Ralph Viola

Well-respected Hartford Public High School athletic figure, both as a player and coach.

Awarded 10 letters: baseball, 4, pitcher-outfielder, 4 years, captain senior year; swimming, 4, state freestyle champion 4 years; football, 2, quarterback senior year; received Wickham Award as outstanding athlete, Class of 1949.

President, senior year, HPHS Athletic Association.

Highly successful head coach of swimming, 18 years baseball, 7 years; assistant football coach, 9 years; compiled winning percentage in all 3 sports.

HPHS Aquatic Director 16 years; driving force in making swimming mandatory at 9th and 10th grade levels in school’s physical education curriculum.