Jeff Abbott
Class of 1982
Track & Field/Cross Country
Jeff's accomplishments for Daniel Hand High School were year round running for cross-country, indoor and outdoor track & field. He was a four year letterman in all three sports.
He was All-Conference in 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982. He was also All-State in the 800, 1500 and 3,000 meter steeplechase and the 4X400 relay. Jeff held school records in all four of those events. He was the Class M State Champion along with District/Housatonic/Shoreline Champion in the 800 Meters. Jeff was also Shoreline Champion in the 800, 1,500 and 4X400.
Jeff served in the U.S. Navy from 1984-2005 retiring with 20 years of service. His primary responsibilities included duties as an air traffic controller at the U.S. Naval Air Field as well as on board the USS Carl Vinson (CW70) deploying to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 1996.
He served as Carrier Air Traffic Control Center Supervisor/Watch Officer directing the launch and recovery of naval aircraft in enforcement of United Nations no fly zone operations in Iraq airspace. Jeff served as Air Traffic Control Instructor for newly recruited sailors and developed an advanced radar A T control course.
Utilizing his training, Jeff became a public school special education teacher for the District of Columbia. He created and coached boys and girls cross-country, indoor and outdoor track and field for his middle school students.
Jeff met and married Chrystle DeAnn (Mitchell) Abbott in 1988. They have a six year old grand-daughter and live in Alexandria, VA.
Congratulations to Jeff Abbott on his induction into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Dan Anderson
Dan Anderson
Athlete - Class of 1998 - Football & Track
On a dusty Exchange Club Field, a young, marginally interested, Dan Anderson was exposed to a life changing coach - Mike Teague.
One day in a drill, he pushed Dan to keep going and something clicked. Moments later he felt a strength wash over him, which would carry him throughout his life. The coach told him, "That he had a door in his brain which he had walked by 100's of times and that now he had opened it." So began a career that brings us here tonight.
Dan Anderson is regarded as one of the most dominant and inspiring athletes to ever wear a Daniel Hand football uniform. A proud member of the Class of 1998, Dan began his varsity football career as a sophomore defensive lineman in 1995 and quickly distinguished himself with his tenacity and football IQ. He later transitioned to linebacker, wingback, and fullback—excelling at every position he played. No player worked harder than Dan. He attributes that work ethic to his father who demanded that, beginning at 12 years old, he and his brothers work in the warehouse he owned for 45 hours per week when not in school or playing sports. All three of those boys Mike, Dan, and Christian would all become Captains and lead the Tigers.
By his junior year, Dan had established himself as an All-State caliber two-way player, anchoring the 1996 team as a fierce linebacker and powerful fullback. But it was during his senior season in 1997 that Dan truly cemented his legacy. As a team captain and starting tailback, he led the Tigers to a perfect 13–0 season and the program's first-ever No. 1 ranking in Connecticut. His running style was once described as, "running like half a collision looking for the other half and finding it." That year, he broke Jim Bell's (MAHOF 2013) longstanding single-season rushing record, amassing 1,672 yards and scoring 29 touchdowns—a record-setting performance that still echoes through the program's history.
Dan's impact went far beyond statistics. His leadership, intensity, and ability to galvanize his teammates are legendary within the program. Several post-game traditions that continue to this day were started by Dan as a senior captain in 1997. He was known for his unmatched versatility—coach, Filippone believed that Danny was capable of being the best player at any position on the field.
Following high school, Dan continued his academic and athletic journey at Dartmouth College. In his senior year Dan was primarily used as a blocking back, but on a day in 2001 that would make fellow Hall of Famer Larry Ciotti (MAHOF 2013) unhappy, Dan caught the only pass of his career and rumbled into the endzone at Yale Bowl to defeat the bull dogs. Dan remains deeply involved in the community, coaching Madison Youth Football and serving as a role model for the next generation of athletes.
