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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shoutout goes to Bob Trudeau of Putnam. It’s hard to believe that it’s more than 50 years ago, when Trudeau was a senior at Putnam High School where he was a standout quarterback for the Clippers. Enjoy the memories, Bob.
On April 27 northeastern Connecticut will be part of the YMCA of the USA initiative, “Healthy Kids Day.” Thanks to the efforts of individuals and volunteers working to establish a Regional Community YMCA, to be located in Putnam, a free community event is scheduled for the Putnam Middle School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Regional Community YMCA team is partnering with local organizations that will engage families in a variety of activities throughout the three-hour event. The offerings are geared to getting families moving, learning and living healthier lives. The program at the Putnam Middle School is one of 1,900 planned around the country and will feature fun activities as well as providing educational information on nutrition, exercise and health.
Currently there is a campaign throughout the area to raise $2.5 million in support of the proposed $13 million Regional Community YMCA project. The campaign is being led by Dr. Garfield and Sylvia Danenhower, who are the General Chairpersons and Honorary Chairpersons, former UConn men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun and his wife Pat Calhoun.
“Our Regional Community YMCA “Healthy Kids Day” will focus on health and education to ensure fewer children are at an increased risk for childhood obesity. We also want all children to have the opportunity to succeed in school,” said Sylvia Danenhower.
“Healthy Kids Day” will feature a variety of activities and sessions provided by more than 30 local agencies and organizations that are partnering with The Y in presenting the program. Some of the groups on hand include Northeast Opportunity for Wellness (NOW), which will feature clinics on football, volleyball and basketball; Anytime Fitness; Body By Design; Complex Performing Arts Center; Danielson Martial Arts Academy; Girl Scouts; Putnam Leos; Putnam Science Academy; Rectory Summer Camp; TEEG; Thompson Recreation Department; and YMCA Camp Woodstock.
“This isn’t just a single day of fun, active play and learning. It’s our way of helping parents get a jump on creating a healthier summer full of activities. We’re encouraging families to join us for a great day that will benefit everyone,” Danenhower added.
Everyone attending “Healthy Kids Day” will be eligible to enter a free door prize drawing for a child’s bicycle donated by Walmart-Putnam. For more information regarding the program go to: regionalcommunityymca.org or contact Christine.rivers@ghymca or 860-466-0634.
Hyde Gridder Headed To College…
Sean Saucier, director of Athletics at Hyde School-Woodstock, recently announced that football standout Greg Munetz, a three-year senior at the Woodstock-based school, will enter Tabor College after signing a letter of intent April 8.
Munetz, who is originally from New York, was a mainstay of the Wolfpack’s football team that went to the New England Prep School Championship this past fall. Munetz is the son of Sue Vereline.
“Not many students get the opportunity to sign a letter of intent to play college sports. We’re really excited to share this with Greg and to support him as he heads off to play college football,’ said Assistant Athletic Director Jon Mellinger.
Tabor College is a Mennonite school located in Hillsboro, Kan. The school was founded in 1908 and has an enrollment of 669 students. The Bluejays feature a full complement of men’s and women’s sports.
“I am really proud to add another student to the list of athletes who will play at the college level this fall. I am incredibly proud of the progress Greg made (while at Hyde) and of the man he’s become,” said AD Saucier.
On The Mend…
If you have an opportunity, drop a ‘get well’ note to Phil Willis who is at home recuperating from a recent surgery. The popular Willis reports that the post-surgical reports from his doctors are positive and that he’s itching to get back walking “Sports Street.”
Willis, who along with his wife Stacey lives in Eastford, is a big booster of Woodstock Academy athletics. His two sons, who are now in college, are former Centaur athletes and his daughter is currently a student at the Academy. Recently, Willis was the driving force behind raising the necessary funds to purchase the wood floor that now graces the Academy Alumni Fieldhouse.
RPC sends along wishes for a speedy recovery. Drop Willis a note of encouragement at his home, 57 Chaplin Road, Eastford, CT 06242.
National Football Foundation Hall of Fame…
The Southeastern Connecticut chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame has scheduled its awards dinner for Sunday, April 28 at Mohegan Sun. The organization honors student-athletes from high schools throughout Eastern Connecticut. Three local players will be recognized this year.
Named were Michael Stringer of Woodstock Academy, Dane Grauer of Killingly and Colby Cyrus of Plainfield. The three young men were standouts on the gridiron while also excelling in the classroom.
Anyone interested in more information or tickets should contact Ledyard Director of Athletics Jim Buonocore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
April 1907: Putnam High School beats Killingly in baseball 9-6. Putnam lineup: Gagne, SS; Lizotte, 3B; Wheaton, P; Kinney, C; Franklin, 1B; Allard, CF; Grosvenor, LF; Seward, RF; Peterson, 2B; Wilson, RF; Rich, P.
Killingly lineup: Brunsden, 3B; Rainville, 2B; Brooks, SS; Topliff, RF; Byles, C; Blake, LF; Marlor, 1B; Bailey, CF; Marland, P; Keech, P. As was the tradition of the times, only last names were included in stories. If you have information on whom some of the players were, please share it. Send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s ClosingThought For The Day: Plant a tree on your birthday.