TriTown looks
for improvement
entering
Legion season
By Ron P. Coderre
Paul Faucher has been involved with the TriTown American Legion Baseball program as a player, assistant coach and head coach for more than two decades. Embarking on the 2014 season, Faucher returns for another stint at the helm of the Towners.
Following an 8-19 season in 2013 Faucher is looking to guide his charges to an improved record this year and a possible berth in the Connecticut American Legion Tournament. Last season the Towners dropped seven one-run games, which if converted to victories would have resulted in 15 wins.
“We’ll go as far as our pitching will take us. This is a tough zone with many of teams made up of players from larger schools. We have a number of arms but some of our pitchers were in college this spring and didn’t play baseball. The start of the season will be like spring training for them,” said Faucher.
Garrett Ponte, Josh Malboeuf and Tyler Anderson are three hurlers who are post-grads. Faucher is hoping they’ll come along quickly because their experience could be a big factor in carrying the success of the team. Faucher is also looking to get pitching help from Josh Allard, Jim Cutler, Kyle Tyler, Steve Bettner, Sean Falvey and newcomer Will Bourgeois.
The strength of the team is the catching department, which will be handled by veteran J.P. Bergeron. Last season, Bergeron, who is also adept with the bat, caught every inning for the Senior squad. Bergeron will be backed up by Jacob Guertin, who will also serve as the primary backstop for the Junior unit.
The infield will be anchored by Ben Ross and Benny Brissette, both who have infield versatility. Ross is a second baseman and shortstop, while Brissette can play second and third. Big Sean Falvey will be a staple at either third base or first. He’s also expected to carry some of the hitting load for the Towners.
Ponte and Malboeuf as well as Bourgeois will see plenty of action in the infield when they’re not on the mound. Luke Sarsfield, who had a productive spring for Putnam will see action at the hot corner and Nick Foucault and Joe Donovan, who’ll also play for the Junior squad could be called on for help in bolstering the infield.
Ben Guimont, Anderson, Dan Murphy, Bettner, Allard, and Tyler compose the TriTown outfield.
“We should have a solid hitting team. The kids who played high school ball this spring played for winning programs and were part of their team’s success,” said Faucher.
The team will face a rugged schedule playing three-game sets locally with Danielson, Moosup and Jewett City. Both the Junior and Senior teams enjoyed playing at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, home of the Norwich Tigers on June 23 against Jewett City. Among the other entries the team will face are Niantic, Waterford, New London, Ledyard-Pawcatuck, Montville, Willimantic and Norwich. With 11 teams in Zone VI the teams play 30 games in five week, a grueling task.
“This is a veteran squad with built in flexibility but we’ll need every bit of energy and effort if we want to get to the State Tournament. To do so we must finish in the top five teams in our zone,” said Faucher.
This season more than 30 players tried out for the team, the most in recent history. The large number allows TriTown the ability to field two separate teams with only three players being double-rostered.
“This is our best turnout of candidates in many years. It’s encouraging to note that the players are realizing the type of quality baseball American Legion provides. We’re hoping that this trend continues,” said Joe Lindley, the secretary of the Executive Committee.
Assisting Faucher with the coaching duties are Andrew Faucher, Tyler Smith and Gunnar Andersen. John Donovan is the team’s scorekeeper and Mike Santerre and Barry Shead the off-field general managers.
..
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to Sharon Briere the high energy principal of St. Joseph’s Parochial School in N. Grosvenordale. Now that the students are out for the summer, it’s time to clean up and prepare for next year. The educational merry-go-round continues.
The Putnam Middle School Wolfpack parlayed a 2-1 eight-inning victory over Parish Hill into a perfect season and the Quinebaug Valley Junior Conference Small Division Championship. Playing in front of a crowd estimated at approximately 200 and with the game aired live on WINY Radio with John Wilbur and Scott Derosier, coach Derek Coderre led his team to the well deserved crown.
The Wolfpack fell behind in the first inning when a series of errors caused by the jitters produced a run for the visiting Parish Hill Pirates. The lead held up until the home half of the sixth inning when Putnam’s Scott Davagian doubled and came home to tie the score as the Pirates pitcher balked twice.
