By Ron P. Coderre
Is winning the measure of success in sports? How important are wins in the overall scheme of athletics?
These are question that are often debated when sports people get together for conversation. It’s possible that in professional sports, where teams play for huge purses, it certainly does hold high priority. In the college ranks, especially in NCAA Division I, where vying for a National Championship also brings in huge bucks, it’s a very important measure.
But talk to Charlie Kozey, first-year baseball coach at Woodstock Academy, and you’ll probably get a much different perspective on the answer to the all-important question of winning. Just a few short weeks ago the Academy baseball team completed its season, Kozey’s first as varsity coach, with a 4-16 record, yet Kozey feels that his players were the beneficiaries of numerous factors that equate to success.
Kozey believes that strong organization will build a winning tradition. Putting other factors besides winning and producing one sensational season aside, organization will in the long run create a tradition of winning baseball teams. With that formula in mind, Kozey is creating a system that reaches not only the varsity players but also the junior varsity and freshman teams. Developing fundamentals and a positive attitude will create a rotation of players that will continue to feed the system on an ongoing basis for many spring seasons to come at Woodstock Academy.
“We work on fundamentals, which is often viewed as boring but in my mind is a necessity for success. I try to instill the Centaur pride in all our players. If they play hard all the time it will produce individual and team dividends,” said Kozey.
Woodstock Academy is losing 10 players from the 2013 team. Lost to graduation are Tim Cutler, Jacob Rivard, Mike Thienel, Garrett Ponte, Josh Malboeuf, Matt Fielder, Cody Maiorino, Aaron Mol, Adam Naughton and Ian Converse. Despite this large number Kozey feels his system will produce improvement in the team’s record next year and as the years move on.
Employing the Kozey methodology, the Centaur coach is confident that by inculcating a teaching philosophy and blending players, the winning seasons will take care of themselves. Kozey utilizes his coaching staff so each player in the system gets as much individual work at their position and at the skills such as hitting as they need to become proficient.
“Our coaching staff meets year round. We send the players tips on how to improve their game physically and mentally. And we’re constantly evaluating each player to assure that they get the full benefit of the program,” said Kozey.
Looking forward to next season, Kozey can see his system falling into place. He has a good mix of players returning next season, as well as some players who missed this season due to injuries. Expected back in 2014 are catcher Colby Reggione, center fielder Ben Guimont, pitcher/infielder Benny Ross, 2nd baseman Brody Adams, 3rd baseman Sean Falvey and catcher/infielder J.P. Bergeron. Also expected to return after losing last season to injury are pitcher Wil Bourgeois and pitcher/outfielder Dan Murphy.
“I’m developing a simple coach’s study guide that each player will receive. In it they’ll find helpful hints on things to work on to improve their game. Hopefully by the time next season rolls around we’ll see the benefits of the system taking shape,” said Kozey.
Some of the things Kozey hopes to see happen next year or in the future is a short spring trip out of New England to either Maryland, Pennsylvania or New Jersey where the players and coaches can practice and play a few exhibition games to prepare for the regular schedule. He’s also trusting that the players will take a few minutes in their day to review some of the study guide tidbits. And finally he feels that thinking baseball on a regular basis will instill a winning attitude.
As a player at Woodstock, Kozey was one of the best to ever come out of the Academy. He’s been called by many one of the best detail oriented coaches in Connecticut. It’s now time for him to put his skills and experience to work for his teams, from the varsity level down to the freshmen. By making the Centaurs believers, he’ll also make them winners.
