By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to David Vitale, the former Marianapolis basketball coach and long time Putnam assistant.  Today, Vitale enjoys working on the basketball courts developing young players.  He’s also known for cruising the streets of Putnam harassing his many erstwhile friends.  He celebrated another birthday on Monday, August 4.

The official end of the Zone VI American Legion Baseball season for 2014 came to a close with the naming of the Zone All-Stars and winners of the Sportsmanship Award.  Moosup Post #91 stole the show with the naming of Mike Esposito as the season’s Outstanding Pitcher.  Espo, who was the ace of the Moosup staff finished with a perfect 9-0 record, while also leading his team in many offensive categories.  He’s rumored to be headed to NCAA Division II Franklin Pierce University, which plays in the rugged Northeast-10 Conference.

Joe Leo, head coach of the Moosup contingent ,was named the Zone Coach of the Year.  Although the team got a late start because the Plainfield High School Panthers went deep into the CIAC Tournament, Leo nonetheless guided Post #91 to a 22-10 record, good for a fourth-place finish in the Zone.  They also captured an opening round game in the Legion State Tournament before being eliminated.

Leo and Esposito are both most deserving of the honors.  Esposito’s teammate shortstop Garet Griffin was also a First Team selection.  He’s also rumored to be heading to New Hampshire to play for Franklin Pierce University.

Danielson placed three players on the First Team.  Named were Woodstock Academy product, catcher Kolby Reggione, infielder Ben Rumrill and standout centerfielder Tre Belanger.  TriTown’s middle infielder Ben Brissette was named to the reserve unit.  His teammate Sean Falvey was the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award as were J.P. Dufault of Danielson and Dylan Horn of Moosup. 

Amazing Recovery

It was less than two months ago that northeastern Connecticut’s most avid runner Jimi Gothreau underwent a hip replacement.  Following surgery Gothreau could be seen around town wrapped in post-surgical paraphernalia and walking with a cane.  Gothreau is now rid of all assistive devices and although he’s not running, he’s getting in his miles by walking whenever he is able.

As a high schooler, Gothreau was a standout long distance runner for coach George St. Marie and the Putnam Clippers.  He later was a member of the track team at UConn.  He’s also the individual who’s partially responsible for the Wednesday evening “Fun Runs” at West Thompson Lake as well as being one of the originators of the long standing Deary Memorial Race.

He Loves Baseball

A 2011 graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School is currently enjoying every minute of his summer college internship.  David Santerre, who in May received his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University, which he completed in three years, is working with the Connecticut Tigers at Dodd Stadium.  From all indications, he loves what he’s doing and the Tigers apparently love this young man who now resides in Putnam.

Santerre is listed in the Tigers’ program as part of the Front Office Operations staff.  He’s enjoying working closely with the entire front office staff and speaks highly of Vice President and General Manager Eric Knighton and Group Sales Manager Jack Kasten.

In the latest game program, Santerre is credited with writing two articles.  One piece is an interview with Ed Weyant, the public address announcer of the Tigers and the other is a look back at how the City of Norwich secured a minor league franchise and the work done by Norwich Attorney Glenn Carberry.

Santerre, who played baseball at Tourtellotte and for two seasons with the TriTown American Legion team, is the son of Michael and Anita Santerre of Putnam.

Putnam’s Version of Famed Ronan Tynan

Moe Coderre, who’s known locally as the gentleman who sings the National Anthem at all Putnam High School girls’ and boys’ basketball games, is sprouting his singing wings.  On Sunday, July 27 Coderre performed the National Anthem at Dodd Stadium prior to the Connecticut Tigers game against the Staten Island Yankees.  Earlier in the season he sang the Anthem at Dodd Stadium for the TriTown American Legion contests against Jewett City.

Chance Meeting Turns to Friendship

Danielson resident and former Killingly High School standout athlete Charlie Lee now spends his summers on the links.  Of course, during the winter Lee devotes much of his time officiating college basketball games and an occasional high school contest.

Last week while spending time at Foster Country Club Lee had a chance encounter with a noted Boston athlete.  He made the acquaintance of Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Bartkowski, who was at the course as part of an organized two-day tournament.  Lee and Bartkowski began chatting and despite the fact that both had already played 18 holes they went out for a 9-hole match.  According to Lee, Bartkowski is a great young man with a positive disposition.

Bartkowski, who has been a Bruin since 2010 when he was traded to Beantown from Florida, is a 26-year old defenseman who wears number 43, in case you’re watching the Bruins on TV later this year.  Lee and Bartkowski are planning to get together later this summer for golf in Pittsburgh, which is Bartkowski’s hometown. 

We Had a Trivia Winner

The question: Name the three Major League players from Eastern Connecticut who played in the All Star game?

The answer: Walt Dropo of Moosup and Plainfield High School and UConn who played 1st base in the 1950 game when he was with the Red Sox.

