University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
Alfred R. "Tommy" Tomassetti 1938 - Basketball
During the years of low-scoring basketball games, Al "Tommy" Tomassetti was unusual -- he could shoot. A 1980 UVM Hall of Fame inductee, he was the top scorer in his junior and senior seasons, tallying 24 points in one game against Norwich and 19 at Dartmouth and his individual scoring total was more than the team total of either Norwich or Dartmouth.
The 24 points in the Norwich win was a UVM season record, breaking the mark (23) held by his friend and UVM Hall of Famer, Fred "Red" Harris ('22). Harris' mark of 23 points in one game lasted for 15 seasons, 1922-37.
In addition to being an outstanding basketball player in his undergraduate years, Tomassetti is one of the most generous supporters of UVM's athletic program. After graduation, he played professionally for a few years with the Connecticut Collegians and has served on numerous committees in his hometown of Meriden, Conn. His company, Canada Dry Ginger Ale Company of Central Connecticut, which he is president of, sponsors several men and women's basketball and softball teams, on the amateur and professional levels.
Tomassetti was active since leaving UVM sponsoring youth sports activities in Connecticut and has served his hometown of Meriden, Conn. in the Connecticut State Legislature; chairman of the YMCA Fund; charter member of past president of the Board of Directors of the Farms Country Club of Wallingford, CT and was a Incorporator of the Meriden Boys Club.