Dan Anderson is not only remembered as a once-in-a-generation athlete but also as a humble, driven, and inspiring leader. He currently lives in Madison with his wife Erin (MAHOF 2016), who is also a member of MAHOF, with their three children Adriana 13, Winston 11, and Evelyn 8. His lasting influence on Daniel Hand High School athletics and the greater Madison community make him a truly deserving inductee into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to Dan Anderson on his induction into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Brittany Jackson Walsh
Brittany Jackson Walsh Athlete
Class of 2008
Soccer/Basketball
Born in New London,CT, Brittany was two years old when her family moved to Madison and so began her journey. She began her sports career very early, participating in the town's Rec soccer and basketball programs. Dad was by her side coaching the Rec teams and travel teams. As her love for soccer and basketball continued, she began playing at the higher levels of Premier Soccer and AAU Basketball. She doesn't necessarily have a favorite of the two sports, but they are the only sports she played.
Brittany was a four- year varsity player and absolutely loved it! Brittany says she was shy and school wasn't always her comfort zone, but once she was out on the soccer field she became a different person. Her love for her teammates was second to none. Brittany said, "We were friends and hung out together, going to school events together and we all had the same common goals." She had a very good relationship with the coaching staff lead by Bob Faulkner (MAHOF 2015) and said, "They were so supportive and helpful."
Brittany was always about the team and when asked about any specific highlight or moment in her career she responded, "I never remember individual events, but a highlight was our team reaching the finals in her freshman year versus Wilton."
Some High School Soccer 2004-2007 career information;
● Team Captain Senior Year.
● 78 total Goals, 42 Total Assists
● All SCC Soccer 2005,2006, 2007.
● All Area Soccer 2005, 2006, 2007
● All State Soccer 2005, 2006, 2007
● All New England 2007
● Class L State Team Finalist in Soccer 2004, 2006
● Senior Bowl Soccer 2007
● Daniel Hand Soccer Offensive Player of the Year 2004, 2005, 2006
● Daniel Hand Team Soccer MVP 2006, 2007
● Kelme Soccer MVP 2006
Brittany also played Basketball at Hand, several years under Jim Bombaci (MAHOF 2015) and several with coach Jim Halloran. She had an excellent career in basketball as well and loved the teams she played on. Her career information includes:
● Basketball All Area 2006, 2007
● Basketball All Hammonasset 2006, 2007
● Basketball All New Haven County
● Daniel Hand Basketball MVP 2005, 2006
● Daniel Hand Basketball Defensive Player of the Year
● Reached 1000 point Club in Basketball● Basketball All Area 2006, 2007
● New Haven Tap-Off Club All-Area Team and Scholar Athlete Award
Following her parents and siblings, Brittany went to Central Connecticut State College where she continued to play soccer all four years and was a starter from game one. She says the difference for her in the transition from high school to college soccer was the fitness and strengthening part.
Her College career information (2008-2012);
● Four year starter
● 2008-9 15 starts, 3 goals, 3 assists.
● 2009-10 13 starts, 5 goals, 7 assists.
● 2010-11 16 starts, 1 goal, 0 assists Played multiple positions junior year)
● 2011-12 15 starts, 4 goals, 1 assist. (2 game winning goals)
● NEC player of the week of 9/19/11.
● Voted Captain senior year.
Brittany received her College degree in Criminal Justice. A government freeze on jobs at the time led her to join a temp agency to find work, which landed her at the Knights of Columbus in New Haven.She decided to take a chance and to open her own business called "MOLLY ROSE CONSIGNMENTS STORE" right here in Madison in 2013. It's still here 12 years later doing very well.
Brittany just recently celebrated her sixth wedding anniversary with husband Ben who also played soccer at Central. They met while coaching at a camp run by her college coach. She has two daughters, Shea is three and Reilly who is four… and yes, they both are playing soccer in their current hometown of Cromwell.
Brittany's husband Ben is an anesthesiologist at Hartford Children's Hospital, while Brittany manages her business and family. Brittany's Mom and Dad (Kori and Keith) now reside in Killingworth and enjoy time with their seven grandchildren. Brittany has two siblings as well. Sister Kelly lives in Killingworth with her husband Jimmy and their three children Emma, Alicia and Kayla. Brother Brian and his wife Shellie live in Guilford with their two children Hailey and Avery.
