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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to two faithful readers of the Putnam Town Crier and RPC, Bob and Sue Schaevitz of Putnam. Enjoy the column!
A pair of well known individuals who had a big impact on northeastern Connecticut passed away just prior to Christmas day. The word of the deaths of Hugh MacKenzie Sr. of Chaplin and Walter Modliszewski Jr. of Groton Long Point was received in the area with great sadness.
MacKenzie, 89, who died on Friday, December 20, was a well known political figure throughout Connecticut but especially up and down Eastern Connecticut.
Later in life MacKenzie worked for the Connecticut Department of Economic Development. Before that he served as first selectman in Waterford.
It was through his efforts that Frito-Lay and Staples located in northeastern Connecticut.
MacKenzie was familiar with the area as he lived in Pomfret and Brooklyn at different times in his life.
Following his retirement he was active in the Scotland Highland Festival Association of Eastern Connecticut.
When the festival was first created it was held at the Brooklyn Fair Grounds. At that time and up until recently, MacKenzie was a regular guest on WINY Radio with Gary O promoting the festival.
Using his best Scottish accent he would regale the listening audience describing the various competitive activities of the festival.
MacKenzie is survived by his wife of 55 years the well known Mary Carol MacKenzie and his adult children Hugh, Kate and Cameron.
Modliszewski, 87, was a 1944 graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School, where he captained the Tigers basketball and baseball teams as a senior.
In high school the rugged Modliszewski was known by his nickname “Stutz.”
During his four years on the Thompson campus he was a member of the baseball, basketball and soccer teams.
As a Friar he was a standout basketball and baseball player. His play on the diamond at PC earned him a shot at professional baseball in the Maritime League, where he played for Springhill, Nova Scotia. He spent the majority of his adult life as a teacher-coach and later as Parks and Recreation supervisor in West Hartford.
Modliszewski was inducted into the TMHS Athletic Hall of Fame in the Class of 2012. At the induction he was described as “The best athlete of his era.”
He leaves his wife of 54 years, the former Jean Healy and two adult daughters and an adult son.
MacKenzie and Modliszewski were two men who carried themselves with the greatest sense of professionalism throughout their lives. The impact they made on the quality of life for those they touched will be long remembered.
at Woodstock Academy
The fledgling Woodstock Academy hockey team, playing in its initial season as a varsity program made history by recording the first victory in not only the tenure of the team but in the more than 200-year school history.
The win was a 2-1 nail biter over Belchertown High School in a contest played at the Mullins Center on the campus of the University of Massachusetts.
The deciding goal was scored with .3 of a second remaining in the second period and came off the stick of Will Liscomb. The Centaurs had taken an early 1- 0 lead in the first period on a goal by freshman Tyler Huhtanen.
After going ahead 2-1 on Liscomb’s goal, the third period was hectic but the play of goalie Baylee Johns sealed the victory for the Acads. Johns turned away 22 of the 23 shots he faced on goal.
Prep Booters Named All State
The Connecticut prep soccer All State selections were announced recently with three local players named to the dream team. Selected in Class L was Tucker Macisz of Pomfret School. Selected to the prep S/M team were Brian Barrette and Arthur Lachcik of the Marianapolis Golden Knights.
Hoophall Classic Calling
Woodstock Academy, the reigning Connecticut Class L Champion basketball team, will travel to Springfield, Mass., on Saturday, Jan. 18 to play in the prestigious Basketball Hall of Fame Hoophall Classic.
The Centaurs of coach Gregg Smith will square off at noon against Massachusetts Division I State Champion Roger Putnam Vocational Academy of Springfield.
The Academy is billing the contest as “bragging rights in the Connecticut vs. Massachusetts state championship game.” The game will be played at Blake Arena on the campus of Springfield College January 16 through 20. Tickets are $20 at gate or $15 in advance. The Academy has some pregame available for $10.
They can be secured by contacting the Academy’s athletic office or by calling Trish Welsh at 860 928-6575.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “The most valuable things in life are not measured in monetary terms. The really important things are not houses and land, stocks and bonds, automobiles and real estate, but friendships, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love and faith.” Bertrand Russell
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