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Visiting

Sam and Cathy Markley with the UConn Lady Huskies.  Mariah Jefferson, Sam’s favorite Husky is standing to his right. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to one of Putnam High School’s finest graduates, Michael Artiaco.  Today Artiaco spends the majority of his time at J. D. Cooper’s Restaurant where he is the head chef.  On February 11 “Artie,” as he’s referred to by his close friends, blew out another candle on the cake.

Around the Marianapolis Prep campus he’s respectfully referred to as “G” by the administration, faculty, students and athletes.  Eric Gustavson has earned the right to be known by a single letter for the outstanding career he’s had on Thompson Hill as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator.

In January Gustavson’s notoriety spread to the statewide level as he received long overdue recognition for his hard work and dedication to Marianapolis athletes and in particular to those who play soccer.  

In a ceremony held at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington Gustavson was honored when he received the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association most prestigious award, being named the Prep Coach of the Year.  This season, Gustavson’s 32nd as the Marianapolis soccer coach, he led the Golden Knights to a 19-5-2 record and a 9-0-1 log in the SENE.  His team captured the SENE championship and was accorded the honor of hosting a playoff contest in the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) for the first time in approximately 10 years.

But the Gustavson story on the scenic sprawling Marianapolis campus is more than simply as a soccer coach, although in his tenure of coaching the teams on the pitch he’s won almost 350 games.  Recognized at the school that was founded in 1923 as a dedicated educator, he’s a beloved history teacher that students often return to the school to thank for the impact he’s had on their lives.

He’s also doubled or tripled, if you would, as the school’s athletic director, a position that he finds time to do with great skill and a sense of humor.

For all he’s done at Marianapolis, Gustavson finally received his due when he won the statewide honor.  Although he hasn’t done everything he’s done for recognition it did bring a smile to his face and a grateful “thank you.”  Known around the campus as “G” maybe the letter should be extended to “Gee,” as one ponders how he manages to do all he does with perfection and professionalism.  

R.I.P. “Shrubs”

The news of the death of Richard “Dickie” “Shrubs” Breton slowly made its way up the East Coast and as it reached Putnam it had a rippling effect on his many friends in Putnam and surrounding communities.  “Shrubs” can best be described, for those who didn’t know him, as a character. One whom they threw the mold away when he was born to Albert and Bertha Breton from the Walnut St. section of Putnam.  He was nicknamed “Shrubs” in reference to his physical stature, which was short and rotund.

Despite his lack of tallness, “Shrubs” was a very good athlete as a young man.  One story that sticks in my mind about him occurred when he was in the Putnam Little League.  As the youngest of five Breton children, his dad died when young “Dickie” was about 12 years old.  His family insisted that he continue to play Little League prior to his dad’s funeral.  And if memory serves me correctly, a young man mourning the death of his father led his team to victory that evening as he slammed a home run.  A four bagger that had to be in honor of his father, I surmise.

Later in life Breton became known around New England as one of the region’s finest chef’s and restaurant entrepreneur’s.  Following his culinary career he retired to the Naples, Fla., area.  My last memory of “Shrubs” goes back to a Florida vacation many years ago where we dined together with his good friends from Putnam Peter and Joan LeClair.  The thing that’s most memorable about that get together is the enjoyable evening with tons of laughs, because when you were with “Shrubs” life was always upbeat and fun filled.

“Shrubs,” you’ll always be remembered as the kid who hit the home run despite the heavy heart and the guy who was always fun to be around.  God Speed, good friend.

Perfect Practice

Sam Markley of Danielson is one of northeastern Connecticut’s biggest UConn basketball fans, especially the Lady Husky hoops.  Markley and his wife Cathy were honored for their faithful support of the program when they were invited to an open practice as part of the University’s Sports Marketing Partner Services.

The Markley’s were able to sit through the entire practice at Gampel Pavilion as they marveled at the way coach Geno Auriemma puts his young ladies through their paces.  The most enjoyable part of the two-hour session came when Sam and Cathy were invited to have their photo taken with the Lady Huskies.

Sam’s comment, “Boy, these girls are tall.”

Honors for Centaur Nation

Two individuals from Woodstock Academy were recently notified of honors they received for their hard work and athletic prowess, one as a student/athlete and another as a coach.

Emily DeLuca, a member of the Centaur’s field hockey team, was honored as a High School National Academic Squad recipient as selected by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.  DeLuca was chosen based on her play on the field and her outstanding work in the classroom where she carries a GPA of 3.5 or better.

The other Centaur who received special recognition was golf coach Rich Garceau, who was named the 2013 Outstanding Coach of the Year for the Connecticut High School Coaches Association.  Garceau, who has turned out championship teams and golfers who have gone on to play in college, will be honored on May 8 in a ceremony at the Aqua Turf Restaurant as the Connecticut Golf of the Year.

Back in Action

It’s great to see Eastford resident Phil Willis back walking Sports Avenue.  Willis was sidelined with a serious medical condition, which he has recovered from following months of intense therapy.  The popular Willis is one of northeastern Connecticut’s real “good guys.”  For many years he was the backbone of youth soccer leagues in the area.  Most recently he was the moving force in raising fund for the new basketball floor at Woodstock Academy.  He’s also been instrumental in helping to move the Regional Community YMCA forward.  It’s nice to see you back in action, Phil.

From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History

February 1906: Putnam High School basketball team defeated Phi Alpha Pi of Southbridge, 60-20.  (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Getting old is when you bend down to tie your shoe and you look around to see if anything else needs to be done while you are down there.

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