Howard J. 'Buster' Navins '31

Howard J. “Buster” Navins ’31 played varsity basketball and baseball at GDA in the 1930-31 school years. He held the single game scoring record in basketball from 1931 to 1947. He went on to outstanding careers in basketball and baseball at Williams College and captained the 1935 baseball team. From 1936 to 1977, Buster was a faculty member at GDA and coached varsity teams in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He was considered a coaching legend at GDA, and his teams won league championships in soccer and baseball as well as the 1947 Class B New England Basketball Championship. The Navins Trophy in soccer is awarded to that senior who best exemplifies the spirit and desire that characterized Buster’s teams; and the baseball field at GDA is named in Buster’s honor. Countless GDA athletes considered playing for Buster their highest privilege.

C. Nelson Corey '35

C. Nelson “Nels” Corey ’35 competed in football, hockey and baseball at GDA in the 1934-35 school years. He went on to Bowdoin College where he won nine letters and was All-Maine in football and All-New England in hockey, as well as an outstanding baseball player. After college, Nels enjoyed distinguished teaching and coaching careers at GDA and at Hotchkiss School where he started the lacrosse program and was a faculty member from 1965-1980. His coaching career included time at Maine Central Institute, Colby College, Williams College, and Bowdoin. Nels has been the recipient of numerous accolades: The Martin Souders Award for contributions to independent schools; induction into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame and the Bowdoin College Athletic Hall of Honor; and the 2005 Contribution to Amateur Football Award.

Franklin 'Fritz' Freeman '48

Franklin “Fritz” Freeman ’48 played varsity soccer, basketball, and baseball at GDA from 1946 to 1948. He was the captain of the basketball team in 1948 and won the Most Valuable Player Award in baseball in 1946, 1947, and 1948. He pitched the first no-hit, no-run game in GDA baseball history against Noble and Greenough School in 1947. Fritz was chosen to participate in the 1948 Boston Post Schoolboy All-Star Game at Braves Field in 1948, as the starting pitcher. Signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1948, he played for Lynn in the New England League before injury forced his retirement from the professional ranks. In 1974, Fritz was a ranked doubles tennis player in New England in the 45 and over division.

Michael K. Mulligan '71

Michael K. Mulligan ’71 competed in varsity soccer, wrestling, and lacrosse at GDA. He was the captain of the wrestling team and won his weight class in the New England Championships in 1971. He played lacrosse at Middlebury College and captained the 1975 team which won the Eastern College Athletic Association Championship. He was awarded the Middlebury College Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award in 1975 and was named to various all-star teams. As a GDA coach, Mike was head coach of soccer for nine years and assisted the legendary G. Heberton Evans in wrestling. His coaching career continued at Thacher School where he is currently the headmaster.

Julia L. Duff '80

Julia L. Duff ’80 played varsity field hockey and lacrosse at GDA from 1977 to 1980. She captained the lacrosse team in her junior and senior years and was the team’s MVP both years. In 1979, Julie was the MVP of a high school all-star team which toured Canada. Upon graduation from GDA, she won the Anne-Marie Murphy Athletic Award. During her college career at William and Mary, she captained the lacrosse team in 1984 and won the Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award. Her lacrosse career also included playing for the United States team from 1981-1987 and serving as head coach at Phillips Exeter Academy and Stanford University. Currently, Julie is the West Region’s representative on the US Lacrosse Women’s Board of Governors, and a board member of Northern California’s Women’s Lacrosse Association.