Former Ellington Coach Elected To CT Women's Basketball Hall Of Fame

ELLINGTON, CT — A former Ellington High School girls basketball who guided the Knights to three straight state championships is among seven individuals who will be honored by the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Ron Hanson, who coached in Ellington from 1975 to 1983, led the Knights to the Class S title in 1981, then won the Class M championship in 1982 and 1983. He moved on to Quinnipiac College in fall 1983, coaching the Lady Braves to 25-plus victories in each of his two seasons as head coach at the then-Division II school. His teams captured the New England Collegiate Conference regular season and conference championships and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II tournament both years. His 1983-84 team, which had a 28-3 record in his inaugural season, is enshrined in the Quinnipiac Athletic Hall of Fame.

A 1964 graduate of Cheshire Academy, Hanson served as teacher, coach and athletic director at Ellington High School from 1974 to 2003. During his tenure, he also coached varsity, JV and freshman boys' basketball and varsity golf. He served stints as varsity boys' basketball coach at Somers High School and as assistant boys' coach at Hartford Public.

Other members of the 33rd Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction class are:

• Nadine Domond, high school player, Bridgeport Central HS
• Ellen Geraghty, high school player, Gilbert School
• Brian Hurlock, honorary, Farmington, Terryville, Wolcott
• Margaret Tieman, referee, Litchfield/Div. I
• Jaci Daigneault, college player , Guilford/Amherst College
• Queen Edwards-Smith, college player, Hillhouse/Quinnipiac College

The Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame was the first organization of its kind in the country. It was created in 1987 by five professional and personal friends who strongly felt the need to honor outstanding basketball players, coaches, officials, and advocates. The Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed to the enhancement of women’s basketball in Connecticut -- either through participation, through service, through support, or through achievement.

The induction dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27 at the Cascade Banquet Facility, 480 Sherman Avenue, Hamden. Ticket information may be obtained from Tina Gonyea at 203 927-6581 or tlghoop@aol.com.