Guilford Resident David Beckerman among Inaugural Inductees into Hamden Hall Athletic Hall of Fame

Hamden Hall Country Day School is pleased to announce that Guilford resident David Beckerman is among the premier inductees into the school’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame.

Beckerman is Hamden Hall’s former basketball coach, serving from 1993 through 2004 and amassing a record of 252 wins and 60 losses.  Additionally, he garnered 10 consecutive years of 22 wins or more during his tenure.

“This inaugural class truly reflects the values and standards of excellence representative of a Hamden Hall education,” said Head of School Bob Izzo.  “The four individuals were stellar students and athletes and coach Beckerman and his basketball program are legendary.”

Inductees also include state Sen. Leonard Fasano, New Haven Legal Assistance deputy director Alexis Highsmith Smith, local attorney Alphonse Ippolito, author and media personality Chris Kuselias, and the 1962-’63 basketball team.  All will be honored for their contributions both on the field and in the community at the Athletic Hall of Fame induction dinner April 12, 2014.
Beckerman is the founder and chairman of the board of Acorn Group, a corporate real estate management and development company.  He is also the head coach of the Varsity Boys’ Basketball team at The Pine Crest School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Additionally, he was the founder and president of Starter, a sports apparel company he launched in 1971 that grew to be the world’s largest licensed apparel company.

While at Hamden Hall, Beckerman won eight New England Championships including six consecutive wins from 1998 through 2004.  His program also garnered six Fairchester Championships and he produced nearly 20 college-bound players.  

“The success of any coach comes from his players.  I was blessed with so many great student-athletes who understood the mission both in the classroom and on the basketball court,” said Beckerman, whose grandchildren attended Hamden Hall.

The Hamden Hall Athletic Hall of Fame acknowledges exceptional scholar-athletes, coaches, teams and supporters of the school’s athletic program who have made contributions both on the playing field and in the community.  The inductees exemplify the school’s high athletic standards, and they are being honored for their legacy of hard work and commitment, dedication to teamwork and impact on the school’s tradition of athletics.