Middle
school
honors
PUTNAM — the fourth marking period honor rolls for the Putnam Middle School include:
Principal’s List
Grade 6: Morgan Blackmar, Emily Cournoyer, Ezra George, Sierra Mainville, Thomas Masso, Lydia Taft, Madison Toutant
Grade 7: Lauren Carita, Doria Daviau, Sophia Glaude, Victor Krivosheev, Sophia LeDuc, Brianna Long, Conor Pellitier, Erica Rumsey, Jason Scott
Grade 8: Andrew Barylski, Hannah Bowen, Zachary Cutler, Angelica Desrosiers, Dakota Gray, Austin Harmon, Jozzlynn Lewis, Alysha Minaya-Torres, Conor Quinn
First Honors
Grade 6: Olivia Allen, Trinity Bailey, Lauren Blackmar, Paige Brennan, Addison Brown, Emma Ciquera, Jacob Clinkscale, Montana Cook, Cole Davagian, Troy Davis, Lauren Deery, Gabriel Desrosiers, Victoria Dias, Seyla Dodge, Jewelia England, Kayleigh Gauvin, Olivia Golbranson, Angelina Gould, Autumn Grimshaw, Kira Horan, Kylye-Annmarie Kupiec, Andrew Kustov, Logan LeBlanc, Kayla MacDonald, Katy Maryanov, Maggie McKeon, Mya Meadows, Chelsea Minaya-Torres, Evan Nicol, Tavia Orvos, Pari Patel, Miranda Pechie, Sebastian Ramos, Jeffrey Reed, Megan Sessums, Megan Shippee, Alexander Strom, Jenna Tatro, Hunter Touchette, Jane Vongvirath, Joshua Waldron, Jillian Williams, Christian Yorz
Grade 7: Mitchel Barylski, Jason Becker, Ashley Burke, Aidan Ciquera, Kira Clinkscale, Scott Davagian, Tyler Fitts, Morgan Foucault, Kerri Fulton, Justin Haynes, Connor Holloman, Allison Lafortune, Tyler Langlois, Madison Laperle, Zachary Lavoie, Veronika Mironova, Alyson Morris, Abram Nichols, Anastasia Piligian, Daniel Porcic, Keely Purdon, Nathan Sarachick, Benjamin Smith, Samantha Tilley
Grade 8: Robyn Alexander, Dominic Bisson, Alyssa Espinosa, Maria Fredette, Delia Hannon, Amanda Janos, Brandon Metivier, Saige Morin, Alycia Normandin, Krystal Parmentier, Sara Perreault, Noah Robert, Lindsay Roberts, Andrew Simmons, Frederic Tucker
Second Honors
Grade 6: Kayla Anderson, Kobie Bates, Spencer Benoit, Mackenzie Blackwell, Christopher Bocash, Karissah Broughton, Shelby Charbonneau, Delaney Cross, Devin Diamond, Michael DiColella, Anna Farland, Melinda Fletcher, Kira Fontaine, Bryce Hosaflook, Julia Loomis, Michael Mard, Anastasiya Mironova, Alexa Steinbrick, Yelisey Strukov, Jacob Tremblay
Grade 7: Hayden Belliveau, Hailey Bocash, Brandon Cacciapuoti, Kimberly Crowell, Ashley Danis, Elizabeth Garner, Jaidyn Gillette, Tyler Hayward, Natalie Ionkin, Aliceya Labonte, Colin LaCasse, Tyler LaCasse, Chandon Lamoureux, Jasmin Montpelier, Ericka Olsen, Christopher Plante, Hannah Prestas, Colin Tatsey, Kayla Vanesse
Grade 8: Zachary Davis, Mathew DeCosta, Eric DesRosiers, Julie Fisk, Zakkary French, Jasmyn Holman, Dimitri Key, Aylissa Kruger, Zachary Mayo, Keegan McOsker, Alyssa Peterson, James Sabourin, Veniamin Strukov, Hannah Twerdy, Ryan Whitehouse, Ali Zadziejko.
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent to former and current part time Putnam resident Rev. Larry LaPointe. Although he never proclaimed to be a great athlete, Father LaPointe, a Roman Catholic priest, has ministered to college students and athletes at Eastern Connecticut State University and Connecticut College for decades. Wherever he goes he’s greeted by ex-jocks with a friendly and familiar “Hi Father Larry.”
A huge throng of family, friends, and fellow military and professional acquaintances packed cavernous St. Mary Church in Putnam June 28 for a farewell salute to a Putnam pillar of the community Stanley A. Scraba.
Scraba died from failing health on Feb. 11, 2013, at his winter home in Florida with his wife, Joan Trudeau-Scraba of more than 60 years and some family members by his side. On Friday his ashes were brought to the church he attended as a young man. He was sent to his final resting place with full military pomp and circumstance. Later, following a Mass of Christian Burial conducted by family friend, Father Larry LaPointe, Scraba’s ashes were interred in the family plot at St. Mary Cemetery with a similar military goodbye.
In a move contrary to funeral tradition, following opening prayers, Scraba’s son, U.S. Army Brigadier General Mark Scraba delivered a eulogy filled with reminiscences of his dad’s accomplishment-filled life. Referring to his father as “Stan The Man,” “Stosh” and “General,” he regaled those in attendance with stories that brought both tears and laughter to everyone present.
The touching service was one filled with participation by the entire Scraba family, including grandchildren. Readings were done by Scraba’s youngest son Sean Scraba, an Army vet and former Putnam High School football standout, and his son U.S. Coast Guard Captain Christopher Scraba, also a former standout athlete.
