By Ron P. Coderre

Last season the Putnam Science Academy Mustangs rose to the heights of the prep school ranks posting a gaudy 29-5 record and making the Elite 8 of the National Prep Championships under coach Tom Espinosa who enters his ninth season at the helm.  The season was the best in the history of varsity basketball at the school.

Gone from last season’s team are such stalwarts as Danny Upchurch, Chaise Daniels, Jordan Butler, Anthony Durham, Dalique Mingo, Jalen Terry and Kyle Menard.  On the prep level the coach’s job is to find ways to fill the gaps that occur each season.  Espinosa appears to be a Houdini at doing this, as each season he finds a way to fill the holes created as players move on to the next level.

As the Mustangs prepare for the upcoming season Espinosa began plugging the holes in the dike with point guard Kealen Ives from Providence, who’s expected to be the leader of the team on the floor and in the locker room.  Joining Ives in the backcourt is 6-foot, 4-inch Hamidou Diallo, the talented shooting guard from Queens, N.Y., and combo guard Josh Wallace, who will either start or serve as a catalyst off the bench.  

In the frontcourt the Scientists will rely on “The Big Eze” 6-8 Vincent Eze at center.  He’ll be flanked by the athletic Andrew Robinson, a shooter and scorer, and a young 6-8 Mamadou Diarra who plays well on both ends of the court and should be a monster off the boards.  Another rugged wing is Aaron Robinson, twin brother of Andrew, who is equally comfortable as a starter or coming off the bench.  In addition to scoring underneath he’s also a threat off the dribble.

Supplying depth off the bench is 6-5 Dondre Rhoden, who Espinosa describes as an “undersized big man” and Ertugrul Gazi, a point guard from Istanbul, Turkey, who’s been a pleasant surprise in the preseason.  Rounding out the squad are seniors Emirhan Ozturk, Burak Eraslan and Mayil Muradov and junior three-point threat Ruslan Badalov.

“This is a good group of kids, who came to school in great shape, have been practicing hard and are thirsting to play.  This is a very fast team, that possesses athleticism and skill,” said Espinosa.

Looking at a team that is capable of going nine-deep without losing much strength, the Mustangs plan on pushing the ball on offense to take advantage of their size and speed.  On defense they’ll rely heavily on man-to-man D and some zone press.  In order to duplicate any semblance of last season Espinosa will have to get maximum effort from everyone, every game.

In usual Espinosa style the Mustangs will not shy away from any competition and will travel to play the best.  This group faces a tough 35-game schedule with an unusually high number of 12 games at home.  They’ve formed an alliance with Lee Academy of Maine, Redemption Christian Academy of Massachusetts, Notre Dame Prep of Fitchburg and Commonwealth Academy of Springfield, calling themselves the Big-5, which will conclude the season with a tournament prior to the National Championships.

The Mustangs open on the road at perennial power Tilton Academy and play in a number of invitational tournaments.  In early December they travel to Virginia for the Best Western Caisson Shootout against Fork Union, Fishburne and Hargrave in games scheduled to be aired on ESPNU.  Locally they face tough tests against Hyde-Woodstock and St. Thomas More of Oakdale.  A sampling of other teams on the schedule includes noted powers Mt. Zion, Brewster Academy, South Kent and Bridgton Academy.

“By playing the best teams up and down our schedule makes everyone strive to play their very best every game.  It also provides us an opportunity to showcase our players to coaches throughout the country.  Needless to say it’s also great recognition for our school,” said Espinosa.

Can Espinosa’s charges repeat the great performance of their 2013-2014 predecessors?  That’s the question facing this team.  Are they durable enough?  Deep enough?  And able to withstand the rigors and stress of the 35-game schedule?

“Our immediate goal is to keep getting better every day.  We want to win the games we should and some we aren’t expected to.  By stressing the little things and being picky with the basics we can succeed.  Winning the Big-5 title and getting to the Nationals isn’t out of this teams reach if they play hard every game,” said Espinosa.

Espinosa will be joined on the bench by associate head coach Josh Scraba, who is in his seventh season with the Mustangs.  Dan Gomes and Travis Godley will serve as assistants, Ryan Rumrill, director of basketball operations and Eric Mauer, strength and conditioning coach.

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to former State Representative Shawn Johnston.  A former co-captain and standout football player at Putnam High School, Johnston now devotes many hours to the Daily Bread program that raises funds to help feed those in need in the Putnam area.

The fall sports season at Woodstock Academy has had its ups and downs this year.  The volleyball and soccer teams exceeded expectations, while the football team is struggling through some very trying times.  If you believe that behind every cloud there is sunshine then the women’s cross country team is that ray of light.

