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Past Hall of Fame Inductees

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (February 11, 2025) – The Western New England University Athletics Department is excited to announce that they are now accepting nominations for the Arthur William "Red" Downes Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The Downes Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1999 to pay tribute to Western New England student-athletes, contributors, coaches, administrators, and teams that have shaped the rich history of Western New England University. The Downes Athletic Hall of Fame is named after Arthur William "Red" Downes, a member of the Western New England coaching staff and faculty for 45 years, who was inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1999.

For a candidate to be considered for the Downes Hall of Fame, they must be of high character and demonstrated excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership. A five-year minimum grace period must occur before a candidate can be placed in the Downes Hall of Fame. The same applies to former teams, as those nominated to be considered shall not be eligible to be placed in the Hall of Fame until five (5) years after a championship or other significant event has occurred. All other cases for coaches, administrators, and contributors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Nominations for the 2025 Downes Hall of Fame class open on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and will close on Friday, March 20, 2026. Following that date, the Hall of Fame committee will begin to meet to select the 2025 Downes Hall of Fame Class. The committee will then announce selections in June, and the ceremony will take place on the Friday of Golden Bear weekend in the fall of 2026.

To nominate for the upcoming Downes Hall of Fame class, click here.

For additional questions, please contact Jacob Dino, Western New England's Athletics Coordinator, at jacob.dino@wne.edu.