He coached from 1960-1978 at Rice Memorial H.S. In 18 years at the varsity level, his teams had 317 wins and 3 state championships. His teams won several northern league titles. The gym floor at Rice is named in his honor. He was instrumental in the development of C.Y.O. basketball in Vermont. His legacy continues today as his sons and grandsons continue to coach and play the game of basketball. He passed away in 1999, Bernie Cieplicki.

His coaching career spanned the years 1956 to 1976 at Plainfield High School, Weeks School in Vergennes and Winooski High School, winning over 200 games during his varsity career. In 1970, his Winooski High School Team was state runner-up, following that with three consecutive state championships in 1971, 1972, and 1973. He was co-coach of the year in 1968 and 1973 in the Northern Conference and VT Coach’s Association coach of the year in 1972. Rene Blanchard

After several years as a Junior Varsity coach, he began his varsity career at Whitehall High School in Whitehall, NY in 1979. Following a period of coaching at Castleton State College, he now heads the program at Fair Haven Union High School. During his varsity career, his teams have won over 350 games, appeared in 7 final fours, four State championship games, with a Championship as the Whitehall girls’coach and with the Fair Haven boys. He is a past VT-NH All Star game coach and has won numerous Coach of the Year awards. He has also served on the Executive Board of the VBCA . Bob Prenevost

He began his varsity career at Brattleboro Union High School in 1988 after several years at the Junior Varsity level. As the Varsity coach, his teams won 228 games in 16 years. He took his team to five final fours, two runners-ups, and a State Championship in 1993. He was named Coach of the Year by the Marble Valley League and the VBCA on numerous occasions. In 1999, he coached the VT-NH All Star Game. He has been a past President and Executive Board member of the VBBCA and VBCA. He retired from coaching in 2003 but continued to help out at the Junior High level for a few years. Bob Bashford

He coached from 1945-1960 at Springfield High School. In his fifteen years, his teams were 215 and 100. Springfield High School won division I State Championships in 1946, 1956, 1957, and 1960. His teams also won 7 Southern Vermont League Titles. After his retirement, he continued to coach the freshmen at Springfield. He passed away in 2005. Accepting is his son Greg. Boleslof “Bo” Birsky

He coached at the varsity level at Randolph Union High School from 1976 to 2009. During his career, his teams won over 375 games. They made five final four appearances, were state runner-up twice and won a state championship. He was names coach of the year numerous times and a five time VT-NH All Star game coach. He has been an active member of the VBCA and chair of the VPA Basketball Committee. Bruce Viens

This man has coached the Girls Varsity Basketball teams at Wilmington High School and Twin Valley High School from 1981 to the present. His teams have accumulated over 300 victories. They have appeared in 11 final fours, and also 4 State Championship games winning 2 of them. His teams have also won many league titles and he has been honored as Coach of the Year many times. He is also an outstanding Boys Soccer Coach as his teams have won numerous Championships. He has been an active member of the VCA, VBBCA, and VBCA for years. He has always participated in clinics and camps, contributing to the growth of youth sports. Leland “Buddy” Hayford

He began coaching girls’ basketball at West Rutland High School in 1999 and has continued with the program since. As of the start of this (2019-2020) season, his teams have made 12 final four and 7 final appearances, with 3 of those resulting in state championships. His teams have won over 300 games and he has been Coach of the year numerous times. During this time, he has also been an active member of the VBCA. His continued dedication to his players on and off the court has made the West Rutland girls’ basketball program successful. Carl Serrani

He coached from 1966 to1989 at Mattawamkeag High School in Maine and at North Country Union High School. During his varsity tenure, his teams won over 250 games. His Mattawamkeag teams were Eastern Maine runner-up in ‘68 and ‘69. At North Country, his teams made 15 consecutive play-off appearances, including a final four appearance in 1989. He is former VT-NH All-Star game coach and was the VBBCA Division 1 Coach of the Year in 1989. He is a member of the Lyndon State College Athletic Hall of Fame Gerry Clifford

She began her coaching career at Beeman Academy, New Haven, VT in 1966. The following year she became the head coach at Bristol High School. In 1991, she was named Varsity Girls Coach at Mt. Abraham Union High School in Bristol and remains in that position today. In her 25 year career, her teams have won over 370 games, 3 State Championships, 6 runners up, and appeared in 16 Final Fours. She was a member of the VPA Basketball Committee for 15 years, an officer and executive board member of the VBCA, and a basketball camp director for many years. Additionally, she was head coach of the VT-NH All Star game 5 times, and has won many Coach of the Year awards. Connie LaRose