Bill Dawley of Norwich and Griswold High School who pitched in the 1983 contest when he was with the Houston Astros.

Matt Harvey of New London and Fitch High School who pitched in the 2013 game as a member of the New York Mets.

The winner: Lance Coderre, formerly of Putnam and a resident of Waterford, who graduated from Putnam High School and Stonehill College in 1983.

We’ll see if you’re reading the column closely.  What is the one commonality that Dropo, Dawley and Harvey have rather than the obvious?  Winner will get a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant.  E-mail answers to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Only one winner.

RPC’s closing Thought For The Day: Nothing is really lost – it’s just where it doesn’t belong.

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

 

 

 By Ron P. Coderre

Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa unveiled his newest recruit this week with the announcement that Hamidou Diallo, a 15-year-old, 6-foot, 3-inch shooting guard, will join what appears to be another outstanding recruiting class for the Mustangs.

Diallo, who comes from Queens, N.Y., will be an academic sophomore at the Putnam campus.  Although he’s very young, Diallo has significant basketball experience and is described as growing and maturing as a player.  He is a product of the New York City Finest Basketball Academy and plays during the AAU season with the NYC Jayhawks 17u.

The dynamic shooting guard led his last high school John Browne in Flushing, N.Y., with 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists per game in 2013-2014.  His season high was a 28- point performance versus Bedford Academy, which included five three-pointers and four assists.

“We’re excited to have Diallo join our program.  As an incoming sophomore he’ll be with us for three years, giving him an opportunity to develop his leadership skills, while also honing his academic and basketball skills,” said coach Espinosa.

Since he’s been playing competitive basketball Diallo has been recognized for his exceptional ability on the court, winning a number of Most Valuable Player awards.  In 2012 he was the MVP of the St. John the Baptist High School Holiday Classic, N.Y.C.H.A. Citywide Classic MVP in 2013 and the 16u AAU Most Valuable Player.  

The young man with a high basketball IQ, great wingspan and versatility has already been attracting the attention of colleges.  While playing with the Jayhawks he received an offer from Fairfield University of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) at the Hoop Group Elite Camp.  He also received interest from Cal State – Bakersfield of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) while showcasing his talent in the Live in Atlantic City Tournament in New Jersey.  He’s been featured in the NERR 75, NYC Hoops and HoopGroup.

“Diallo is a gym rat who has an appetite for the game.  He’s a player who finds a way to make things happen on the court.  He’s a very clutch player who enjoys the competitive environment of basketball.  In the next stage of his career with us he’ll continue to work on his academic progress as well as his personal and athletic growth,” said Espinosa.

Espinosa’s latest recruit joins previously recruited players, Kaelan Ives, Tim Quashi, twins Aaron and Andrew Robinson, Brendan Wagner, Vincent Eze, Dondre Rhoden and Taylor Smith.  The Mustangs also return 6-8 Mamadou Diarra from last year’s 29-5 team.  Diarra and Diallo played AAU basketball with the Jayhawks together this summer.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Last year when the Putnam Science Academy basketball team was driving to a 29-5 record and 5th place in the National Prep School National poll, Mamadou Diarra joined the Mustangs two-thirds of the way through the season.  Although his presence was helpful in the success of the team, the full impact of his ability wasn’t totally witnessed.

As the 2014-2015 season approaches coach Tom Espinosa will have an opportunity to see the true ability of the 6-foot, 8-inch Diarra, who has a huge wingspan for an inside player making him an  intimidator in the middle.  In 12 games last season Diarra averaged five points and three rebounds per game after transferring from Believe Prep in South Carolina.  This year the Mustangs are looking for more from the young man from New York.

Diarra, who is 16 years old, will be a junior at Putnam Science Academy.  Now that he’s enjoyed being part of a nationally ranked team Diarra has tasted the fruits of a winning program.  With the departure through graduation of the core of last season’s team, Espinosa is looking for Diarra to assume a leadership role.

“As a returning player we’re looking for Mamadou to pick up where he left off last season.  He has the tools to be one of the best big men in our region.  He’s considered one of the best big men in the prep ranks.  If he accepts the role of leader he can be an inside force who can change the complexion of a game,” said Espinosa.

Espinosa isn’t the only person who believes Diarra is a top notch player and game changer.  In his brief basketball life he’s drawn the serious interest of a large number of mid-major colleges.  Among the early suitors are Quinnipiac University, Fairfield University, Norfolk State University, Manhattan College, Rider College, Iona, Monmouth College and St. Peter’s College.

Coach Espinosa is assembling another solid and challenging schedule this year for his Mustangs.  The competition and a full season at Putnam Science Academy will give Diarra a big stage on which to perform.  

Will he emerge as a marquee performer or play a supporting role?  Espinosa’s betting on an Academy Award winning performance.