WHAT: Inaugural Harrison "Honey" Fitch Men's Basketball Tournament
WHERE: U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut
WHEN: November 17-18, 2023
Who: Rear Admiral Michael J. Johnston, 43rd Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- Harrison Brooks Fitch Jr., son of Harrison "Honey" Fitch
- Dr. Dan Rose, Director of Athletics
- Dr. Aram deKoven, Chief Diversity Officer
NEW LONDON, Conn. — The U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Mitchell College are scheduled to host a two-day men’s basketball tournament, named after Harrison “Honey” Fitch. The tournament will take place Nov. 17-18 and will recognize the legacy of Mr. Fitch, a former UCONN student athlete who was discriminated against at the Academy in the 1930’s.
As part of the program, a leadership breakfast will be hosted at the Academy on the 18th where student-athletes and coaches will reflect on how they can grow, both individually and as a team. Also, one individual per team who best demonstrates L.I.F.T. (which stands for Leadership, Improvement, Future and Teamwork) focused leadership will be recognized. Participating teams include the Academy, Mitchell College, Westfield State, and CCNY Men’s Basketball. The Coast Guard Academy will be wearing a commemorative uniform in honor of Harrison "Honey" Fitch. The media is invited to cover Saturday’s games at the Academy, as well as the leadership breakfast at 9 a.m. in Billard Hall, Otto Graham Hall of Athletic Excellence.
The tournament reflects a joint effort between the Coast Guard Academy and the Harrison Fitch Leadership Fund to learn from the past and inspire future leaders. Harrison Brooks Fitch Jr., son of the tournament's namesake, is scheduled to attend the tournament and deliver remarks during the breakfast event.
Game schedule:
Friday Nov. 17, 2023 (Day One)
Location: Mitchell College, New London, CT
5:30 p.m., Game 1: Westfield vs. Mitchell
7:30 p.m., Game 2: Coast Guard vs. CCNY
Saturday Nov. 18, 2023 (Day Two)
Location: U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT
Billard Hall, Otto Graham Hall of Athletic Excellence
9:00 a.m. Leadership Breakfast
Roland Hall, Alumni Gym
1:00 p.m., Game 3: Mitchell vs. CCNY
3:00 p.m., Game 4: Coast Guard vs. Westfield
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