Sportsmanship - RPC pg 9 11-29-12
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- Category: Past Issues
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out goes to Thompson resident Jim Sali. A graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Sali is an avid follower of all local teams and individuals. His recollection of athletic events from days of yore is remarkable. He remembers even the minutest details about teams, games and the performers.
The Eastern Connecticut Conference was represented by seven of its member schools at the recent CIAC Sportsmanship Conference, which was held at The Aqua Turf in Southington. The schools represented were E. Lyme, Griswold, Killingly, Ledyard, Plainfield, Stonington and Woodstock. A total of more than 650 student-athletes and administrators attended the program.
The keynote speaker was the well known Harvey Alston, whose theme to those in attendance was “Be the Best.” The culminating portion of the day was the presentation of the Michael’s Achievement Cup to 18 Connecticut high schools. Ledyard High School and its Athletic Director Jim Buonocore Jr. and former principal Lou Garbordi accepted the award on behalf of the school.
Killingly High School individuals in attendance included Athletic Director John Krot and students Joshua Beaupre, Matt Bulmer, Jessica Dastous, Tory Ferland, Dane Grauer, Chris Klawatter, Gabby LaRose, Cheyenne Perron, Tum Tum Souriyamath and Michela Veillette.
Plainfield was represented by Athletic Director Jan Voland and students Colby Cyrus, Chad Davis, Mason Delorge, Maddie Facchini and Morgan Griffin.
In attendance from Woodstock Academy were Athletic Director John Patterson and students Emily Becher, Harley Blodgett, Jacob Bowen, John McGinn, Tanner McReynolds, Danielle Nowak, Mackenzie Papagua, Sothea Semmelrock, Brent Sorenson, Greg Roto, Hannah Trudo and Tristan Welch.
Smutnick Enjoying Softball
in the South…
Word received from Florida just prior to Thanksgiving Day indicates that Putnam High School grad and Pomfret resident John Smutnick is enjoying early season softball success. Smutnick, who is a noted golfer, has gained notoriety with his softball exploits in the Sunshine State.
Smutnick has been recruited by the Midwest Nine from Springfield, Ill., to play for its traveling team. Recently the Midwest Nine participated in the Roy Hobbs (Remember him from the movie “The Natural”?) World Series in Fort Myers. The team played in the 60-year-old category and finished second in the 33-team division. Participating teams came South from throughout the U.S. and Canada. In eight games, nine innings in duration, Smutnick batted a lofty .565.
Smutnick has been busy on the softball diamond. Prior to the Roy Hobbs event he played in the Senior Softball USA Winter Tournament in Naples, Fla. He’ll continue to play softball throughout the winter months but also indicates he and his wife, Laura are awaiting the arrival of many Quinnatisset Country Club members , who they’ll join on the golf course in temperatures ranging in the mid-70s, according to his latest report.
Vitale Family Welcomes
New Member…
Andrew Vitale and his wife, Monica ,welcomed their first child, born at Day Kimball Hospital Nov. 18. Siena Vitale arrived in good health and a frazzled dad also reported that mom was doing extremely well. The proud grandparents are David and Mary Vitale of Putnam.
The proud father is a former standout basketball player at Putnam High School where he is listed among the school’s 1000-point scorers. He currently serves as the varsity basketball coach at Marianapolis Prep School in Thompson, where he replaced his dad, Dave in that role.
Congratulations, Monica and Andrew!
Soccer Goalie Makes
Grandparents Proud…
Nov. 17 the Haddam-Killingworth Regional High School women’s soccer team captured the Class “S” state championship with a 2-0 shutout victory over Stonington High School. The difference in the win by 37-year coach Patsy Kamercia’s team was a 15-year old freshman goalie by the name of Meghan Cerino. The championship was the first for H-K since 1994.
To say that Cerino was spectacular is a true understatement. Despite the fact that Stonington had a statistical edge, Cerino was the difference. Cerino was so good in net that she didn’t allow a goal in all four of the Cougars’ postseason contests. Under pressure Cerino was perfect, witness the four shutouts, especially the title game and the semifinal victory over Lauralton Hall. Her play helped her team finish the season with a 12 game winning streak. And she’s only a freshman.
Meghan Cerino is the daughter of former Putnam resident Kathy (Duff) Cerino. Her proud grandparents are Joyce and Omer Duff of Lake Alexander in Dayville.
Bowling Tourney
on the Horizon…
Individuals interested in bowling should mark their 2013 calendars for Jan. 27. That’s the day that the Putnam High School Alumni Athletic Association is joining forces with Cargill Council #64 K of C in sponsoring this fund raising event at Friendly Bowl in Brooklyn.
According to Putnam Recreation Director Willie Bousquet, the lanes will begin competition at 1 p.m. followed by food, social and prizes at the K of C at 3:30 p.m. All this for only $25 per bowler. Bousquet notes that bowlers should put together teams of four keglers.
Checks made out to PHSAAA, should be mailed to K of C Bowling Tournament, 68 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: A small seed sometimes produces a large tree.