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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s sporty RPC shout out is sent to former Putnam High School football star running back Phil Durand. In high school, Durand was a three-sport athlete. Later in life, Durand was the longtime coach of the St. Mary’s Hawks. Today he confines his activities to puttering around his flower bed and travelling.
The Putnam High School Athletic Alumni Association held its annual Athletic Awards Banquet on June 4 at the Putnam Lodge of Elks. The event, which has been ongoing for more than 60 years, attracted a full house as athletes from all sports were honored. John Wilbur, WINY Radio Sports director, was the master of ceremonies for the evening program.
The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the prestigious male and female athletes of the year plaques. Senior Jesse Alexander was selected as the Male Athlete of the Year and his female counterpart was senior Ashley Espinosa. Both athletes expressed surprise at their selection but were proud to have been selected.
Alexander is a two-sport athlete, playing football for the Putnam Pride and baseball for the Clippers. A natural leader, he was the team quarterback and on the diamond he was the rubber arm pitcher, who also played infield. He was one of the team’s outstanding hitters. As Alexander looks to his future, he’s planning to enter the military, specifically the U.S. Marine Corps. His dream is to someday become a state police officer.
Espinosa is following in the footsteps of her uncle, Tom Espinosa, and heading to Worcester State University where she is planning on playing basketball for the Lady Lancers. During her high school career, she focused primarily on basketball, although she did play soccer and run cross country one season each.
Former Clipper Recovering From Surgery
In the late 1950’s Putnam High School was known for its prowess on the football field. In the history of the program the Clippers were always noted for the many running backs that came out of coach Jim Greenhalgh’s stable. Their greatness was made possible because of the many linemen, who year after year opened up gaping holes for the runners. One of those standout linemen was “Big John” Sherman, a member of the Class of ’59 and a three year starter as an interior lineman.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Sherman attended Nichols College for one year where he played for the Bison prior to making the military his career. A member of the American Legion, he generally spends a couple months each year in Northeastern Connecticut assisting with Boys State and attending the American Legion baseball tournament. Although his plans are slightly behind schedule, he’s planning on arriving in the area in mid-July.
He’s the father of former WINY Sports Director John W. Sherman Jr., who currently serves as Assistant Athletic Director for public information at Indiana State University in Terre Haute.
RPC sends along wishes for a speedy and full recovery. Friends and former classmates wishing to contact the Sr. Sherman and send along get well wishes can mail him at 531 Corpus Christi Channel, Port Aransas, TX 78373.
Putnam Loses A Good Friend
It was with sadness and fond memories that RPC learned of the death of Putnamite Angelo Navarro. A quiet, hard working individual who resided in North Grosvenordale prior to moving to Putnam, Navarro was strong backer of youth and high school sports.
It is with fond thoughts that we remember Navarro as one of the cadre of umpires who worked the Little League games in the early years of the league. Always fair and concerned about the kids, he was one of those umps who avoided controversy because he was so well liked. Navarro, as opposed to many folks in Putnam was an avid Yankee rooter. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Tiger To Become An AmCat
Ashley Gendreau the Tourtellotte Memorial High School softball and basketball standout has decided on her college choice. She’ll be attending Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass., to pursue a career in nursing. Gendreau has also indicated that she plans to play softball for the Lady AmCats.
This past spring Gendreau had an outstanding season, leading the Lady Tigers softball team to a 14-7 record, the team’s best in many years. At the plate, she produced a .467 batting average with six home runs, including two grand slams. Included in her stats were nine doubles, 34 runs batted in, a 1.050 slugging percentage and a .579 on base percentage. In the circle, Gendreau was the ace of the TMHS staff with a 9-6 record and 2.72 ERA. She was chosen as the team captain and Most Valuable Player in her junior and senior years.
Golfing Mishap Update
A couple weeks back RPC reported on an unfortunate automobile-pedestrian accident that occurred to Danielson’s Ernie Caron while on a golf trip to North Carolina. Caron underwent surgery and spent three weeks at Duke Medical Center and has since returned to northeastern Connecticut.
According to Obie Hewitt, who was on the trip with Caron, his friend is now at Westview Health Care Center in rehab and is expected to fully recover. Send him a get well card at 150 Ware Road, Dayville 06241.
From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History
May 1916: Jim Moroney, former Major League pitcher, is now playing for Putnam. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Nice guys finish last.” Leo Durocher