Congratulations to Brittany Jackson Walsh on her induction into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Tiffany Kaufmann
Tiffany Kaufmann
Athlete
Class of 2014
Cheerleading
Tiffany Kaufmann's cheerleading journey began in third grade as part of the inaugural Madison Youth Cheer Program. From the very beginning, Tiffany's passion and leadership were evident—choreographing routines, guiding teammates and setting the standard for excellence at a young age. Her early involvement with the nationally competitive Spirit All-Stars Program helped hone her skills and competitive spirit, culminating in a national championship win in seventh grade.
Tiffany brought her talent and drive to Daniel Hand High School, determined to transform cheerleading from a sideline activity into a competitive force. A four-year varsity letter winner and team captain her senior year, she led the DHHS program through a remarkable transformation—from finishing last in the SCC to being ranked among the top teams in the state. She also maintained high academic honors, graduating with a 3.7 GPA.
Her list of accolades is historic. Tiffany is the only cheerleader in DHHS history to be named to the All-State Cheerleading Team three times (2012, 2013 and 2014). She was also the first DHHS athlete named to the All-Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) Team, earning the honor in all three years and becoming the 2014 SCC Cheerleader of the Year. She was selected to the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) All-American Team each of those same years. In 2012, she marched in London's New Year's Day Parade as one of only 600 high school cheerleaders chosen nationwide.
Beyond the mat, Tiffany gave back to her community with grace and enthusiasm. She volunteered as a coach and choreographer for Madison Youth Cheer, led annual fundraising performances, and played leadership roles in the Relay for Life Cancer Walk and Breast Cancer Walk for Cheerleading. At DHHS, she served as a student-athlete mentor through the "Be Your Best" Leadership Program and participated in the "Touchdown for Character" Reading Program, inspiring elementary students through academics, athletics, and personal integrity.
Tiffany Kaufmann's impact on cheerleading in Madison is lasting—both in the competitive reputation she helped build at DHHS and in the lives of the young athletes she mentored. Her legacy of excellence, leadership, and service continues to inspire future generations.
Tiffany went on to graduate from the Honors Program at the University of Dayton with a BA in Psychology. She is a Senior Manager at the Aetna Human Resources Development Program. She lives in Avon and is engaged to be married in June of 2026.
Congratulations to Tiffany Kauffman on her induction into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Kendra Lena
Kendra Lena
Athlete
Class of 2013
Soccer
Kendra starting playing soccer, with Madison's Youth Soccer Club, at the age of six with her father by her side as one of her first coaches. She continued developing her skills through the youth program and by further committing to the sport with the South Central Premier Soccer Club through twelfth grade.
Kendra was a consistent starter Varsity player all eight of her high school and college years playing forward and midfield based on the needs of the game. She achieved a 50 goal high school record. Kendra was named MVP, earned 3x All SCC Honors, All State Honors and was named Top Offensive Player both her "Freshman" year and her Senior year.
Her Athletic Director, Craig Semple stated: "Kendra Lena was the epitome of a student-athlete excelling academically and athletically. A standout in the SCC, she led with patience and strength, later captaining Trinity's team and becoming an attorney. Even while studying for the Bar, she returned to coach, embodying leadership, humility, and heart."
Her Head Varsity Soccer Coach, Bob Faulkner, recalls: "Kendra was one of the finest and most talented soccer players I have ever worked with in my 43 years of coaching. Kendra was well skilled, extremely knowledgeable and match smart, she was a game changer. Though she was shy and very humble off the soccer field, she was one of our finest competitors. Kendra was a tremendous leader and a very special player for us."
Assistant Varsity Coach Anthony Mancini stated: "Kendra was a very special player to me! We made a connection, that doesn't always happen between a player and coach, but I believe it's because we believed in and trusted each other. She was a joy to watch play. Her work ethic, skills, leadership and passion to play made it easy to love her as a player and appreciate her as a young adult who was driven to succeed. Those traits she possessed on the field were also seen within the classroom. I'm proud to have been a small part of Kendra's life and looking at her as young attorney today in Boston proves that her work ethic and passion are still there and always will be."
