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By Ron P. Coderre
Today’ sporty hello goes out to Nelson “Buzz” King of Lake Alexander. The former principal of Putnam High School is now fully retired and enjoying his mornings on the links at Quinnatisset Country Club. He and his lovely bride Kerry also enjoy UConn men’s and women’s basketball during the winter months.
The road racing season in Putnam and northeastern Connecticut started early this year with the running of the initial O’Putnam 3.1 mile event on March 11. As we approach the slightly warmer time of the year, folks in Woodstock are preparing for the annual Woodstock Memorial Day 10K Road Race.
Road racing guru Jimi Gothreau sends along word that this is the 32nd running of this popular race, which he labels, “The SECOND Toughest 10K in New England.” He notes that Woodstock doesn’t want to foil the “Covered Bridge 10K” which is held in Jackson, N.H., and according to Gothreau is rightfully the toughest 10K in New England.
Gothreau reports that an e-mail received from Karen Fitzpatrick, Woodstock recreation director, said the race no longer mails registrations. Registration forms are however, available on Woodstock’s website, www.woodstockct.gov. They are also available at the town hall and runners may register on the day of the event.
The race is scheduled for 9 a.m. sharp Monday, May 28. The entry fee is $15 prior to April 30 and $20 thereafter. Prizes will be awarded to the first three male and female runners in each division and in the Overall category. The divisions are, Junior (under 19); Intermediate (20-29); Senior (30-39); Master (40-49); Grand Master (50-59); Ultra Master (60-69); Super Master (Over 70). All entrants will receive a t-shirt as a remembrance of their participation in the race that is being timed by Last Mile Racing.
Registration forms should be mailed to Woodstock Recreation Department, 215 Coatney Hill Road, Woodstock, CT 06281. Checks may be made payable to Woodstock Recreation Commission.
PSA Not Only About Basketball…
One of the area’s best kept sports secrets is the Putnam Science Academy baseball team. Most sports fans are now familiar with the Mustangs highly successful basketball program, however, coach and Athletics Director Tom Espinosa has also instituted a baseball team that is improving with every season.
This season the fledgling diamond Scientists boast a 4-2 record. The team recently posted a last inning come-from-behind 10-9 victory over local opponent The Learning Clinic. The Mustangs rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning for the walk off win. A two-out, bases loaded single by junior Serik Tukupov plated Ali Azgin and Yasin Menekse to knot the score at nine all. With runners at second and third, the winning run crossed the plate on a wild pitch allowing Menekse to tally the winning run.
Starting pitcher Ugur Subasi gave the Scientists three solid innings before giving way to winning hurler Menekse who held TLC in check over the final four innings. At press time, PSA was scheduled for a key contest with the Marianapolis junior varsity.
The Mustang baseballers are coached by Espinosa. The school also offers soccer, golf and tennis as part of its athletics programs.
A Memorial Day Salute
to Marine Captain Michael Tetreault…
Memorial Day is a time when we pause to remember the men and women who have given their lives in the Great Wars to protect our independence. Recently, because of the involvement of the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s also become a time when say thank you to the members of our Armed Services who are on active duty.
Captain Michael Tetreault of the United States Marine Corps is completing a deployment in the Middle East where he’s part of the Naval Fleet patrolling the Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. Tetreault is a 2003 graduate of Killingly High School where he played soccer and golf. In 2007 he graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. Following his graduation he opted to join the U.S. Marine Corps.
Tetreault is a helicopter pilot, flying the most advance helicopter in the United States arsenal. He pilots the AH 1W Super Cobra attack helicopter. His unit is primarily in the Strait of Hormuz as a deterrent to any enemy activity, which impedes the passage of sea going vessels in and out of the Persian Gulf. His unit’s primary base is Camp Pendleton, California.
Tetreault is the son of Scott and Mary Ellen Tetreault of Killingly.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” President John F. Kennedy.