By Emma Bynes
@emma_bynes4
Springfield College will induct six accomplished alumni into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame as part of its 2026 class, recognizing careers that span collegiate excellence and professional achievement. The ceremony is scheduled for April 11 and will honor individuals who made significant contributions to the college’s athletic tradition.
Headlining the class is Steve Spagnuolo ’82, whose impact extends far beyond campus. A wide receiver during his time at Springfield, Spagnuolo earned the school’s Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year award in 1982. He later built one of the most accomplished coaching careers so far in NFL history, becoming the only coordinator to win four Super Bowls, and has appeared in seven. His defensive leadership with teams such as the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs has defined multiple championship runs, including the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII victory in which his defense recorded five sacks against Tom Brady.
“I think he is perhaps the greatest defensive mind in the history of the National Football League,” said Dr. Craig Poisson, Springfield College’s Executive Director of Athletics.
The class also features Marisa Clapp ’04, a standout in women’s cross country and track, and Nick Guerrette ’00, who excelled in men’s track and field. Both athletes were key contributors during competitive eras for their respective programs, consistently performing at a high level in conference competition.
Damian Larkins ’01 is being recognized for his versatility across two sports, competing in both football and track and field. His dual-sport success reflects the well-rounded athletic model long emphasized at Springfield College. Jackie Moscardelli ’12 will also be inducted for her achievements in women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse, where she made an impact as a dynamic, multi-sport athlete.
Rounding out the class is Nick Porillo ’76, who earned recognition for his accomplishments in wrestling. His performance on the mat helped elevate the program during his time at the college, and contributed to its competitive standing.
This Hall of Fame, established in 1972, honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in athletics or have provided exceptional service to Springfield College’s athletic programs. With more than 200 inductees to date, the Hall of Fame serves as a reflection of the institution’s long-standing commitment to excellence in Division III athletics.
“All of these people, in addition to what they’ve done either after they left Springfield or what they did while they were here at Springfield, lived our mission,” said Poisson. “It just fits. I think this is another remarkable class for the Springfield College Athletics Hall of Fame.”
The 2026 class represents a broad cross-section of Springfield College’s athletic history, from multi-sport collegiate standouts to one of professional football’s most accomplished coaches. As the college prepares for the induction ceremony, the honorees collectively embody the legacy of performance, leadership and dedication that continues to define Springfield College athletics.
Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics