University of Vermont Athletics

Chester M. Taft 1933 - Baseball, Basketball, Football

A scholar-athlete in every sense of the term, Chet Taft was a three-sport star at UVM and became one of the most respected teachers, coaches and administrators in the state. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977, Taft excelled in basketball, but also was a starter in football and baseball.

He played regularly in basketball for three years and led the team in scoring for two of the three years. He was an All-State selection for three seasons. In football, he was a regular back his junior and senior seasons and was an outfielder in baseball, hitting consistently over .300.

While teaching in high school - and climbing toward the principalship - he helped coach football, basketball and baseball. Taft was a high school teacher, coach and principal in Vermont secondary schools for over 35 years, retiring as principal of Essex Jct. High School in 1971 after 17 years at that position. Taft was also a representative to the Vermont Legislature.

Two of his sons played soccer for the Catamounts. Jeff ('68) is a member of the UVM Athletic Hall of Fame and Jim ('77) was a standout goalkeeper.