Lou Bazzano, former basketball coach at Bulkeley High School and athletic administrator for the Hartford Schools, died on April 19, at the age of 86. The World War II., U.S. Army veteran was a graduate of Springfield College who found immediate coaching success in Plymouth, New Hampshire, leading his football team to a State Championship and his basketball team to an undefeated season. In 1953 he became a coach at Bulkeley High School and began a storied career as its basketball coach and good will ambassador in sports throughout the state. For the next 13 years, Bulkeley’s basketball program was one of the best in New England. In 1958 and 1962 he brought his “Bulldogs” to the New England Tournament, as one of Connecticut’s two representatives. Bazzano compiled a won-loss record of 202-86. Following coaching, he was appointed to several athletic administration positions for the Hartford Public schools. Bazzano earned a number of recognitions in his career, including the UNICO National Special Athletic Award in 1967, a Gold Key from the Connecticut Sportswriters’ Alliance in 1997, and membership in the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame, New Britain Sports Hall of Fame and the New England Sports Hall of Fame.
Lou Bazzano was a highly respected member of the high school coaching fraternity, whose positive and supportive ways endeared him to coaches across the state. He will be missed greatly.