Gerald Booth Lusteg

Regardless of the task or challenge at hand, success was usually the result for 2004 Branford Sports Hall of Fame inductee Gerald Booth Lusteg.  As a three sport athlete in high school and college, a professional football and baseball player, an educator, and an unselfish volunteer, tonight’s inductee demonstrated pride, honor, and distinction everywhere his travels took him.

              As a student at Branford High School from 1952 to 1955, Gerald was a three sport athlete for the Hornets in football, basketball, and baseball. On the football team, “Booth” handled the kicking duties and held a punting average of over 40 yards over his four years in high school.  He also played running back, (a 5.0 run average), defensive back, and handled field goal and extra point kicks as well.

              In basketball, Gerald was a three year guard/forward on the Hornets team.  During the early 1950’s, he led the Housatonic League in scoring and set an all time high individual game point total ( twice – 35 points).   He netted 30 points in four games and was named to the All-State team.

              Tonight’s inductee was a second baseman and shortstop for the B.H.S. baseball team for four years. He led the team in home runs and held a batting average of .350. 

              Following graduation, Gerald attended the University of Connecticut and played football, baseball and basketball.