Susan Johnston, the oldest of the Scraba children and a woman much like her dad, a teacher and public servant, read the general intercessions. Paula Scraba, a former certified basketball official and currently a professor at St. Bonaventure University, distributed communion along with Father LaPointe and Maurice “Moe” Coderre, who assisted at Mass.
Music for the service was provided by Louise and Helene Labelle. Jared Trudeau, a member of the family, held the audience spellbound with his a cappella renditions of “Ave Maria,” “God Bless America” and “On Eagle’s Wings.”
Until his dying breath, Scraba was a visionary who loved Putnam and northeastern Connecticut. He held numerous professional positions in his lifetime, including teacher, coach, businessman, National Guard General, school administrator, alderman, government official, and community servant to name a few.
As Putnam said its goodbye to Stanley A. Scraba he will always be remembered as a faithful husband, father and grandfather; a loyal friend; and a mentor to the many who called on him for advice, a listening ear or solace in times of need.
God speed, good and faithful servant Stanley A. Scraba. Rest in peace.
National Honors for Trainer
with Eastford Connections…
Jennifer Brodeur, associate head athletic trainer at the University of Massachusetts, was honored on June 26 by being named the Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) at its annual meeting and clinical symposium in Las Vegas. The award, for exceptional service and voted on nationally, is only given to one individual in collegiate sports per year.
Brodeur has an extensive background in athletic training, which helped merit her recognition. She’s a 1991 graduate of Ohio University and gained a master’s degree from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee in 1993. As a high school student-athlete at Bishop Watterson in Columbus, Ohio, she was a standout field hockey player and was named All-Central Ohio at goalkeeper.
Her professional career has included chief athletic trainer at the basketball site for the 100th Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996; athletic trainer at Fordham University from 1998 through 2001; and athletic trainer at Providence College from 2001 through 2006. Prior to moving to UMass she worked for the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun women’s professional basketball team.
Currently at UMass, Brodeur is only one of a few women in the country serving as the head athletic trainer for a major collegiate football team. Previously she was recognized in 2009 with the Athletic Trainer Service Award in San Antonio, Texas. The award is given for service on a national, local, state and district level.
Ms. Brodeur is the president-elect of the Eastern Athletic Trainers Association, which covers schools from Maine to Maryland. She is a past president of ATOM, Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts and the Rhode Island Trainers Association. She’s the daughter of Art and Lennox Brodeur of Eastford.
Keeping Up
With The Big Leaguers…
Baseball’s Major League rosters current have three Eastern Connecticut products who continue to make the news and gain recognition for our area. Matt Harvey of the New York Mets, Rajai Davis of the Toronto Blue Jays and John MacDonald of the Philadelphia Phillies has been making the headlines of late.
MacDonald, a local favorite and Big Leaguer for more than 10 years, has been hop scotching the country of late. He started the season in spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks but was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training. Shortly after the start of the season, the Buccaneers traded Johnny Mac to the team he started with originally, the Cleveland Indians. Recently, the Tribe placed him on assignment and traded him to his fourth home this season with the Phillies.
Due to his vagabond life style this season, MacDonald hasn’t been able to settle in offensively. He continues to be a valuable defensive asset for whatever team he plays with.
Harvey has been the pitching sensation of the season, touted by many as the best pitcher in the Majors at this point. He sports a 7-1 record for the struggling Mets who haven’t given him much run support. With any luck he could easily be 12-1. His earn run average is a minuscule 2.00 and he leads the National League with 132 strikeouts. Many are suggesting he’ll be the starting pitcher for the National League in the 2013 All Star game scheduled for his home park, Citi Field.
Davis, who is Toronto’s backup outfielder, has been making the most of every opportunity for the injury plagued Blue Jays outfield. The speedy fly chaser has been filling in admirably at every outfield position. In addition his bat has been red hot, as he’s sporting a .314 average. Always a threat on the base paths, Davis has 18 stolen bases to his credit. In a recent game at Fenway Park against the Red Sox he turned in a spectacular leaping catch off the bat of Dustin Pedroia in front of the Green Monster.
From The Annals
of Putnam Sports History…
July 1906: C.A.C. of Putnam defeated the Slaters from Webster in semi-pro baseball 3-0 in front of 600 fans. The game was played in one-hour, 35 minutes. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Borrow money from a pessimist – they won’t expect to get it back.
