The Nashua Hall of Fame Class of 2023 celebrates its induction at the conclusion of last May's ceremony, the first in-person induction for the Hall since November of 2000. Nominations are open for the Class of 2025 beginning on April 1. (Telegrah file photo by TOM KING)

NASHUA – It’s almost that time again.

The Nashua Athletics Hall of Fame has enjoyed a great return the last few years, including a virtual induction in May of 2021 and the first in-person induction in several years last May.

And now? Now it’s time to begin working on determining the Class of 2025, as the inductions are every two years.

The nomination process begins next Monday, April 1, with the deadline being Oct.1, 2024. Then the Hall of Fame Committee will consider all the nominations and ultimately vote to determine the Class of 2025. The induction will take place at a date yet to be determined in May of 2025.

Nominees can come from four categories: Student-Athlete (including team manager), Coach or Athletic Trainer, Team, or Special Contributors. The last two classes combined have had inductees from each category.

A candidate may be nominated for Hall of Fame induction by any member, former or current, of the Nashua community. Nomination forms are available through several websites – Nashua School District, the North and South high school main sites as well as the North and South athletic websites.

They are also available in hard copy at the North and South athletic offices.

At the athletic websites you will also find several details/requirements for each nomination category and other rules, as well as the list of those who are currently in the Nashua Hall of Fame.

A couple of things to remember: Individuals may not nominate themselves, and nominations with missing information will not be considered. Also, those nominations during the previous inductions of 1991-2000 are null and void. You can re-nominate them using the current form/process. For example, if you want someone to be considered for the Hall of Fame who was nominated back during that period but didn’t get in, they will have to be renominated.

The inductions will be capped at 10 per any given year.

(Note: Telegraph Staff Writer Tom King is also a Nashua Hall of Fame Committee member.)

SOUHEGAN’S BRIGHT GOING PREP

Telegraph 2023 Football Player of the Year J.J. Bright of Souhegan has made the decision recently on his football future.

Bright, who had an incredible senior season as a running back/defensive back for the Sabers, has decided on a post-graduate year at Philips Exeter Academy. In his social media post he thanked PE coach Panos Voulgaris as well as his Souhegan coach Robin Bowkett, “and all who helped clear the way for this opportunity.” With the help of his offensive line and athletic ability, Bright cleared the way rushing for 1,471 yards and 21 touchdowns this season to go with 18 receptions, 356 yards and three touchdowns. He was also third on the team in tackles.

He’s not the only local top offensive talent headed to Phillips Exeter. Bishop Guertin receiver Cody Szymansky also has committed to Phillips Exeter for next year as well. The pair could form a dangerous offensive combination.

TENNIS, TRACK ANYONE?

The snow this past weekend didn’t delay much of the spring practice progress as many may have thought, and the season will begin on time for a couple of sports next week. The Souhegan boys are slated to head up to Lebanon next Monday, April 1. Alvirne, Bishop Guertin, Nashua South, North, Merrimack, boys and girls tennis open up next Wednesday, while on Tuesday Milford and Hollis Brookline play each other in both boys and girls.

But that’s not the only sport that begins. Boys and girls outdoor track will start next Tuesday and Wednesday with meets. On Tuesday, North is at Winnacunnet, Alvirne is hosting Merrimack, Bishop Guertin is at Pinkerton and there are more meets on Wednesday, including Nashua South hosting Memorial and Timberlane.

Spring will indeed have sprung.

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