Hall of Fame
Gearns was one of the most prominent figures in the early years of the Adelphi University Men’s Basketball program. As a co-captain in 1951-52, Gearns helped the Panthers to their first ever winning season, posting a 16-8 record. Under coach George Faherty the Panthers also won their first honors that same year, being crowned the Greater New York Metropolitan Basketball Conference Champions.
During the administration of President John F. Kennedy, Gearns received the United States Department of Commerce Bureau of International Commerce Certificate of Service Award in 1963. The award recognized his contribution to the development of marketing of new chemicals and plastic commodities, manufacturing of furniture, and marketing mechanically automated and combined thermoplastic products.
