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Honored

The Putnam High School 2015 Male and Female Athletes of the Year Jacob Guertin and  Lynsay Dashnaw. Courtesy photo.

 

 

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athletic year

with awards

banquet

By Ron P. Coderre

Putnam High School closed out the 2014-2015 sports year with the 61st Athletic Banquet put on by the PHS Alumni Athletic Association, which is chaired by President Peter Vitale.  A capacity crowd of school administrators, faculty, parents, friends and athletes gathered at the Putnam Lodge of Elks to honor the senior athletes and award winners.

Michael Byrnes, the men’s’ basketball coach at Rhode Island College, was the guest speaker.  Byrnes is a 1990 graduate of the University of Massachusetts where he played basketball for the Minutemen.  He’s had extensive coaching experience on the Division I level as an assistant coach and most recently served as the head coach at The Winchendon School, where he compiled an impressive 401-131 record, prior to assuming the coaching position for the Anchormen.

“Whatever career you pursue in life do it with passion.  Individuals who are passionate have a positive attitude and never give up.  These individuals are leaders,” Byrnes told those in attendance.

He explained, “Passionate people have purpose, and are energetic and enthusiastic.  These individuals are gamblers who are willing to take risks as they pursue their dreams.”

The highlight of the program was the naming of the Male and Female Athletes of the Year and the winner of the Steve Bousquet Scholarship Award.  

Lynsay Dashnaw, a three-sport athlete, was named the Female Athlete of the Year.  She played soccer, basketball and softball, serving as the captain of the soccer and basketball teams.

The Male Athlete of the Year was Jacob Guertin, also a three-sport athlete. He starred in soccer, basketball and baseball, serving as captain of all three teams.  Guertin was also awarded the $500 Steve Bousquet Scholarship Award for his performance as an athlete and his outstanding record in the classroom. 

In addition to Byrnes, the gathering was addressed by retiring Principal Joseph Ptaszynski who thanked the athletes and parents for their cooperation and support during his tenure at the school.  Also on the speaking program were Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano and Superintendent of Schools William Hull.  Father David Choquette, pastor of St. Mary and Most Holy Trinity churches, delivered the invocation and benediction.  The National Anthem was sung by Putnam High School alumnus Maurice “Moe” Coderre a 1962 graduate.  John Wilbur, sports director at WINY Radio, served as Master of Ceremonies.

Award Winners: Football – Jacob Phaneuf, The Omer Valade Unsung Hero Award; Ryan Renshaw, The Frank Wallen Outstanding Lineman Award; Jeremee Perez, The Peter Caplette Outstanding Back Award; Cody LaScola, Outstanding Performer.  Boys Soccer – Nathan Tozzi, Unsung Hero; Jacob Guertin, Outstanding Performer.  Girls Soccer – Saige Morin, Unsung Hero; Morgan Foucault, Outstanding Performer.

Cross Country – Vladimir Krivosheev, Most Valuable Performer. Volleyball – Elyse Bergeron, Unsung Hero; Gabrielle Simpson, Outstanding Performer.  Fall Cheerleading – Angelica Desrosiers, Unsung Hero; Ashley Lafortune, Outstanding Performer.

Boys Basketball – Dan Porcic, Unsung Hero; Jeremee Perez, The William Simonzi Outstanding Performer Award.  Girls Basketball – Maria Fredette, Unsung Hero; Alyssa Espinosa, Outstanding Performer.  Winter Cheerleading – Tara Auger, Unsung Hero; Lizz Partlow, Outstanding Performer.         

Baseball – Ryan Whitehouse, Unsung Hero; Nick Foucault, The Paul Fall Outstanding Performer Award.  Softball – Lindsay Roberts, Unsung Hero; Mackenzie Livingston, Outstanding Performer.  Boys Track – Nick Lavoie, Unsung Hero; Kristian Burke, The George St. Marie Outstanding Performer Award; Mitchell Cristofori,The Paul Bourgeois Outstanding Performer Award.  Girls Track – Dakota Anderson, Unsung Hero; Elyse Bergeron and Alexis Macha, Outstanding Performer.  Golf – Nathan Tozzi, The Jeffrey Jankot Outstanding Performer Award.