He began his coaching career in 1973 at Chelsea High School, moved to Williamstown High School, and is currently coaching at U-32. Over the years, his teams have won over 500 games. His teams have been to seven final fours and been runner-up three times and division II state champions four times. He has been named coach of the year several times and was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame last year. Dan Gandin

He coached the Varsity Boys’ Basketball team at McIndoes Academy from 1960-63 and 1964-66. In 1963 he coached the Girls’ Basketball team to a Class S State Championship. He also coached the St. Johnsbury Academy Girls’ Basketball team from 1980 to 1987 and, again, for the 1993-94 season. In his 15 years of coaching, his teams won 189 games. His Girls’ teams at St. Johnsbury Academy won four State Championships—‘81, ‘82, ‘84, and ‘85. He is also a member of the V. P. A. Hall of Fame. He also was long time educator at St Johnsbury Academy. Dan Thurston

He began coaching at Poultney High School in 1997 and continues there today. His teams have won over 360 games. So far in his career, his teams have won three division III state championships, were runner-up once, and won three division IV state championships. He is a past VT-NH All Star game coach. In addition, he has been the head football coach and athletic director for many years. Dave Capman

He coached from 1971 to 1999 at Harwood Union High School and South Burlington High School. In 28 seasons, his teams won 360 games. His teams collected 4 Metro titles, made the playoffs 26 times, made 9 final four appearances, 2 state final game appearances and won 1 state championship. He was named Coach of the Year several times. He was great high school player at Winooski and college player at U. V. M. Dave Lapointe

He coached from 1961 to 1980 at Orleans High School, Sacred Heart High School of Newport, and Northfield High School. His teams won 279 games and two state championships. He was VT coach of the year twice. He is a Ralph Lapointe award winner and a member of the V.P.A. Hall of Fame. His teams were always known for their defensive intensity. He was a pioneer in the development of basketball camps in Vermont. Dick Jarvis

He coached form 1941 to 1972 at Woodstock High School, Cathedral (Rice), Burlington High School, and South Burlington High Schoo1. His teams won over 400 games. His teams won several Northern Vermont League titles and a state championship at Burlington in 1955. He was an outstanding teacher/coach who instilled a great desire to compete at the highest level at all times. Sadly, Coach Maley passed away last week at the age of 89. Accepting for the family is Tom Obbagy. Don Maley

He coached from 1962-1992 at North Stratford High School and Lamoille Union High School. His teams won over 340 games during his career. His teams won several Capital Division League championships and were state runner up four times. During his career, he was actively involved in many camps and clinics which helped improve his players along with others. Don Messier

He coached from 1959-1977 at Winooski H.S. and Burlington H.S. In 18 years at the varsity level, his teams went to the finals 10 times and were state champions 8 times. His first four years at Winooski were state championship years. He went to 2 New England High School tournaments with Winooski and won the New England tournament in 1962. He was Vermont coach of the year in 1972. He was past president of the Vermont Coaches Association. He passed away in 2000, Ed Burke.

He coached from 1930-1961 at West Rutland H.S. In 31 years at the varsity level, his teams won 321 games, and 7 state championships in an 8-period. He was a teacher, principal, superintendent, and coach. In his time of coaching, West Rutland played in the southern Vermont league. He is a member of the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. At West Rutland, the gym is named in his honor. He passed away in 1982, Frank Hinchey.

He coached from 1993 to 2003 at Vergennes Union High School. In his 10 years, his teams won 164 games. During this time, his teams won 8 league championships, made 4 final four appearances, and won 1 state championship. During his last three years, his teams went 63 and 7 with 3 final four appearances. He was Lake Division Coach of the Year 4 times. He was not only a great coach but has been a friend and supporter to his players. Gene LeBeau

He coached from 1968 to 1979 at Burr and Burton seminary. In his ten years, his team’s record was 136 and 68. In 1976, 1977, and 1978, Burr and Burton won three consecutive Division II State Championships with a three year record of 62 and 6. He continues to help young and veteran coaches by mentoring and scouting. George “Gigi” Allard

He coached from 1971 to 2006 at St. Johnsbury Academy. During these 35 years, his teams won over 450 games, appearing in the final four 11 times, in the finals 6 times, and winning 3 championships. He is a member of the UVM Hall of Fame, VPA Hall of Fame, and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. He had numerous players who went on to have very successful college careers because of his preparation and dedication to excellence. Layne Higgs

