Putnam High School mid-winter sports roundup
Basketball 
The Annual Clipper Classic tournament showcased both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams’ potential during the winter break of 2024. Although neither team claimed the tournament championship, both demonstrated promising early-season form.
The girls’ team found success by defeating Norwich Tech in their second game, with sophomore Elieana Ionkin earning All-Tournament Team honors. Ionkin remains optimistic about the team’s development, stating they are “working hard on growing as a team.” The Lady Clippers will return to action on Feb. 3 at Tourtellotte Memorial High School for a crucial divisional matchup.
The boys’ team secured a commanding victory in their home opener against Parish Hill and narrowly missed winning the Clipper Classic championship. Freshman guard Camden Kell, also selected to the All-Tournament Team, viewed the tournament as a valuable learning experience. Despite a current 3-7 record, junior forward Nicholas Devlin believes the team is gaining momentum, noting that “the first half of the season taught us some valuable lessons.” The Clippers will host their Senior Night against the Wheeler Lions on Feb. 4.
Wrestling 
The Putnam Wrestling team has been making strides throughout the season, participating in multiple tournaments and showing individual brilliance. At the New Year’s Duals on Dec. 27, they secured their first team win against Somers, with standout performances from Abigail Daniels, Lucas Benoit, and Jacob Olson.
Individual successes continued at the Griswold Invitational on Jan. 18, where Lucas Benoit claimed 1st place in the 215 lb. weight class, and other wrestlers secured impressive placements. The Griswold Tri-State Girls Invitational on Jan. 19 saw Emily Olecki, Hailey Summers, and Abigail Daniels each placing 5th in their respective weight classes.
At the 2025 Whaler Wrestling Tournament in Massachusetts Lucas Benoit took first place in the 215-pound division, beating Colin Maloney of Mt. Hope. In the 120-pound division Jacob Olson was defeated by #1 New Bedford. In the team results, Putnam placed 10th out of 11 teams with 56 points.
Coach Ford highlighted the team’s developmental journey, emphasizing the blend of veteran wrestlers and new talent. “We are continuing to grow every week of the season,” he said, “inching closer to success and gaining momentum for the postseason.”
Cheerleading 
The Winter Cheer team is preparing for an exciting season. In the Jan. 25 competition at Killingly the team placed second out of four teams. Co-Captain Christina Blanchard praised the team’s dedication, “the season is going great and though the team is small everyone is so hard working and is very talented.” Currently performing during boys’ basketball halftime shows, the team is gearing up for the 2025 ECC Competition on Feb. 15 at Waterford High School. Coaches Molly and Alyssa Syren said they are “so proud of this team and how far they’ve come from last year.”
Unified Sports
The Putnam High School Unified Basketball Team is off to a strong start this season. In a recent game Jan. 16 against Woodstock Academy, Coach Johanna Burgason highlighted the team’s composition, “This year’s unified team has lots of returning athletes, as well as some new joining members!”
The team exemplifies exceptional team spirit and sportsmanship, with players demonstrating both skill and enthusiasm. Upcoming matches include home and away games against Killingly on Feb. 6 and 13, respectively. Burgason said, “We are looking forward to more games, teamwork, and fun!”
Dance Team
Midway through the school year, the Putnam Clipper Dance Team is reaching new creative heights. Their first performance at the annual Fall Arts Festival showcased a choreographed routine that captivated the audience.
Team captain Yakelin Gomez expressed optimism about the team’s potential, saying, “Our performance at Fall Arts was one of our many achievements that will be happening throughout the year. There is so much more to come from this group.” Coach Ryan praised the team’s creative development, “he dance team has been killing it this year; they are dipping into their own choreography and getting their creativity flowing.” 
The team is preparing for an end-of-year showcase featuring a diverse range of performances, including full group, small group, duo, and solo dances. 
Team member Kaydence Morris said, “It’s nice that we have our own say of what we do and we get to be in charge of individual groups.”

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