Norwich University

Gray R. Coane was a versatile Cadet athlete, participating in fave varsity sports and earning either letters. While Gray managed to juggle three winter sports (basketball, skiing, and wrestling) and played four years of baseball, one as captain, he is best remembered for his prowess on the gridiron. A two-way end under Coach Dewey Graham, he was among NU's first greatest receivers in the early days of the forward pass. At various times in his career, he was named All-Vermont, All-New England, and Honorable Mention All-American. His 45-yard touchdown reception of a Charlie O'Donnell pass in the 1928 Dartmouth game stood for several years as NU's longest TD pass. He also played on three state championship teams. 
Gray served as class vice-president in his sophomore and junior years and served in the National Guard as an undergraduate for two years, attaining the rank of sergeant. He later rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force where he spent a total of nineteen years on active duty and as a reservist. 

Gray's love of athletics led him back to the playing fields as the Brattleboro, VT native moved north to assume a teaching/coaching position at Montpelier High School. In a thirty-two year career at MHS, Coach Coane had stints as an assistant coach in football, basketball, and baseball before becoming head coach in those three sports. He published articles on basketball offense in Scholastic Coach. Gray earned a master's degree in Education from Bates in 1952 and concluded his career in 1968 after four years as Assistant Principal at Montpelier High School.

Active in community organizations, Gray was chairman of the Elks Lodge Scholarship Committee and a chairman of the Vermont State Elks Association for six years. He was also a member of the Montpelier Kiwanis Club and the Montpelier City Club (which he served as president). Gray also coached in Montpelier's Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball programs. For many years a deacon at Bethany Congregational Church, he served as chairman of the board of deacons for three years. 

Gray and his late wife, Lucille Adams Coane, had one son, Daniel A. Coane. Gray Coane resides in Montpelier.