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The Crew
Gordie Mauer of Putnam, center back row, is pictured with his officiating crew, was the referee for the quarterfinal State football game between Woodland and Capital Prep. Courtesy photo.
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out goes to a pair of personable young ladies Meg Popiak and Liz Zachow. These two team up to provide loan service at the CorePlus Federal Credit Union in Putnam. In addition, they’re both avid sports fans who enjoy Ramblings Points and Comments every week.
The 2012 Connecticut high school football season is quickly coming to a conclusion as teams are vying for Class championship contests scheduled for Dec. 7 and 8 at the home of the UConn Huskies, Rentschler Field in E. Hartford. As the teams work to get to Rentschler, there’s another group of individuals who are selected to be at those games, the referees.
One familiar face on the field in his striped shirt was Putnam resident Gordie Mauer. One of the most senior referees on the Eastern Board of Certified Football Officials, Mauer was the referee or “white hat” as they are referred to in the trade, for the quarterfinal final contest between Woodland and Capital Prep.
In his familiar position as referee, Mauer and his crew, Joey Salieno (umpire), Chris Williams (head linesman), Dave McQuillan (line judge) and Greg Sutton (back judge), as it turned out had the most closely contested game in the quarterfinal round. Woodland edged Capital Prep 37-35 in a hotly contested game.
Two other individuals known to local sports fans, Leo Bawza of Norwich and Rick Bogert of Plainfield, had the honor of also working quarterfinal contests.
Mauer has been plying his trade on the gridiron for more than two decades. He’s gained a reputation as one of the most respected referees in Connecticut. He played his college football at William Penn College in Iowa. Football runs in the Mauer family, as his son Eric Mauer, was a standout receiver for four years at Assumption College.
New Pitching Coach
for Toronto Blue Jays…
A name familiar to local baseball fans, Pete Walker of E. Lyme, has been promoted by the Toronto Blue Jays from bullpen coach to pitching coach. Walker, who served last season under Manager John Farrell, who is now manager of the Boston Red Sox, was named by recently named Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons.
Walker is a well know individual in the Putnam area. For many years, when he was a player with Toronto, Walker was a celebrity at the Day Kimball Hospital Sports Auction. He’s also spoken at area locations including the Putnam Rotary Club.
A product of East Lyme High School and UConn, Walker posted a career record of 20-14 with a 4.48 Earn Run Average during his eight Major League seasons dating back to 1990 when he was originally signed by the New York Mets.
Another New Baby Born
to Coach and Wife…
Putnam Science Academy Athletic Director and basketball coach Tom Espinosa and his lovely wife, Trish (Cushing) Espinosa are the proud parents of their second child. Bryce Patrick Espinosa came into the world on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2012, at 9:53 a.m. at Day Kimball Hospital. He scaled in at 6 pounds and 7 ounces and measured 20½ inches in length and was delivered by Dr. Nancy Austin.
Bryce Patrick joins his brother, 2-year-old TJ on the sidelines, as they can’t wait for the day when they can get out on the basketball hardwood. Who knows, maybe someday they may enjoy the opportunity of play for their dad.
The proud grandparents are Bill and Kathy Espinosa of Putnam and Don and Kathy Cushing of Dudley.
Gibson Update…
Former Killingly High School basketball All-State performer and current member of the Sacred Heart University Pioneers, Shane Gibson has had his playing time diminished of late. Based on conflicting reports as to the reason, Gibson was held out for more than a half of a recent contest and saw limited action in a loss against Brown University in a game played in Providence. The country’s fourth leading scorer last season, Gibson managed only three points against the Bruins.
Opinions vary as to why Gibson was held out for part of a game. Word at the Brown game was that Gibson was nursing a minor injury and would be back to full speed soon.
In the first six games of the season, the Pioneers are 2-4. Gibson has started five of the six contests. He’s the team’s second leading scorer with 81 points, for a 13.5 points per game average.
On hand for the Brown – Sacred Heart game was Gibson’s high school coach Scott Desrosiers and former Putnam and Woodstock Academy athletic director Chris Coderre.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: If walking is good for your health, the mailman would be immortal.