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caption, page 8:
Sophomore Christian Menounos, right,  is all alone out front as he finished first in a boys’ cross-country meet. Senior Lauren Brule, top left, crosses the finish line in first place against NFA.  Freshman Olivia Tracy, top right, works her way across the finish line. Photos by Brad Favreau.



When the Woodstock Academy girls’ cross-country team traveled to Groton to run the Fitch Falcons Oct. 14 in the final regular season meet for both schools, the two teams and Windham competed on a 5K course.
In high school cross-country, that’s the norm.
But the Haley Farm State Park course was an exception and it was an exception that didn’t sit well with senior Lauren Brule.
The boys’ teams on the Groton course had always run the normal 3.1 miles.
The girls were limited to a 2.6 mile-course.
With the encouragement of coach Joe Banas, she composed a letter to the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference saying she was concerned about a possible Title IX violation taking place in the meets at Haley Farm because of the difference in length.
“I was just concerned about this since every year we run there and it is not fair for the boys to run the full race but not allow the girls to run the same. I will understand if there is some conflict that makes the girls run the 2.6 miles if it is made clear of a valid reasoning of why that is,” Brule wrote in her letter to the CIAC.
Banas said: “There are some courses in the Eastern Connecticut Conference that are not 5K but it’s for both the boys and the girls. But in this case, the boys’ course is a 5K which means the girls’ course has to be a 5K.”
The CIAC handbook contains a discrepancy of its own as it states in the cross-country state championship rules that all races are to be 5K in length. However, under its girls’ cross-country rules section, it does give schools the ability to have a course that can range in length from 4K to 5K.
The boys’ rules do not have that option.
The CIAC did not respond to Brule directly but did reach out to Woodstock Academy acting athletic director Brad Favreau and told him that the discrepancy was a league matter.
Associate head of school Holly Singleton reached out to the ECC about the discrepancy.
It turns out that Fitch athletic director Marc Romano was not even aware of the situation and quickly decided to make it necessary for the boys and girls cross-country meets at Fitch to be an equal 5K in length.
The ECC also voted in its meeting on Tuesday to change its cross-country rules, which mirrored the CIAC handbook rules, to make all boys and girls’ league meets 5K in length.
“I am very proud of a lot of parts of what happened,” Singleton said. “I’m proud that one of our athletes was able to discern a situation that was an obvious Title IX violation and was able to write this letter to the CIAC that was articulate, non-inflammatory and really just direct, to the point and very professional. I’m really happy that she had the confidence to advocate for herself and other female athletes.”
Brule was sporting a big smile Oct. 13 prior to the meet when she learned the course was going to be changed to the 5K length.
Brule went out and finished first in the race in 23 minutes, 5 seconds.
Cross-Country roundup
Finish regular season with 3 wins
Girls’ cross-country coach Joe Banas remembered a time about a dozen years ago when he was at the Pomfret Recreation Complex umpiring a senior men’s wooden bat baseball league game.
“I don’t know what it was but I remember thinking, ‘This would be a nice place to run,’ but I just put it on the backburner,” Banas said.
But with the Woodstock Academy boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams in need of a home course, something they didn’t have a year ago, Banas brought up the idea to boys’ cross-country coach Peter Lusa.
The Centaurs hosted their first-ever meet on the course last week.
“It went well,” Lusa said. “We knew that it had some sticky corners and some tight turns which we would like to fix over time but because we had only nine runners and NFA had only 18, it worked. It would be a trickier course with bigger teams on it.”
The Centaurs girls certainly seemed to like it. They downed Norwich Free Academy, 18-43.
Woodstock then finished off the regular season with a 7-1 overall record and 2-1 mark in Div. I of the ECC with a pair of wins over Fitch, 15-45, and Windham, 15-50, at Haley Farm in Groton Oct. 14.
Centaurs senior Lauren Brule came across the finish line first against NFA in 21 minutes, 46 seconds.
Because it was the first official meet on the Pomfret course, Brule also established the course record.
“We’ve run on it in practice and I had mixed feelings about it. I think it’s definitely one of the more difficult courses that I’ve run because there are a lot of hills and very few flat areas but it’s nice for parents to be able to see you as you run,” Brule said.
About a mile into the race, Banas knew things were going his team’s way as Brule surged ahead of NFA’s Eliana Duclos.
Shortly thereafter, Julia Coyle did the same and finished second in 22:02 before Duclos crossed the line.
Olivia Tracy, Kira Greene and Leila Khairetdinova finished fourth, fifth and sixth for the Centaurs.
Brule was honored following the meet alongside senior teammates Tessa Brown, Sydney Lord, Anna Mason and Elizabeth Morgis which comprises the majority of the team.
Brule picked up another first-place finish against the Falcons. She led an entire pack of Centaurs across the finish line in 23 minutes, 5 seconds.
Kira Greene finished seven-tenths of a second behind her teammate. Coyle, Tracy, Brown and Lord comprised the remainder of the top six finishers in Groton.
Now that the regular season is over, the entire ECC will get together for the championship meet on the Norwich Golf Course next Thursday.
Brule finished 10th in the league meet last season. Coyle and Lord finished 14th and 15th last season.
Boys’ Cross Country
The boys’ cross-country team saw its regular season come to an end with a pair of meets.
The Centaurs finished the season Oct. 14 with a pair of victories, 22-35 over Fitch and 17-46 over Windham.
Woodstock finished the regular season with a 5-3 overall record and 1-2 in Div. I of the ECC.
That record is not final, however, as the league championship meet also figures into the regular season standings.
Sophomore Christian Menounos was again at the front of the pack as he crossed the finish line in 17:50 which was 25 seconds better than Kaiden Chandler of Fitch.
Vince Bastura (18:24) finished in third with Colton Sallum (19:05) in fifth. Charles Caggiano and Joel Koleszar placed seventh and eighth for the Centaurs.
The Centaurs opened the week with their only home meet of the season.
Woodstock and NFA battled to a 28-all tie.
There is a tiebreaker and that went to the Wildcats who put in their sixth runner before the Centaurs did.
Menounos established the record on the new course as he put together a 16 minute, 51 second performance to take first overall.
Bastura celebrated Senior Day with a second-place finish in 17:32.
Sallum finished third for Woodstock and fifth overall, Caggiano placed ninth and Koleszar 11th.
With the regular season over with, it’s off to the ECC championship meet at the Norwich Golf Course for the boys’ squad. E. Lyme and Griswold are the teams to beat.
Lusa is hopeful that Menounos and Bastura could finish inside the top 10 in the championship race.
Menounos, in his first ECC championship meet last year, finished 20th while Bastura was 14th overall.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy


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Another week, seemingly another commitment announcement.
Blake Barkley and Miles Rose last week became the latest PSA men’s prep basketball players to announce their college intentions, the former choosing Northwestern University and the latter heading off to St Bonaventure.
“It’s a pretty good time to be a Mustang,” coach Tom Espinosa said. “Guys have been taking visits and feel good about them, so it makes sense to make it official.”
Barkley, a 6-foot, 9-inch wing from West Virginia who is in his first year at PSA, said he didn’t really know much about the Big Ten school before his visit a few weeks back. But when he returned to PSA, it was apparent the visit was enlightening in many ways.
“It’s obviously a strong academic school; it’s got strong basketball; it’s just the right fit,” Barkley said. “The visit was really good. I really liked what I saw and heard. I definitely had a rush of energy and a good feeling. Seeing everything just put it all on the spot.”
Espinosa is looking forward to watching Barkley put his game on display. At his size, he’ll cause matchup problems because he can shoot it so well but also put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. But it could be the intangibles that help set him apart.
“He’s a really smart basketball player,” Espinosa said. “He’s really going to help us against zones and junk defenses. He’s so smart, he’ll know where to find creases and back doors and go get easy buckets.”
It should be game on for Rose as well. Now in his third year with the Mustangs (he joined midway through the 2020-21 season), he is showing all signs that this is his time. Playing with confidence that eluded him for his first season-and-a-half, the 6-4 attacking guard looks like a different player.
“I trusted the work I was putting in,” Rose said. “I’m ready for the role and to be a bigger piece. I’ve just been working and I’m glad to see it all pay off with St. Bonaventure. It takes a lot of pressure off me so I can focus on winning again.
“When I went on my visit, it was like a family atmosphere. They kept everything straight with me. They had a plan for me. I really felt comfortable there.”
Rose will become the fourth Mustangs player to play for the Bonnies, a group that includes Barry Evans, who was Rose’s teammate last year.
Barkley and Rose join Connor Dubsky (Rhode Island) and Tarique Foster (Virginia Commonwealth) as Mustangs who have announced their college commitments.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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It was some kind of emotional week for the Putnam Science Academy soccer team.
After suffering a loss Wednesday in a game the Mustangs felt they deserved to win and left a handful of players in tears, they bounced back Saturday with a victory to right the ship.
Oct. 15 Bereket Hadgu scored his first goal since arriving at PSA just two weeks ago, sparking the Mustangs to a 4-2 win over St. Thomas More. After Uriel Dalapo got PSA (6-3-1) on the board with his sixth goal of the season, Hadgu came in off the bench and put the team ahead 2-1 at the half with a goal inside the 6 on the second touch off a free kick from Tomás Melon.
“I’ve only been here for two weeks and haven’t had many practices with the boys, so I want to thank coach Ryan for trusting me to play this game,” Hadgu said. “I’m not completely familiar with the tactics, but when I was on the bench I saw that the boys were having a hard time unlocking the final ball to the strikers, so when I came in my job was trying to make it click, and to help the defense.”
Fran Cuñat and Marcos Chantada added second-half scores in the win.
Dalapo and Cuñat both scored in Wednesday’s game, a 4-2 loss to Hoosac. PSA entered the game in second place in the league, trailing Hoosac. And the Mustangs believed they should have knocked them off, as two non-calls that could have/should have gone PSA’s way directly led to Hoosac goals and changed the momentum of the game.
Cuñat’s goal four minutes into the second half gave PSA a 2-1 lead, a cushion they held onto for another 30 minutes or so. That’s when PSA keeper Marcos Ruiz appeared to have control of the ball when a Hoosac player collided violently with him, jarring the ball loose. No foul was called, and with Ruiz on the ground, Hoosac got to the ball first and scored the equalizer.
The real heartbreak came with just 90 seconds left to play. Jai Jai Thamasonglar appeared to be taken down on the far side of the field, but again there was no call from the official. Seconds later, Hoosac scored to take a 3-2 lead. They tacked on another one in the final minute.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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Jeanne M. Blair
We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Jeanne Blair, 86.
She died Sept. 21, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on June 11, 1936, in Putnam to Norman and Catherine Messier. She was married to Donald Blair who preceded her in death in 2001.
Jeanne was a dedicated worker at Digital in Westfield, MA for many years. She retired to FL with husband Donald in 2000. She was a mall walker in her retired years, and had many friends though the Senior Center of Ocoee, FL.
She leaves her sister Norma Enright (John) of St. Petersburg, Fla., and her sister-in-law Judy Messier of Eustis, Fla.; children David Hicks and partner Lynne Killam of Westfield, Mass., Lori Pulley (Darryl) of Winter Garden, Fla., Kenneth Hicks (Jane) of Woodstock; caretaker and daughter Lynn Malone of Winter Garden. Her husband Robert Malone died in 2012.
She was known as Grammie to her 10 grandchildren, Christina Pulley, Darryl Pulley and fiancé Amber, Kenneth “Gabe” Hicks (Stacey), Matthew Malone, Barbara Hicks, Kelly Malone, Katelynn Pulley, Jake Hicks and partner Haley, Jessica Hicks and partner Ryan, Travis Hicks and partner Marin; four great-grandchildren, Taylor, Wyatt, Colton, and Charlotte; her Yorkie Gracie (Gracie loved Grammie, protected her, and never left her side.) She will always be remembered for her kind, and gentle ways.
A private service will be held for the immediate family. Donations: Matthew’s Hope Ministries, 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