Kendra continued her studies and soccer career at Trinity College in Hartford where her team brought the Bantam's to their first NCAA Division III tournament in the history of the program her freshman year. She was named Tri-Captain her senior year. She remained committed to her studies and the sport of soccer for four years while also experiencing study abroad semesters in Barcelona, Australia and Ireland.
Post college, Kendra set her sights on law school and returned home for one year to prepare for the Bar exam. She was approached to assist as the Freshman Coach during this year and, in true "Tiger spirit", was more than willing to help the teams and her former coaches. The local Source newspaper named Kendra "Person of the Week" for her assistance with the program.
Kendra earned her law degree, Cum Laude, from Suffolk University, Boston and is currently practicing law as an in-house Associate Commercial Counsel.
On July 5th this year, on her birthday, Kendra and Paul Costa became engaged right here at the Madison Beach Hotel on the grassy strip. Paul, Kendra and their dog Mookie reside in Boston.
Kendra is the daughter of Rich and Chris Lena of Madison and sister to Jaclyn Lena who is a labor and delivery nurse at New York Presbyterian.
Having spent her high school and college years in Connecticut, Kendra was extremely fortunate to have had all four of her grandparents enjoy and follow her soccer and academic years.
Kendra "Jean" is the proud granddaughter of the late Jean Lena and the late Dr. Richard Lena who was Chief of Urology at Yale.
Kendra is also the proud granddaughter of Maria and Pat DeLise of Northford. Pat, AKA "Poppy", will be turning 91 next month and is here with us this evening.
Congratulations to Kendra Lena on her induction into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Ned Lynch
Ned Lynch
Athlete/Coach
Class of 1992
Football/Track & Field
Ned was the anchor on the 1987 4X100 meter relay team that won the State Championship and the New England Championship. His championship teammates included his brother Sean Lynch, Dan McNeil and fellow hall of famer Jason McBean (MAHOF 2021). They represented Connecticut at the Hershey Games that year and gave them the opportunity to compete against teams from all over the country.
Ned was a four year varsity letterman on Daniel Hand's Track & Field team. He competed in sprints, long jump and shot put and was always ready to help his team. He was an All-Shoreline selection in the 100 meters, 4X100 relay and long jump and held the school indoor long jump record that lasted ten years.
On the coaching side for track & Field, Ned was an assistant girls' coach at Hand from 1997-2000 and is currently an assistant boys' coach at Hand.
A fleet footed running back, Ned was also a three year starter and letterman under Steve Filippone (MAHOF 2018). He played defense, offense and special teams for the Tigers. He also kicked off and punted.
He was a sophomore on the Tigers State Championship team in 1989 (Filippone's first) scoring two touchdowns against Darien. One TD was rushing and one was receiving. He also kicked two extra points.
He was an All-Coastal Conference running back and captain his senior year. He rushed for 1,100 yards in 1991 with a 230 yards rushing with three touchdowns against rival The Morgan School. He was selected the New Haven Register's Athlete of the Week for his 178 yards rushing and three touchdown game against Xavier High that year.
You can add a pair of kickoff returns, the Sportsmanship Award and Offensive Player of the Year to his impressive senior season.
Ned said his greatest achievements has been to give back to the programs, coaches, parents and the Madison community that has given him so much.
In recent years, Ned can be found on the sidelines of Strong Field in the fall sharing and giving back as a coach for Madison Youth Football.
Ned lives in Madison and continues to work as a trainer along the shoreline. His son Patrick is following in his footsteps playing football, basketball and track & field. Patrick led the nation for 12 year olds in the long jump.
Congratulations to Ned Lynch on his induction into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Stephen McIntyre
Stephen McIntyre
Exemplary Contributor
Stephen McIntyre is a proud 1989 graduate of Daniel Hand High
School. He is being honored as an Exemplary Contributor for his lifelong
dedication to athletics, philanthropy, and the Madison community. His
journey—from standout athlete to coach to selfless program steward—
reflects a rare combination of vision, heart, and lifelong loyalty.