This inductee coached at Bellows Falls union High School from 1981-2009. Her teams won over 350 games during her coaching career. Bellows Falls appeared in 8 division II final fours, 2 division I final fours, won four division II state championships, and one division I state championship during this time. She has won several Coach of the Year awards and has been a three time coach of the VT-NH All Star game . She has been a teacher, coach, mentor, and role model for hundreds of student athletes. Jayne Barber

He coached from 1975 to 1995 at Mill River Union High School. His first 2 years he was the JV coach before becoming the varsity coach in 1978. His teams won 223 games. Mill River appeared in four state championships games with 2 state championships in his career. He was MVL coach of the year many times. He was an outstanding teacher of the fundamentals of the game and continues to mentor coaches today. Jay Wilson

He coached from 1961 to 1991 at Proctor High School, West Rutland High School, and Rutland High School. His teams won over 400 games. In his thirty years, his teams made 28 playoff appearances, 8 final fours, 5 finals, and 2 state championships. His teams were known for their team work and solid defensive play. He is presently in Florida. Accepting for him is Tom Giesler. Jim Leamy

He coached from 1986-2002 at Arlington Memorial H.S. His first 6 years were as a varsity assistant. In his 10 years at the varsity level, his teams won over 150 games, made 5 final four appearances and 1 state championship. He was named M.V.L. “C” Coach of the year 4 times. Joe had a strong passion for the game of basketball and was known as a coach who took care of his players. He passed away in 2002, Joe Corey.

He coached from 1946 to 1969 at St. Michael’s High School of Brattleboro and Brattleboro Union High School. His teams own over 200 games during his coaching career. His St. Michael’s teams won 3 Class C state championships and 1 Class B state championship while winning over 50 consecutive games. In addition to being an outstanding coach, he was an outstanding teacher who touched many people in a positive way in Brattleboro. He passed away in 1995. Accepting is his son Richard. Joe Moore

He coached the Varsity Girls Basketball team at Danville High School for 18 years from 1979 to 1997.During his career his teams won 267 games. They made 12 final four appearances and 6 trips to the finals, resulting in 3 State Championships. It was not just Joe’s winning mentality that his players admired, rather it was his guidance and sincerity that solidified him as great person as well as a great coach. He passed away in 2010. Joe Peck

At Windsor High School, he coached boys’ basketball from 1964 to 1983 and girls’ basketball from 1993 to 1996. His boys’ teams won over 200 games and his girls’ teams were 70-2 over his three years. His 1978 boys’ team was state champs and New England runner-up. His girls’ teams were in the finals from 1993-1996, winning championships in ‘94 and ‘96. He is a former VT - NH All Star Game coach and a member of the Castleton State College Hall of Fame. John Barth

He began coaching in 1976 at the sub-varsity level, becoming varsity coach in 1983 and has just completed his 34th year at Windsor High School. During those 26 years at varsity level, his teams have won over 300 games. They’ve won 5 MVL championships, made 10 final four appearances, 8 trips to the finals and won 4 state championships. He remains a very active member of the VBCA, is a former President, and presently the Vice President. He has greatly enriched the Windsor community for the better part of his adult life. Harry Ladue

He coached from 1966 to 1989 at Fair Haven Union High School. In 23 years of coaching, his teams won 318 games, 6 M. V. L. championships, appeared in 4 state championship games, winning 1 state championship. He was named M. V. L. Coach of the Year several times. In 1971, he was named the VT Coach of the Year. He is a former VT-NH All-Star Game coach. He continues to be involved in youth basketball programs today. Mike Barsalow

This gentleman coached from 1923 to 1953 at Burlington High School. His teams won 536 games and lost 164, a winning percentage of 72.2%. During those 31 years of coaching, Burlington High appeared in twelve final fours, was runner-up twice and attained ten state championships. His 1927 team went to the National Tournament in Chicago. The Burlington High School gymnasium is named in this honor. Milton "Buck" Hard

He coached from 1973-1988 and from 1990-1994, and from 1997-2003 at Rice. His record was 346 wins and 176 losses. He had 3 undefeated seasons. His team made 11 trips to the final four, 3 runner ups, and 5 state championships. Rice had a 51 gave winning streak from December 1998 to December 2000. He is a member of the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. Paul Rabidoux

