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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is in honor of all veterans from Putnam and our surrounding area. As we celebrate Memorial Day, remember, this day isn’t only a day off from work for parades and cookouts. Take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the day and the men and women who gave their lives for our country. Have a great Memorial Day. From a proud U.S. veteran.
In the decade of the ‘80s a young man from N. Grosvenordale took the northeastern Connecticut basketball scene by surprise and dominated hoop headlines from 1985 through 1988. Greg Guillot, then a fuzzy cheeked, towheaded good looking kid, unveiled a long range jump shot that would lead him to eventual All-State honors and his team to a CIAC Class S State Championship.
As a sophomore in 1986 Guillot got his shot at a starting position on the Tourtellotte Memorial High School varsity basketball team under coach Jim Naum and never relinquished his spot until his four-year career was over. As a sophomore he led the team in scoring with 14.43 points per game average. Proving his sophomore season wasn’t a fluke; Guillot increased his scoring output to 16.86 in his junior season and by his senior year was tickling the twine at a 23.47 pace.
In 1987 he was a starter on the “Turtle Wax” State Championship team. This team became known as the “Impossible Dream” team, which drew similarities to the Indiana team from the famous movie Hoosiers.
During his high school career Guillot accumulated numerous honors, including All-State recognition in 1988 and All-State Honorable Mention in 1987. He was a Quinebaug Valley Conference All-Star in 1986, 1987 and 1988. He was also named to the Norwich Bulletin, Journal Transcript and All-Eastern Connecticut teams.
Guillot became a member of the Tourtellotte prestigious 1000-point club on Feb. 19, 1988, when he passed the 1000-point plateau against Woodstock Academy. During his senior season he tallied 540 points with a single game high 37 points. Currently he stands fourth on the Tigers all-time career scoring list with 1,247 points.
During his high school years, Guillot also played baseball for four seasons and ran cross-country in 1985 and 1986. Today he is employed by the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections.
Julie Tashjian Remembered
The sudden and unexpected death two weeks ago of former Connecticut Secretary of the State Julie Tashjian brought back memories of the days when she was a frequent visitor to our fair town of Putnam. When Tashjian was in office, her Deputy Secretary of the State was former Putnam resident and good sport Bernard “Benny” Auger. The two state officials worked together for eight years.
Contacted recently Auger had the following to say about Tashjian. “Julie loved getting up every day and coming to the office. She always had a smile on her face. Public service was made for her. We worked together for eight years and in that time we never had a harsh word or bad day. She was a lady and was proud of her Armenian-American heritage.”
Today, Auger is retired from State service. His latest position was serving as a clerk in the Connecticut Senate Chamber. He and his wife Anne live in the quiet suburban community of Marlborough.
Catching Up With Avery Point Baseball
The University of Connecticut at Avery Point under veteran coach Roger Bidwell is moving on to its fifth trip to the NJCAA Division II World Series thanks to a sweep of the Regional Tournament that was played in Rochester, N.Y. This is the team’s third trip in the last four years to the World Series.
Thanks to a potent offense, solid pitching and sound defense the Pointers rolled through the Region 21 Tournament. They captured the title with a 12-7 victory over Monroe Community College a team they had shutout 5-0 earlier in the tourney. The team’s other victory came by a 12-8 margin over Rockland Community College. Entering the Division II World Series the Pointers are the proud owners of a 38-8 record on the season.
An integral member of the Avery Point squad is former Woodstock Academy standout Chris Mayhew. The rugged, hard-hitting first baseman has played a vital role in numerous victories throughout this long and arduous spring season. In the championship victory Mayhew contributed two hits and an RBI on the team’s road to the World Series. The College World Series runs from May 25 through June 2 and is scheduled to be played in Enid, Okla.
From the Agate Page Transactions
If you read the Transactions column in the agate section of the sports pages every day as I do, you may have seen a name that sounded or looked familiar. In the Can-Am League news, the Newark Bears announced the release of left-handed pitcher Brian Chaput.
That appears to be the same Brian Chaput who toiled on the mound at Tourtellotte Memorial High School for coach Tom Auclair. He later had a brief stint at Eastern Connecticut State University. Since then, Chaput has buckled down and concentrated on attempting to hook on as a hurler someplace.
Last fall, Chaput assisted with a fall baseball team made up of local players. The feedback on his knowledge and coaching was extremely positive.
Fun Run
The West Thompson Lake Summer Fun Runs are back. They occur every Wednesday evening at 6:15 p.m. sharp through Sept. 18. Runners of all ages are encouraged to jog, walk, run or race either the 1.44 or 3.1 mile course options. Spread the word. Anyone completing three or more runs earns a “Dam Fun Runs” t-shirt, say organizers Bob Mayer and Jimi Gothreau. Contact Mayer for information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History
May 1906: On Memorial Day, May 30, C.A.C. of Putnam split a doubleheader with Jewett City. Morse Field (located in 1906 across the street from the current Gilman Funeral Home) was covered with water, so the games were played at the Putnam Fair Grounds, on the corner of Park and Arch streets. Approximately 500 fans witnessed the morning game, which Putnam won 7-1. The afternoon game, witnessed by approximately 700 fans, was won by Jewett City, 10-6. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni.)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” President John F. Kennedy