By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to former Putnam High School principal and Clipper graduate Nelson “Buzz” King.  In high school King was a noted runner on the cross country and track teams.  Today he enjoys spending time with his grandson and his golfing cronies at Quinnatisset Country Club.  

The Plainfield Panthers have been enjoying one of the best baseball seasons in recent history, building up a 15-game undefeated string of victories.  The Panthers have been the recipient of top sports headlines in local newspapers including the Putnam Town Crier thanks to their success.

After making the front page last week and being congratulated for moving into the New Haven Register and Hartford Courant Top 10 polls the Panthers moved into the #1 position in both polls last week.  Much like making the cover of Sports Illustrated, making the front page of the Putnam Town Crier proved to be a jinx for coach Jason Chiavaras’ young men.

The perfect record was spoiled by East Lyme and Waterford in successive loses.  Most likely the new polls will drop Plainfield from the top spot, but in the humble opinion of this columnist they deserve to remain in the Top 10 in the state.

The 3-2 loss to East Lyme might have seemed like a letdown, but the Vikings are a solid program.  In a rematch against Waterford, a team the Panthers had knocked off the top of both polls earlier in the year, Plainfield was dropped 2-0 as they were unable to find a timely hit.  This happens in baseball.

Baseball is a game of inches as the cliché goes.  A hit one way or another or a defensive play just out of the reach of the fielder can often lead to the ultimate outcome of the contest.  Unlike football or other sports that are played once per week, baseball is played on a more frequent basis, so losses though important can often be absorbed.

Let’s hope this is the situation with Plainfield.  The Panthers were looking like a team capable of contending for a State title.  Two or three losses in a 20-game season should not detract from the type of season Plainfield is experiencing in the spring of 2014.

New England Patriots to Honor Local Man

A well known local individual who has devoted his entire life to helping others will be honored by the New England Patriots with a very special award.  In word out of Day Kimball Healthcare, Peter Deary, the former chairman of the Board of Directors, has been selected to receive the prestigious Myra Kraft Community MVP Award to be presented at Gillette Stadium on June 9.

Myra Kraft was the beloved wife of Patriots owner Robert Kraft.  Mrs. Kraft died two years ago after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  At the time of her death the entire New England region, the National Football League and the members of the Patriots mourned her death.  Mrs. Kraft was known during her lifetime for the work she did on behalf of those in need throughout the region.

In receiving the award, Deary is certainly an example of the type of values Mrs. Kraft stood for in support of others.  In addition to his work on behalf of the hospital, Deary is well known for his involvement with the First Congregational Church of Pomfret, especially in the wake of the fire that destroyed the church in December 2013.  He’s also been the backbone of the Deary Memorial Race, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

In addition to the hospital and church Deary has been a leader in the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and along with his friend Jimmy Booth has spearheaded a project to assist the people of Haiti.  These are only the tip of the iceberg where Deary is involved. 

The Foundation selected Deary from among hundreds of community volunteers who were nominated from throughout the six-state New England region.  In addition to being honored with this prestigious award the Patriots Foundation is expected to bestow a significant donation to the DKH Deary Memorial Cancer Fund.  

This is a well deserved honor on a man who has worked on behalf of others without any personal gain or recognition.  RPC extends congratulations to Peter Deary.

Danielson Rotary Preps 

for Annual Tournament

Golfers who are looking for a great day on the links should mark their calendars for June 20 at Connecticut National Golf Club.  On that day the Danielson Rotary club will be hosting its 21st Spider Burke Memorial Golf Tournament.

Registration for the scramble format shotgun start event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. with tee time 1 p.m. sharp.  The cost is a reasonable $125 per golfer or $500 per foursome and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, skins game, refreshments, lunch and dinner, registration gift and team photo.

Mary Jane Burke, club president,  promises that the red carpet will be laid out for all participants.  Proceeds from the tourney are applied to the many charitable programs supported by the club, including a scholarship and the ever popular dictionary distribution program.  

According to Co-chairmen Bob Chenail and Jay Long, sponsorships are available on a variety of levels, including Title ($2000), Gold ($1000), Silver ($500), Bronze ($300) and Tee ($125).  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, with $600 for first place, $400 for second and $200 for third.  A special wild card prize of $200 will also be awarded.  The usual closest-to-the-pin contests will be held on all par three holes and an automobile donated by King Cadillac GMC of Putnam will be presented for a hole-in-one.  For more information or to register contact Chenail 860 923-0458 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Long 860 428-7661 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

New York Giants Coach Visits Woodstock

Woodstock Academy conducted its first scholar/athlete induction on May 19 at the Woodstock Academy Auditorium.  A total of 53 junior and senior scholar/athletes were recognized for their achievement, commitment to athletics, outstanding character and involvement in the community.  

On hand as the keynote speaker was former National Football League Super Bowl winning coach Kevin Gilbride of the New York Giants.  Gilbride, a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, had an illustrious career as a college coach as well as an NFL assistant and head coach.  

Another special moment in the program was the induction of longtime Academy physical education teacher and coach Bob Derrico as an honorary member of the Scholar/Athlete Honor Society.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of payments.

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

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