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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out goes to Thompson resident Estelle Bourgeois. A female athlete at the former St. Joseph’s High School in N. Grosvenordale, Bourgeois is an avid sports fan. She enjoys attending high school games especially when her grand children are involved.
It’s always nice to see local athletes go on beyond high school and represent northeastern Connecticut proudly. When this occurs it’s a demonstration that the kids we watch perform on the court and in the field can compete with athletes from larger schools and cities.
The start of the collegiate basketball season witnessed early season success for four players who in high school were stellar athletes in Thompson, Killingly and Plainfield. Sports junkies who watch the local listings can often catch some of these athletes on television if you scrutinize game times and channels carefully.
Last week Sacred Heart University of Fairfield was on NESN playing Yale University. The Pioneers, who are currently 1-2, picked up their only win of the season in the closing minutes of the game on a driving layup by former Killingly High School standout Shane Gibson. It was exciting to see Gibson on the tube as he led all scorers with 29 points, while helping coach Dave Bike capture his 1000th career coaching win.
It’s hard to believe that Gibson is already a senior. Following this season he’ll probably have an opportunity to move on and play professionally somewhere, if not in the U.S., most likely overseas.
Two graduates of Marianapolis Prep School, Ike Azotam and Ousmane Drame, who play for Quinnipiac University, are on TV occasionally. Both players are enjoying success playing for coach Tom Moore. The Bobcats are 2-1 with Azotam leading their scoring with 16.3 points per game. In the team’s most recent win, an overtime victory over the Iona Gaels, Azotam posted 21 points and 10 rebounds to pace his team to the win.
Drame, who is averaging six points per game in a reserve role, had an outstanding game off the bench dropping in 10 points and making a big block.
In southeastern Connecticut, former Plainfield High School female standout Kim Bouten has been instrumental in getting the Lady Pointers of UConn - Avery Point off to a 3-2 start. Bouten has been extremely effective from long range, leading the team in three-pointers. In her last game she led all scorers with 25 points. Bouten is a former Most Valuable Player in the Putnam Rotary Club Senior All Star game.
PHSAAA Remaining Active…
Putnam High School Alumni Athletic Association publicist Dave Vitale has been doing a great job of keeping former Clipper athletes informed of the association’s activities. In addition to staffing the concession stand at all Quinebaug Pride football games, the PHSAAA has been active with some social fundraising events.
An Oct. 14 Sunday football social at the Cargill Council #64 in Putnam saw those in attendance not only enjoy great fun and food but also raise $700 for the association, which puts on the awards banquet for Putnam athletes and helps send some kids to athletic camps during the summer months.
Vitale also reminds everyone that a pre-Thanksgiving Day football party is planned at Athens Pizza on School Street in Putnam. Athens Pizza owner Saeng Phongsa, a former standout lineman at Putnam when the Clippers had their own team, will help host the evening along with the PHSAAA.
Festivities begin at 7 p.m. and will include pizza, beer, music and collegiality. The Vitale-ism on the evening, “Perfect way to re-connect before you head out to the other venues on your list.” Who knows the night might be so much fun you may not want to go to the other venues on your list.
From The Where Are They Now Files…
A former Putnam High School athlete from the Class of 1959, attorney Ken Longo is a current resident of Philadelphia. While at Putnam, Longo was part of a strong contingent of running backs, who played for coach Jim Greenhalgh, which included Paul Bellerose, Bob Rovatti and Paul Planchon. Those who remember Longo have memories of his bullish running style, where he simply ploughed over the defense. He later went on to play at Wesleyan University. A true scholar/athlete, Longo was salutatorian of his class.
Employed by the Philadelphia school system, Longo has found time to train for a marathon at the ripe young age of 71. On Nov. 18 he participated in his first 26.3-mile run. Longo’s brothers are Putnam residents Nick and Tom Longo.
Football Scoring Leaders…
Heading into the traditional Thanksgiving Day football games, it appears that Hyde School’s Jay Watkins will emerge as the northeast area scoring leader with 156 points . Watkins is ahead of Killingly’s Tyler Stucke, who has one game remaining on Turkey Day against the Quinebaug Pride. Watkins’ teammate, Daniel Palmer is in third place with 72 points followed by a pair of Plainfield Panthers, Mason Delorge and Jordan Federer, all with one game remaining. Watkins with 25 touchdowns and Stucke are also the touchdown leaders as well as heading the scoring parade.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: A Thanksgiving Day Remembrance – Blessings overflow and are unceasing. Be thankful for robust health to make life and work a joy. And grace to overcome and forgive any transgressions.