By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to former Putnam High School basketball standout Bryan Smith.  The 2004 Putnam graduate enjoyed a four-year varsity career for the Clippers, ending his playing time with 610 points.  Today he’s the mainstay of Gentleman’s Choice barbershop in Putnam, where he’s known as the “Clipping Clipper.”

Killingly High School recently announced the latest group of inductees into its Athletic Hall of Fame.  The group of 10 includes seven former male athletes and three females as well as six teams.  A review of the names not only brings back fond memories but also makes one realize just how good these athletes were in their day.

The group includes former National League umpire Frank Dascoli who was an all-league baseball player at Killingly in 1930 and 1931 as well as a highly respected basketball player.  During his 17-year Major League umpiring career Dascoli was one of the most colorful and competent arbiters in blue in the history of the game.

Three players were selected from the era of the early ‘50s, which produced undefeated Redmen football teams.  Named were James “Jimmy” Burns, Walt Kozlow and Ray Balick.  Burns was a strong running back who led the State in scoring.  He also played baseball.  Later in life, Burns was one of the area’s top golfers.  Kozlow was a big lineman for the ’52 and ’53 gridiron teams, who later went on to a corporate career with Kaman Aerospace.  Balick was a three-sport athlete who was a two-way starter in football.  In 1952 he set the State record with a javelin throw of 179 yards.

A trio of well known individuals from the era of the ‘60s received the word of their well deserved selection.  Charlie Panteleakos was one of the top pitchers to ever toe the rubber for the Redmen.  The three-sport performer was All- Eastern Connecticut Conference in football and baseball.  The UConn grad was a standout pitcher for Wonder Bar in the Norwich City League for many years.  Ed Desaulnier was also a three-sport athlete, who was the captain of the basketball team.  He later went on to a successful career in insurance.  Norm Chartier was one of the best receivers to ever grace the gridiron in Killingly.  He had a standout college career at UConn.  He’s a noted artist whose works are known throughout the country.

The three females who were selected are Gale Suomi, Nancy Dion Cole and Maryrose Roach.  Suomi was a three-sport athlete who led the Redgals basketball team in scoring in her junior and senior seasons.  Cole was an All-ECC selection in softball and basketball.  Today she’s the head of finance for the Putnam School system.  Roach who once played women’s professional football was a two-time All-State athlete in girl’s track.

Among the honorees the evening will feature six teams, the 2003 wrestling squad, the 1994 girls track team, the 1981 football team, the 1976 softball team, the 1953 football team and the 1931 boys basketball team.  The 1953 and 1981 football teams were undefeated, while the other four teams were State champions.

Wedding Bells and Dancing

A wedding reception of more than 200 people from throughout the northeast was on hand for the nuptial of Joe Markley and Chloe Schulze at the Inn at Woodstock Hill on Saturday, September 12.  In addition to a sumptuous repast the large group danced late into the night to the music of  DJ John Don Francisco.

Markley, who was a solid baseball and basketball player at Killingly High School, was attended by his brother Tom Markley and two of his lifelong friends, Kevin Cole and Bill Bartholic.  Father John O’Neill of St. James Church welcomed the guests prior to the ceremony and bestowed his blessing on the couple.  Sam Markley, father of the groom, regaled the large gathering as he took a walk down memory lane highlighting his son’s achievements in life.

Former Acad Booter

Leading ECSU

Last season former Woodstock Academy female soccer star Emily Becher burst on to the college scene leading the Eastern Connecticut State University Lady Warriors to success on the pitch.  Becher, who is a sophomore, has once again been providing the scoring punch for ECSU this year.

In a recent game Becher scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Westfield State University.  The goal was her fourth of the season for the 3-1-1 Lady Warriors.  It was also the 22nd of her brief career for the Willimantic based school.  In only her second season, Becher is already ranked in the Top 10 female soccer scorers in Eastern’s history.

Tourtellotte Hall of Famer Dies

Northeastern Connecticut was saddened by the news of the death of 87 year old William “Bill” Bates.   In 2014 Bates was inducted into the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1944 championship basketball team.  The team enjoyed an 18-6 record including winning its final 15 games of the season.  They produced a pair of last minute victories on their way to the championship.  The ’44 Tigers beat Ellsworth 29-27 in the State semifinals and edged Bloomfield 28-27 in the title contest.

In addition to Bates the members of the championship team included Walt Modilszewski, Ted Fatsi, Ed Babula, Burt Elliot, Don Maitland, Van Tanacea, Don Gleason, Bob Willett, Paul Azud, Swede Constantine, Leo Courtemanche, Leo Beaulac and Leo Mead.  The team was coached by the legendary Jim Canty.

UConn – Putnam Connection

The UConn men’s soccer team recently picked up its first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Harvard.  One of the Huskies goals was tallied by former Montville High School athlete Tyler Leeman.  Leeman is the son of former Putnam High School basketball great Kyle Leeman, who’s the leading scoring in the history of Clippers basketball with 1,854 points.

Local Man Meets El Senor

While vacationing at Poland Springs in Maine this summer Putnam resident Mike Santerre, his wife Anita and son David met a former Boston Red Sox pitching great.  As Santerre tells the story, the family took a trip to a nearby casino for a little diversion from Poland Springs.  As he was engrossed in a poker machine an individual sat down at the machine next to him.  The gentleman then asked for some assistance with selecting a game on his machine.  It wasn’t until sometime later that the gentleman was recognized as the one and only El Senor Luis Tiant.

According to Santerre, Tiant was very friendly and outgoing.  David Santerre received the thrill of his lifetime when he met his boyhood idol Tiant.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: In life, read the small print and see the big picture.

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