Bruins Honored at Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame
On Saturday, May 3, Todd Pollack ’93, Joseph Koszalka, the 1998 Lacrosse Team, and Robert Sampson were honored as the first class of inductees into Brunswick’s newly established Athletics Hall of Fame. Pete Bevacqua ’89 served as the Master of Ceremonies at the Inaugural Dinner — held in the Durkin Dining Hall just prior to the Alumni Tent Party on the Edwards Campus.
Pollack was a three-sport star in football, hockey, and lacrosse for the Bruins — also earning a varsity letter in basketball when he was a senior.
As classmate Ryan Faherty ’93 said of his lifelong friend, “There isn’t anyone more distinguished or deserving to be the first individual athlete inducted into the Hall of Fame.”
On the gridiron, Pollack compiled a 29-1 record as the starting quarterback and co-captained the ’92 squad to a New England championship. He became the starting goaltender for the hockey team as an 8th grader and was a two-year All-League selection. Pollack remains the School’s all-time leader in points on the lacrosse field — with 172 goals and 73 assists.
“I wish I played here now. When I think back, it was all a game. It was pure sport,” he said. “I appreciate my time here more and more as I get older and know I am very lucky to have gone to school at Brunswick.”
Pollack went on to have a standout career as a tight end at Boston College and had a brief NFL career.
Joseph Koszalka spent half of his lifetime at Brunswick — serving as the baseball coach for 36 years from 1951–87.
“Coach Koszalka talked to us as if we were in the classroom,” Peter Carlson ‘76 said. “To be respectful of others — as he showed his respect for us — was the greatest lesson he taught.”
Koszalka’s daughter, Anne Bailey, spoke on her family’s behalf.
“To see that he inspired so many people is overwhelming. It was never a job to him — my dad loved every minute of his time with the boys at Brunswick.”
Retiring Athletic Director Jeff Harris introduced the 1998 lacrosse team. Harris, along with Eric Tillman, coached the team to an undefeated record and a #9 national, year-end ranking by Lacrosse Magazine. Win Smith ‘98 spoke on his teammates’ behalf.
“It’s a special honor to be the first team inducted,” Smith noted. “We were all privileged to go to school at Brunswick and had so much fun playing lacrosse together every day.
“To have something no other lacrosse team does — an undefeated record — and now the Hall of Fame, it’s all pretty cool.”
Bevacqua relived the distinguished career of Bob Sampson, who served as the School’s Athletic Director and football coach from 1975–2000. He amassed a record of 140-14, including 14 FAA titles.
“Coach Sam was the consummate coach. He taught us to win the right way and made football fun,” Bevacqua said. “He is a special man and is — without question — the most deserving person in the Hall of Fame.
“He taught all of his players life lessons that stretched way beyond football.”
Sampson thanked his assistant coaches — Mike Harris, Peter Kashatus, and Duncan Edwards — and deflected all personal recognition toward his players.
“The talents of the boys led to all of the success,” he said. “They were so much fun to coach.
“And as was our password: ‘All for one and one for all.’ I thank you all for coming.”