As neither team was unable to score in regulation, the game moved into extra frames. Putnam’s leadoff hitter Sebastian Ramos was hit by a pitch to start the inning. The speedy Ramos then stole second and on the next pitch proceeded to third on a wild pitch. At that point Mitchel Barylski became one of Putnam’s heroes when he singled home Ramos with the winning run, the title and sealed a perfect 12-0 season.
Davagian pitched seven strong innings for Putnam but by conference regulation was replaced in the eighth inning. Aidan Cinquera, who caught Davagian for seven innings finished up the game and picked up the victory.
“I’m very proud for our kids, our school and our town. It’s so great to see this group of players bring back a winning atmosphere to Putnam. They played hard all season and were fun to coach,” said Coderre.
Putnam reached the finals by beating Helen Baldwin School of Canterbury 8-0 in the semifinals. Barylski and Cinquera combined for a no-hitter in the win.
Coderre said that Barylski, Davagian and Cinquera, all eighth grade students, carried the load on the mound throughout the season for the Wolfpack. When he wasn’t pitching, Cinquera was Putnam’s catcher.
Around the horn, the Putnam infield was composed of Cole Davagian at first base, Kobie Bates and Colin LaCasse at second base, Barylski and Davagian at shortstop and Ramos on the hot corner. Cole Davagian, Bates and Ramos will all be back next season.
Leftfield duties were split by Colin Tatsey and Derek Bichard, while Connor Pellitier patrolled centerfield and Chandon Lamoureux and Tyler LaCasse handled rightfield. Bichard is a seventh grader while the others all graduated this year.
Sixth graders Tanner Clark, Hunter Roberts and Justin St. Martin and seventh grader Gabe Desrosiers rounded out the squad.
“This was not the most talented group of kids I’ve coached but they were the hardest workers. Every player gave 100 percent and got the most out of their potential,” said Coderre, who’s been the head coach of the Wolfpack for six years.
Final Standings
Plainfield under the guidance of coach Jason Chaviaras recently completed its baseball season when the Panthers were dropped in extra innings by Haddam-Killingworth in the CIAC semifinals. The Plainfield book for 2014 was closed with a sparkling 23-4 record.
The Panthers were rewarded for their great season by finishing in the Top Ten in the state’s two most prestigious polls. The New Haven Register had Plainfield ranked 8th behind 7th place Fairfield Prep. Amity High School with a 19-9 record was ranked #1.
The Hartford Courant ranked Plainfield 5th in its final poll. The Courant ranked Rocky Hill (23-2) the top team in the state. Southington High School finished just ahead of the Panthers in 4th place. Coincidentally, Fairfield Prep was ranked 7th by the Courant.
Sign of the Future
Since graduating from the University of Hartford, where he had a stellar career as a member of the Hawks golf team, Matt Smith, the former Tourtellotte Memorial High School links great, has been working diligently to earn a spot on one of the many professional golf tours.
On Monday, June 16 Smith travelled to Black Hall Club in Old Lyme where he participated in the TPC Highlands Travelers Championship Qualifier. Although he didn’t make the cut, only the top four golfers qualified, Smith acquitted himself well.
Smith shot a one under par 70 on the par 71 - 6,636 yard layout. The low score at the Qualifier was 66, produced by well known 49 year old Lee Janzen, who next year will begin play on the Champions Tour. Jason Allred and Mark Turnesa, who also has experience on the PGA Tour, carded 67 to finish ahead of Smith.
This summer Smith has been working at Connecticut National Golf Club and Quinnatisset Country Club and playing as much golf as possible as he continues to hone his skills. He’ll return to Florida in the late fall and plans to go to Q-School once again in an attempt to get a PGA card.
Riding High in the Saddle
Roger LaFrancois sends along word from Sarasota, Fla., that he’s proud of his friend Joel Rosario who was the winning jockey aboard Tonalist in the recent Belmont Stakes. Rosario and his mount edged Commissioner by less than a nose to capture the prestigious race.
RPC’s Closing thought For The Day: If you find a path with no obstacles on it, the chances are that it doesn’t lead anywhere.
(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
..
By Ron P. Coderre
Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa recently announced the arrival of his final recruit for the upcoming 2014-2015 hoop season. The Mustangs received word that Dondre Rhoden from Ridgefield Park Sr. High School in New Jersey will spend a post-graduate season on the Maple St. campus.
