John Kurty was the first coach inducted in the Westfield State Hall of Fame. Kurty, who retired from the Westfield State faculty as a physical education instructor in 1988, compiled a brilliant 153-36-13 record in coaching the Owls from 1966 to 1977.

At the time of his retirement, his .790 winning percentage was the highest of any coach, active or retired, in all New England divisions. Kurty led the Owls to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances and three New England state championships. Kurty’s 1974 team finished third in the nation.

Kurty coached golf for 10 years and volleyball for seven years at WSC, and was a volunteer assistant for the baseball team. He came to Westfield from his hometown of Ludlow, where he coached the high school soccer team to a 10-year record of 150-19-19 and three consecutive state titles.

In his retirement years, Kurty was an avid golfer, and an umpire for local college and high school baseball games.