Athletic and Academic Foundation:
Stephen was a highly decorated multi-sport athlete at Daniel Hand,
excelling in both football and baseball as an All-Conference player.
In recognition of his excellence on the field, he was voted by former
players and coaches as one of the Top 50 Hand Football Players of the
program’s first 50 years in 2021.
He went on to play both sports at Trinity College, but a series of three knee
surgeries during his first two years ended his playing career prematurely.
Still committed to the game, Stephen returned to Daniel Hand in 1992, his
senior year at Trinity, to serve as a volunteer football coach.
After earning his Bachelor of Arts, Stephen worked at Daniel Hand
as a special education aide, while also serving as a football coach and
junior varsity baseball coach. He later earned an MBA and Master of
International Management (MIM) from the Thunderbird School of
Global Management, graduating in the top 10 of his class.
Transformational Contributions to Hand Athletics:
In 2013, Stephen founded the Tiger Pride Alumni Association, Inc.,
and launched TigerPrideFootball.com, a digital home for the rich history
of Daniel Hand football. His ongoing efforts include:
• Digitizing and uploading over 700 videos, including 450+ full games
from 1970–2024.
• Producing highlight films for teams and alumni celebrations.
• Creating the “Top 50 Hand Players” series with individual highlight reels.
• Livestreaming all Hand football games for broader community access.
• Rebuilding and preserving the complete official record books of
Hand football.
He is also currently the executive producer of a full-length
documentary on the history of Hand football, produced by Mike Seib, a
Hand alumnus and former NBC Sports producer.
Philanthropy and Infrastructure Support:
Stephen has supported Daniel Hand football both personally and
financially, including:
• Raising and donating over $150,000 for football equipment.
• Awarding $50,000 in scholarships to Hand athletes.
• Personally donating over $45,000, including full funding of the
McIntyre Family Field House at Strong Center.
Ongoing Service and Leadership:
Stephen’s support of Daniel Hand athletics continues today. He
remains an active volunteer for the football team, serving as the official
team statistician and handling all MaxPreps reporting, ensuring the
program’s visibility and accuracy at the national level.
A Life Rooted in Gratitude:
Stephen lives in Vienna, Virginia with his wife Katherine and their
four children. He has had a successful career as a global telecom
executive and is currently the President of RestoPros of Northern
Virginia. Through decades of service, generosity and leadership, he has
shown what it means to honor the past while investing in the future.
Madison and Daniel Hand High School proudly recognize Stephen
McIntyre—a Madison Athletic Hall of Fame inductee whose name
has become synonymous with loyalty, excellence and his enduring
community impact.
Congratulations to Stephen McIntyre on his induction into the
Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Maggie Maguire
Maggie Maguire
Athlete
Class of 2010
Softball/Basketball
Maggie Maguire has always been a standout athlete. Whether in the youth leagues in Madison, AAU teams, Daniel Hand or Gettysburg College, she has always been a skilled athlete, fierce competitor and a leader.
Encouraged by her parents, Joanne and Hank, she played in several of the Madison youth leagues in both basketball and softball. She also attended many of Ray Ezell's (MAHOF 2017) summer camps starting at a very young age. There is no one who can teach the fundamentals of softball better than Ray.
Maggie was a three-year starter on the DHHS girls' basketball team and was awarded the Coach's Award her senior year. Playing for three different head coaches in her last three years, she was always a constant leader who guarded the best player on the other team and was a solid offensive player as well.
It is on the softball field that Maggie really stood out. A four-year starter, she was the starting short stop all four years. Her coach her first two years, Ray Ezell called her "a magician with the glove and the best base runner on the team." During her four years at Hand, the softball team had an overall record of 73-28, always playing the 1-2 SCC schedule. They won the Hammonasset Division title three of those years and the SCC championship her senior year, the only SCC championship title Hand had captured so far. Maggie also hit the first home run on the new turf field – a field her mother was very instrumental in helping to get built.
