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10 Greatest Fall River Area High School Athletes of All-Time
Below is a list of 10 of the greatest athletes from the Greater Fall River area, based on their high school achievements and prominence in local sports history. This list draws from Durfee, Somerset Berkley, Case, and others in the region, focusing on their impact during their high school careers.
1. Joe Andrews (Durfee, Class of 1949)
Joe Andrews is often regarded as one of Fall River’s finest all-around athletes. A star in football, baseball, and basketball at Durfee High School, he excelled as a running back, earning the state scoring title in 1948 with 155 points, and averaged over 100 yards per game in his junior and senior seasons. His baseball talent led to a professional career in the minor leagues, where he famously befriended and protected Hank Aaron. Andrews’ versatility and dominance across multiple sports cement his legacy as a local legend.
2. Tom Gastall (Durfee, Class of 1951)
Tom Gastall was a phenomenal multi-sport athlete at Durfee, shining in football, baseball, and basketball. As a quarterback, he led his team with exceptional skill, while his baseball prowess as a catcher earned him a contract with the Baltimore Orioles, making him a major leaguer by age 23. Tragically, his career and life were cut short in a plane crash in 1956, but his high school achievements and character—praised by peers like Skip Karam—mark him as one of Fall River’s greatest.
3. Sue Marcellus (Somerset, Class of 1976)
Sue Marcellus dominated field hockey at Somerset High School, scoring an astonishing 111 goals over four years—72% of her team’s total during that span. A multi-sport athlete, her field hockey excellence earned her a full scholarship to Ohio State, where she became a three-time All-American. Her unmatched scoring record and pioneering role as the first female from the area to receive such an athletic scholarship highlight her as a standout in Fall River sports history.
4. Mike Herren (Durfee, Class of 1989)
Mike Herren was a basketball powerhouse at Durfee, leading the Hilltoppers to consecutive state championships in 1988 and 1989 with a remarkable 96-8 record over four years. Known for maximizing his ability through leadership and tenacity rather than flashiness, he outshone even his more athletic brother, Chris, during high school. His clutch performances and winning mentality made him a cornerstone of Durfee’s golden basketball era. He now hosts an evening sports talk radio show on WSAR.
5. Sheela Agrawal (Case, Class of 1999)
Sheela Agrawal was a legendary distance runner at Joseph Case High School, excelling in both cross country and track. Undefeated in dual cross country meets as a freshman, she placed fifth at the Division 2 All-State Meet and set the Apponequet course record three times as a junior. Her dominance in endurance events and consistent top finishes established her as one of the area’s most exceptional female athletes.
6. Chris Herren (Durfee, Class of 1994)
Chris Herren became Durfee’s all-time leading basketball scorer, dazzling fans with his athleticism and skill. A standout guard, he averaged over 20 points per game and earned national attention, eventually playing in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. While his professional career was marred by personal struggles, his high school tenure—marked by electrifying play and a McDonald’s All-American nod—solidified his status as a Fall River icon.
7. Adam Couitt (Somerset Berkley, Class of 2014)
Adam Couitt was a track and field sensation at Somerset Berkley, particularly in the high jump, where he won three New England Championships (two indoor, one outdoor) and swept the State D3, All-State, and New England titles as a senior. Consistently clearing 6-9, he also set school records in the 55-meter dash and excelled as a sprinter, later competing at Dartmouth College. His versatility and dominance make him a track standout.
8. Kevin Donnelly (Bishop Connolly, Class of 1993)
Kevin Donnelly was a cross country and track star at Bishop Connolly, running All-State four times and earning three Eastern Athletic Conference all-star nods. He set the school’s home course record in all four seasons and won the city championship, later becoming an NCAA All-American at Providence College. His durability and speed across distance events place him among Fall River’s elite runners.
9. Manny Gobern (Durfee, Class of 2001)
Manny Gobern was a track and field marvel at Durfee, competing in eight events—200, 400, 100, high hurdles, 600, shot put, triple jump, and high jump—and qualifying for division states in each. His personal best of 22.5 in the 200 meters showcased his sprinting ability, while his versatility across disciplines made him a rare all-around talent in Greater Fall River athletics.
10. Billy Burgess (Durfee, Class of 1967)
Billy Burgess excelled in both football and track at Durfee, earning recognition as a state champion in the 100-yard dash and a standout running back. His speed on the gridiron and cinder track was unmatched, contributing to his team’s success and later earning him a spot among the area’s all-time greats in multiple sports. Burgess’ dual-sport prowess remains a testament to his athletic gifts.
