Elias, Henry

Henry Hart Elias

The first known Jewish college player, Elias was a member of Columbia University's initial basketball team in 1901. He became the school's first coach, on a voluntary basis, in 1904-05.

The grandson of Henry Hart, president of New York's Third Avenue Railroad Company, Elias became a Wall Street financier. He also served as a trustee of the Spanish and Portugese Synagogue in New York City, and was treasurer of the Hebrew Relief Society.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. 1882 - d. 1941

Career Highlights:
A member of Columbia's first-ever team (1901), Elias captained the Columbia team in 1903 to a 10-6 record; it was the best result in the program's young existence. After graduating, Henry volunteered to coach Columbia; he led the Lions to dominating seasons and back-to-back National Championships, in 1904 (17-1) and 1905 (19-1). Hall-of-Famer Harry Fisher, who later became Columbia's first paid coach, was Elias's best player on those national championship teams.

Origin:
New York City

Career Dates:
Elias played at Columbia University, 1901-1903.

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