She was selected to the All-SCC Team both her junior and senior years. Her senior year she hit .396 and had a slugging percentage of .660 while playing a high level at shortstop. Her senior year she was selected to the New Haven Register All State First Team, and the Coach's First Team All-State.
Also, the Federation of Softball Umpires Greater New Haven named Maggie the 2010 Player of the Year. She was nominated for the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year award to top it all off.
She was not only a skilled player but led by example and was chosen one of the team's captains her senior year. Head coach her junior and senior year, Mike Niekrash, said, "She was a player who you hated to play against but absolutely loved to have on your team because she left it all of the field and could beat you offensively or defensively and is one of the best players in the state of Connecticut."
After graduating from Daniel Hand, Maggie went on to have a stellar softball career at Gettysburg College. She was a four-year starter who was an All-League player three of those years. She set the school single season record for home runs, a record that still stands. Maggie batted in and scored over 100 runs in her career and had a 100% success rate in stolen bases all four years. As at Hand, she was chosen as captain in her senior year. It is an impressive resume of collegiate success that was not a surprise to any of her high school coaches.
Maggie has stayed active helping the younger players in Madison by helping at youth softball camps and coaching fall ball when her busy work schedule in the medical device field allows.
Maggie Maguire is one of the best softball players to come from Madison. Her accomplishments speak for themselves, but it is the intangibles: the hustle, never giving up spirit and leadership that makes her deserving to be inducted into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame. To say nothing about being a great person and a positive role model.
Maggie lives in the area with her wife, Ashley. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and, interesting enough, taking up golf. She has been working in the medical device field for over eight years.
Congratulations to Maggie Maguire on her induction into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
John Milum
John Milum
Athlete
Class of 1984
Basketball
(Posthumous Induction)
Former Hand Head Basketball Coach Bill Barker (MAHOF 2013) is confident that John Milum would rank in the top ten of all basketball players to graduate from Daniel Hand High School and probably in the top five.
John was All Conference his junior and senior years and was Second Team All-State his senior year. He averaged 23 points per game his senior season and 13 rebounds per game. Both statistics are among the best ever for DHHS.
He was the first male basketball player at DHHS to score over 1000 points (total of 1207 and that was before the three point shot). In addition to his team winning the Shoreline League his senior year, John made the winning 21 foot jump shot at the buzzer to win the Class L Regional Championship against Branford. He was named one of the Top 25 forwards in the country by one of the rating services.
At 6' 9" with athletic ability, John drew the attention of many of the top Division I colleges including Boston College and Marquette. In November of his senior year, John accepted the offer of a full scholarship from Coach Dom Perno of the University of Connecticut. However, in June of his senior year, John decided that his academic needs were better suited to a program at Iona University (coached by Pat Kennedy}.
During his freshman year at Iona, an opportunity to play at UMASS inspired John to transfer. He was very fortunate that Coach John Calipari took over the program his senior year and John was part of Coach Calipari's rise to fame at UMASS.
After college, John played professionally in Europe (Denmark}, and in South America (Peru). Unfortunately, we lost John too soon on June 14, 1997 at age 32. May he rest in peace.
The Madison Athletic Hall of Fame proudly, and respectfully, inducts John Milum into the Hall of Fame.
Elizabeth (Izzie) Santone
Elizabeth (Izzie) Santone
Athlete
Class of 2007
Softball
In the words of now retired Hand head softball coach, Ray Ezell (MAHOF 2017), "No player was more productive at the plate or in the circle as Izzie was and that includes Caitlin Eichler (MAHOF 2017) who had the most successful run for Hand softball."
Izzie finished her four year career with a 51-19 win-loss record, second only to Caitlin. She added season records in RBI (35), and batting average (.500). In her sophomore year, she led the Tigers to a runner-up in the CIAC Class L State Tournament.
