Dave Gavitt '59 an Inaugural Inductee into ECAC Hall of Fame

DANBURY, Conn. — The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) inducted its inaugural class of 25 former student-athletes, coaches and administrators into the ECAC Hall of Fame last Friday evening at the Matrix Conference and Banquet Center in Danbury, Connecticut. Among those inducted was the late Dartmouth alumnus and former basketball coach Dave Gavitt '59.

“It was truly an honor to recognize such a special group of individuals tonight,” said ECAC President & CEO Dr. Kevin T. McGinniss. “The ECAC would not be where it is today without the contributions and achievements of this inaugural class and I couldn't be happier to forever commemorate the impact they have had on this organization.”

Gavitt played basketball and baseball at Dartmouth, helping the hoops team to the Ivy League titles and the NCAA Tournament in both 1958 and 1959, then went on to become a successful coach and administrator in athletics both professionally and on the collegiate level. At various times in his professional career, he was the founder and commissioner of the Big East Conference, president of an Olympic governing body and the CEO of the Boston Celtics.

After serving as the Big Green men's basketball coach for two and a half years, Gavitt took the same job at Providence College where he guided the Friars to a 209-84 record over 10 years, eight consecutive 20-win seasons and five NCAA Tournament bids, including the Final Four in 1973.

Gavitt helped form the Big East Conference in 1979 and served as its first commissioner until 1990. In addition, he was pegged as the head coach for the Olympic team in 1980, only to not participate due to the U.S. boycott of the Moscow Summer Olympics. During his tenure as the president of the Celtics from 1990-94, Gavitt also served as president of USA Basketball and helped bring together the Dream Team in 1992.

Gavitt passed away on Sept. 16, 2011 at the age of 73.

Over 200 guests attended the inaugural event to celebrate 25 individuals who left an enduring mark on the ECAC over the 75-year history of the organization. SNY, NBC Sports, and FOX Sports basketball analyst Vin Parise served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Gala as each inductee was honored with a video presentation and a plaque in their name.

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