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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Thompson’s Danny Rainey. Known more for his “Famous Frank(s)” Rainey enjoys his spare time on the golf links, although sometimes it appears he hunting because he’s in the woods so much.
They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. If it works in helping to achieve a goal, it is often worth it.
Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa is planning an event for his basketball team that his coach at Worcester State University used with his teams when Espinosa was the captain of the Lancers basketball team. It’s also something that former UConn coach Jim Calhoun used with his players and current coach Kevin Ollie is doing with the Huskies.
Wednesday, October 16 is the first official day that the Mustangs are allowed to practice formally. That morning at 7:15 a.m., Espinosa will gather his players at the St. Marie/Greenhalgh Sports Complex for the first ever Mustang Mile, where all the players will compete in a 1-mile run to see who crosses the finish line first in this preseason get together.
“Since our players come from different parts of the country and the world and most were not playing basketball in Putnam last season, this run will serve as a bonding experience for the team. It will also create some competitiveness among the players as well as probably inject a little humor among the group. It’s an event I’d like to institute as an annual team official season opener,” said Espinosa.
The first official practice, which is open to the public, will take place that same day at the school’s gym at 7 p.m.
The following day on Thursday, October 17 Espinosa is also planning his first Mustang Media Day. Members of the press will be invited to join the coaching staff and players at 3 p.m. on the Maple Street campus for a one-hour session, complete with individual interviews and photo session if desired.
“The object of our media day event is to give the sports media a chance to meet our players up close and personal. It is also a training ground for our players, as many will be moving on to college playing careers and encountering sports reporters along the way. It’s part of our overall approach to education at the school,” noted Espinosa.
Anyone looking for more information regarding either event should contact Espinosa by phone at 960 933-0117 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
29’s The Magic Number…
Although cribbage isn’t considered an Olympic sport and it’s a game that’s reserved for those who take a more sedentary approach to physical activity, there’s certainly something that brings out competitiveness in those who play the game where moving a peg with the thumb and forefinger is the most strenuous part of the competition.
In cribbage a “29 hand” is the equivalent of a hole-in-one in golf, a 300-game in bowling, a no-hitter in baseball or scoring 20,000 points in a basketball career. The “29 hand” is something that’s only accomplished by the very elite or the very lucky who play cribbage.
On Friday, September 27 the twosome of Paul “Cousin” Brodeur and Richard Preble opposed the venerable pair of Victor Lippiello and Raymond Navarro for a friendly afternoon trip up the outside – down the inside game of crib at the Putnam Lodge of Elks. In the course of the action, Brodeur was dealt a hand that included the five of hearts, clubs and diamonds and the jack of spades. Looking at this sweetheart of a hand, Brodeur chided Navarro as he cut the deck to “cut the five of spades.”
To everyone’s chagrin, “up popped the devil,” the magical five of spades, giving the affable Brodeur the once in a lifetime 29 cribbage hand.
The coincidence of the event dates back to July 13, when the same quartet faced off in a game of cribbage. On that fateful day, Navarro was the beneficiary of the magical 29 hand, when the identical five of spades was also the cut card.
“I’ve been playing this game since 1973,” proclaimed Brodeur loud enough to be heard in Union Square. “I’m excited but it’s about time don’t you think?” he concluded.
Needless to say, the five cards are on display at the Elks Club on the bulletin board right beside the cards that were dealt to Navarro on July 13. The excitement was so exhilarating for the foursome that they all required a shower to rid them of the perspiration they had worked up during the contest.
Ready For The California Beach…
Congratulations to Woodstock Academy volleyball player Sarah Swenson who was recently named the Max Preps Connecticut Player of the Week. There was a good reason for Swenson’s selection as she led the Centaur netters to a 3-0 sweep of Avon High School. During the match, which Woodstock scored game victories of 25-22, 25-17 and 25-23; Swenson recorded 22 kills and 20 digs.
Swenson’s heroic effort was supported three of her teammates, Kendall Wilcox (13 digs), Corinne Jones (13 kills) and Linzee Glennon (10 service points).
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
October 1897: Woodstock Academy defeated Putnam High School in football 32-0; the next week Putnam defeated Webster High School 21-0. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni, who celebrated his 88th birthday recently)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Every time you wonder, “Should I say that?” – don’t say it.