The Centaur lady harriers recently competed in the State Class MM meet and came home with a fifth-place finish.  This was the second meet for the young ladies in six days, as they had earlier finished third in the Eastern Connecticut Conference meet.  Doubling up didn’t appear to bother these young ladies in the least as they attacked the tough Wickham Park course with enthusiasm.

The Academy harriers were paced by sophomore sensation Sarah Lawrence who finished strongly and came across the finish line in fifth place despite battling against some very tough opponents.  A week earlier she had finished in second place in the highly competitive ECC meet.

Lawrence’s finish in the Class MM race qualified her for the State open meet and along with that she received All-State honors.  Her fabulous achievement will most likely get her a banner in the Woodstock Academy Field House.  

Her teammates rose to the occasion at the State meet with freshman Hannah Matsas coming in 19th and Annette Costanzo stepping up big time finishing 26th.  Rounding out the Woodstock finishers, Jordyn Woodland finished 34th and Brittany Eber came in 42nd.

The future of the female cross country program at Woodstock Academy looks very bright.  This season’s team was composed of four sophomores and three freshmen.  And if Woodstock youngster Kate Boshka enrolls at the Academy, the running future looks very sunny for years to come.

ECC Names Boys and

Girls Soccer All Stars

The Eastern Connecticut Conference named its male and female soccer all stars for the recently concluded season.  Local high school athletes dotted the selections in all divisions.

Girls’ Soccer All Stars: Large Division First Team – Elaina Becher, Anna Grudzinski, Annabel Shackett Woodstock.   Honorable Mention - Colleen Topliff and Sportsmanship Brooklyn Saracina Woodstock; Medium Division First Team – Abby Burdick Plainfield; Honorable Mention - Julie Jordan, Keri Lehtonen, Shannon Sweeney Plainfield; Meaghan Bianchi, Payton Fitzgerald, Olivia Shabenas Killingly; Sportsmanship - Jamie Jax Killingly and Paige Waterman Plainfield; Small Division First Team – Elizabeth Jourdan Tourtellotte; Honorable Mention - Kayla Bourdua, Christina Kopacz Tourtellotte and Sportsmanship Jena Lamothe Tourtellotte.

Boys’ Soccer All Stars: Large Division First Team – Austin Beaupre Woodstock; Honorable Mention - Adam Converse Woodstock and Sportsmanship Cam Hartland Woodstock; Medium Division First Team – Titus Kamara, Brendan Turner Killingly; Honorable Mention – Sean Guerin, Owen Guillot Killingly; Jacob Coutu, Ryan Marchessault Plainfield; Sportsmanship – Allen Perron Killingly; Jarod Beauregard Plainfield; Small Division Honorable Mention – Alex Angelo Tourtellotte; Sportsmanship – Eric Magoffin Tourtellotte.

Climbing the Ranks

A Putnam man, who was well known as a solid basketball player when he attended Putnam High School, is continuing to make a name for himself on the hardwood but not as a player.  Peter Vitale, a 2002 graduate of Putnam High School, is moving up in the ranks of basketball officiating.

Vitale, who’s been a member of the IAABO Eastern Board for nine years, has recently been notified that he’s on the substitute list to referee junior college and NCAA Division III games.  Vitale is hoping that his phone rings for some college hoop contests this winter.  He’s prepped for this possibility in the past two years by attending referee schools and clinics, most notably one run by Michael Stevens, who is often seen on national television officiating many of the major college games.  Vitale has also attended clinics and is being mentored by noted local referee Davey Cruz.

In real life, Vitale is a real estate agent with ReMax in Putnam.  During the fall he keeps fit officiating high school soccer games.  A graduate of Roger Williams College with a degree in political science, the humble Vitale scored 678 points during his heyday as a Clipper. 

One Foot in Front of the Other

The New York City Marathon was run on Sunday, November 2 in the Big Apple under temperatures that were conducive for runners but with winds that were challenging.  A throng of more than 50,000 participants followed the winners in the men’s and women’s races across the finish line.

A pair of Kenyans, Wilson Kipsang and Mary Keitany, were the winners.  Kipsang’s time was 2:10:55 and Keitany’s was 2:25:07.  Somewhere in the crowd of 50,000 runners was Putnam physician and Pomfret resident Dr. Joseph Botta.  No word has been received on his time but congratulations are in order for his achievement.

Stats and More

Plainfield continues to rack up the victories, raising its record to 6-1 with a big win over Fitch High School of Groton.  The amazing thing about the Panthers is that most of their victories have been recorded on the road.  This week they take their final road trip of the season when they travel to Rhode Island for an encounter with Central Falls.  The Fielders are led by quarterback Steve Jankowski who is the area’s leading passer with 16 touchdown passes.

Although the prep stats are kept separately from the schoolboy records, Hyde-Woodstock’s Jimmy Murphy is definitely the touchdown leader in the area.  According to unofficial calculations “Murph” has crossed the goal line more than 20 times this season.

