Cherry inducted into WNE Hall

Date: 10/3/2014

SPRINGFIELD – The definition of a student-athlete is defined as an enrolled student who participates in an organized competitive sport sponsored by the college/university in which he or she is enrolled. Student-athletes must balance the roles of being both a student and an athlete at their school.

The NCAA Division III philosophy is fostered by colleges and universities that place the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students’ academic programs. They seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletics activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete’s educational experience.

Adam Cherry ’07 is the epitome of a student-athlete and that notion was recognized during Homecoming Weekend on Sept. 12 and 13 when he was part of the 16th class that was inducted to the Western New England University (WNE) Athletics Downes Hall of Fame at Rivers Memorial Hall.

Cherry racked up a school-record with 267 points on 190 goals and 77 assists from 2004-07, helping the Golden Bears to 59-17 record (.776), back-to-back Eastern College Athletic Conference New England titles in 2004-05 and 2007 NCAA Quarterfinals appearance after a Pilgrim League championship during that span. The four-time all-conference performer was twice voted the Pilgrim League Player of the Year (2006-07) and he was academic all-conference on three occasions.

The attacker out of Westfield High School had one of the best seasons any WNE senior student-athlete has had in any sport in 2007 when he was named both Scholar All-America and third-team All-America by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association, first-team All-Pilgrim League, WNE Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, WNE Male Coca-Cola Athlete-of-the-Year, ESPN the Magazine College Division Academic All-America Men’s At-Large Second Team and player of the year by three organizations while putting up 43 goals and 62 points in 17 games.

On his most memorable moment during his time as a WNE student-athlete, Cherry said, “It’s hard to pick one, but I think what sticks out to me most is being a part of a team that really came into its own to exceed all expectations, and seeing the effort of all of the guys on the team pay off, particularly in the successes we had in our 2007 season.

 “I learned many things from Coach (John) Klepacki, but the one thing that sticks out the most is that he taught us not to spend too much time celebrating our successes, because the next challenge is always right around the corner,” Cherry says, referring to the best advice he received. “Even during our 2007 season, when we went 17-1 for a school record in wins, the message was always ‘take a minute to celebrate the win, and then let’s get focused on the next one.’ It’s that kind of attitude that keeps a team fresh and ready for the next game.”

Cherry earned a degree in business administration and now works as a learning and development specialist in the human resources department at Webster Bank in Waterbury, Conn. His responsibilities include instructional design and delivery, management of the Educational Partnerships and Education Assistance Program, and oversight of the Employee Recognition Programs.

Cherry still stays involved in his sport that he excelled at WNE occasionally playing in tournaments a few times a year. He also is active playing in an ice hockey league for the past four years.

Cherry holds dear his experiences he had during his time at Western New England, noting that he takes a lot of pride in being a Golden Bear.

“To me, that means that you’re uncompromising. You can have a quality education that prepares you for success, while also having the opportunity to compete in top-notch athletic programs,” he explained. “Most of all, Golden Bears support each other, from teammates, to coaches, to faculty and professors. Everyone plays a role in turning out a great product of men and women prepared to make an impact in their chosen field.”

Cherry and his wife, Kristina, make their home in Plainville, Conn.