Players

Award: $750 Scholarship

Criteria: Awarded to a student-athlete who represents their school and community with distinction, mirroring the character and bravery of Tristan Southworth.

Tristan Southworth (Hazen Union Class of ’27) was the definition of a standout athlete and a selfless teammate. A member of the VBCA “Dream Dozen” and a 2010 Division III Champion, Tristan was known statewide for his skill as a pitcher and a defensive specialist.

However, his greatest legacy was one of service. Tristan enlisted in the Vermont National Guard during his senior year of high school and was killed in the line of duty while deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, he is remembered not just for his intensity as a competitor, but for his sharp wit, his thoughtfulness, and his habit of deflecting praise to his teammates. This scholarship honors those who lead with that same quiet strength and dedication to country and community.

Award: $750 Scholarship

Criteria: Awarded to a male student-athlete who displays a genuine passion for defense, a deep love for the game, and the qualities of an elite team player.

Robert “Stretch” Gillam was a titan of Vermont basketball, coaching for nearly 60 years and amassing over 600 victories. A member of both the VBCA and New England Basketball Halls of Fame, “Stretch” was more than a coach; he was a teacher of life lessons.

He believed that basketball was a vehicle for character development. He valued the “grind” of the game—teaching players that hard work on defense and a commitment to the team were the true markers of success. This scholarship honors a young man who plays with that same “Stretch” Gillam spirit: a player who values the defensive stop as much as the basket and makes every teammate around him better.

Award: $550 Scholarship

Criteria: Awarded to a female student athlete who is a team player,
displays good sportsmanship, has a positive impact on her team, and has a passion for defense.

Eric Ward was a dedicated and passionate basketball coach in Vermont for over 40 years. He coached the Thetford Academy girls’ basketball program for many years, taking the Panthers to seven straight championship games, winning four, including the first ever for Thetford Academy in 2014. Eric was on the board of the Vermont Basketball Coaches’ Association, coached AAU basketball, and devoted his life to the sport of basketball while being a great ambassador to the sport. His legacy as a coach was loving and caring for every player on and off the court, great sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a great influence.

Criteria: Recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service, loyalty, and dedication to their athletic programs and community.

Tommy Finnell was the heart of Brattleboro Union High School athletics for over 25 years. Serving as the manager for football, basketball, and baseball, Tommy’s commitment was unsurpassed—he was often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave.

Tommy had a unique gift for encouragement; he was a friend to players, a confidant to coaches, and a storyteller who could recall decades of Vermont sports history with amazing clarity. He celebrated every win with joy and met every loss with a pat on the back for those who gave their best effort. This award is presented to those who, like Tommy, put the team above themselves and touch the lives of everyone in the gym through their steadfast presence and friendship.