Right now, the Woodstock Academy boys’ and girls’ indoor track teams are just trying to find out where their next meet is.
The indoor track season has been thrown up in the air due to the Coast Guard Academy facility being unavailable this season.
“It’s been a weird season without Coast Guard. Everybody is trying to figure out the schedule late and now things are changing and I’m trying to figure out what will mesh with our schedule and be best for the kids,” said coach Josh Welch.
The Centaurs, currently, are next looking to compete at the Bethel Invitational on Jan. 7. “There is great competition there, Bethel has some great kids. They pull eight teams from all over Connecticut and upstate New York so we will see a bunch of people we don’t normally see. I think they are sticking with the teams that were there (last year) and it was a very competitive meet for a small meet. It’s our best bet,” Welch said.
They are then slated to have some of the athletes compete in a pentathlon event at Bethel on Jan. 21 and in an ECC event in Providence on Jan. 22.
There is also the possibility of an ECC meet prior to the league championship which was originally scheduled for Feb. 4 but may change.
Stay tuned.
The Centaurs did open the season on the day after Christmas as they traveled to Providence Tech for an ECC developmental meet.
The timing wasn’t the best as only about half of the 50 athletes Woodstock has out for indoor track made the trip.
There were also 17 schools competing which made for a long day.
“It’s a huge meet and it’s incredibly long,” Welch said.
The competition itself took about six hours with Welch spending half of that time judging the boys’ high jump as all coaches had to officiate an event.
“There were 130 boys and 130 girls signed up for the (55m) dash and it took about an hour and a half to two hours just to complete the dash,” Welch said.
For the meets held in Providence, teams are allowed to put an unlimited number of entries into an event, however, no singular athlete can do more than two events.
“What makes us a competitive team is like what we do at the ECC’s and State meets where kids triple (event), can handle it and are training for it. (In this format), They don’t get a chance to do all the events they normally do so we couldn’t run a 4x400m because of our attendance and limitations of athletes. We will be permitted to do, at least, three events at Bethel which means we will have a chance to qualify some relay teams,” Welch said. “There are a lot of pros to the Providence meets. It’s a great facility and it’s nice to have a lot of competition but, holy cow, they are long and the restrictions on the kids are not ideal.”
Girls’ Results
The Woodstock sophomore finished first in the 300-meter in 45.15 seconds, good enough to qualify for state competition coming up in February.
“She really dominated that 300,” Welch said. “She may have won by only a half a second, but there was no real push on her for most of the race. She looked pretty casual. I think she will do great things in that event which is pretty awesome because her outdoor 300m hurdles is also a major focus for her and it will help her gear up for that.”
Allard also qualified for state competition in the 55-meter dash where she finished third in 7.88 seconds.
Senior Magdalena Myslenski also qualified for the States in a pair of events.
She finished third in the shotput with a throw of 28-feet, 10-inches and also came up big in the pole vault where she cleared the bar at 8-6.
“Magda was a surprise in pole vault. We really just started to get kids in the air and that was the first time she cleared a height since last spring. She did a great job,” Welch said.
Myslenski did so largely without Welch being around as he was stuck at the high jump.
Jillian Edwards finished fourth in the 55m hurdles to qualify for States in that event, she also placed third in the high jump by clearing the bar at 4-6.
The 4x800m relay team did compete and finished second in 11 minutes, 36.27 seconds.
Boys’ Results
The Centaurs boys put together a first-place finish as the sprint medley team of Owen Tracy, Joel Koleszar, Charles Caggiano and Ethan Brierly took first in four minutes, 18 seconds in the season-opening Providence event.
Sophomore Christian Menounos picked up where he left off in the cross-country season.
Menounos qualified for state competition with a 2:50 finish, good enough for fifth overall in the meet, in the 1000-meter.
“Both he and Vince Bastura were hitting their personal bests from last season on Race 1 of this season which is great to see," Welch said.
Menounos joined Bastura, Caggiano and Colton Sallum in the 4x800m and the team finished second overall in 8:50.83 to also qualify for state competition.
Bastura also qualified in an individual event as the senior placed third in the 1600m in 4:42. “Vince ran a smooth mile and looked very good. I know he has a lot of time to drop, too, and that will come along in the next couple of weeks,” Welch said.
Senior Jared Eaton qualified for the States in the shotput with a 42-1 ½ throw, good for third place in Providence.
Liam Wilcox had two personal bests as he finished fourth in the 55m hurdles (9.99 seconds) and fourth in the high jump (5-4).
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy

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PUTNAM — Charles L Mahoney, 93, of Hawkins Rd., died peacefully on Dec. 20, 2022. He was born in 1929 in Newton, Mass., the son of the late Charles S. Mahoney and Ellen (LeBlanc) Mahoney.
Chuck graduated from Boston University with an accounting degree where he was a 3-letter sports athlete and held the Mass. state record for the long jump for over three decades. Chuck loved going to do his homework in the bleachers at Fenway as a student and got free admission. He also graduated from the Bentley school of accounting. Working as the controller at two manufacturing plants Chuck treated his workers as family. An accountant born on April 15; he did numerous folks’ taxes for years. He also was an alderman and town treasurer for the town of Putnam and was fond of all the people at the town hall.
Chuck loved the beach and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the Irish Hibernian society in Worchester, and the VFW post #1523 in Putnam as past post Commander and quartermaster there for decades. Chuck always led the parade color guard for decades with the American flag flying, and he considered it a high honor.  He was also a member of The American Legion 1523 and Knights of Columbus #64 in Putnam. He was proud to have a son and grandson also fourth-degree Knights whose mission of charity, fraternity, patriotism, and unity as a good Catholic gentleman.
A decorated Korean war veteran was promoted to sergeant E -5 after capturing a platoon of enemy soldiers outnumbered 10 to one as he held his ground. Always a patriot he was as proud American as you will ever see.
He leaves his brother, Dan and wife Alice, who were always there for him as well as his eight children, Chuck Jim, Kevin, Neal, Karen, Burke, Brian, Jane Theroux, and Michael; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his former wife, Ann (Luker) Mahoney; partner, Joan Labonte; his sisters, Mary Hanlon and Alice Dunn as well as brother, John.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 30 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Gilman Funeral Home 104 Church Street, Putnam.