And keep an eye on The Quinebaug Valley Pride’s running back Raif Santerre.  Entering this week’s contest against Vinal Tech/East Hampton/Goodwin Tech, Santerre has racked up 987 yards from scrimmage.  He should easily pass the 1000-yard plateau this week, which will be the second year in a row over the milestone for “Santy.”

In boys’ soccer Marianapolis’ Tom Horvat leads the pack with 27 goals and is followed by Sean Guerin of Killingly who has put the ball in the nets 15 times this season.  Caroline Soucy of Marianapolis is the top female scorer with an amazing 39 goals.  Her closest competitors are Saige Morin and Morgan Foucault of Putnam with 22 and 19 goals respectively.  Emily Sheridan of Marianapolis (18 goals) is 4th; Shannon Sweeney of Plainfield (15) is 5th; Colleen Topliff of Woodstock (13), Maegan Roy (13) of Tourtellotte and Elaina Becher (13) of Woodstock are tied for 6th.

Alyssa Rainey of Killingly with 16 goals is the area’s top field hockey scorer.  She’s followed by teammates Teagan Waggoner (14) and Bernice Boateng (9).

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” Dwight D. Eisenhower

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

 

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Sr. Doris Bérubé

PUTNAM — Sr. Doris Bérubé, DHS,  94 ,  a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Nov. 7, 2014, at the Holy Spirit Health Care Center where she has been in residence since September 2012.

Born on Jan. 3, 1920, in Hartford, the daughter of the late Thomas and Philomène (Bélanger) Bérubé Sr. Doris entered religious life in 1942 and made her religious profession at the Holy Spirit Provincial House on July 1, 1943.  She was then known as Sr. Thérèse Thomas.  

Sr. Doris received a bachelor’s from Diocesan Sisters’ College, S. Woodstock, a Certification in TESL, teaching English as a second language from St. Michael’s College, Winooski, Vt. and a master’s from Fairfield University, Fairfield.  Primarily a teacher and educator for most of her religious life, Sr. Doris’ assignments were as follows:  St. Anne School, Waterbury, St. Mary’s School, Putnam,  and Holy Family School, Fairfield.  From 1965-72 Sr. Doris prepared prospective teachers and was named Director of the International Institute at Annhurst College, S. Woodstock.  From 1972-74 she served as principal at St. Mary’s School, Jewett City.  Upon her return to Annhurst College, she was both an ESL teacher and Administrator of the Institute as well as assistant professor in the Education and English Departments until the closure of Annhurst in 1980.

Following this she was CCD Coordinator of St. Mary’s Parish, Putnam and later served as Secretary at Hawkins House in Danielson. Her last assignment was that of Secretariat aide at the Provincial House until her retirement there in 2002.

She leaves two  nieces Ellen Standke of Palm Harbor, Fla., and Diane Paré of Avon; a nephew Normand Mathieu of Bloomfield, and  grandnieces and grandnephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 11 at the Provincial House Chapel followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Donations: Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT, 06260.  Gilman’s Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam.

 

Margaret Higgins

POMFRET — Margaret Ellen “Peggy” (Rogers) Higgins, 70, died Nov. 1, 2014, at her home in The Villages, Fla.

She married the love of her life, Robert Higgins July 25, 1969. 

 She was born Nov. 18, 1943, the daughter of Alfreda Gagne Rogers and Francis Rogers.    

Peggy grew up in Wolfeboro, N.H., where she spent many summers at their “camp” at Brewster Beach, Lake Winnipesaukee.  Peggy worked and raised her children in Brooklyn. Conn.  In 1989 she and her family started Higgins & Sons Oil Service. 

She was happiest spending time with family and friends.  She loved watching her grandchildren’s activities, whether it was sports, dance or performing in plays.  Her grandchildren were her great loves and there were sleep overs at Grandma’s house often.   She enjoyed the years she spent cruising with friends, watching softball games, her trip to Spain and the summers she would go back to Wolfeboro.  She also enjoyed weekly card night with the girls.  She was an avid reader and would often have a number of books in progress.  She had an infectious laugh and smile, along with a kind word that came from the heart.  

She leaves her husband Bob of 45 years; her children, Robert (Maria), Karen (Ed), Michael (Theresa) and Wendy (Steve); her  grandchildren, Bobby, Joe, twins Matt and Mike, Ben, Riley, Cole and Elizabeth.  Brothers Frank (Bernice), of New Hampshire, Jimmy (Thea) of New Hampshire/Savannah, Ga., Steve (Kathy) of Michigan and Donald of Hartford. Although she had no sisters, she had many close to her that she considered a sister. She was predeceased by her parents as well as brothers Bobby and David.  

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Elks Lodge on Center Street in Danielson.

