By Ron P. Coderre

It seems that no matter how old athletes get they still look forward to Christmas and the arrival of Santa Claus.  The anticipation of that morning under the tree loaded with presents still brings butterflies to the stomach much the same as prior to a big game.  So here we go with our 2015 list of gifts for the good sports of northeastern Connecticut.  We hope Santa is good to everyone.

For the Hoenig family and the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, some big races and a flurry of activity on the road course.

Another successful football season and a run at another postseason playoff spot for the Killingly football team and its coach Chad Neal.

The naming of the new Marianapolis soccer field in honor of longtime Golden Knights soccer coach and premier educator Eric Gustavson.

Some voice lessons and continued success on the basketball court for the Putnam Science Academy singing Mustangs.

A long and successful whistle blowing career for first-year basketball official Matt Desaulnier. 

An opportunity to play college football for a pair of Killingly Redmen standouts, Austin Caffrey and Josh Angell.

For Putnam Business Association President Earl Rosebrooks, the same type of success in leading the PBA as he had as a high school basketball player when he led Tourtellotte to a State Championship.

As many victories for the Putnam High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams under coaches Shawn Deary and Mandy Hogan in the “new” gym as former athletes and teams enjoyed in the “old” gym under Pam Childs and Tony Falzarano.

A National Prep School Championship for Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa, headmaster Don Cushing and school President Dr. Tiequang Ding.

Another successful O’Putnam Race for organizers James and Sheila Frost of Courthouse Bar & Grille.

A relaxing respite from the coaching ranks for former Woodstock Academy coaches Greg Smith and Willie Bousquet.

A successful college basketball career for Marianapolis standout Caroline Soucy when she ventures to the University of New Hampshire in September.

Another hole-in-one, this time with witnesses, for Thompson resident Rene Morin.

A large turnout of players for the TriTown American Legion team and coach John Foucault and all the members of his staff.

An appearance on the hardwood for former basketball standouts Carolyn Sanburg and Megan Carney-Bose of Bella’s Restaurant.

A head coaching position in the near future for Putnam Science Academy assistant coach Josh Scraba.

A grand opening and many years of caring for the physical needs of local residents for The Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center and its benefactors Betty and Laurence Hale and recently appointed Executive Director Amanda Kelly.

A successful season for the Frog Rock Youth Basketball League and its unofficial commissioner Jim Zahansky.

Some more races of reasonable distance and some training time for State Senator Mae Flexer of Danielson as she races around the 29th Senatorial District. 

More time to spend coaching his kids for Keith Barnes of the Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub.

For the newly christened IAABO Board of Basketball Officials #35 and its leadership, Christian Sarantopolous, Bob Bernier and Peter Gerardi enough members to meet the demands of local high schools, prep schools and middle schools.

Continued success with the World Baseball Coaches Convention for Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker and former Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois.

Some football victories for Woodstock Academy coach Clay Killingsworth and headmaster Chris Sandford.

A winning season at Rhode Island College for women’s basketball coach Glenn Senecal and his captain, Killingly High School graduate Devin Hill.

For Mike Sosik of Harrisville Golf Course, Eric Sarette of Vineyard Valley Golf Club and Jim West of Connecticut National Golf Club, some great golfing weather in 2016.

A great season on the links for local pros, Matt Smith and Cody Semmelrock.

A nomination and selection into the Assumption College Athletics Hall of Fame for former Putnam High School three-sport star and Greyhound record-breaking receiver Eric Mauer.

A bright future in sports broadcasting for WINY Radio 1350 Sports Director Josh Sanchas.

A spot on the gym naming committee for the “new” Putnam High School gym for Dr. David Gaudreau and Sue Johnston.

A position as golf course superintendent at a new location for former Quinnatisset Country Club super Mike Coty.

Continued exposure and success for the American Legion Post #13 Honor Guard under the direction of two former Putnam High School athletes, Marc J. Coderre Sr. and Alan Joslin.

A college that will meet the athletic and academic needs of Killingly High School’s super field hockey player Alyssa Rainey.

Longevity and more races for long distance runners Scott Deslongchamps and Alan Rondeau. 

For Paul Brooks of Worcester State University, recognition as an NCAA Division III All-American.

To Putnam’s Maurice “Moe” Coderre continued fine voice as you regale audiences with you singing of our National Anthem.

To the lovely ladies who waited on us at J.D. Cooper’s for so many years.  Best wishes to Tori, Chelsea, Danielle, Taylor, Erin S., Erin C., Bailey and Michelle and of course we can’t forget Keith the chef, Charlie the dishwasher and the affable G. David Landry.

A place in the hearts of those who are capable of assisting those in need, not only on Christmas Day but every day of the year.

To all of our loyal readers a very Merry Christmas.

 

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