Rhoden is a strapping 6-foot, 5-inch player who is capable of playing bigger than his size. He comes to Putnam with three solid years of varsity high school experience under his belt. A player capable of scoring points, Rhoden is most noted for his rebounding ability.
“Dondre Rhoden is an undersized big man who works extremely hard. He’s strong and physical, a quality this year’s team needs to go along with the group of guards who have committed,” said Espinosa.
As a senior, Rhoden was selected First Team Bergen County by the area high school coaches. The Newark Star Ledger named him a 2nd team Bergen County pick. He was also named to New Jersey Hoops All Rebounder 2nd team. Bergen County, located outside of New York City, is a hotbed of high school basketball, producing a number of players who move on to the Division I collegiate ranks.
As a junior at Ridgefield Park, Rhoden averaged 15.7 points and 11 rebounds per game. He also surpassed the 1000 point plateau during his high school career. During his three seasons on the high school hardwood he turned in some huge rebounding performances. He’s had a number of games where he corralled more than 20 caroms.
“In addition to Rhoden’s great rebounding ability the thing that attracted us to him and him to us was his positive attitude. He’s committed to the team concept and appears well suited to fit in with our other recruits,” said Espinosa.
Rhoden, who is ranked among New Jersey Hoops top 75 seniors, joins previously recruited players Tim Quashi, Kaelen Ives, Andrew and Aaron Robinson, Brendan Wagner, Vincent Eze and Taylor Smith. The Mustangs also return 6-8 Mamadou Dhiarra from last year’s 29-5 team that was ranked 5th in the country in the final prep poll.
John F. Kenyon
PUTNAM — John F. Kenyon, 76, of Putnam, died June 15, 2014, at home after a brief illness. He was the husband of Dorothy (Smick) Kenyon.
He was born June 24, 1937, in Putnam, son of John and Kathleen (Watts) Kenyon. He was a construction worker, retiring early due to illness. John was an avid NASCAR fan and loved his John Deere Tractors.
He leaves in addition to his wife Dorothy;, his children, Todd Dexter (Barbara), Shaun Kenyon (Barbara), Debbie Kenyon, Jean Mayo, Kelly French (Tim), Dana Lefebvre (Mark Sr.); his brothers Tom Kenyon (Sue), and Paul Kenyon; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; his care giver during his final days Catrina Kata. He was predeceased by his daughter Donna Tetreault and his sister Joan Kenyon.
The Graveside Service was June 19 in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Smith &Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Richard W. Remillard
PUTNAM — Richard “Bear” W. Remillard, 61, of Bibeault St., died June 22, 2014, at home. He married Jacalyn (Chesser) Remillard on May 25, 1984 in Whipple’s Chapel. Born in 1952 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Cyril and Rachael (Pacheco) Remillard.
Mr. Remillard was employed as a C.N.A. for Westview Nursing Home. He previously worked at Electric Boat as a pipe hanger, and a box maker for Johnson Corrugated. He was a member of the Men’s Auxiliary of the Putnam VFW 1325, the AARP, and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed playing “pitch” at the Putnam Elk’s for over 25 years.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sons, Robert R. Remillard (Angela) of Stafford Springs, and Jesse R. Remillard of Putnam; his brothers, Maurice Remillard (Phyllis) , and Robert Remillard of Thompson; his grandchildren, Caleb Michael Remillard, and Trevor Richard Remillard; his nephew, Maurice; nieces, Tracy, Rachael, and Lisa. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Arthur Pacheco.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. June 28 with a funeral service beginning at 7 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: c/o Jacalyn Remillard for the care of Caleb & Trevor Remillard, 80 Bibeault St., Putnam, CT 06260.
Diana Paetzell
DAYVILLE — Diana Marie (Smith) Paetzell, 60, of Dayville, died June 15, 2014, in Putnam.
She was the daughter of Elaine Mae (Crain) Repsher and the late William Robert Smith. She was predeceased by her husband, Alan Earl Paetzell, to whom she was married on Sept. 30, 1989, in Easton, Penn., and was sealed in the Washington, D.C. temple on April 23, 1999.
She was born in Pen Argyl, Penn. where she grew up and graduated from Pen Argyl Area High School in 1971. She earned her associate’s degree in applied science from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital in 1975. She worked at St. Luke’s Hospital from 1974 to 1988 and was an Adjunct Professor at Northampton County Area Community College from 1984 to 1988. She moved to Connecticut where she was employed at Day Kimball Hospital as an Ultrasound Sonographer starting in 2000. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ashford. Diana loved her pets Bella, Alex and Duncan. She also loved reading, crafts and gardening.
