Vin Cronin

Vincent R. Cronin (September 7, 1906 – January 4, 1993) was an American basketball coach who was the head men's basketball at Boston University from 1949 to 1952.

Early life

Cronin born in Somerville, Massachusetts and was one of 12 children. He and raised by his older sisters after the death of his parents.[1] He was a football and basketball star at Somerville High School and graduated in 1924.[1][2] He then attended St. John's Preparatory School and Saint Anselm College.[2]

Coaching

In 1942, Cronin became the head boy's basketball coach at Somerville High. His teams won the Tech Tourney five times (1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, and 1949), the state championship twice (1944 and 1949), and the New England title once (1949).[1] Many of his players went on to play in college, including Tony Lavelli and Ron Perry. In 1949, he became the head coach of the Boston University Terriers men's basketball team.[2] He compiled a 23–29 record over his three seasons with the Terriers.[3] While at BU, Cronin studied for his bachelor's degree in physical education, which he received in 1952.[1]

After graduating, Cronin became a teacher in the Somerville school system. In 1953, he returned to coaching at Mission High School in Roxbury.[4] In 1954, he was hospitalized with a "stimulated nervous condition" and on the advice of his doctor, gave up coaching.[5] He retired from the Somerville Public Schools in 1977.[6]

Death

Cronin died on January 4, 1993 at his home in Somerville. He was survived by his wife, four sons, and two daughters.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Vincent Cronin, 86; coached Somerville High basketball". The Boston Globe. January 7, 1993.
  2. ^ a b c Mack, Gene (July 29, 1949). "Cronin, Somerville Coach, Named to B. U. Hoop Post". The Boston Globe.
  3. ^ "2022-23 Men's Basketball History & Record Book" (PDF). Boston University Athletics. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  4. ^ Francis, Rosa (October 9, 1953). "Cronin Succeeds Daly as Mission High Coach". The Boston Globe.
  5. ^ Dalton, Ernest (January 18, 1954). "Cronin Resigns as Hoop Coach: Doctor Advises Mission Tutor to Quit Game". The Boston Globe.
  6. ^ City of Somerville Board of Aldermen Meetings 1977 (PDF). Retrieved 9 April 2025.