Branford Welcomes Class of 2019 to “Sports Hall of Fame”

BRANFORD, CT - A new class was recently installed into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame.

The 2019 Branford Sports Hall of Fame Dinner took place at Woodwinds Restaurant in Branford, on November 22, 2019. This event honors those who have brought pride, honor and distinction as either an athlete, coach, sportswriter, trainer, fan or contributed in another way to the Branford athletic community.

Pictured is the Class of 2019:

Left to Right

Back Row: Kelley Anderson Esposito, Owen Rood, Mike Tamsin, Steve Bray

Middle Row: Paul Gagliardi, Eddie Bethke

Front Row: Gigi Grandel Hayden, Eric Sokolosky, John Steady, Jr., Jenifer Carini Clarkson, Caitlyn Buckanavage

The Branford Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to recognize individuals who have brought honor and distinction to the Town of Branford, Connecticut and participated in sports as a player, coach, organizer, sponsor, journalist or fan.

Honorees must have attained a measure of success in athletics as a player, coach, supporter or person who has had a significant impact on sports and has been a leader in his profession or avocation. Consideration is given to candidate's for their public service for the benefit of their community, their country and their fellow man and to individuals that have utilized their talents to attain success in business, private life or public service.

The original concept was to recognize individuals that participated in sports as a player, coach, organizer, sponsor, journalist or fan, and either through sports, or in their life after sports, brought honor and distinction to the Town of Branford. They didn't have to score the most points, have the highest average, or run the fastest although many have. They didn't have to make All League, All State or All American, although many have. And they didn't have to attend Branford High School although most have.

Honorees are recognized every November.