 

Paul R. Brodeur

PUTNAM — Paul R. Brodeur, 52, died Nov. 7, 2014, at Day Kimball Hospital. Paul was born Dec. 17, 1961, in Putnam to Richard and Jeannne (Archambault) Brodeur. 

For several years he worked as a salesman for Dalmik Well Drilling and Napa Auto Parts. Paul was an avid card player and longtime member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks.

He leaves his sisters Louise Brodeur, Michelle Foronda; his brothers Maurice Brodeur, Daniel Brodeur; sons Nathan Brodeur, Shawn Brodeur, and his granddaughter Olivia Torres.

The Memorial Mass was Nov. 11 at St Mary Church, Putnam. Donations: Camp Joslin Camps for Children with Diabetes, PO Box 356, North Oxford, MA 01537. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Russell J. Cote 

NORWICH — Russell J. Cote, 86, of Crouch Ave., died Oct. 11, 2014, in Backus Hospital. Born in 1928 in Worcester, he was the son of the late William and Ellen (O’Neil) Cote. 

Mr. Cote worked as a salesman for Macadams Associates for 25 years and lived in Connecticut for 37 years before moving to California. Russell enjoyed ball room dancing, deep sea fishing, gardening, fine food, and driving along the California Coast where he lived over the last 20 years. Russell was an admirer of Watch Hill, R.I., where he enjoyed times with his family and enjoyed deep sea fishing with “Sparks.” 

He leaves his son, Russell Cote of Newburgh, Ind.; his daughter, Kathleen Laflamme (Kurt) of Plainfield; four grandchildren Sarah, Connor, Olivia and Spencer. He is predeceased by his sister, Nancy Cote. 

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Gilman-Valade Funeral Homes, Putnam.

 

Donald L. Genest Jr.,

Vietnam war vet

WOODSTOCK — Donald L. Genest Jr., 64, of Brickyard Rd, died Nov. 8, 2014, in Westview Rehabilitation Center.  He is the husband of Susan (Joyal) Genest.  Born in 1950 in Putnam, he is the son of  Edward Bourdia, Sr. of Thompson and the late Pauline (Burdick) Bourdia.

Mr. Genest was a honorably discharged veteran of the Vietnam war serving with the U.S. Army, where he received the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Bronze Star Medal.

Donald was united in marriage to Susan Joyal on July 24, 1976, at Sacred Heart Church in West Thompson.

Mr. Genest worked for several years as a truck driver for Jolley Concrete and was also a constable for the Town of Woodstock. He was an avid Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and NASCAR fan.

He leaves his wife; a son Ryan Genest of Woodstock; a daughter Amy Genest of Woodstock; three brothers Leonard “Lenny” Genest of Putnam, James “Jimmy” Genest of Putnam and Edward Bourdia Jr. of Thompson; five sisters Donna Drake of Etowah, N.C., and Theresa Chira of Hubert, N.C., Mary Preston and Cora Grider, and Lorinda Radzik all of Thompson; and a granddaughter Alyssa Egan of Woodstock. 

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 11 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Burial services will be private.  Donations: Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or through their website at www.dav.org.  

 

Barbara Weiss

THOMPSON —  Barbara Ann (Harvanek) Weiss, 72, died Nov. 5, 2014.

She was born in Webster, daughter to the late John and Justine (Skorvanek) Harvanek and lived  in Thompson for many years.   

Barbara was a giving and kind spirit.  This was always seen and felt as she worked as a waitress for 45 years in the restaurant business.  She loved taking rides to the beach in the late afternoon to watch the sunset and enjoyed going to the casino when she had the chance.  She also enjoyed watching the Patriots and Nascar.

She leaves two sons, Ron Weiss of Dudley and James” Jamie” (Tammy) Weiss of Thompson; three grandchildren, Jennifer, Samantha and Tyler Weiss; two great-grand children; Hannah and Nathan; a brother Jack Harvanek.

Burial was in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Webster. Donations: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster

 

Howard Donovan

PUTNAM — Howard F. Donovan, 83, died Nov. 1, 2014, at home.

Howard was born Nov. 18, 1930, in Fall River, Mass., son to the late Clifford and Mary (McMahon) Donovan and lived in Putnam for most of his life. He was an avid reader with a passion for bowling as well as a proud and loyal fan of all Boston sports Teams, especially the Red Sox; Howard was pleased to attend several games in his final years; He also enjoyed all his friends and staff members at the ARC of Quinebaug Valley. 

He was predeceased by his sister Marilyn D. Strickland. He leaves by his niece Linda Kipper (Larry Stone) of Medfield, Mass., as well as his great niece, Samantha Stone. He was also predeceased by his sister Nancy Kipper and his nephew Keith Kipper.

A Committal Service was Nov. 5 in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Donations:  ARC of Quinebaug Valley, 687 Cook Hill Rd. Danielson, CT 0239. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster, MA 01570.

 

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