By Ron P. Coderre

The city of New Orleans is known as “The Big Easy.”  As Putnam Science Academy prepares for the upcoming basketball season the Mustangs have their own version of “The Big Easy” but this version spells his name differently.  His name is Vincent Eze.

Eze, a 6-foot, 8-inch front court operator, fits the handle “The Big Eze” because he long and lean and possesses a rugged chiseled frame.  His physical characteristics and intensity on the court have made him a big man colleges have been looking at since his high school days at Notre Dame Green Pond High School in Pennsylvania.

The Putnam Science Academy post graduate arrived at a college selection Oct. 9 when he verbally committed to Manhattan College for the 2015 school year.  Next season, when Eze arrives on the Jaspers’ campus, it’ll be “The Big Eze” meets “The Big Apple.”

Eze, who is expected to fill the center spot for coach Tom Espinosa this season, is described as a “hard competitor who possesses relentless energy on both ends of the court.”  Eze runs the court well and is a rugged rebounder who has the ability to turn into an effective shot blocker.

Manhattan, which plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, is coached by Fran Masiello, who has turned the program into a winner.  Last season the NCAA Division I Jaspers won the MAAC on the way to posting 25 victories.  At the end of this year Manhattan will graduate only three seniors.  Eze will be joining a relatively young team, which should allow him to compete for extensive playing time.

“From what I’ve seen of Vincent in the preseason I believe he’s made a solid decision in selecting Manhattan.  They’ll be in need of some help on the inside and with his energy and athleticism I feel he can provide that to the team,” said Espinosa.

Playing in the MAAC, Eze, who recently ran a 6:01 mile in the Mustangs preseason run, will be competing against some familiar faces.  Three of his teammates at Putnam Science Academy have committed to MAAC schools for next season.  The Robinson twins, Aaron and Andrew will be playing at Quinnipiac University, and point guard Kealen Ives is headed to Rider University.

 

caption, page 11:

 

 

Hall of Fame

The Woodstock Academy 1996 girls' basketball teams was inducted into the Woodstock Academy athletic Hall of Fame recently. Courtesy photo.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to Ann Marie Desabota.  Coming from an athletic family she learned to appreciate sports as a young lady and continues to follow the headlines locally and nationally.  As a faithful reader of Ramblings, Points & Comments we salute Ann Desabota.

Woodstock Academy inducted its 2nd group of athletes into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 12 in a ceremony held on the school’s campus.  Included in the induction ceremony were six former athletes, two teams and one benefactor.

The Hall of Fame Class of 2014 included John Graham of the class of 2002.  Graham was an outstanding All State cross country and track performer who also was a member of the Centaurs basketball team.  Graham continued his cross country career at Syracuse University, where he was one of the Orange top runners. 

A pair of Kozlowski individuals, Derin and Janel, who starred in track and field while at Woodstock, were part of the prestigious lineup.  Both Kozlowskis, Derin class of 2003 and Janel class of 2000 earned All American status while they were Centaurs.

Chris Mayhew Sr., class of 1994 was one of the most noted athletes to graduate from the Academy.  He starred in soccer, basketball and baseball.  He went on to a baseball career at Springfield College.  He was also a member of one of the best American Legion teams assembled in Northeastern Connecticut.

Jared Morse of the class of 1992 was a three-time All State soccer player who also earned All New England honors.  He later went on to the NCAA Division I University of Maine in Orono where he was a standout member of the Black Bears on the pitch.  Morse is currently the varsity soccer coach at the Academy.

The other individual who was inducted was three-sport standout Stacey Schofield of the class of 1999.  Schofield starred in soccer, softball and basketball and was the first female 1000-point scorer in the history of the school.  She later went on to Eastern Connecticut State University where she was a varsity athletic performer for the Lady Warriors.

The 1991 boys’ golf team, which won a State Championship under coach Bob Thompson, entered as a team.  Members of the team included Steve Keller, Scott Johndrow, Kevin Houghton and John Darigan.

The undefeated 1996 girls’ soccer team was inducted along with head coach Royal Hale and assistant coach Jim Cervini.  The members of the team were Melissa Blais, Deborah St. Jean, Angela Puliafico, Karen Neumann, Rachel Steniger, Kristen Rathbone, Dawn Rathbone, Alexa Noll, Renee Andrews, Lauren Guillette, Colleen Neely, Becky Ferland, Julie Sage, Bonnie Foisey, Amity Masopust, Jillian Duch, Jean Laney, Heather Billings, Jessica Marcy and Katherine Woodward.

Arthur and Evelyn Weimann were honored posthumously for their unwavering support to Academy athletics.  The couple could be found at almost every Centaur athletic contest, whether indoor or outdoor.  The Evelyn and Arthur Weimann Senior Athletic Award is presented annually in their memory.

