a 4-3 victory. She helped lead the Blackhawks to a berth in the Division 2 states finals her senior year where they were defeated 2-1 in overtime. In five postseason games that year, Melissa netted 10 goals on top of 28 regular season goals.

Following the 1998 season, Ranieri was named a first-team all-star by the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald and the Milford News. She went on to play four years of field hockey at Merrimack College, graduating in 2003.

Class of 2019 

The Blackhawks recorded a Bellingham first in the fall of 1993, earning a Super Bowl berth. They didn't squander the opportunity with a 41-18 victory over Marian High of Framingham. 

The 1993 team was a splendid combination of a high-actane offense and a stingy defense. They scored an average of 30+ points per game and allowed just over 10 points per game. In seven of their 11 games they allowed a touchdown or less.

These were good times for football at Bellingham High School and was the first of four Super Bowl Victorious teams coached by Dale Caparaso ('93, '98, '00, '01).

Class of 2019

Mike graduated in 1984 after a standout career in the classroom, the court and on the diamond.

A two-time Tri-Valley League All-Star in baseball, he led lead the Blackhawks to the state semi-finals in baseball his senior year, as well as, earning league MVP honors. He was also named an all-star two years running for the Milford News and the Woonsocket Call as well as being selected as an Eastern Mass All-Star as a senior.

An outstanding student-athlete, Reed was president of the National Honor Society and matriculated to Princeton University where he played baseball all four years for the Tigers.

Class of 2019

Canestrari's graduation in 1954 didn't end his association with the school. He served as classroom teacher, basketball and baseball coach, vice principal and principal. He entered the school in 1950 as a freshman and left 47 years later in 1997 when he retired.

As a student-athlete, he holds the distinction of being the first Bellingham athlete to earn a full athletic scholarship, attending Providence College and playing basketball.

As a senior, he averaged 28 points and 12 rebounds per game. He scored 511 points during his final year. In baseball, Canestrari batted .520 in his final year of high school baseball.

As a coach, he had tremendous success, winning TVL titles in both basketball and baseball.

Class of 2019

A 1981 graduate, Brian was a sophomore when the school started its hockey program in the 1978-79 season. The Blackhawks were successful from the get-go, chalking up a 41-12-5 record with him in goal. He was credited with five shutouts and a 1.81 goal average during his three years in net. In only their second year, Sherlock and the Hawks played in the Boston Garden, losing in the EMass semifinals. In addition to hockey, he excelled in Baseball as a catcher and sometimes a pitcher. He would return to coach at his alma mater beginning in 1991, serving 20 years, as an assistant for 4 years and head coach for 16 more.

Class of 2019

was the first squad to capture a state championship at BHS in the modern era. Coached by Ron Bonollo, the Blackhawks finished their regular-season at 16-2 and were runners-up to Hopkinton for the Tri-Valley League title. When the Sectional Tournament got underway, BHS defeated, in order, Sandwich (1-0), Harwich (2-1), Cohasset (1-0) and Bishop Stang (3-0) for the crown. A 1-0 victory over Triton Regional gave the Blackhawks the Eastern Mass. title and they wrapped up a CInderella season by downing Murdoch Regional, 3-1, at Boston University for the Divison 2 state crown. The players included Sheila Hastie, Dyan Loof, Marci Coady, Mandi Coady, Lisa Beals, Sarah Powers, Mikki Bryan, Lisa Coolbrith, Kim Trites, Barbara Deziel, Chris Fluette, Temmy Kismasm Tracy King, Michele Laplant, Carol Brennan, Remmi Coady, Michele Paquette, Lisa Payne, Heather Fontaine, Beth Thornton, and Jill Morrell.

Class of 2018

A 1963 graduate, Jim was a member of the cross country, basketball and baseball teams for the Blackhawks - the only boys' teams offered at the time. He was coached by Hall of Famer Frank Flynn in all three sports. In the days before the 3-point shoot, Bonollo, a guard, scored 1.498 points in his varsity basketball career. Jim was also a catcher for the baseball team.

Upon graduating from college, he would return to Bellingham to teach for 30 more years, during which time he would coach both basketball and baseball, winning one Tri-Valley League title in basketball and five in baseball.

Class of 2019

George Anderson arrived at BHS as a Physical Education teacher in 1965 fresh out of Boston University, just one of the many hats he would wear before retiring 33 years later in 1998. He is credited with resurrecting the football program, serving as the head coach from 1965 through 1969. He would also coach track.

Anderson served as the Director of Athletics from 1972 until 1996, a time of great success for the Blackhawks and considerable growth with the introduction of many sports including the implementation of Title IX. Our athletic field was named in his honor.

