Norwich University

The late Ernest C. "Buck" Hatfield was a rare twelve-letter man, one of only three in Norwich's long athletic history. He achieved those letters in baseball, basketball, and football while also participating in track. Buck was twice named All-State in football and led to the baseball team to a four-year mark of 27-9-2, serving as team captain his last two seasons. In 1938, Buck was the recipient of the Senior Athletic Achievement Award for his all-around performance. He served on the Athletic Council and was its president as a senior. A three-year Dean's List student, Buck was also class president for two years. As an officer in the United States Army's 1st Armored Div., he served in World War II in Ireland, England, and North Africa. He was later stationed at Fort Hood and the Pentagon. After military service, Nuck returned to Norwich as a backfield coach with the football team and as Director of Athletics in 1946 and 1947. He then embarked on a teaching and coaching career that took him to Pittsford and Barre, VT; Lebanon, NH (as headmaster); and Branford, CT (as principal). He obtained his master's degree in education from Syracuse University. Buck also performed community service as a Civil Defense director and a Lion's Club president while maintaining active membership in the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, the National Association of Secondary Schools, the New England Association of Secondary Schools, and the Connecticut Association of Secondary Schools.