BRISTOL, R.I. – Former Roger Williams University sailing standout Matt Duggan '09 will be inducted into the RWU Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its 10th class on Friday, Oct. 16, during Homecoming and Family Weekend.
"Bristol has always felt like a second home to me, so being inducted into the Roger Williams University Athletics Hall of Fame is an incredible honor," said Duggan. "I'm especially proud to have played a small part in the rise of RWU Sailing and to see the program become the perennial national contender it is today. To join the sailors, the 2011 national championship team, and all of the great athletes already enshrined in the Hall of Fame means a tremendous amount to me."
A two-time Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) All-American skipper and two-time All-New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association First Team selection, Duggan helped guide the Hawks to consecutive national championship appearances and a program-best national ranking during his collegiate career.
Duggan played a key role in Roger Williams' breakthrough at the 2008 ICSA Coed Dinghy National Championship, helping the Hawks finish fourth in the program's first national championship appearance. The performance established Roger Williams among the nation's top collegiate sailing teams.
He helped the Hawks return to the national stage in 2009, contributing to a sixth-place finish at the ICSA Coed Dinghy National Championship. During that season, Roger Williams climbed to No. 2 in the national rankings, the highest position in program history at the time.
Competing as an A Division skipper, Duggan also helped Roger Williams capture three regatta victories during the 2008-09 season. His two All-America and two All-NEISA First Team honors highlighted his contributions during a period of growth for the program.
Duggan's impact continued beyond his collegiate sailing career. As an assistant coach alongside head coach Amanda Callahan, he helped guide Roger Williams to its first appearance at the ICSA Women's Fleet Race National Championship, contributing to another milestone for the Hawks.
Through his accomplishments as both a sailor and coach, Duggan helped build the foundation for Roger Williams' continued success on the national stage.
Duggan joins Mark Mastin '92 of men's volleyball, Michael Lynch '01 of men's basketball, Jenny (Dill) Okubo '07 of women's swimming and diving and the 2014 women's soccer team in the 2026 induction class. The Hall of Fame celebration will take place at the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business, beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m.
