Acton Boxborough Colonial Club
Nick Duren
The 1950's do not offer us a lot of statistics and newspaper data that AB athletic historians can draw from. So what we do is much like the American Indian lore of those who tread the ancient paths here in Acton and Boxborough in which they once tread. We rely on the spoken word and legend. And, one legend is Hall of Famer Nick Duren. We always try to be cognizant of eras, genders and sport, and the legendary coach Issy Stearns calls Nick Duren one of the best athletes of the 1950's.
Nick claimed 9 varsity letters in a time when the only letter sports were basketball and baseball. It was then that soccer came into the picture, and Nick claimed a letter in that sport as well. The AB diamond 9 claimed the Wachusetts league title in 1958 where Nick played in the All Star game at Fort Devens his senior year. At a time when the baseball team would only play 12-14 games, Nick produced a varsity career pitching record of 16-4.
On the hardwood, Nick averaged 13 points per game his junior and senior years in an era where 50 points was a princely sum. His sharp shooting and offensive skills made him a deadly force to be reckoned with in the Wachusetts league.
Those gifted hand-eye related skills manifested themselves in Nick's athletic career as an adult. His passion turned to golf, where he was a 3-time club champion at the famed International Golf Club in Boston. He followed that up with 2 senior championships at the International, a club championship at the Windemere Country Club in Naples, Florida. Three times, Nick has qualified for the Mass Amateurs.
Nick resides in Acton with his bride Caroline (Kangas) an AB grad. They have 4 children - Katherine, Patricia, Paul, and Mathew. To make the induction event even more special, Nick's mom was on hand at her sons induction.