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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Brad Favreau, the newly inducted president of the Putnam Rotary Club. In his glory days at Woodstock Academy Favreau was a three-sport standout. Today he confines his athletic endeavors to following the fortunes of his children.
The Eastern Connecticut Conference Athlete of the Month award, sponsored by the Byrnes Agency of Dayville, Norwich and Woodstock, for the months of May and June is Woodstock Academy’s outdoor track standout Jake Almquist. The recently graduated senior is headed to UConn on a track scholarship in September.
Almquist concluded his high school track career with a flourish winning the high jump competition at the New England Championships with a jump of 6-feet, 9-inches. His attempts to break the existing Academy record of 6-feet, 10-inches, held by Joe Patrone, fell just short.
Earlier in the spring, Almquist led the Centaurs by finishing in first place in the high jump in every dual meet. In addition, he captured the Class MM meet with a jump of 6 feet, 4 inches and followed that up with a jump of 6-feet, 8 inches at the CIAC State Open meet, and good for a second-place finish. During the season he also finished first at the Bloomfield Invitational, Ledyard Relays, the Panther Invite and the ECC Championships, where he set a meet record.
At a dual meet versus New London Almquist pulled off a rare feat by winning all four events he participated in, pole vault, high jump, javelin and the 300-meter hurdles.
Almquist’s senior proved to be significant in his life, as in addition to his track exploits, he was a valuable member of the Woodstock Academy Centaurs Class L State Championship basketball team.
Proud Grounds Keepers…
An RPC Tip of the Sports Fedora to a pair of conscientious individuals who are proud of the work they do in making the playing fields for the TriTown American Legion Sr. and Jr. teams miniature replicas of Fenway Park.
The TriTown Sr. team, which plays its home games at Tourtellotte Memorial High School, has its field manicured by the inimitable Romeo “Mush” Blain. A long time member of the Thompson School System facilities crew, Blain has the infield and outfield grass cut to perfection. He also sees to the raking and watering of the base paths, making fielding of ground balls free of bad hops.
In Woodstock at the Bentley Athletic Complex, Director of Facilities Jason “Jay” Gerum, coordinates and oversees the work of his staff. He’s on site to assure every detail is cared for prior to the start of games. As Gerum said, “I want the players to have a great baseball experience. Part of that is playing on a well prepared field.”
At recent opening day ceremonies, the players, coaches and fans in attendance were treated to stirring and professional renditions of the National Anthem. The Sr. TriTown ceremony saw Putnam resident Melissa Dakai handle the honors. She also sang the National Anthem at Dodd Stadium on June 19 when TriTown entertained Jewett City. The Jr. Team opening ceremony anthem was done by the man who sings at every Putnam High School boys and girls basketball games. Maurice “Moe” Coderre handled the National Anthem flawlessly.
Local Runners Shine…
Two local runners represented northeastern Connecticut with pride June 22 in Worcester. Scott Deslongchamps, who is probably our area’s most durable long distance runner, won the Central Mass Striders 5K, which was held at Worcester State University.
Deslongchamps winning time was 19:15, a solid 12 seconds ahead of second place finisher Rich Auger of Worcester who was clocked at 19:27. Finishing in fourth place was Putnam’s ageless harrier, Alan Rondeau. He was clocked at 19:58. The former Putnam Clipper, who ran for legendary coach George W. St. Marie, is spotted almost every day, regardless of weather conditions, running the street of Putnam.
It’s a certainty the Deslongchamps and Rondeau will be participating in many other races before the snows fall concluding the season.
Happy Fourth of July…
RPC sends along 4th of July wishes to the faithful readers of The Putnam Town Crier and our Sports section. Remember the true meaning of the day, which is the celebration of our country’s declaration of independence in 1776. Our forefathers provided our country with a foundation that’s stood strong to this day. It’s our duty as Americans to continue the traditions that our country was built on.
From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History…
July 1906: Andems baseball team of North Grosvenordale defeated Dayville 20-9 before 300 fans. Time of game: 1-hour, 45-minutes. Games were nine innings. Andems lineup: J. Johnson SS, A. Johnson 3B, Coderre CF, Gadbois 1B, Smalley LF, Norton RF, Sunn 2B, Hickey C, Duffy P. Dayville lineup: Marlor 3B, Conklin 2B, Backer C, Franklin SS, Welch RF, Allen CF, Reynolds LF, Berthiaume 1B, James P.
RPC’s Closing thought For The Day: “Show me a guy who’s afraid to look bad, and I’ll show you a guy you can beat every time.” Lou Brock, Baseball Hall of Famer