WORCESTER, Mass. - On Friday, September 25th, Clark University opened its Hall of Fame Weekend by honoring a member of the inaugural Hall of Fame class of 1994, Wally Halas '73, whose signature will be featured in the coaches box of Kneller Gymnasium for this upcoming season and seasons beyond.
"I'm deeply honored and humbled to be recognized with the coach's box," Halas said in an article from ClarkU News. "It's a uniquely Clark thing to do something slightly different than other schools, but a coach's box is appropriate. In front of the bench is where the hard work gets done — it's where you draw up a last-minute shot, and it's where you celebrate success with your players and coaches after a big win."
The impact of Halas could already be seen inside the Kneller, with the red NCAA Tournament banner showcasing the remarkable stretch in which Clark reached the tournament every year from 1978 to 1988, including two trips to the NCAA Division III championship game in 1984 and 1987.
In addition to the coaches box, a plaque will be installed in the Kneller recognizing Halas' accomplishments as athletic director, basketball coach, baseball coach and Clark student-athlete. During his time as head coach, Halas compiled a 233-103 record and led the Cougars to 10 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. He also coached baseball for seven years and starred as a student-athlete in both baseball and basketball, scoring 1,448 career points.
The night also provided an opportunity for many of Halas' former teammates, players, coaches, friends and family to come together once again. Jay Ash '83 opened the speeches, followed by Clark University President David Fithian '87 and Director of Athletics and Recreation Trish Cronin, who both spoke about Halas' impact on Clark Athletics and the greater university community.
They were followed by the newest head coach of men's basketball, Michael Mailhot, who is the sixth head coach of the program since Halas. Kevin Cherry '81 then took the mic before Halas himself recounted some of his most memorable moments and reflected on the tremendous 108-8 record the Cougars held in Kneller while he was head coach.
Gary Moller '75, who knew Halas as a teammate, roommate, coach and friend, closed the speaking portion of the evening. Following his speech, Ash retook the podium and led the group in a rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Halas, who turned 75 on September 28.
From there, the group proceeded to the court, where Halas, along with the Clark men's and women's basketball teams, officially unveiled the new coaches box for the first time.
All in all, it was a memorable night filled with laughter, tears, and plenty of memories shared between the great Clark teams of the 1970s and 1980s and the current teams of 2026.