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Wed. Jan. 4
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library series will present “Old and New – paintings by Jean Arcand” through Jan. 30. In the display case, through Jan. 30 will be “Quilted Bags” by Laura Salo. 860-923-9779.

Sat. Jan. 7
Service
BROOKLYN --- The public is invited to a Healing service at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church at the intersection of routes 6 and 169. The service will include healing prayer, acoustic music and Holy Communion. Sunday services are held at 10 a.m. in-person and on Facebook. http://www.trinitychurchbrooklyn.org.

Food Drive
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietor’s Food Drive to benefit TEEG’s Pomfret Community Market will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pomfret Senior Center. Nonperishable pantry Items, canned meats and vegetables and dessert mixes are much appreciated. Representatives from Berkshire Hathaway will be there to collect donations.

Wed. Jan. 11
Food Pantry
KILLINGLY --- The Access Community Mobile Food Pantry will be at the Killingly Public Library parking lot from noon to 2:15 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 14
Breakfast
PUTNAM --- The Living Faith UMC on Grove Street will host its annual MLK Jr. Breakfast, starting with breakfast at 8:30 and the program, featuring Dr. Cheryl Boots, B.U. professor, at 9:15. Free to all. Donations welcome.

Winter Bonfire
THOMPSON --- The Annual Winter Bonfire will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Duhamel Pond (across from the Thompson community center/Library). Music. Bring your ice skates (weather permitting).

Sun. Jan. 15
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open House will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration materials available. Early bird discounts available:  www.4hcampct.org

Wed. Jan. 18
Outdoor Program
POMFRET --- Ragged Hill Woods “Evergreen Identification” outdoor program will be held at 10 a.m. and at 4:30 p.m. at Windham Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road for children from PK – Grade 8.   $20 per child. Register:  860-974-1122.

Thur. Jan. 19
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road will present “Winter Hike – Nightingale Forest South,” at 10 a.m. Deep snow will cancel. $5, CAS members; $10 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Fri. Jan. 20
‘The Sunshine Boys’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20, 21, 27 and 28 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 22 and 29. $23 for adults; $20 for students, seniors, first responders and military. www.thebradleyplayhouse.org.

Sat. Jan. 21
‘The Sunshine Boys’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21, 27 and 28 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 22 and 29. $23 for adults; $20 for students, seniors, first responders and military. www.thebradleyplayhouse.org.

Wildlife Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a program on coyotes at 1 p.m. at the center on Day Road. CAS, $5; $10 for nonmembers. No charge for children 12 and under. For info and reservations: 860-928-4948; ctaudubon.org/Pomfret.

Sun. Jan. 22
‘The Sunshine Boys’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 22 and 29. $23 for adults; $20 for students, seniors, first responders and military. www.thebradleyplayhouse.org.

Wed. Jan. 25
Outdoor Program
POMFRET ---Ragged Hill Woods “Animal Tracking” outdoor program will be presented at 10 a.m. and at 4:30 p.m. at Windham Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road for children from PK – Grade 8.   $20 per child. Register:  860-974-1122.

Thur. Jan. 26
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center will present “Bird Walk at the Quinebaug Valley Fish Hatchery in Plainfield” at 9 a.m. on Jan. 26 and on Feb. 23. $10, CAS members; $20 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Fri. Jan. 27
‘The Sunshine Boys’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 22 and 29. $23 for adults; $20 for students, seniors, first responders and military. www.thebradleyplayhouse.org.

Sat. Jan. 28
‘The Sunshine Boys’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 29. $23 for adults; $20 for students, seniors, first responders and military. www.thebradleyplayhouse.org.

Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road will present the opening reception for “Trail Wood Reflections,” an Edwin Way Teale Artists & Writers In-Residence 10th Anniversary Exhibition at 2 p.m. The exhibit runs through March 18. Snow date March 18. 860-928-4948.

Sun. Jan. 29
‘The Sunshine Boys’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon at 2 p.m. Jan. 29. $23 for adults; $20 for students, seniors, first responders and military. www.thebradleyplayhouse.org.

Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 1 to 3 p.m. Suggested supplies: watercolor sketchbook, permanent marker, portable watercolor kit, small cup to hold water and paper towels. Also being held Feb. 25 and March 25. CAS members, $15; $25 nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.

Wed. Feb. 1
Outdoor Program
POMFRET --- Ragged Hill Woods “Hibernation” outdoor program at 10 a.m. and at 4:30 p.m. at Windham Tolland 4-H Camp, Taft Pond Road for children from PK – Grade 8.   $20 per child. Register: 860-974-1122.

Wed. Feb. 8
Outdoor Program
POMFRET --- Ragged Hill Woods “Snow/Igloos” outdoor program at 10 a.m. and at 4:30 p.m. at Windham Tolland 4-H Camp, Taft Pond Road for children from PK – Grade 8.   $20 per child. Register: 860-974-1122.

Wed. Feb. 22
Outdoor Program
POMFRET --- Ragged Hill Woods “Basket Weaving” outdoor program at 10 a.m. and at 4:30 p.m. at Windham Tolland 4-H Camp, Taft Pond Road for children from PK – Grade 8.   $20 per child. Register: 860-974-1122.

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