Hall of Fame News

2018 - Fred Stackpole ‘56

The mid 1950’s were thrilling times at Thornton Academy.The football team was in the midst of posting a 25-game win streak from 1953 to 1955, including two undefeated seasons that culminated in State Championships in 1954 and 1955.

As football insiders know, the quality of the offensive line play is one of the most crucial pieces to building a championship contender.Anchoring the Maroon and Gold line during those undefeated seasons was Fred Stackpole.As an offensive guard Stackpole was named to the All-Southwest Conference team and the All-Maine Schoolboy team in both 1954 and 1955.

After graduation, he continued the undefeated football habit in a prep year at Deerfield Academy.Moving into the college ranks at the University of Connecticut, Stackpole was named as an All-Yankee Conference offensive guard in 1960 and 1961, captaining the 1961 Huskie team.

Fred Stackpole’s exploits in football are not his only claim to athletic fame.As a track and field competitor he excelled in throwing events.He established multiple records in the discus, including the Class M record set in 1954 with a throw of 135’ 6”.In 1955, he established a York County record of 140’ 3” and a Thornton Academy school record of 145’ 8”.He also established a college-weight discus record at Deerfield Academy with a throw of 125’ 9’ and added to his Deerfield resume with a shot put record of 50’ 1’.

Fred was a leader outside of the athletic realm as well, serving as his class president during all four years at Thornton Academy.

About