(1989) - The finest middle distance runner in the history of the University of Lowell track program, Tony Gilbert was elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He is the tenth member of head coach George Davis' program to be named to the Hall of Fame.
Originally a member of the Class of 1984 making him eligible for the Hall of Fame this year, Tony graduated in 1985 after electing to use an extra year of track eligibility due to medical redshirt his freshman year.
An indoor track All-American at 800 and 1500 meters in 1985, Tony still owns the ten best indoor times in school history at 800 meters, six of the top ten at 880 yards, nine of ten at 1,000 yards, three at 1,000 meters, and the top six times at 1,500 meters. He also has five of the top ten times in the mile.
Tony still holds the indoor school record at 800 meters (1:50.58). 1,000 yards (2:10.54), 1,000 meters (2:27.36), 1,500 meters (3:50.34) and is part of three record relays. During the 1981-82 indoor season, he was All-Eastern League at 880 yards (champion) and 4x440 relay. In the 1982-83 season, Tony was All-Eastern League (champion) and fourth at the New England Championships at 1,000 yards.
A graceful runner, Tony was All-Eastern League at 800 (champion) and 1500 meters, and fourth at the New England Championships in the mile in 1983-84. In his final season, he was All-Eastern League (champion in both events) at 800 and 1500 meters and All-New England at 800 meters.
Outdoors, Tony earned All-American honors at 800 meters in 1985. he owns the school records at 800 (1:49.91) and 1500 meters (3:48.34) and one relay. He still has the ten best times in both the 800 and 1500 meter events.
During the 1982 outdoor season, Tony was Eastern league champion at 800 meters. In 1983. he was the Eastern League champion at 800 and 1500 meters and qualified for the NCAA Division II Championships at 1500 meters (and paced 8th).
In 1984, Tony successfully defended his Eastern League titles at 800 and 1500 meters and was second at 800 meters at the New England Championships. he qualified for NCAA's at 800 meters and finished 8th. In his final outdoor campaign, he won the New England Championship at 800 meters after finishing second at the Eastern League meet. he placed fifth at NCAA meet to earn All-American honors.
In addition to his exploits on the track, Tony was a four-year letterman on the cross country team. He was co-captain of the 1983 team that finished third at the NCAA Championship, the best team finish in school history.
