Haldane Athletic Hall of Fame

Nancy Belluscio was a physical ed/health teacher and coach from 1972 until her retirement in 2005. Immediately following her hiring she was a “Trailblazer”, a pioneer for girls sports and activities. Just a mere three years before her arrival, the only girls sports offered at Haldane were girls tennis under the long time guidance of Ray Champlin, and cheerleading.  To say the evolution of the girls sports programs at Haldane was slow is an understatement. Girls' Spring Track was started in 1970. But there still wasn’t any extra curricular girls activities in the Fall or Winter.

Shortly thereafter, entered the “new kid on the block”. Upon her arrival, Nancy set in motion and helped institute girls Varsity and JV Volleyball as well as co-ed volleyball, all of which she coached. Her passion and commitment to the staffing side of the Haldane Sports scene had a profound impact on the overall sports programs at Haldane!

Through her efforts and determination she accentuated the need and benefits of expanding the sports options for the Haldane Girls. The interest in girls sports that she sparked in her students, resulted in untapped excitement and enthusiasm for more sports options for the girls; an interest in interscholastic competition became enormous. 

Nancy promoted many intra-sports activities for her students- her “crowning achievement”, as evidenced by the testimonies of many of her students, was instituting a “Girls Sports Night”.  In just her first year at Haldane the girls in grades 9-12 were divided into two large teams.  In addition to the athletic competition, points were awarded for such things as posters placed around the school, team
spirit, intricate dance routines, all culminating in an actual athletic skills competition in the gym.This new project instituted by Nancy gave the girls more exposure to various sports and activities, while encouraging a positive, healthy, competitive environment and the fostering of school spirit!

The gym was packed with spectators and the excitement was palpable for this inaugural event. Nancy’s achievements, accomplishments and triumphs at Haldane are not measured in wins and losses, state championships and the like. Nancy's true legacy lies in the  nurturing of her female students to gain interest in and exposure to more sports and activities. exposures that the girls lacked before Nancy's arrival, but  experiences that the girls will remember for a lifetime.

A couple of Nancy's former students Patty (Helbock) D’Amato and Chris (Helbock) Berg best summed up Nancy's  distinguished career." Nancy taught us lifelong skills in becoming organized, working with others showing school spirit and demonstrating a positive athletic environment.” Chris also added that she credits Nancy for developing her interest in becoming an PE teacher and her enthusiasm
and passion that was always present in her teaching as well as coaching.

Coach Kiefer came to Haldane at the start of the 1965-66 school year as the junior high science teacher but by Spring of ’66 he was the high school biology teacher – a position he remained in until his retirement at the end of the 1997-98 school year. Along the way he also taught science electives
ranging from genetics and anatomy to ecology. Coach Kiefer not only touched generations of students in the classroom but also on the baseball diamond and the basketball court.

Dick got involved with coaching immediately taking over the varsity baseball team in the Spring of 1966 and guiding them for 11 seasons through Bi-Valley competition. In his first year he led the team to the Bi-Valley League Championship. He was respected by his players and opposing coaches,
always getting the most out of his team.

Coach Kiefer took over the Haldane boys varsity basketball program in the 1982-83 season after they were coming off two very challenging seasons and immediately started to turn things around.  In his second season he got the team close to a .500 record and guided them to the Section 1 Class D
playoffs for the first time in four seasons.  The team continued to improve and made it to four straight Section 1 Class D finals starting in the 1985-86 season.

His record at the end of his 11 seasons of coaching was 168-88 for a .656 winning percentage (third highest total wins and second highest winning percentage).  He led the Blue Devils to 5 Section 1 Class D finals and coached three 1,000 point scorers.  In the 1986-87 and 1988-89 seasons the team
finished with a record of 20-2 for a .909 winning percentage – highest in school history.

Dick was named Bi-Valley coach of the year multiple times and was the winning coach for the small schools in the 1989 Dutchess County Exceptional Senior Game where he had his entire starting five as players.

*Inducted in 2024, celebrated in 2025

The phrase “student athlete’’ immediately comes to mind when describing Theo Henderson. Coach A.J. McConville referred to Theo as “one of the hardest working, most dedicated, and reliable” athletes he has had the pleasure of coaching in the past ten years. He added that Theo was a “great teammate and team leader” in both track and cross country. He played a major role in establishing both the cross country and track programs. In fact, he was such a good team leader that according to Coach McConville, Theo could have served as team captain as an 8th grader; he was that mature and dedicated at an early age.