Her statewide accolades include New Haven Register First Team All-State (Second Team in 2005 and 2006), Hartford Courant Most Valuable Player and the Federation of Softball Umpires Greater New Haven's Player of the Year, Connecticut Softball Coaches All-Academic Team in her senior season.
"The Umpires Federation award speaks volumes of her character at the plate, in the pitching circle and in the game," said Ezell.
She was also All SCC (2005, 2006, 2007) and New Haven Register All-Area (2005, 2006, 2007).
It wasn't only on the field. Izzie excelled in the classroom and in the arts as well. She finished in the top ten in her graduating class (3.92) and was a member of National Honor Society. She also won All-State honors in choir.
It was on to Tufts University after her stellar career with the Tigers. Her success continued adding four more great years to her softball resume.
Her four year record at Tufts was 47-15 with a career 2.07 ERA. She struck out 203 batters in 406 innings pitched.
Izzie was All-NESCAC Conference in 2008, 2009 and 20011, the NESCAC Freshman of the Year in 2008 and five-time NESCAC Player of the Week.
Tufts won the NESCAC Conference Tournament, the NCAA New England Regional and came in fourth in the DIII World Series in 2009.
After Tufts, Izzie went on to the University Of Connecticut School of Medicine and got her MD in 2017.
Dr. Elizabeth "Izzie" Santone is currently a General and Bariatric Surgeon in priva
te practice with Southern Nevada Surgical Specialists. She and her husband, Mitch Linck, live in Las Vegas.
Congratulations to Izzie Santone on her induction into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Craig W. Semple
Craig W. Semple
Exemplary Contributor
It is with immense pride and admiration that we welcome Craig W. Semple into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.
Craig's name is synonymous with excellence, leadership, and a tireless dedication to student-athletes. For nearly two decades, he served as the Director of Athletics at Daniel Hand High School, where he built not just a program—but a culture. Under his guidance, Hand's teams claimed 50 state championships and 48 runner-up finishes. But even more impressive than the trophies is the legacy of inclusion, mentorship, and the character he cultivated.
Craig's vision for athletics was never limited to the scoreboard. He championed opportunity for all, expanding Hand's sports offerings from 24 to 37, ensuring every student had a chance to find their place, their passion, and their pride. His philosophy was simple yet profound: every kid matters. And he backed that belief with action—investing in coaches, facilities, and student experience with equal parts heart and strategy. During his tenure, major renovations to the fitness center, Polson gym, and most notably the Surf Club project took place.
Steve Filippone, who worked with Craig for 17 years, summed it up best: "Once he got an idea in his head, it went on the board in his office—and come hell or high water, he was going to get it done."
To the many athletes he's mentored, Craig is more than an AD—he's a steady hand, a listening ear, and a lifelong supporter. To his coaching staff, he is a servant leader, always putting people first and empowering others to grow. To his peers across Connecticut, he stands as one of the finest athletic directors the state has ever seen. His intensity was epic, and while he demanded excellence from his coaches, everyone who worked with him knew he had their back.
Craig's contributions extended well beyond the walls of Daniel Hand. After leaving Hand, he continued to shape young lives and elevate programs in Monroe as the Athletic Director of Masuk High School. He also authored the Student-Athlete, Parent, and Coaches Handbook, which the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) now uses as a template for new athletic directors statewide. Additionally, Craig played a critical role in convincing the Madison Board of Education to adopt a tuition policy allowing non-resident students to attend Madison Public Schools—keeping hometown athletes in the district while offering neighboring students a chance to be part of a top-tier athletic experience.
His impact, however, will always remain deeply rooted here in Madison, where his leadership, integrity, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student-athlete helped define an era.
Craig resides in Madison with his wife Lynn and their son Cole, a freshman Tiger.
Tonight, we do more than honor a career—we celebrate a calling.
Congratulations, Craig W. Semple, on your induction into the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Jeff Abbott
Dan Anderson
Brittany Jackson Walsh
Tiffany Kaufmann
Kendra Lena
Ned Lynch
Stephen McIntyre
Maggie Maguire
John Milum
Elizabeth (Izzie) Santone
Craig W. Semple