He coached from 1968 to 2002 at Marian High School and at Spaulding High School in Barre. During his 27 years at the varsity level, his teams won over 400 games. He has led his teams to the final four six times, with Spaulding High School winning the state championship in 1994 and 2002. In 2008, he received the VT Coaching Achievement Award from the VT Sportswriters and Sportcasters Association. The Spaulding Boys Basketball Holiday tournament is named in his honor. Throughout his many years of camps, he greatly influenced the basketball youth of Barre. Fran Pinard

He coached from 1960 to 1984 at Springfield High School. His overall record at Springfield was 286 and 234. His teams won 2 Southern Vermont League championships and appeared in the Division 1 Finals 4 times. He was the 1976 Southern Vermont League Coach of the Year. He continues to be a mentor to the youth, middle school and high school coaches in Springfield. Richie Wyman

He coached from 1952 to 1979 at Woodstock Union High School during which time his teams won 370 games. Throughout his career, his teams never had a losing season. His teams were Southern VT Champs 3 times. Under his reign, the “Four Horsemen” went to the state finals in 1963, 64, 65, winning the championship in 1964 and 65. His teams were always known for their fast break and shooting skills. His was also a very successful football and baseball coach. He passed away in 1980. The Silver Fox--- Robert Dailey Robert Dailey

He began coaching in 1959 at Kimball Union Academy and since, has coached at Hartford Union High School, Oxbow Union High School, and is currently at Green Mt. Union High School. In his 48 years of coaching, his teams have won over 600 games, more than any boys’ basketball coach in the state. His teams have made 4 final four appearances and a trip to the state finals. He has won several Coach of the Year awards. He is a former coach of the VT-NH All Star Game and past president of the VBCA. Robert “Stretch” Gillam

He coached from 1968 to 1987 at Bradford Academy and Blue Mt. Union High School. In his 21 years of coaching, his teams won over 300 games. His teams appeared in 9 state championship games and won five of those state championship games. He was VT Coach of the Year in 1972 as well as Coach of the Year in his league many times. He was also a very successful baseball coach. Ron Brown

She began coaching in 1973 at South Burlington High School. Since then, her teams have won over 400 games. Her teams have amassed 10 Metro championships, 2 Lake division titles, made 19 final four appearances, 8 trips to the finals and have won 5 state titles. She coached the VT - NH All Star Game twice and has won numerous Coach of the Year awards. She is a member of the V. P. A. and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. Sheila Burleigh

He coached first at Randolph and then at Milton High School from 1954 to1979. From 1957 to 1961 he coached the boys and girls teams at Milton High School. During the two seasons of ‘57-‘59 his girls’ team won 36 straight games and, although girls’ tournaments weren’t begun until 1971, the press declared them state champions. Once tournaments for girls were established, his teams made appearances every year until his retirement in 1979. He was a man of integrity, dignity, and generosity who had an outstanding coaching career. Stanley Denton Folsom

She coached from 1969 to 1997 at Black River Union High School. Her teams won 325 games during her coaching career. Her teams won seven league titles in the Dot Jones League and Marble Valle League. Black River Union High School also won 2 state championships during her 28 years of coaching. For 28 years she showed a love for the game and a willingness to teach her players. Sue Pollender

During his 18 year coaching career, he coached boys at Hazen Union High School and both boys and girls at Lamoille Union High School As a boys’ coach from 1994-2002, his teams won 105 games, including State runner-up in 2001 while he was at Lamoille Union. In 2004, he became the girls’ coach at Lamoille. During the next 8 years, his teams made 8 straight final four appearances, 5 trips to the finals, and won 3 state championships. A former player once said of him, “I learned not only the game of basketball that I love so much, but sportsmanship, empathy, and an excellent work ethic.” Tim Messier

He coached from 1958 to 1979 at Bellows Falls Union High School and Norwich Free Academy of Connecticut. In 21 years, his teams won 321 games. His Bellows Falls teams won 5 Southern VT championships and were state runner-up twice. His Norwich teams won 7 Capital district championships and were in 3 final fours. He is a member of the Connecticut Basketball Coaches Association, and was named to the Bellows Falls H. S. and Norwich Free Academy Halls of Fame. Tim Ryan

He has coached varsity high school boys’ basketball for 27 years, beginning at Winooski High School in 1988. He also coached at Colchester High School, Missisquoi Valley Union High School, and Burlington High School before returning to Winooski High School in 2003. During 27 years of coaching, his teams have achieved over 300 wins and have consistently been in the tournaments. During this time, his teams have made five final four appearances, been runners up three times, and attained two state championships. He has been named Coach of the Year several times and been a very active member of the VBCA over his career. Tom Obbagy