Putnam Science Academy announced April 20 the hiring of Stewart Wright as an associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the girls’ prep soccer team.
Wright spent the last two-and-a-half years as an assistant coach for St. Michael’s College women’s soccer team and will team with head coach Jen Bennett to lead a PSA soccer program that went 8-1 in 2019, its first year as a program.
“I’m really excited to be part of this,” said Wright, 34. “I think it’s really cool that they just started out last year but had such great success. There is such a good start here and I think we can take this program wherever we want it to go.”
Wright, a native of Utah, said his main priority will be recruiting, and he hopes to have a full summer to do so. He said the other part of his job is to be there for Bennett and “helping her do whatever she needs me to help with to keep things moving forward with this program and the girls.”
While at St. Michael’s, Stewart was in charge of film sessions and scouting, among other responsibilities. He has also coached at the high school level in Utah.
“Stewart will be a great addition to our girls’ soccer program,” said PSA Athletic Director Tom Espinosa. “He has good experience at several levels, including Division II college. And in my conversations with him, he brings a lot of energy and excitement to everything he does. We’re glad to have him on board.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Ryan Dunnigan is ready to get going.
The 26-year-old was hired this week as Putnam Science Academy’s new boys’ prep soccer coach and he is looking to make connections right away.
“I’m ready to start reaching out to guys on the current roster and start getting to know them as best I can,” Dunnigan said. “You’d certainly like to do it in person, but the most important thing is making sure they can start feeling comfortable with me as a coach. There is always some uncertainty when there’s change, and I just want to make sure these kids know that I have their best interests in mind.”
Dunnigan comes to PSA from Post University in Waterbury, were he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for a team that has won back-to-back conference championships and earned a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division II Tournament last season.
That recruiting piece will certainly come in handy as Dunnigan has built up a lot of contacts with different international agencies. PSA’s soccer team, like Post’s, has a distinctive international flavor. The Mustangs, who went 8-2 last year and finished No. 4 in the country, were comprised of top-level players from around the globe, most notably from Sprain, Brazil, Italy, and South Africa.
“Recruiting is one of those things I have always been passionate about,” said Dunnigan, who grew up a fan of Chelsea in the Premier League. “Coaching is great, obviously, but I really am passionate about recruiting. Watching film, watching them play in person, seeing what they have a taste for.
“I’ll be utilizing my contacts to continue to build a diverse program, but also to bring along some domestic kids as well and work to expand there.”
Having players from different parts of the world can pose problems in terms style and philosophy.
“It comes down to coaching style and really hammering that home every day,” Dunnigan said. “I like to play possession-based. Regardless of where the kids are coming from, you’re looking for guys who fit your system and style.
“I know there’s already a great foundation built here in just the three years the school has had a program. Talented players are coming here and I just want to continue to grow this thing and help these young men grow and develop on and off the field.”
PSA is offering partial scholarships of $29,100 to any senior soccer player— boy or girl — who is not yet signed to play in college, as the coronavirus pandemic has shut down the regular recruiting window this spring and into the summer, limiting options for many seniors. But a postgrad year at PSA is an option that Dunnigan will certainly emphasize.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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PUTNAM --- Santa and his reindeer aren't on vacation. They've been enlisted to boost hard-hit Putnam restaurants.
For the next month, the old Santa and reindeer statues have been encased and will be appearing in various spots in Putnam to remind folks that many restaurants are still open for take-out and curbside meals.
Each week Santa will tell the town what his "challenge food" is for the weekend.
According to Recreation Director Willie Bousquet, Santa let him know that this weekend's challenge is to "enjoy a burger this weekend." The list of participating restaurants is on page 8.
Who knows what the food challenge will be next week ... Santa is a mysterious guy!
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Fund-raising Machines
Members of the Putnam Rotary Club were everywhere and raising money in dozens of ways to benefit local organizations and an international project, as well. Courtesy photo.
Before the COVID 19 virus put the brakes on the Putnam Rotary Club’s fund-raising, the club was able to raise an impressive $110,000 for local groups and an international water project.
Club President Richard Naumann said the club recently made donations totaling $110,000.
The funds came from the Lobster Fest, the ever-popular Rose Sale, its 2-20 game, the golf tournament and grants awarded by the Rotary Foundation, Rotary District and Rotary International. In addition, each Rotarian has made generous donations to the club throughout the year, in various ways.
Beneficiaries include: Arc of Eastern Connecticut, Camp Quinebaug, Community Café, Daily Bread, Day Kimball Healthcare, NECT Cancer Fund, NOW, Richard Franklin Memorial Fund, Scouting, Shelterbox USA, TEEG, United Services, Windham-Tolland 4-H Foundation, Hale YMCA, scholarships. In addition to those local beneficiaries, the club is helping to fund an international project — the Ecuador Water Project. The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association and the Bungay Fire Brigade also received donations for equipment.
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