Farmington Valley native and U.S. Army veteran Richard Hadden had a long and fruitful career in Avon and (and surrounding area) athletics. A graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, Richard set out to be, in his words, “an administrator, teacher, and coach in a school system that emphasizes the total development” of students. To him, athletics were an integral part of that total development.

Rich began his education career as a mathematics teacher at Avon High School, a position he held for 19 years before accepting the role of Assistant Principal in 1988. During his tenure, Rich coached the boys’ basketball team for four years (1974-77) and led them to two CIAC state tournament appearances. He then brought his basketball coaching skills to the collegiate courts as assistant basketball coach at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Wesleyan University.

In 1983, Rich took the helm of the Avon girls’ cross-country program (19831987) where he led them to five consecutive state championships, four straight state titles, and two State Open championships in 1984 and 1985. His teams finished with a five-year record of 73-1 and a new state record for consecutive dual meet wins at 94, in 1986. During this time, Rich was named Coach of the Year twice; in 1985 and 1987.

Over the years, Rich’s leadership was sought by several athletic committees. He served on the CIAC girls and boys cross country committees, the boys basketball committee, and the baseball committee on which he was chair from 1999-2002. In 2003, he received the Distinguished Coaching Award from the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS).

A sportsman and a lover of sports, Rich ran two marathons, collected baseball memorabilia, and was an avid UConn Basketball fan, having attended over 30 events including four Final Four games. Richard Hadden passed away in his hometown of Farmington in December. He is survived by his son Brian, daughter-in-law Caitlin, and two grandchildren, Charlie and Louisa Hadden.