Class of 2019

The 1991 BHS graduate scored 111 goals in field hockey and was the 1st EMASS player to score 100 goals in a career, ranking 7th nationally for career goals in 1990. Elliott was a dynamic competitor in track, establishing a TVL record in the javelin, throwing it 117 feet, 10 inches. Her all-star recognition included the TVL, Milford News, Boston Herald, and the Boston Globe. IN 1988, as a sophomore, the Blackhawks were striving to win a state title. Her goal against Mansfield in tourney play gave BHS a 1-0 triumph and that victory enabled the Blackhawks to advance and eventually become state champs after downing Southbridge.

Class of 2018

Bellingham High's all-time leading scorer in basketball amassed a four-year total of 2.070 points; averaging 35 points his junior year and 34 as a senior with a 19-1 season record. A phenomenal pitcher and power hitter, he recorded 26 pitching victories in baseball, finishing 9-1 his senior year when BHS posted an 18-2 record (1966). Gariephy was a Tri-COuntry League choice for three years and was named to the Boston Globe All-Scholastic team in basketball. He earned a full scholarship to the University of Rhode Island and returned to BHS, where he taught English and coached the girls varsity basketball team for 21 years.

Class of 2018

The 1981 BHS graduate was a three-year varsity started in football and baseball. A tri-captain in football on the 1980 squad, he was a receiver and cornerback who sparked that team to the school's first winning season. Baseball, however, is where he excelled. A co-captain on the 1981 team, the pitcher-third baseman hit .400 and was named  a Tri-Valley League all-star. He would go on to play baseball at Brandeis University as captain, pitching and playing third base. Ronnie went on to be drafted by the Texas Rangers, playing Double-A ball.

Class of 2018

A three-sporter at BHS, Santos quarterbacked the Blackhawks to a pair of Super Bowl crowns along with setting the state touchdown record. He played on the 2003 state title basketball squad and played on the South Sectional baseball team. Twice selected as the TVL's MVP in football, Santos captured the Football Player of the Year Award in Division 5 two times. He would go on to become a Division 10AA All-American at UNH and lead them to four straight berths in the   1-AA playoffs. He would ultimately play in the Canadian Football League, followed by a coaching career. His #2 jersey is the only uniform retired at BHS.

Class of 2018

The 1999 graduate of BHS scored 1,000+ points in basketball and led Bellingham's field hockey team in scoring for three seasons. She played on the 1996 state title field hockey team and was a co-captain and team MVP in basketball, and was the Boston Globe's player of the year in field hockey in 1997 and 1998. A Northeast Region All-American in field hockey in 1998, she hit .300 twice in softball and excelled as a sprinter in track. She went on to play collegiate sports at UMASS Amherst. 

Class of 2018

The 2003 graduate wae a four-year competitor on Bellingham's basketball team, averaging 17 points from his off-guard slot and is a member of the 1,000+ point club. During his senior season, he helped coach Barry Hutchinson's squad finish with a 25-1 record and a state championship by defeating Bromfield. A three-time Tri-Valley League all-star in basketball, Blue also excelled in baseball, hitting .370 during a four-year career. After graduation, he enrolled at St. Lawrence University and enjoyed additional success at the Division 3 level.

Class of 2018

might be considered the Father of BHS sports, coaching cross-country, basketball and baseball (the only sports offered at the time). Flynn's 14-year career (1951-1965) ended with a 70.5 winning percentage and an overall record of 560-234. His cross-country squads compiled a 212-80 mark while his basketball teams went 242-76, and baseball teams went 106-78. The 1957-58 basketball team won the Bay State Class E championship and the 1958-59 squad won the Bay State Class E championship title. He died prematurely at the age of 42.

Class of 2018

A 1959 graduate and athlete in basketball and baseball, Bonollo led the Blackhawks to the state championships in field hockey in 1985 and 1988. The 1985 Division 2 crown was the first state title at BHS in the modern era and the 1988 title was achieved at the Division 1 level. In his five years at the helm, he compiled an 86-13 record resulting in TVL, Sectional, and State Championships. He is credited with transforming field hockey from a deliberate, possession game to an up-tempo style, creating a program that dominated opponents and brought out the best in his athletes.

Class of 2018

coaches by the late Barry Hutchinson finished with a 25-1 record, rolling to four triumphs in the Sectional then two more in the state playoffs that led to the Division 3 state crown. During the tourney run, the Blackhawks defeated, in order, Westwood, Wareham, Norwell, Rockland (for the Sectional title), Watertown, and Bromfield (for the state championship 49-40 at the Worchester Centrum). The starters included captains Ben Belcher and Matt Blue in the backcourt, Jeff Cammarata and Ricky Santos at forward, and Dorien Brown at center. Rounding out the squad were Wil Spont, Andy Melchiorri, Jermaine Jordan, Mike Claffey, Kevin DeGray, Adam Remillard, Cyril Heinriche, and Brad Jones. Assistant coaches were Dave Hutchinson. TJ Chiappone, and Rob Evans.

Class of 2018