By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to former Putnam High School football and baseball standout Tom Brownell.  As the center on the Clipper football teams, Brownell anchored the line and was a stalwart with the bat on the baseball team.  Today Brownell is a teacher who is a great example for his students.  He celebrated another birthday on Tuesday, September 9.

 The recent move by former longtime Killingly High School Athletic Director John Krot to Parish Hill High School and the hiring in Putnam of Molly Panteleakos as the latest AD for the Clippers raises questions as to why there seems to be so much movement in a position that should be very important to the image of local schools.

Why is it that individuals such as Krot are released after a long tenure in the position?  Why does it occur when for years there’s been apparent satisfaction with the performance and success by the individual?

In other cases such as Putnam, it seems that the Clippers can’t keep anyone in the position for any period of continuity.  What’s the reason that the game of musical chairs happens in Clipperland so often?

In recent years Putnam has witnessed five fannies occupy the AD’s hot seat.  The legendary George St. Marie provided stability as Putnam Athletic Director for more than 40 years.  He was succeeded by Tony Falzarano who stayed in the position for a few years.  Since then the seat has been occupied by Bob Demars, Chris Coderre, Joe Morris, on an interim basis, Pat Devine, Rick Konieczni and now by Panteleakos.  There has to be a reason why people don’t last.

In Putnam it appears that the part-time salary and additional duties are an impediment, although occasional personality conflicts have also caused heartburn.  Falzarano and then Superintendent Donald Nicoletti didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye.  That was the similar case with Coderre and former principal Billy Barry and Superintendent Margo Marvin.

Krot’s case may be a little different because even though he was retired as a teacher he was drawing a five-figure salary doing fulltime work in what was a so-called part-time position.  In one case, Krot’s, the reasoning was budget cuts and in the other, Putnam’s, the salary is so low the position isn’t attractive.

In local high schools athletic directors have a multitude of duties including being at games, attending meetings, doing coach’s evaluations, team schedules and reschedule due to New England weather, attending banquets, arranging transportation for teams and overseeing awards among their many duties.  The number of sports offered even by small schools such as Putnam makes scheduling almost a full-time duty in itself.  Despite this large workload and the fact that most schools boast of high percentage of students participating in sports, athletic directors are relegated to a minor administrative role.  Why?

Isn’t someone in charge of so many students and activities worthy of holding an administrative position equal to others who lead academic areas?  We’re not saying athletics are more important than academics but people in those positions should be accorded the due respect for the work they do and the responsibilities they incur.

Putnam has given the position token clerical assistance.  Isn’t it necessary to have someone who can make a decision ready to answer the phone or respond to an e-mail, especially when it’s raining in the fall or spring or a snow storm threatens in the winter?  Think about it.

Woodstock Academy appears to have a handle on the situation by making the position fulltime.  Although the Academy hasn’t been immune to the athletic director parade, they’ve provided support on an ongoing basis in the person of Anne Rathbone.  Maybe others should be looking at the model.  In the long run it’s probably as economical as filling in many duties with teachers or paraprofessionals.

The current economic climate may not be ideal for budgets, but the well-rounded student that schools aspire to produce requires the same support system on the field and court as they receive in the classroom.  It’s simply an opinion but the suggestion should be food for thought for all local Boards of Education.  As well asking, why have so many competent athletic directors vacated the position?

Plush

It wasn’t that many years ago, relatively speaking, the Vineyard Valley Golf Club was an actual vineyard.  The Gus Loos design nine-hole layout, since then, was converted into one of New England’s most unique golf courses.  Originally the course struggled to find its identity until golf professional Eric Sarrette assumed operation of the facility.

A trip to Vineyard Valley, on Rt.244 in Pomfret, is worth the ride, as Sarrette and his staff have put in many hours of hard work in making the venue the best that it’s been in many years.  Sarrette, along with his grounds crew of Bob Derrico and Darren Harvey, have put the ribbon on the package that will make golfers very pleased they played the steep hilly layout.

The tee boxes are in superb condition, as are the greens and the finely cut out approach areas.  Although the fairways lack irrigation, the grounds crew has worked wonders in delineating the fairway and the rough.  Adding to the condition of the course is the little things such as flowers located in appropriate spots, a great driving range, practice chipping area and clean golf carts in good running condition.

A trip to Vineyard Valley for an enjoyable round of golf is worth the trip.  You won’t be disappointed. 

Late Season Tournaments

Looking to squeeze in a late season golf tournament?  Here are a couple of suggestions for the month of October.

The St. Joseph School Golf tournament is scheduled for Thursday, October 2 at Connecticut National Golf Club.  Registration is 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon.  Cost is $400 per foursome or $100 for individuals.  The usual amenities and contests are offered including a car for a hole-in-one provided by King Cadillac.  Enjoy golf, lunch, dinner and an exciting auction.  For more information call St. Joseph School – 860 923-2090 or visit www.schoolofstjoseph.org.

The Rectory School Golf tournament is scheduled at Connecticut National Golf Club also and is being held on Sunday, October 12 with a 10 a.m. shotgun start.  Entry fee is $150 per golfer and $125 for alums who have graduated between 2004 and 2014.  Tourney includes golf, continental breakfast, box lunch, reception, gifts and fairway surprises.  For more information contact Nancy Gingras at 860 963-6740 ext. 340 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Energy is contagious…Smile.  It affects everyone around you and makes a difference in your own attitude.

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)