She leaves her daughter, Aliana Jessica Paetzell of Dayville; her mother, Elaine Mae (Crain) Repsher, of Putnam; a brother, Charles Curtis Repsher and sister-in-law, Heidi Marie Repsher of Quakertown, Penn., and niece and nephew, Sara Noelle Repsher and Mark Turner Repsher.
The Funeral was June 20 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ashford. Donations: Aliana Paetzell through the Day Kimball Credit Union. Aliana graduated from HH Ellis Technical High School with the Class of 2014 on June 18. Aliana Paetzell Educational Account at Northeastern CT Healthcare Credit Union, Inc., Day Kimball Hospital, 320 Pomfret Street, Putnam CT, 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Gwendolyn Potter
WOODSTOCK — Gwendolyn Beatrice Withers Potter, 92, of Woodstock, died June 10, 2014, at home. She was the wife of Richard F. Potter. He died Dec. 25, 2012.
She was born Oct. 30, 1921, in Washington, DC, daughter of Ernest and Elsie (Vaughan) Withers Sr.
She was a 1939 graduate of Woodstock Academy. She had a great love for birds and nature’s beauty. Gwendolyn traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. She had a great interest in other cultures. Gwendolyn spent her life caring for others.
She leaves her sons Richard Potter of Cromwell, Dennis Potter of Woodstock, her daughters Patricia Sarasin (Kenneth) of Woodstock; Susan Norris (Scott) of Enfield; siblings William Withers of Auburn, Gladys Ekman of Maryland (formerly of Woodstock), Dorothy Szarkowicz of Ballouville, Sally Hooker of Lubbock, Texas; half-sisters Ruth O’Brien, Mary Knapp, Viola Hull; grandchildren Elizabeth Norris, Lauren Norris, Cassandra Clair, Sharie Potter, Paula Potter; great-grandson Maddox Roy. She was predeceased by her grandson James Clair, brother Ernest Withers, sister Marjorie Potter and daughter-inlaw Judith.
The Graveside Service was June 14 in Center Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Muddy Brook Fire Department, P.O. Box 222, East Woodstock, CT 06244. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Barry G. Baker
FABYAN — Barry G. Baker, 60 of Fabyan, died June 18, 2014, at home.
Barry was born in Norwich, son of the late Lloyd and May (Marquis) Baker and lived in Fabyan most of his life. He was a grocery clerk for many years at Park ‘N Shop in Dudley. He enjoyed yard work, gardening and tinkering.
He leaves his wife of 39 years, Joanne C. (Note) Baker; two sons, Michael Baker of Worcester and Travis Baker of Grafton, Mass.; a daughter, Samantha Baker of Spencer, Mass.; three brothers, Joseph Baker of Fabyan, Mark Baker of N. Grosvenordale and Robert Baker of Wisconsin; two sisters, Linda Gauthier of N. Grosvenordale and Mary Garey of Wisconsin; two grandchildren.
The funeral was private. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Lily Gaucher
PUTNAM — Lily R. (Koff) Gaucher, 68, died June 15, 2014, at home after being stricken ill.
She was born in Norwich and raised in N. Grosvenordale, the daughter of the late John Koff. She moved to Putnam in 1998. She attended Tourtellotte Memorial High School and earned her high school diploma.
Ms. Gaucher first worked in production at Colt’s Plastics in N. Grosvenordale. She then worked at the Putnam Button Factory. She was employed at Jacobs Rubber and then for 26 years at Frito Lay, both in Dayville, retiring in 2011.
She enjoyed collecting hummingbird memorabilia. She was blessed with a green thumb and liked growing plants. She loved the ocean and picnicking.
She leaves two sons, Kenneth C. Carpenter Jr. of N. Grosvenordale and Eugene J. Gaucher Jr. of Thompson; a daughter, Jennifer G. Evans (Trevor) of Sterling; six grandchildren; her mother, Lily (Colbridge) Koff of Dover, Del.; a brother, John Koff of Dover; her lifelong friend, Esther St.Amant of Dayville.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. June 27 with a celebration of her life at 7 at Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.
..