Christian ‘Chris’ Drouin
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Christian “Chris” Drouin, 73, died Oct. 11, 2022 in Ormond Beach. Chris was born July 17, 1949, in the town of St. Zacharie, Quebec, Canada, to Arius and Jeanne D’Arc Drouin (Roy).
The Drouin family moved to Putnam in 1963 which is where Chris spent most of his life until retiring to the Daytona Beach area. The ever-present sunshine agreed with him. Chris made friends and touched hearts everywhere he went.
He enjoyed riding his bright red Can-Am, fishing, bowling, and walks on the beach and in parks. He took great pride in making repairs indoors and out for himself and his neighbors.
He would want us to mention that “Maman” did not hesitate to let all his siblings know that he was her most beautiful baby. His family wishes to thank Buddy (dog) and Trouble (cat) for keeping him entertained and comforted during these difficult months. Our sincerest gratitude to the devoted friends in Florida who were there to assist him especially Candace Acker who advocated for Chris and was present in his time of need.
He leaves three children Michael (Sarah), David and Nicole; six grandchildren, Craig, Brady and Shelby, Adam and Nathan, and Natasha; five siblings: Jean-Paul (Denise), Denis (Pat), Gaetan, France and Manon (Brian); nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; friend Candace Acker; his dog Buddy and his cat Trouble who kept him entertained and comforted during these difficult months. . He is predeceased by his parents, brother Jean Yves, and grandson Tristan. He is predeceased by his parents, brother Jean Yves, and grandson Tristan.
A private memorial will be held in the future. Donations: Animal Rescue of New England located in Rhode Island.

Marion C. Leins
Marion C Leins, 70, died Oct. 5, 2022, peacefully at home.  Born Jan. 22, 1952, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Frank Sr. and Mary (Botham) Currier.  She is predeceased by her husband John H Leins Jr.
Marion had been a resident of Pomfret for most of her life before moving to Brooklyn 10 years ago.  She worked in purchasing for Lambot Lumber in Pomfret and Chace Building Supply in Woodstock.  Marion was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Pomfret where she had once served as a deacon and later as a treasurer.  She was an avid reader and liked to garden.  
Marion was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who leaves behind her children: Cherish Greene of Erwin, N.C., Xander Leins of Brooklyn; grandchildren Tabitha Ayers of Bluefield, W.Va., Jesse J Greene of Danielson and Amara Birch of Fayetteville, N.C.; great-grandchildren Alexander and Axtin Birch; siblings, Frank R Currier Jr., Mary E Martin, Carmel B Currier, Arthur B. Currier and Dale C Currier and cousin James Lyon Jr.
Marion was laid to rest beside her husband in the Abington Cemetery and a Celebration of Life was held at the First Congregational Church of Pomfret Oct. 15.

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