This group joins the initial class that was inducted in 2012.  Members of the first class included Rollie Sheldon, Lauren Anderson, Joe Patrone, Patrick O’Brien, the 1976 Girls’ Softball team, coaches Ken Beatson and Celia “Lady” Ingraham and Doug Peck.

Miracle Mustang Mile

Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa, emulating UConn tradition, once again took his hoop team to the St. Marie/Greenhalgh Sports Complex for the team-oriented Mustang Mile run.  According to Espinosa the run, which took place on Tuesday, October 14 indicated that his players are in good shape and ready for action.

The first player to cross the finish line was Aaron Robinson, who is headed to Quinnipiac University, in a very good time of 5:19.  His time broke the record that was set last year by Jalen Terry.  Andrew Robinson, Aaron’s twin brother was second three seconds off the pace at 5:22.  Third place went to Rider University bound Kealen Ives at 5:44.  The first big man to finish was 6-foot, 8-inch Vincent Eze, who’s headed to Manhattan College.  His time was 6:01, good for fourth place.

Weekly Stats Update

Killingly High School quarterback Kyle Derosier has moved to the top of the pile among local signal callers with 740 passing yards.  Derosier has played five games, one more than Plainfield quarterback Steve Jankowki, who was idle last week.  The Quinebaug Pride’s running back Raif Santerre is the rushing leader with 636 yards.

The area’s soccer scoring race remains unchanged with Marianapolis Golden Knight Tom Horvat on top with 19 goals, followed by Sean Guerin of Killingly with 15 and Chicago Rogers of Ellis Tech with 10.

The female top scorer is also from Marianapolis, as Caroline Soucy remains on top with 20 goals.  She’s followed by Putnam’s Morgan Foucault who made a big leap into second place with 19 goals, while Foucault’s teammate Saige Morin is third with 16.  The trio is followed by Shannon Sweeney of Plainfield (12), Emily Sheridan of Marianapolis (11) and Molly Schroder of Pomfret School (10).

The field hockey scoring leaders are Killingly teammates, Teagan Waggoner with 10 goals and Alyssa Rainey with nine.

Engaged – Can Wedding 

Bells Be Far Behind?

The local sports world recently was informed of the engagement of two of the area’s better athletes from the recent past.  In a joint announcement Josh Scraba, assistant basketball coach at Putnam Science Academy and former Killingly High School standout basketball player Gina Derosier revealed their engagement and intent to marry.  The couple has been dating for three years.

Derosier was one of a long line of great female basketball players to come out of Danielson.  Following four years as a Redgal she moved on to Mitchell College for a four-year career as the college transitioned from the junior college ranks to the NCAA Division III level.  During part of her college career she played for current Rhode Island College coach and Putnam resident Glenn Senecal.  She’s currently an administrative assistant at Putnam High School

Scraba enjoyed a four-year varsity basketball career at Putnam High School, playing for coach Tony Falzarano.  As the Clippers point guard he was able to also find a way to also score career 399 points.  He’s served as the assistant coach at Putnam Science Academy under coach Tom Espinosa for the past seven seasons.  He’s the owner of Scraba’s Market on Maple Street in Danielson.

Scraba is the son of Captain Chris Scraba of the U.S. Coast Guard and Melissa Godley.  Derosier is the daughter of long time Killingly High School basketball coach Scott Derosier and Leeann Derosier.  The couple is planning to wed on July 4, 2015.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “You can’t reach for anything new if your hands are still full of yesterday’s junk.”  Louise Smith

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

 

 

caption:

Cross Country

The middle school boys' teams get ready for a meet. Courtesy photo.

 

caption, page 11:

 

Cross Country

The middle school girls' teams are ready to go.

 

 

The Putnam Middle School cross country team took on Ashford, St. James and St. Joseph recently.

Scores: Boys total runners 36

Ashford 26 over Putnam 29

Putnam 24 over St. James 31

Putnam 15 over St. Joseph’s 50

Top 7 runners are: 

2nd  Andrew Kustov 

5th  Mark Caswell

6th  John Carita

13th  Mike Ionkin

15th  Alex Kilgore 

28th Bryce Hosaflook 

29th  Tim Maryanov

Girls total runners 32

Putnam 28 over Ashford 29

St. James 26 over Putnam 29

Putnam 15 over St. Joseph’s 50

Top 7 runners are:

2nd  Victoria Dias 

5th  Katy Maryanov 

8th  Anna Farland 

14th  McKenzie Saucier 

15th  Anna Ionkin 

16th  Hayley Kuhn 

17th  Lauren Deery  

Ashford team:

Boys

 