As a senior, Theo put together a legendary overall championship season, starting off with a Section 1 Class D Championship in cross country. At the Northern County Track Championship in the 3000 Meter Steeplechase, he ran in first place for a state qualifying time despite the extreme heat. The following week he capped off his senior year by finishing 3rd at the state championship meet, earning a time of 9:30.30, one of the fastest Section 1 Steeplechase performances ever recorded.

Theo holds numerous school records at Haldane. Besides the steeplechase, he set the outdoor track school record in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. He helped several relay teams set school records in the 4 X 400, the 4 X 800, and the sprint medley. In indoor track he set the school record in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:04.02 and in the 1600 meter with a time of 4:35.27.

Theo continued his outstanding cross country and track career during his four years at Middlebury College. In 2019 he finished first in the 3000 meter steeplechase at the outdoor New England Small College Athletic Conference Championship and second in the 500 meter run at the New England Division 3 outdoor track championship. In addition, he was selected as a Division 3 All American in cross country.

Without doubt, Theo was one of the finest long distance and cross country runners Haldane has ever produced. He is a worthy member of the Haldane Athletic Hall of Fame.

It is with great pride that I speak on behalf of Bailey McCollum and her induction into the Haldane High School Athletic Hall of Fame, making her the first female soccer player to receive this honor.

Bailey’s career at Haldane was nothing short of extraordinary and serves as a model of athletic excellence. In 2013, she was an All-State Finalist, named All-League, and recorded 21 goals and 10 assists. In 2014, she elevated her game even further, becoming a State Champion, earning All-League and All- Section honors, and posting an impressive 27 goals and 19 assists. That same season, she was named League Player of the Year, an honor she would win again in 2015, when she capped her high school career by earning All-League, All-Section, and All-State recognition, as well as being voted by
coaches to the Section One Elite 12 Team.

Bailey was known for her ability to take over a game, scoring multiple goals on several occasions, including a memorable hat-trick against rival Putnam Valley. She was a true “two-way” player — as dangerous in attack as she was disciplined defensively — and embodied the idea that soccer requires
excellence on both ends of the field. Bailey saw the beauty in the game. Her movement off the ball was exceptional, anticipating the next pass or play before it happened and always creating opportunities for her teammates.

Her remarkable playmaking and leadership helped guide Haldane to the New York State Class C State Title, and her dominance on the field earned her the prestigious title of State Player of the Year for Class C.

Bailey’s soccer journey didn’t end at Haldane. She went on to play at Pace for one year scoring a goal and seeing over 70 minutes of playing time. She then transferred to Western Connecticut State University, where she appeared in 60 games, started 41, and tallied 8 career goals and 15 career
assists for a total of 31 collegiate points — a testament to her continued passion and commitment to the game.

I may be biased, but when soccer is played correctly, it is an art. There is cohesion, fluid movement, and continuous motion. Unlike other sports with stoppage, soccer’s uninterrupted rhythm is simply beautiful — and Bailey allowed our girls’ program to see that beauty. She had control with every
touch, precision with every pass, grace when taking on opponents, and the strength to finish the shot. She elevated everyone around her and showed what it meant to play the game the right way.

Bailey McCollum’s name will now live permanently in the Haldane Hall of Fame, serving as an inspiration to future generations of student-athletes.

Her excellence reminds us that with determination, vision, and leadership, anything is possible. Congratulations, Bailey, on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to celebrate you and your incredible legacy.

Joe Virgadamo, a standout three-sport athlete and longtime coach, has earned his place in the Haldane Hall of Fame for his extraordinary accomplishments on the field and his lasting impact
on generations of Blue Devils.

As a player, Virgadamo excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. On the gridiron, he was a three-time All-League selection, the 1999 Defensive MVP, and capped his career as the Most Valuable
Defensive Player in the 2000 Regional Championship and Most Valuable Offensive Player in the NYSPHSAA Semi-Final. In basketball, he was a four-year starter, 1,000-point scorer, and two-time Section Champion, while also earning All-League, Section MVP, All-County, and All-Section honors. On the diamond, he helped lead Haldane to three Sectional Championships, two Regional Championships, a State Semi-Final, and a State Final appearance, earning All-League and All-Section honors along the way.

Joe went on to play for one year and later became a manager of the Springfield College basketball program before returning to Haldane, where he has led the varsity boys’ basketball team for 17 seasons. During his tenure, the Blue Devils have won five Sectional Championships, advanced to four Regional Finals, two State Final Fours, and two State Finals, while amassing over 220 career wins. His
coaching excellence has been recognized with five Coach of the Year awards, including honors from the Poughkeepsie Journal, LoHud, and BCANY, along with the prestigious John Martino Service Award
in 2024. He also coached Haldane baseball to a State Finalist appearance.

