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M. Chester "Chet" Hill '37

Chester Hill
M. Chester "Chet" Hill '37
Football - Basketball - Crew

Chet Hill ’37 was a three-sport varsity athlete at Tabor Academy, earning six varsity letters in football, basketball, and crew. In an era before “face-masks,” Chet was the starting tight end for the Tabor football team in a “re-building year” (record: 2-3-1). He was also co-captain of the 1937 Basketball Team (record: 13-2), and #5 seat on a 4-1 “Cup Crew” that won both the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association Championship and the Henley Royal Regatta Thames Challenge Cup. Beyond his athletic achievements, Chet was a member of Tabor’s “Sea Scout” Program, the Uniform Committee, and assisted in the management of the orchestra while also playing the saxophone. Chet excelled in the classroom, receiving high honors as he played multiple sports and held down a part-time job. 

Chet was a well-rounded athlete and his love of sports continued as he won the 4th of July 200-yard swimming race, held at Silvershell Beach, in 1934 and 1935 and placed 3rd in 1936. At the age of 22, he took up golf and consistently played to a 6 handicap.

Chet also had a passion for the ocean and sailing. Upon graduating from Tabor, he entered the “cadet shipping program,” earned his Unlimited Master’s License in his 20’s, and captained ships on every ocean. Following a career as a Panama Canal Pilot, he was Captain of two Maine Maritime Academy training ships.