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Stepping Off

The American Legion Post #13 Color Guard prepare to step off and lead the Holiday Dazzle Light parade.  Carrying the banner are members of the TriTown American Legion Baseball Program, Scott Davagian, left, and Coby Bates, right.  Post commander Ronald P. Coderre is in front of the Color Guard. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to Putnam resident and community volunteer George Tsanjoures.  In his heyday Tsanjoures was a standout basketball and baseball player for the Putnam Clippers.  Today Tsanjoures remains active playing golf at Quinnatisset Country Club.

The Eastern Connecticut Conference recently released its football award winners for the recently concluded gridiron season.  The Division III all star unit was dominated by Killingly and Plainfield.

Killingly First Team offensive selections included linemen Collin Byrnes and Alex Fontaine; quarterback Kyle Derosier; tight end Jake Gauthier; and runningback Spencer Lockwood.  The defensive unit featured lineman Kelsy Rhines; and linebacker Zach Caffrey.  Kicker Luke Desaulnier and utility player Bret Long were chosen First Team specialists.  John Cacciapuoti received Honorable Mention honors and Jeff Ward was the Sportsmanship selection.

Plainfield’s First Team offensive picks were lineman Izaiah Thompson; and wide receiver Cameron Gonzales.  The defensive team selections included end Nik Khaledi; linebacker Devin McHale; and defensive back Marcus Robinson.  Four Panthers, Sam Zurowski, Kyle Holt, Chase Latour and Kegan Marcoux were chosen Honorable Mention, while Robinson picked up the Sportsmanship Award.

All State Mat Man…

The Ellis Tech wrestling program under coach Rafael Calixto has developed into one of the top mat programs in Connecticut.  Much of the recognition received by the Golden Eagles rasslers is thanks to All-State performer Baltazar “Jojo” Gonzalez.

In a recent announcement form Ellis Tech, Gonzalez and Calixto revealed that “Jojo” signed a National Letter of Intent to attend NCAA Division II American International College in Springfield, Mass.  The Yellow Jackets compete in the rugged Northeast-10 Conference.  

Last year Gonzalez was a bona fide champion wrestler.  

He captured championships in the CIAC Class M competition, the CIAC State Open and the New England Championships.

Flag Bearers…

The Putnam Holiday Dazzle Light Parade was another huge success this year attracting and estimated 20,000 spectators.  Parade organizer Gary “O” of WINY Radio was proud to announce that once again this year the American Legion Post #13 of Putnam color guard led the parade, proudly displaying the American Flag.

This year the eight-man color guard had an added touch.  Preceding the color guard was two young men proudly carrying the Post’s banner.  On the banner were TriTown American Legion baseball players Scott Davagian and Kobie Bates, both of Putnam High School.  The young men did an outstanding job along the 2-mile parade route.

The color guard was under the direction of Captain Marc Coderre.  The remaining flag bearers included Alan Joslin, Curt Prochowski, Barney Seney, Walter LaRochelle, Russ Waters, Charlie Leach and Ron Desrochers Jr..

Moving Up To Division…

Last year Woodstock Academy softball player Rylee Hehir announced her intention to play college softball at Seton Hill, an NCAA Division II school located in Pennsylvania.  Following one semester in the Keystone state Hehir will be transferring to St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y.

Hehir, who is a pitcher and infielder, played AAU summer softball and fall softball at Seton Hill.  Her showing in both settings attracted the eye of the Bonnies softball program.  Hehir will be eligible immediately.  She’ll play for coach Mike Threehouse.

Catching Up with the Collegians… 

The Norfolk State University basketball team is off to a rough start to the 2016-2017-season.  In a recent game against Butler televised on FS1, local viewers had the opportunity to watch former Putnam Science Academy big man Jordan Butler in action.  Although NFSU was beaten it was obvious that Butler, who is the team captain, is a main cog on offense.  Norfolk State is currently 2-6 after eight games this season.

At Quinnipiac University another PSA big man, Chaisse Daniels is enjoying success for coach Tom Moore.  In a recent loss to Seton Hall, Daniels contributed 14 points on a 5-9 shooting performance.  QU is still in search of its first win after four games.

Florida Baseball Report…

The cold weather may be headed our way in Connecticut but in sunny Florida the “Boys of Summer” are in full swing.  Word from the Sunshine State is that former Putnam High School, class of 1968, baseball great John Smutnick is enjoying another stellar year on the diamond.

Smutnick recently competed in the 2016 Roy Hobbs Baseball World Series in Fort Myers.  Playing for the MidWest Nine from Springfield, Ill., in the over 65 division, Smutnick helped lead the Niners to the championship.  Competition in the 28-team AA bracket witnessed the team playing eight games in seven days.  Smutnick pitched a complete game in the opener of the playoffs. He batted over .600 in the eight game series.

The following week he played for the Rhode Island Rockies in the over 60 division.  Although the team was eliminated in the first round, Smutnick shone at first base in Jet Blue Stadium, the spring home of the Boston Red Sox.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Here’s on for our wine connoisseurs – “I’m like old wine.  They don’t bring me out very often, but I’m well preserved.”  Rose Kennedy on her 100th birthday.

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