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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Lysa Molnar of the Archambault Insurance Agency. Molnar is very active in then northeastern Connecticut community and the Putnam Lodge of Elks where she supports a variety of youth activities.
In the brief eight-year existence of varsity basketball at Putnam Science Academy, coach Tom Espinosa has put the program on the “fast track.” The meteoric rise of the program has caused not only local basketball gurus to take notice, but the word about the type of basketball being played by the Mustangs is quickly spreading regionally and even nationally.
The recently released 2013-2014 Pre-Season National Post Grad Rankings has the Mustangs ranks 10th nationally. Post Graduate basketball is some of the highest caliber basketball that can be played prior to the collegiate level. Rosters change drastically from year to year and coaches must stay on the grind to reload every year to be able to compete on the national level. Espinosa has proven a master at reloading and uncovering talented players year in and year out.
The most recent poll has Brewster Academy ranked Number One. Among the Top 10, Putnam Science Academy has six on this year’s schedule. In addition to Brewster Academy, the Mustangs will face Northfield/Mount Hermon, St. Thomas More, Notre Dame Prep, South Kent School, and Believe Prep, schools that are ranked 5th through 9th respectively.
“I was shocked but pleasantly surprised when the pre-season poll was released. This is an honor for our team and our school. It certainly will put added pressure on our kids to perform at the highest level,” said Espinosa.
Since the inception of the program, Espinosa and the Mustangs have sent three players, Rundell Mauge, Shaun Lawton and Dayshon “Scoochie” Smith to Division I programs. They’ve also sent a number of other players to Division II and III programs throughout the Northeast.
The talent that Espinosa’s recruited for the 2013-2014 season should see the number of players moving on to prestigious college programs rise if the team can live up to its pre-season billing.
Western Connecticut Record Breaker
The name Octavias McCoy may not ring a bell with local football fans but if the name Ben LaBelle is mentioned it certainly conjures up great memories of the powerful fullback on the Killingly High School gridiron. LaBelle, who starred for the Redmen, went on to a stellar career at Western Connecticut State University where in 2000 he set a WCSU record with 16 touchdowns in one season.
Two weeks ago McCoy ran for 226 yards on 22 carries and five touchdowns in a 70-14 rout of Fitchburg State University. In the process the Stratford native broke LaBelle’s 13 year old season record as the five TDs gave him 18 on the season. McCoy has five games remaining this season and will no doubt push his record setting number well beyond the standard once set by LaBelle. Last week he continued his assault on the record book by rushing for an all-divisions record 455 yards and five touchdowns in a 55-35 win over Worcester State University. His record setting game gained him space in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated.
Recovering
It’s encouraging to see Putnam resident Ed Bielik back walking Sports Avenue even though he still requires the use of a cane as an assist. Bielik has been through a series of medical issues and in and out of the hospital but is in good spirits as he works his way back to better health.
In his heyday Bielik was the area’s top softball umpire. It was nothing for him to umpire a high school contest in the afternoon and go on to call balls and strikes in a men’s league doubleheader that same evening. Weekend’s Bielik was often spotted on the diamond working make-up games and Co-ed League contests. Send him get well wishes at Ed Bielik, 28 Laconia Ave., Putnam, CT 06260. RPC is in your corner, Ed.
Calendar Correction
Go to your cell phone calendar or if you’re the type who uses a date book, make the following correction and date change. Word from Willie Bousquet and Dave Vitale is that the previously scheduled Putnam High School Alumni Athletic Association 2-Person Pitch Tournament is now on tap for Friday, Nov. 22.
The event is scheduled for 9 p.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 p.m. at Athens Pizza on School Street in Putnam. The cost is a reasonable $40 for a 2-person team, with prizes being awarded to the top six finishers. Admission fee includes free pizza ala Saeng Phongsa.
For more information or to register contact Bousquet at 860 617-4282 or Vitale at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Stars Shining in Woodstock
The Eastern Connecticut Conference recently announced its 2013 Volleyball All Stars. Three young ladies from Woodstock Academy were recognized in the Large Division. Sarah Swenson, who’s been the main cog in the lady Centaurs machine all season, was recognized by being named to the 1st team. Her teammate Kendall Wilcox was accorded Honorable Mention recognition, while Abby Hustus was chosen for the Sportsmanship Award.
In the ECC Medium Division Plainfield’s Chivon Burns was selected as a 1st team all star. Her teammate Tessa Marandola was chosen for Honorable Mention, while another Lady Panther Enxhi Ferraj received the sportsmanship Award.
From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History
November 1898: Putnam High School defeated Killingly in football 5-0; in a second game played on Thanksgiving Day, the game ended in a 0-0 tie. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: It’s better to get burnt out than to rust out.