CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine— Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) Athletics enshrined four individuals to its Hall of Fame Class of 2022 on Saturday, May 20.
Burns “Vinal” Shaw, Hannah Fields, Dan French, and Patrick Haviland joined an elite group of 43 other individuals and two teams for their accomplishments on the playing surface and for their service to the College community.
The 17th annual induction ceremony was held at Purpoodock Golf Club met with friends and family of the inductees in addition to support staff from the College. Associate Dean of Athletics and Alumni Affairs Matt Richards emceed the event among video tributes by former department coaches, and speeches delivered by the honored inductees.
Richards summed up the evening by stating, “It’s one of my favorite events of the year to bring back former athletes, coaches, and supporters of the department, in celebration of truly special accomplishments. Vinal, Hannah, Dan and Patrick have achieved the highest-level of recognition by the department, and exemplify the very best of our student-athletes and coaches. For me, the reflection and impact of the ceremony is unmatched. Special thanks to the Seawolves Athletic Club, the Hall of Fame Committee, and the staff at Purpoodock Golf Club for their support in making this event a success!”
Burns “Vinal” Shaw [Head Golf Coach 78-00]
At the time of induction, Vinal Shaw was the longest tenured coach in SMCC history having led the golf program from 1978-2000. During that span, Shaw compiled 12 Maine Small College Conference (MSCC) championships—his best team average a 328.8 (’89).
Shaw graduated from Maine Vocational Technical Institute (MVTI) in 1958.
Hannah Fields [Women’s Soccer ’16]
A two-year member of the women’s soccer program (2015-16), Hannah Fields achieved both regional and national recognition as a Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) champion (’15), and a United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Tournament participant. The midfielder was named conference tournament MVP in her rookie campaign and later to the YSCC Twin Decades Team. Fields was announced team captain in her sophomore season and earned both USCAA All-American and USCAA Academic All-American status in the same year. At the time of her induction, Fields ranked second all-time in goals (24) and points (57).
The Maine native transferred to Colby Sawyer College to continue a decorated playing career, and later completed an Organizational Leadership graduate degree from North Central College (Ill.)
Dan French [Baseball ‘14]
A three-year member of the baseball program (2010-11, 2012-14), Dan French was crowned a two-time YSCC champion (’13, ‘14), and was named the conference tournament MVP and Player of the Year in the same season (’13). Moreover, the right-hander was both an All-Conference (’13) and YSCC Twin Decades Team selection. French was a USCAA National Tournament participate and was celebrated as a national Player of the Week for his dominance on the mound.
At the time of his induction, French ranked third all-time in wins (12) and strikeouts (156), and first in innings-pitched (157.1).
Patrick Haviland [Assistant Coach/Student Services]
At the time of induction, Patrick Haviland had served 19 seasons as Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, and similarly 18 years as a trusted resource in the realm of Student Services at the College. Haviland started in Enrollment Services in 2005 and transitioned to the Office of Student Success, then Advising, and continued to lead the Spring Ahead Program in the Early College Office.
On the hardwood, Haviland had racked up five conference titles and 10 USCAA National Tournament appearances. The Vermont native had coached 13 All-Americans at the time of his induction and contributed to a 330-159 overall mark (.675 win percentage).
Haviland continues to serve in both roles at the College. His expertise in the area of academic advising has proven a valuable asset to both the team’s recruitment and engagement efforts, as well as for student-athletes within the department.
PHOTO GALLERY (By James Liebowitz)
For a detailed description of induction criteria and a complete listing of Hall of Fame inductees, click HERE.
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