Rene P. Raymond
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Rene P. Raymond passed in Winter Haven, died Dec. 23, 2012. He was the son of the late William and Regina Bergeron Raymond. He married Lena K. Jones on Jan. 11, 1941. She died Sept. 25, 1985.
He was born Oct. 21, 1917. He attended St. Joseph School and Tourtellotte Memorial High School.
He was an avid golfer. He belonged to Indian Springs Golf Course, where he along with friends started a senior league. He golfed until he was 90.
He always said “I grew up in the best of times, and I have had a very good life”.
He leaves his daughter Janice and her husband Roland Benoit of Florida, his granddaughter Denise Roireau, great-grandson Kieffer, great-granddaughter Sierra Roireau, all of Putnam. He was predeceased by his brothers Arthur and Edward, his sisters Eva LaChance and Catherine Gagne.
A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. July 20, at St. Joseph’s Church, 12 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Etta Perry
Etta (Surprise) Ezzell Perry “Ms. Esther”, 79, died June 30, 2013.
She leaves five children Jason Perry , Randy, Marcy, Jody, and Jamie Ezzell; a brother Frank Surprise (Florence); six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her twin sister Loretta Magdal and a sister Lillian Lamonthe.
The funeral was private. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Rita R. Gratton
PUTNAM — Rita R. Gratton, 87, of Harrison Street, died July 7, 2013, after a two year battle with cancer. She was the wife of the late Roger A. Gratton who died in 2005. Born in 1926 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Amedee and Albina (Rayno) Leduc.
Mrs. Gratton was a homemaker who enjoyed reading and playing bingo. She was a graduate of Putnam Catholic Academy.
She leaves her sons, Roger R. Gratton (Ann) of Pomfret Center, Richard P. Gratton and his companion Richard of Putnam, and Arthur P. Gratton of Putnam; grandchildren, Roger, David, Wayne, Mark, Beth, and Eric; and her great-grandsons, Owen, Trenton, and Jarod. In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her daughter, Elaine M. Gratton, her brothers, Arthur Leduc, and Victor Leduc; and her sister, Stella Rondeau.
Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. July 10, in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: John Dempsey Regional Center, 376 Pomfret St., Putnam, CT 06260.
Kenneth H. Healey
WOODSTOCK — Kenneth Holmes Healey went home to be with his Lord on June 28, 2013. He was born on May 9, 1931, to Ewart and Ruth Witter Healey. He grew up on Echo Farm in Woodstock, graduating from Woodstock Academy in 1949.
Kenneth was a dairy farmer for many years, and then he delighted in growing flowers, fruits and vegetables.
He spent his life serving Jesus Christ, working in the church, supporting missions, and enjoying people.
He leaves his wife of 62 years, Sonja Lindgren Healey; four daughters: Ruth Ann and Joe Mauk, Philippines, their children Martha and Udo Goebel, Rachel and Shane Stevenson, Elizabeth and Dominique Marandola, Priscilla and Andrew Leighton and Miriam and EJ Bongolan. Joy and Jimmy Ng, Alaska, their children Suzanne and Matthew Jensen, Jenny and Sean Hoffert, and Sarah Ng. Heidi and Harvey Payne, South Carolina, their children Sonja and Don Jaques, Wesley and Sarah Payne, and Linnea Payne. Amy and Rick Vinal, Woodstock Farms, their children Brian and Dona Vinal, Holly and Christopher Crellin, Thomas Vinal, and Melody and Michael Yargeau. Ken and Sonja; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Donations: Eastford Baptist Church Missions Committee, 133 Union Road, Eastford, CT 06242; or the South Woodstock Baptist Church Expansion Fund, PO Box 86, Woodstock, CT 06281.
Jacqueline Natorski
BROOKLYN — Jacqueline Trahan Natorski of Brooklyn, and Lake Placid, Fla., died July 2, 2013. She was the wife of Theodore J. Natorski.
She was born March 25, 1927, in Putnam, daughter of the Albert and Helena (Corriveau) Trahan. She was a graduate of Killingly High School, Class of 1945, and then attended Saint Francis School of Nursing. Jacqueline was employed by hospitals in New York City, Miami, and locally at Day Kimball. She married Theodore in 1951 and after her children were born devoted her time to raising her family. Jackie enjoyed playing golf, tennis, bridge, reading and arts and crafts. She was a fantastic cook and loved traveling with her family.