Beyond the wins and accolades, Joe Virgadamo has given back to his community by running youth programs, dedicating summers to player development, and organizing fundraisers for breast cancer
research and Type 1 diabetes awareness. His leadership, service, and commitment to Haldane athletics make his Hall of Fame induction both fitting and well deserved.

Thomas Virgadamo, a standout three-sport athlete from the Haldane High School Class of 2001, has solidified his place in Blue Devil history through his remarkable achievements in football, basketball, and baseball, as well as his continued success as a coach. His contributions as both a player and mentor have left a lasting impact on the Haldane athletic community.

On the football field, Tom quickly established himself as a force on defense. In 1998, he was recognized as an All-League selection and earned the title of Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting his toughness and leadership on the gridiron.

Basketball was another arena where Tom thrived. In 1999, he earned All-League honors and was named to the Section 1 All-Tournament team, helping guide the Blue Devils to the 1999 Section 1 Class D title. His senior season in 2001 was equally impressive, as he was again named All-League and All-Tournament, while leading Haldane to another Section 1 Class D Championship and ultimately the Class D State Final Four. His ability to perform in critical moments cemented his legacy as a cornerstone of Haldane basketball.

On the baseball diamond, Tom put together one of the most decorated careers in school history. From 1999 to 2001, Haldane captured three straight Section 1 Class D titles with Thomas as a key contributor. Individually, he was honored as a 1999 All-League selection, followed by a stellar 2000 season where he earned All- League, All-Section, and All-State Second Team recognition, while also leading the Blue Devils to the 2000 Class D State Final Four. That same year, he showcased his talent on a larger stage as a member of the Empire State Games gold medal-winning team. His senior season was a culmination of excellence, earning All-League, All-Section, and First Team All-State honors, and guiding Haldane to the 2001 Class D State Finals.

Tom’s dedication to the game continued beyond his playing career as he transitioned into coaching. In 2012, his leadership was recognized with multiple honors, including League Coach of the Year, Dutchess County Coach of the Year, and Poughkeepsie Journal Coach of the Year, after guiding his team to the NYS Class C State Finals. From 2012–2014, his teams captured three straight Section 1 titles, followed by a 2014 Regional Final appearance in Class C baseball. He also contributed to the hardwood as the Varsity Assistant Coach for the 2015 Regional Championship basketball team, further showcasing his versatility and commitment to Haldane athletics.

Through his accomplishments as a player and coach, Thomas Virgadamo has embodied the spirit of Haldane athletics—excellence, resilience, and leadership. His induction into the Haldane Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of a career that has left an enduring mark on the Blue Devils’ tradition of
success.

The 2000 Haldane Baseball team was special from the start, led by head coach Todd Mensch and assistant coach Anthony Virgadamo. They were just the third baseball team in school history to win a sectional title and only the second to reach the state championship game. What makes their run even more impressive is how young they were, led by a small but mighty group of three seniors: Justin Goodrich, Chris Pilner, and Gary Watkins.

On the mound, the pitching duo of Chris Pilner and Kyle Benecasa was nearly unstoppable. At the plate, a powerful lineup including Greg Anderson, Tom Virgadamo, Joe Virgadamo, Brendan Hackett, Matt Steltz, Dylan Griffin, and Jordan Calder consistently delivered. They finished the regular season with an impressive 11-4 record before starting their legendary playoff run.

They clinched the sectional title with a hard-fought 6-3 victory over Blind Brook. Then, they dominated the regional games, defeating SS Seward 10-2 and blowing out Pierson 23-1 to advance to the state Final Four. The state semifinal against Maple Grove was a dramatic 3-2 victory that secured their place in the championship. Though they ultimately fell in the final to Fabius-Pompei, their journey was an inspiration to all.

The success didn't stop there. With seven returning starters and key newcomers like Bryan Cacace and Chris Anderson, the 2001 team picked up right where the previous season left off competing with local power houses Lourdes, Beacon and Briarcliff. They repeated as Sectional and Regional champions, once again earning their place in the state Final Four. Their incredible season came to a close in the state semifinals in the 9th inning losing 2-1 to Parishville-Hopkinton, but their achievement cemented the program's legacy.

These two teams set a standard of excellence that has defined Haldane baseball for years. They showed us what can be achieved with chemistry, talent, teamwork, and an unshakeable will to win. It is my great honor to welcome both the 2000 and 2001 Haldane baseball teams into the Hall of
Fame.