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This week’s RPC sporty shoutout and happy birthday wishes are extended to Putnam octogenarian Richard “Dick” Turcotte. A standout athlete in his youth, Turcotte can still be found in the summer months on the links at Woodstock Golf Course. We won’t divulge the number but Turcotte found enough oxygen to blow out the candles again this year.
A tradition that started more than two decades ago will take center stage on Tuesday, March 19 when The Ray Brousseau Putnam Rotary Club Senior All Star Basketball Shootout is played at Putnam High School. The evening includes two games, the first at 6 p.m. featuring senior girl all stars and the second showcasing the senior boys, one half hour after the prelim contest.
Putnam Recreation Director and Putnam Rotary Club member Willie Bousquet, chairman of the Shootout, indicates that senior basketball players from Plainfield, Killingly, Ellis Tech, Griswold, Putnam, Tourtellotte, Woodstock, Marianapolis, Hyde-Woodstock, Pomfret School, Parish Hill, Windham Tech and Putnam Science Academy have been invited to participate.
“These games have become a tradition that the players enjoy and the Putnam Rotary Club is proud to sponsor. It’s an opportunity for the senior basketball players to showcase their talents in front of their fellow students and fans,” said Bousquet.
The coaches for the girls’ game are Dave Walley of Woodstock Academy and Bousquet, while Dan Piccione of Ellis Tech and the combination of Tom Espinosa and Josh Scraba of Putnam Science Academy are the boys’ coaches. They’ll coach a full roster of players including the likes of Ashley Espinosa, Monica Phongsa, Taylor Sarty and Lindsay Weigand on the girls squad. The boys , will feature Alec Fontaine, Jemal Mosley, Dayshon Smith, Paul Brooks, Devin Willard, Max Graves, Mike Benkowski and many others.
Members of the Eastern Board of Basketball Officials will be on hand to officiate the games. The entertainment for the evening is generally fast paced, exciting and fan friendly.
The evening is sponsored by WINY Radio 1350, Benpe Sales and Consulting of Putnam, The Byrnes Agency of Dayville, Woodstock and Norwich, Regency Heights of Danielson, The Citizens National Bank and Archambault Insurance Associates of Putnam and Danielson. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students and senior citizens. Admission includes an opportunity to win door prizes.
“We’re hoping for a big turnout of fans to support the players as they play for the last time as high school athletes,” said Putnam Rotary Club President Paul Pikora.
Gymnasts Receive All Star Recognition…
Congratulations to Woodstock Academy gymnastics coach Robin Deary-Fillmore and the Centaur gymnasts for their repeat championship in the CIAC Connecticut State Open and also for winning the State Class S title.
The following Centaur gymnasts garnered Eastern Connecticut Conference All Star honors – First Team: Jackie and Nickie Deary, Bree Hussong and Courtney Osborn. Shaila Segal was accorded Honorable Mention recognition, while Emily Lipka was given the Sportsmanship Award.
Another of Deary-Fillmore’s gymnast, Hailey Cummings of Killing High School was a First Team selection.
The coaches for the girls’ game are Dave Walley of Woodstock Academy and Bousquet, while Dan Piccione of Ellis Tech and the combination of Tom Espinosa and Josh Scraba of Putnam Science Academy are the boys’ coaches. They’ll coach a full roster of players including the likes of Ashley Espinosa, Monica Phongsa, Taylor Sarty and Lindsay Weigand on the girls squad. The boys , will feature Alec Fontaine, Jemal Mosley, Dayshon Smith, Paul Brooks, Devin Willard, Max Graves, Mike Benkowski and many others.
Members of the Eastern Board of Basketball Officials will be on hand to officiate the games. The entertainment for the evening is generally fast paced, exciting and fan friendly.
The evening is sponsored by WINY Radio 1350, Benpe Sales and Consulting of Putnam, The Byrnes Agency of Dayville, Woodstock and Norwich, Regency Heights of Danielson, The Citizens National Bank and Archambault Insurance Associates of Putnam and Danielson. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students and senior citizens. Admission includes an opportunity to win door prizes.