She leaves her husband Theodore J. Natorski of Brooklyn; sons Theodore J. Natorski Jr. (Lisa) of Farmington Hills, Mich., David P. Natorski (Claudia) of Hebron; grandchildren: Nicole and husband Brian, Michael, Alexander, and Miles. Jackie was predeceased by her mother, father, brother Charles, infant daughter Nancy, and daughter Susan.
A Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. July 15 in Our Lady of LaSalette Church, Brooklyn, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Sue Ann Parker
PUTNAM — Sue Ann (Doucette) Parker, 60, of Farrows St., died July 2, 2013, in UMass Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of the late Robert “Bob” Clark Parker. Born in 1952 in Chelsea, Mass., she was the daughter of Blanche (Curran) Doucette of Putnam, and the late Ernest Doucette.
Mrs. Parker worked as a homemaker. She loved to read, listen to Elvis Presley and had a big heart.
In addition to her mother, she leaves her son, John Rogers of Putnam; her daughter Amaris Rogers of Putnam; her brothers, Joe Ducette of Putnam, Mark Ducette of Danielson, and Bill Ducette of Texas; her sisters, Sandy Barrows of Putnam, Ronda Young of Danielson, Ruth LaPoint of Danielson, Patty Hurn of Danielson; and three grandchildren, Airman Cammron Jewell, Darien Jewell, and Makayla Rogers.
Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. July 12 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. in the funeral home.
Beausoleil Service
PUTNAM — A Memorial Service for Robert “Rosie” Beausoleil will be held at 10 a.m. July 20 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation. Following the graveside service, the family would like to invite anyone who would like to celebrate his life to join them at approximately 12:30 p.m. at the Laurel House, 8 Tracy Road, Dayville. If anyone has photos they would like to share, please scan and e-mail to me:
Roland Vandale Sr.
BALLOUVILLE — Roland D. Vandale Sr., 93, formerly of Ballouville, died June 30, 2013, at Regency Heights in Danielson. He was born April 3, 1920, in Danielson, son of the late Felix and Enilda (Brisbois) Vandale.
He was the husband of the late Kazmiera (Grzysiewicz) Vandale. Roland went to St. James Catholic School, Falls School in Norwich, Norwich Free Academy, and Putnam Trade School for carpentry and machinery. He enlisted into the CT National Guard Nov. 25, 1940. He was inducted into Federal Service Feb. 24, 1941.
He completed Engineer Officer Candidate School on June 24, 1942 and he was commissioned until Jan. 24, 1946.
His service separation was March 13, 1947, as a Major, Corps of Engineers for the Army of the United States. While in the army he traveled to Guam, Hawaii, Okinawa, Ie Shima, Philippines and the U.S. Roland was awarded A Bronze Star Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with three Bronze service stars with arrowhead, WWII Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze service star, Honorable Service Lapel Button WW II, Sharp Shooter Badge with carbine bar, CT Veterans War time service Medal, Philippine Presidential unit Citation Badge.
He was employed by the State of Connecticut Consumer Protection Division of Weights and Measures until retiring.
Roland also loved woodworking and gardening. He was a communicant of St. Anne’s Church.
He leaves three sons; Roland “Danny” Vandale (Joan) of N. Stonington, James Vandale (Renae) of Sterling, and Mark Vandale (Deborah) of Shelburne Falls, Mass.; daughter Nancy Young (Dan) of Plattsmouth, Neb.; 1 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a fifth generation great-great granddaughter. He was predeceased by nine siblings.
The Mass of Christian Burial was July 8 at St. Joseph Church, Dayville, burial with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Lorraine (Lajoie) Breault
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Lorraine A. (Lajoie) Breault, 83, of Jacksonville, formerly of N. Grosvenordale, died Monday, July 1, 2013, at the Atrium Nursing facility in Jacksonville, after a long battle with Alzheimers.
She was the wife of the late Norman E. Breault for 62 years. Born in 1930 in N. Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Exeas and Alice (Bellerose) Lajoie.
She leaves a son Jeffery and his wife Pam of Jacksonville, and their children Harrison and Peyton; daughter Nicole and her husband Vince of Virginia; sisters, Claire Bosse (Paul) of California, Louise Robbins (Russell) of Thompson, Marguerite Piekarczyk of Dudley; her brothers, Roland Lajoie (Lillian) of Florida, Eugene Lajoie (Liz) of Florida, Norman Lajoie (Joyce) of Putnam, Paul Lajoie and his close friend Ray Lamiotte of Quinebaug.
She was predeceased by her sisters Theresa Beauregard, Rachel Gibson; brothers, Philip Lajoie and Gerard Lajoie.
A private service will be held at a later date in Jacksonville.