Check out the online photo album of the 2004 Hall of Fame
All profiles appear as written at the time of induction
When Clark became a coeducational university in 1942, the newly enrolled Clark women were fortunate to have M. Hazel Hughes in their corner. Befitting to Clark's charge to "challenge convention," Hughes successfully lobbied for equal opportunities for women students who wanted to enhance their academic experience through competition on athletic teams.
During her 26-year tenure Hughes held many positions, serving as Clark's first women's basketball coach from 1942-1952, director of student activities for the women's college, associate dean of women, dean of women and women's athletic director. Throughout this time, she continued to advocate for opportunities for Clark's women student-athletes. Hughes' commitment to this cause was apparent as she led the women's basketball team through its inaugural season, which culminated with an impressive 7-1 record. Through her leadership, Clark expanded its women's athletic program, adding archery and crew.
Hughes’s tireless efforts on behalf of the Clark women continued until she passed away in 1968. In 1977, the Athletic Department honored Hughes by creating the M. Hazel Hughes Award, which is presented annually to a senior female athlete who has made a significant contribution to the intercollegiate athletic program and whose dedication and performance have enriched the tradition of Clark athletics.
Presenter/Accepting: Ann McKenny Early ’46, former player of Hughes on the first women's basketball team at Clark
A two-sport standout, Alexander Indorf was a four-year participant in cross country and track and field while at Clark. One of New England's top track-and-field athletes, Indorf earned 1986 All-New England honors in the mile after placing second in that event at the NCAA New England Championships.
A two-year cross country team captain, Indorf won the Worcester City Championship twice while at Clark. He reigned undefeated in dual and tri-matches and finished second at the ECAC Championship his senior year. His career concluded with a top-25 finish at the NCAA regional championship. Indorf was recognized for his athletic and academic accomplishments as the 1987 recipient of the Clark Athletic Department's Granger Award, which is given each year to the top male scholar-athlete.
After graduating from Clark with a bachelor's degree in geography, Indorf earned a master's degree in 1994 from the University. He is currently a program coordinator of environmental and social development at the International Finance Corporation in Washington, D.C. A volunteer in the Alumni Admissions Program, Indorf interviews applicants to the University and represents Clark at local college fairs. Alex and his wife, Marcela, have two daughters, Camila and Marcela and reside in Bethesda, Maryland.
Presenter: Matthew Greenwald ’87, former teammate and long time friend
A three-sport athlete, Forrest Norris was a member of the baseball, basketball and soccer teams during the early years of Clark athletics. A four-year soccer goalkeeper , he was a team captain his senior and a two-time All-New England selection. As the leading scorer on the 1941 JV basketball team, Norris advanced to the varsity squad. He was also a competitor on the baseball team. In 1943 the Clark Athletic Department recognized Norris's career accomplishments, awarding him the Hebert Trophy, given annually to the senior male athlete who has made a significant contribution to the intercollegiate athletic program.
After graduating with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, Norris enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was called to active duty in 1943 and served in the Pacific during World War II. From 1946-1957, he continued his military service as a member of the Reserves.
Norris also had a long career as a research chemist and consultant, and worked at the Monsanto Company and United Technology. He completed doctoral work at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, receiving a Ph.D. in polymer science in 1955.
During the 1970s, Norris taught for two years as an associate professor at Springfield College. Following his professorship, he spent 10 years abroad as a missionary and teacher in Japan and Turkey. After returning to western Massachusetts in 1985, he worked at Longmeadow High School as a one-on-one and small-group tutor.
Throughout his life Norris remained in athletics, playing basketball and baseball for the Monsanto Company team and participating in bowling and golf leagues. He also enjoyed playing golf and tennis. Moreover, Norris was active in local youth sports and was a referee with the Pioneer Valley Soccer Association for 30 years. He also spent many years as a basketball official at the high-school and college levels.
Forrest resided with his wife, Blanche, in Wilbraham, Mass., until his recent death. They have four children, Susan, Brian, Jeffrey, and the late Scott Norris.
Presenter: Roy Andersen ’43, classmate and long time friend
Accepting: Blanche Norris, Forrest Norris' daughter
A four-year starter of the field hockey team, Karen Patterson Greene played every minute of her 71 career games and served as a team co-captain her senior year. At the end of her sophomore and junior seasons, she was named to the Northeast College All-Star First Team. Following a tremendous senior season, Greene became Clark's first field hockey player to earn national honors when she was named to the All-America Second Team. She was also selected to the regional All-America First Team and played in the NFHCA Division III North-South Senior All-Star game. In addition, she helped lead the team to a four-year 50-10-11 record including a 14-0-3 regular season in 1989 and Clark's only trip to the NCAA Tournament in 1991. A major part of the defense Greene helped the Cougars record 49 shutouts during her career.
Greene also received several awards recognizing her academic accomplishments. In 1991, she was named to the College Field Hockey Coaches Association National Academic Squad and the GTE District I Academic All- America At-Large Second Team.
The Athletic Department honored Greene twice as the recipient of the Alice Higgins Award, presented annually to the female athlete who combines academic excellence and athletic achievement. In 1992, she also received the M. Hazel Hughes Award, honoring a senior female athlete who has made a significant contribution to Clark’s intercollegiate athletic program. Moreover, Greene was Clark’s nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year award her senior year.
After graduating from Clark with a bachelor’s degree in geography, Greene earned a Masters of Science in geography from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. She is currently a Geographic Information Systems consultant for Morristown One Community. Committed to Clark, Greene volunteers her time as an alumni representative at college fairs through the Alumni Admissions Program. Karen and her husband, Jeffrey ’92, reside in Morristown, N.J., and have two children 4-year-old Benjamin and 6-month-year old Finley.
Presenter: Linda Wage, Clark University Field Hockey Head Coach (1985-present)
Chester Slaybaugh was a four-year goalkeeper and defensive anchor of the men's soccer team. In his senior year, he captained the 1983 team to an undefeated regular season as Clark earned its first NCAA tournament bid in men’s soccer. That season, the Cougars earned a ranking of number three in New England and 14th nationally. In recognition of his tremendous play that season, Slaybaugh was selected to the All-New England team.
In addition to playing soccer, Slaybaugh contributed to Clark’s baseball team for three seasons. When not competing on the soccer and baseball fields, he organized a weightlifting program for his teammates. He continued to lift weights after Clark and is currently the New York State Power Lifting Record Holder with a deadlift of 635 lbs in the 198 lb class of the Masters Division. In 1984, Slaybaugh was the recipient of Clark’s Fred Hebert Trophy, presented to a senior male athlete who has made a significant contribution to the intercollegiate athletic program and whose dedication and performance has enriched the tradition of Clark athletics.
Slaybaugh graduated from Clark with a Bachelor of Arts in government and international relations and earned an additional degree in organizational management in 2000 from Manhattan College. He currently works as a manager for the United Parcel Service and has been named Manager of the Year for New York. Chet resides in Chester, NY with his wife Diane Chan-Slaybaugh and their two children Catherine (3) and Carly (1).
Presenter: Massood Abolfazli ’76, Clark University Men's Soccer Head Coach (1979-1987), Clark Athletic Hall of Fame Member