By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to former high school, college and professional baseball pitcher Brian Murphy.  The lefthander was drafted by the New York Yankees and played two seasons in the minor leagues.  Today the Thompson native who resides in Woodstock spends his free time coaching youngsters in the art of the game.

The Congregational Church of Putnam Golf Tournament is right around the corner but organizers Charlie Leach and Roger Franklin indicate that any golfers who wish to play, even at this late date are welcome.  This is the 14th year of the event and once again the Church is dedicating the tournament to the memory of Steve Bousquet.

The tourney is scheduled for Sunday, June 28 at the Raceway Golf Club in Thompson.  Registration begins at 11:45 a.m. with the shotgun start for the scramble tournament set for 1:15 p.m.  At the conclusion of play golfers will be treated to the famous Thompson Raceway steak dinner, followed by awards and recognition.

The cost of the tournament is $125 per golfer or $500 per foursome.  The entry fee includes 18 holes with cart, starter package, prizes for the top teams, closest-to-the-pin and hole-in-one contests, par-3 challenge and long drive competition.  The tourney also features it’s noted raffle, which is never a disappointment.

The proceeds from the day of golf will be shared equally with the Bousquet family who will continue to focus on the Steve Bousquet scholarship program for area high school students from the towns of Putnam, Killingly, Woodstock and Thompson.

There are unique sponsorship opportunities at a variety of levels.  The Saint ($1000) includes one foursome; Angel ($500); Disciple ($250); Good Samaritan ($150); and Faithful follower ($100) remain available.  Anyone interested in more information or in registering a foursome should contact Leach at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (860) 428-0050 or Franklin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (860) 928-6615.  Checks should be made payable to – Congregational Church of Putnam, Attention: Roger Franklin or Charlie Leach, P.O. box 463, Putnam, CT 06260-0463.

Worcester Tourney Draws Local Golfers

One of New England’s most prestigious golf tournaments, The Walter Cosgrove Worcester County Four-Ball Tournament, took place over the weekend of June 13 and 14 at Greenhill Golf Club in Worcester.  A large field of golfers from throughout the Northeast participated including a handful of area standouts.

Qualifying for the Championship Flight were the following golfers: Fletcher Babcock, Aaron Siekierski, David Jones, Brian Bardier, Dave Carpenter and Vesa Rajaniemi.

High School Baseball Players in All Star Game

The annual Connecticut High School Coaches All Star game in conjunction with the CIAC is a select series of games for senior baseball players from throughout the State.  Players are selected from four areas of Connecticut and divided into District I, II, III, and IV.  The District IV team is composed primarily of players from high schools up and down Eastern Connecticut.

Two northeastern Connecticut players and a coach will participate in the 2015 all star contests.  Plainfield High School coach Jason Chaviaras, who led the Panthers to the Class M quarterfinals this spring and the semifinals last season, is the coach of the District IV team.  One of Chaviaras’ players is Jordan Federer, who was one of Plainfield’s top pitchers and hitters this season.  Also on the District IV team is Killingly High School outfielder and hitting machine Tre Belanger.

Hyde Senior Wins Award

Charles Levine at senior at Hyde School-Woodstock from Pomfret Center was honored recently at the school’s award ceremony.  Levine, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Levine Jr., was presented the Most Improved Player award in boys’ varsity Lacrosse for his achievement during the spring trimester at the independent character-based school in Woodstock.

“These athletes (including Levine) embody what it means to show grit, character and leadership.  Each player demonstrated a high level of skill, as well as dedication and personal growth,” said Head of School Bob Felt.

Pomfret Citizen of the Year

Congratulations is sent along to Pomfret resident Paul Nelson who was feted by the Pomfret Lions Club as The 2015 “Pomfret Citizen of the Year” in a ceremony held at Grille 37 on Thursday, May 28.  The well known and highly respected Nelson is a 56-year member of the Pomfret Lions.

As a young man, Nelson was one of a trio of Nelson brothers who starred on the athletic field and court for Putnam High School.  Later in life, Nelson’s athletic endeavors focused on golf and skiing.  He’s a longtime member of Quinnatisset Country Club in Thompson.  A career insurance agent in northeastern Connecticut, Nelson devoted his spare time to assisting in civic and community activities.  Most recently he was an integral part of the success of the Coach Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship Committee, which honors the memory of his late high school coach.

Nelson and his lovely wife, Joy, have served as the Pomfret chairpersons for the Hospice Tree of Life in the past.  The couple continues to reside on Rt. 169 in Pomfret.

Minor League Football On Tap

 The football news making headlines in the sports sections these days centers around the New England Patriots and the matter of “Deflate Gate.”  In northeastern Connecticut making the news is the semiprofessional football team, The Green Valley Blackhawks.

The team, represented by coach Bill Nash and team physician Dr. Fred Barks, recently made a presentation to the Putnam Business Association.  The Blackhawks, who play their home games at the former Killingly High School Field in Danielson, are preparing for the start of the 2015 season.  Composed of football players primarily from throughout Eastern Connecticut the team has been very successful in its initial seasons of competition.

Nash and Barks presented sponsorship packages that are available to the PBA membership.  The team offers packages from a minimum of $50 to the top tier at $2000 Gold Sponsor.  Silver Sponsor spots are available at $1000 with Bronze ($800), MVP Sponsor ($500), All-Star ($300), Captain’s sponsor ($200) and Blackhawk Booster ($100).  

“With dramatic increases in prices for professional sports and the inflating cost of gas, more families are looking for local and economical family entertainment.  Sponsoring the Green Valley Blackhawks translates to even more savings on your marketing and advertising expenses.  Consider us as a viable option for your marketing expenses,” said Nash.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Life isn’t about finding yourself.  Life is about creating yourself.” George Bernard Shaw 

(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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