Matt Devine ’13 of Pembroke stood tall for the Westfield State University men’s basketball team during the past four years, and he also stood tall when he proudly accepted the inaugural Coach John Kurty Contributions to Athletics Award.
The University’s Contributions award takes on an even more significant meaning as it is named in honor of Coach Kurty, the highly respected Westfield State men’s soccer coach who died tragically in a bicycle accident on Western Avenue last November.
Kurty, who retired from the Westfield State faculty in 1988, compiled a brilliant coaching record of 153 wins, 36 losses and 13 ties from 1966 to 1977. He led the Owls to five NCAA Tournament appearances and three New England State championships, and his 1974 team finished third in the nation. He also served as men’s golf and men’s volleyball head coach, an assistant baseball coach and longtime clock operator at Westfield State basketball games.
“More important than his brilliant coaching record, Coach Kurty was always a supporter of the Westfield State athletics program and a friend and mentor to many students and colleagues,” says Westfield Athletics Director Richard Lenfest. “You couldn’t meet a better man—his kind words, gentle manner and constant presence around the Athletics department will be greatly missed.
The Coach John Kurty Contributions to Athletics Award will be presented annually; the award is bestowed upon a student athlete who best exemplifies Kurty’s outstanding qualities, including commitment, loyalty, dedication, sportsmanship, leadership and athletic ability.
Devine is well-deserving of this prestigious award. He was a four-time all-conference selection who elevated the Westfield State University men’s basketball program to new heights, as the 2012-2013 men’s basketball team captured Westfield State’s first outright MASCAC regular season championship, set a school record with 23 victories and finished second in the ECAC New England Tournament.
The 6-7 center with a 7-foot wingspan achieved national recognition for Westfield State as he led the NCAA Division III in blocked shots in each of the past two seasons.
An imposing presence inside, the 2013 All-New England and Northeast Region All-Star shattered school records for blocked shots in a game (9), season (130), and career (364). Also dependable, he played in a school record 108 games during his stellar four-year career. Devine ranks second in the Owl record books with 949 career rebounds and 10th with 1,279 points.
“Matthew brought intimidation from blocking shots to dominating down low,” says Westfield State Veteran Head Coach Rich Sutter. “It’s the reason coaches get into coaching—to watch young men like Matt develop into the players they are today. It’s very rewarding.”
