Holyoke Community College’s Director of Athletics, Tom Stewart, has been inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Stewart has spent the last 37 years working in college athletics, the last 30 of which came at Holyoke Community College. With his emphasis on cross country and track and field, Stewart has hosted nine NJCAA national cross-country championships and one national track and field championship over his tenure.
He has served on the NJCAA Track and Field Committee for 20 years, with his overall involvement with the NJCAA spanning across 25 years.
“To be recognized nationally is a significant thing,” Stewart said in a media release. “I think, over the years, Holyoke Community College has become known nationally because of all we’ve done with the NJCAA.”
Stewart’s connection to the NJCAA includes being the chair of the Division III men’s and women’s golf committees, while also serving on the track and field committee.
In 2016, he was elected second vice president for the NJCAA’s men’s division. In that role, he oversaw the complete budgetary activity of the association. He has also previously served as co-chair of the NJCAA finance and budget committee.
“This is my 25th anniversary with the NJCAA. I’ve had a good run and a wonderful career,” said Stewart, who is planning to retire from HCC in 2027. “I’ve interacted with a lot of different people across the country at different institutions. Our HCC teams have won titles. We’ve had great athletes. Great kids. All-American players. I’m very lucky to do what I do, and it’s good to be winding down. At some point, you’ve got to pass the baton to somebody else.”