3rd Kyle Balkus 12:00

4th Danny Robinson 12:07

9th Tony Paige 13:34

10th Sander Von Hollander 13:50

11th Mick O'Conner 13:58

14th Josh Morrison 14:32

19th Anthony Meade 15:36

 

Girls

 

3rd Victoria Jarosi 13:11

4th Rachel Ayers 13:55

7th Krissy Johnson 15:24

12th Jess Rainaud 15:54

19th Ayla Perosky 16:48

21st Mckenzi Campbell 17:20

23rd Julia Schillinger 17:40

 

 

 

Sr. Celine Krafton

PUTNAM — Sr. Celine Krafton, 90, of Thurber Rd, died Oct. 15, 2014, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. Born in 1924 in Lawrence, Mass., she was the daughter of the late John and Anastazija (Zujute) Kriauciunaite.

Sr. Celine Krafton completed her elementary education in Lawrence and entered the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 19, 1940, and gave her first vows on Aug. 15, 1942. Upon entering the convent, she completed her high school education at the Putnam Catholic Academy, graduating with the class of 1943.

Sr. Celine studied early childhood education in St. Joseph’s College, West Hartford. When assigned to Montreal, she completed St. Joseph Teacher’s College. For most of her religious life she worked with pre-school children. It was during her years at Immaculata Day Care teaching kindergarten, that she experienced the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis. With the gradual weakening of her body, in 1969 she was transferred to Matulaitis Nursing Home. Sr. Celine lived out her daily routine spending hours of prayer, meditation, and gazing at the crucifix. When asked how she withstood her condition, she would said “He is my courage and my strength.”  Her smile was ever present. The eve of her passing, with full awareness, she said, “I’m ready to go now.”  She died peacefully Oct. 15, the founding day of her religious community.

Sr. Celine’s body was received at the Immaculate Conception Convent Oct. 17. A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 18 at Matulaitis Nursing Home Chapel with burial Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Donations: Immaculate Conception Convent, 600 Liberty Highway, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Elaine I. Akana

THOMPSON —  Elaine I. (Duquette) Akana, 62, of Shady Lane, died Oct. 20, 2014, in UMass Memorial Hospital.  She was the wife of 43 years to Michael M. Akana.  Born in 1952 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Arsene and Florence (Mailloux) Duquette.

Mrs. Akana worked as a folding machine operator for Stevens Linen in Webster.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling, fishing, motor cycling, bird watching.

In addition to her husband, she leaves her sons, David Akana (Kerry) of N. Grosvenordale, and Jason Akana (Christie) of Thompson; her brothers, Arsene “Joe” Duquette, Roger H. Duquette, David Duquette, and Kenneth Duquette, all of N. Grosvenordale; her grandchildren, Kobe, Brayden, Grace, Makaylee, Kai, Kayd, and Kyleigh.  She is predeceased by her brothers, Maurice and Roland Duquette; and her sisters, Lorraine Labonte, and Precille St. George.

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23 in Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. A gathering will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 24 in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.  

 

Christopher Menard

BROOKLYN —  Christopher Menard, 46, of Grand View Terrace, died Oct. 10, 2014, at home. Born in 1968 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Gerard and Linda (Duquette) Menard.

Mr. Menard worked for several local distribution and manufacturing companies.  He enjoyed hiking and fishing. He was a kind hearted and loving individual with a vibrant personality that made a lasting impact on everyone he met.

Christopher leaves his wife Elodie (Scott) Menard of Brookfield; his girlfriend, Victoria Kornosewicz of Brooklyn; his paternal grandfather, Omer Menard of N. Grosvenordale; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Edna (Blanchette) Menard, and his maternal grandparents, Maurice and Theresa (Gravel) Duquette.

A graveside service was Oct. 17 in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. Valade Funeral Home, Main Street, N. Grosvenordale.

 

Arthur J. Carrigan Jr.

MOOSUP — Arthur J. Carrigan Jr., 51, of Erin Dr., died from injuries that he sustained in an accident, Oct. 16, 2014, in Hartford Hospital. Born in 1962 in Norwich, he is the son of Norma J. (Evens) Carrigan of Moosup and the late Arthur J. Carrigan Sr. 

Mr. Carrigan enjoyed fishing, riding his lawn tractor, and spending time. Arthur was a long time Nascar Racing and Harley Davidson fan and worked for Choice Tire of Sterling for the last six years. 

He leaves his mother; two sisters, Marie (Carrigan) Chenette of Moosup, and Debra (Friars) Cote of Danielson; and his brother Raymond Carrigan of Florida; three nephews, Joseph, Phillip, and Michael; an aunt Cora Lambert of Plainfield; and his uncle Howard Evens of Danielson; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Henry Friars. 

Visitation is from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 24 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Plainfield.