Longtime Athletic Supporters Join Hall of Fame

Coach Don Farlow and the Brigman and the Heard families joined the Westchester Athletic Hall of Fame during the school’s 2025 Homecoming events.

This year’s inductees are longtime supporters of Westchester and its athletic program.

“We are honored to induct Don Farlow, whose legacy is building and growing the athletic program in the 1970s, especially for girl’s athletics. Bringing him and his players back to recognize their contributions and the foundation they built is exciting for our school community,” said Adam Schwartz, director of athletics. “We’re also pleased to recognize the Brigman and Heard families, who have done so much behind-the-scenes volunteering, donating and giving back to our school for many years, even when their kids were not playing at Westchester. We’re looking forward to having everyone back for a big celebration.”

The Westchester Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves as outstanding contributors to Wildcat athletics, demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship and character, and established high standards of excellence in athletic achievement. Nominations are solicited from Westchester alumni and selections are determined by a committee of alumni, faculty and staff.

Don Farlow – Coach, Teacher, Head of School

Westchester Coaching Career: Don Farlow helped build and grow the athletic program at Westchester Academy in the 1970s, especially girls’ athletics. He coached Junior Varsity Girls Basketball from 1969-1974, Varsity Girls Basketball from 1969-1977 and Varsity Girls Softball from 1969-1976. He also served as the Independent School East-West Game Champion Coach in 1977. As coach for Varsity Girls Basketball, his teams were four-time PACIS Conference Regular Season Champions and Conference Tournament Champions. They won the State Championship for three years in a row in 1974, 1975 and 1976, and they were state runner-up in 1977. The combined record for the girls’ basketball teams from 1972-1977 was 114-10 under Don’s coaching.

Academic Career: Don Farlow was a member of the Westchester faculty from 1969 to 1977, first serving as a mathematics teacher and then taking on additional leadership roles. These roles included serving as dean of students from 1972-1974, assistant head of school from 1974-1976, and head of school from 1976-1977.

The Brigman Family and The Heard Family

Westchester Philanthropy and Service: The Brigman Family and the Heard Family through the McMichael Foundation are generous supporters of the school’s Westchester Fund, Chuck’s Fund and contributions to athletics and the arts. Brack and Emilee Brigman, parents of Hamer ’21 and Bo ’23, and Bill and Whitney Heard, parents of Wills ’22 and Lucy Larkin ’23, have contributed many hours volunteering through the Booster Club, Westchester All Parents Association and Friends of the Fine Arts. Their leadership includes Brack and Emilee both serving as Booster Club co-presidents; Emilee and Whitney serving as team moms; Brack, Emilee and Whitney serving on the Board of Trustees; Emilee serving on the Blue & White Gala committee; and Whitney serving as WAPA President and class mom.

Awards: Brack and Emilee Brigman received the Chuck and Carol Hamblet Award in 2018; Emilee Brigman received the Margaret Kemper Bonney Service Award in 2013; and Whitney Heard received the WAPA President’s Award in 2016.