By Ron P. Coderre

This Thanksgiving Day edition of RPC is dedicated to Putnamís unofficial goodwill ambassador Kenny LaFleur.  A former Putnam High School gridder, LaFleur is a fixture around town, sharing his great sense of humor and positive attitude with his multitude of friends.

The saga of whoís in what athletic directorís chair at what school took another spin this week with the announcement from Killingly High School that former Redman football coach Gene Blain was hired to fill the vacant spot.  The position has been unoccupied since former athletic director John Krotís contract was not renewed this past summer.

When Krot was let go this summer, the reason given was for budgetary reasons.  Since that time, Killingly has been operating without anyone officially in the position but with school administrators handling the responsibilities.

Although the pressure of finding someone to fill the spot has probably been mounting, Blain appears to be a great selection and not a rushed decision.  As a former coach, teacher and administrator in the Killingly school system and as a local resident, Blain is thoroughly familiar with the goings-on with Killingly athletics.  He also brings along many other positive attributes.

In addition to his Killingly educational and athletic experience, Blain has formerly served as the principal at Windham High School.  For many years he was also a high school basketball official.  The greatest attribute Blain brings to the job is his people skills.  He understands people and has a tremendous sense of humor, which is required for a position such as this.

Blain started his career at Killingly as a teacher and assistant football coach under Krot.  In 1983 he became the head coach of the Redmen.  The acme of his football coaching career occurred in 1996 when he led the Redmen to the Connecticut Class M championship.

Blain, who retired from Windham this past spring, has been enjoying his free time doing his favorite activity, which is playing golf.  Heís a member at Quinnatisset Country Club in Thompson.  Blain and his wife, Barbara have one adult son, Joel.

Climbing The Corporate Ladder

A former Putnam resident is making the news in Hartford area business circles.  Michael Garceau, a 1984 graduate of Putnam High School, was named Chief Financial Officer of XL Group Global Insurance on Oct. 15.

Garceau, the son of Robert and Merrilyn Garceau of Putnam, attended Quinebaug Valley Community College following his graduation from Putnam.  He received his bachelorís degree from Central Connecticut State University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He initially held financial positions in New Jersey with Chubb Specialty Insurance prior to moving on to Zurich Financial Services, where he served as Senior Vice President and head of the North American Underwriting and Support Service Division.  He was originally hired by XL Group as the Chief Operating Officer of its North America Property and Casualty unit.

As a student at Putnam High School, Garceau was a member of the Clipper football and basketball teams. Growing up he played in the Putnam Little League baseball program and youth recreation leagues.

Garceau lives in Simbury with his wife Nancy and the coupleís three children, Connor, Arden and Claire.

Up and About

RPC is pleased to see Dayville resident and former Putnam Clipper Walt Crabtree back walking Sports Street.  Crabtree recently made a surprise stop at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, where he underwent successful quadruple bypass surgery.  ìTreeî reports that heís gradually regaining his strength thanks to the Cardiac Rehab program at Day Kimball Hospital.  And of course he never lost his terrific sense of humor.  Heís looking forward to taking on all comers at Quinnatisset Country Club in the spring of 2015.  Nice to see you around and healthy, Walt.

Netters Honored

The Constitution State Conference recently announced its volleyball all stars for the recently completed fall 2014 high school season.  Putnam High School placed Gabby Simpson on the First Team and her teammate Maja Sari on the Second Team.  Kasey Marrier and Sydney Tetreault of Ellis Tech were also named to the Second Team. 

College Basketball Update

College hoop fans will be pleased to note that former local players are making an impact on the college scene.  Paul Brooks, the ex-Putnam Science Academy 6-foot, 9-inch center, continues to enjoy success as a sophomore at Worcester State University.  Brooks led the Lancers to a 69-51 victory over Becker College in the Wesleyan Tip-Off Tournament, with 14 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots.  Last season Brooks won Rookie of the Year honors in the MASCAC.

At Quinnipiac University former Marianapolis standout Ousman Drame has started his senior season in spectacular fashion.  In a double overtime 89-85 victory over Yale, Drame had 13 points and led the Bobcats in rebounds.  His teammate, freshman Chaise Daniels formerly of Putnam Science Academy is being taken along gradually by coach Tom Moore.  In the win over Yale, Daniels had two points on a one-for-five shooting night.

If you were tuned in to ESPN2 on Friday, November 21 for the UConn victory over the University of Dayton, you saw another ex-PSA product Scoochie Smith on the tube in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off in San Juan.  In 22 minutes of court time for the Flyers, Smith had seven points, two rebounds, two assists and four personal fouls.

Stats and More

Itís hard to believe but the high school football season is coming to a close on Thanksgiving morning.  As of press time, Plainfield is the only local team, at 9-1, with an opportunity to move into the CIAC Playoffs.  In order to qualify, the Panthers must get by a feisty Griswold High School team.

Plainfield is led by quarterback Steve Jankowski who is the areaís statistical leader in touchdown passes with 23.  Raif Santerre of the Quinebaug Valley Pride leads the locals in touchdowns on the ground with 11.  Santerre, for the second season in a row has surpassed the 1000-yard plateau in rushing yards.

RPCíS Closing Thought For The Day: Once every couple of months enjoy a four course meal ñ but eat each course at a different restaurant.

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

 

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