Centaur boys’ track finally prevails in dual meet
The stated goal of the Woodstock Academy boys’ track team was to win a dual meet this season. It didn’t take long to accomplish.
The Centaurs ended the winless drought, which had gone back to 2021, as they captured an 81-67 win over Stonington on the road.
“We have lots of dedicated kids on this team that wanted a win,” said coach Gerry LaMontagne. I had been prepping them in the lead up to the meet that this would be a very close but winnable meet.”
How invested were they?
According to LaMontagne, everyone was paying close attention to the score as the event results came in.
“When we clinched the win after the 3200-meter race, word spread fast and you could just see the excitement,” the coach said.
The Centaurs didn’t just win the 3200m, they swept the top three spots led by senior Colton Sallum who also won the 1600m race and was second in the 800m.
“We asked a lot of him, having him run the unusual triple (the three longest races of the meet) and he delivered spectacularly. He even did well in the 800m which is not a race that he focuses on,” LaMontagne said.
In addition to sweep the 3200, the Centaurs also swept the top three spots in the 1600m.
The distance events were supposed to help carry the load for Woodstock this season along with the weight events.
Distance did its job, so did the throwers.
LaMontagne said, “I put pressure on both groups on the way down, telling the throwers that they had to dominate,”
Junior Eli Manning delivered the expected as he finished first in both the shotput and javelin and David Sumner helped with a first place in the discus.
“In total, we got six of the nine places in the throws. Job done,” LaMontagne said.
Senior Christian Menounos won the 400m, anchored the 4x800m relay which brought home a first-place finish and was second in the 200m.
Thatcher Paterson won the triple jump and was second in the long jump.
The Centaurs are hoping it could be a boost for the Eastern Connecticut Conference Division I battles that lie ahead against the likes of East Lyme, Fitch and Norwich Free Academy.
“I think this can be a confidence boost in the short term but confidence can be a fickle beast. Certainly, any sense that this team is jinxed should be gone. That being said, you never know how kids will respond. Now, it’s my job to strike a balance between giving credit but also pointing out where we can be better. The work is just beginning,” LaMontagne said.
Girls’ Track
There were a lot of things to like for the girls’ track team as it opened the season against Stonington. The Centaurs overwhelmed the host Bears 119 2/3 – 22 1/3.
“Definitely happy with the first meet,” coach Josh Welch said. “Great engagement from all of the kids, lots of team support and energy throughout. We had some solid first performances which I expect to see progress significantly once we start seeing some reasonable weather conditions.”
The Centaurs put all the challenging weather behind them and not only bested Stonington in the dual meet but also qualified for the Class MM state championships in 13 different events.
Two relay teams started things right as both finished first and qualified for state competition.
The quartet of Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain, Olivia Tracy, Bella Amlaw and Kira Greene finished in 10 minutes 48 seconds in the 4x800m.
Teagan Maloney, Emma Weitknecht, Elise Coyle and Juliet Allard won the 4x100m in 51.5 seconds.
The Centaurs followed that up with a sweep in the 200m as Allard, Weitknecht and Maloney finished 1-2-3.
The Centaurs also swept the shotput competition as Avery Plouffe, Lily Morgis and Kiley Elliott occupied the top three spots.
D’Alleva-Bochain, Morgis and Plouffe swept the javelin; Morgis and Plouffe were first and second in the discus.
Finnley Syphers, Emma Quinney and Kaitlyn Teal were the top three finishers in the pole vault while Coyle, Teal and Ella Lidonde swept the long jump.
Weitknecht won the 100m hurdles in 16.44 seconds; Coyle was best in the 400m (62.42 seconds) and Olivia Tracy won the 3200m and was second in the 800m.
Allard, Coyle, Weitknecht and Maloney capped off the day with a win in the 4x400m.
“Our usual suspects were doing the heavy lifting. Juliet Allard did a fantastic job in each event, and helped others to do the same. It was encouraging to see Olivia Tracy open the season with a personal best in the 800m after an excellent leg in the 4x800m as well. Freshman Teagan Maloney did very well for a first high school meet, and shows a lot of promise this season, and we’re starting to see more from Finley Syphers at the vault as she qualified for states right away this season,” Welch said.
The 4x400m group put down the fastest time (4:15.86) thus far this season in the state. The 4x800m and 4x100m are in the top 10. Allard is second in the 300m hurdles, D’Alleva-Bochain tops in javelin and Weitknecht is fourth in the 100m hurdles.
It is exciting to see that we are putting down times and distances that rank highly statewide,” Welch said. “I like seeing that their performances are competitive to where we were last year, and in some cases significantly better, at this time in the season. It speaks well for what we can do at the state meet provided we can keep everyone healthy and moving in the right direction. I’m particularly interested to seeing what our 4x100 and 4x400m relays will accomplish this year.”
Of course, it was just the first meet of the season and there is a long way to go.
“We will definitely need to see those continued efforts from our multi-event athletes this season to take on some of the bigger teams. This was a dry run at that for some of our athletes, others had a lighter schedule than they will carry later in the season and we’re building up towards that,” Welch said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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Thomas C. Morrarty
VERO BEACH, Fla. — Thomas C. Morrarty, 55 of Vero Beach, FL., loving son of Kathryn Casey, died March 29, 2025. He was born in 1970 in Putnam at Day Kimball Hospital and lived in Pomfret for many years before moving to Vero Beach. Tom filled our lives with love from the moment he was born.
Tom began his career as a dispatcher for the Putnam Special Services District. He then worked as a correctional officer for the State of Connecticut for 20 years in the Brooklyn, York and Corrigan facilities. In retirement, he worked for several years at Mohegan Sun as a tribal firefighter and EMT and served as captain and EMT of the Pomfret Volunteer Fire Department.
He survived a total heart transplant in 2018.His close friend, Chance Martin was by his side with help in his journey by Kerry Martin and Cliff Labbee. Special thanks to Karen Sandoval Dragon who was very instrumental to his life up until his passing.
In addition to his mother, Kathryn Casey, he leaves his brother Timothy Morrarty (Melissa) of Pomfret; his two nephews Matthew Morrarty (Stephanie) of Rogers and Bradley Belanger (Sasha) of Pomfret; and his niece Kayla Belanger and her wife Emily of Windham, Maine. He is predeceased by his father George Morrarty and his wife Mary Ellen and his stepfather John Casey. Burial was April 11 at Abington Cemetery in Abington. Donations: Connecticut Audubon Society, PO Box 11, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Wed. April 16
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present its Second Annual Quiet Corner Community Art show through April.
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT Arts Council will present “An Abstract Fantasy: An Artist’s Journey of Self Discovery,” featuring the art of Tabitha “Purrmage” Cummings, through June in the Corridor Gallery.
Maritime Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “The Global Maritime Industry” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 16 and April 23.
Auction Collections
POMFRET --- From April 16 through April 30 donations will be accepted for the 71st annual Windham County 4-H Auction & Tag Sale (May 2 and 3) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon., Weds, Fri and Sat and from 9 a.m. .to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Antiques and gently used household goods, furniture, toys, electronics, tools, books, lunch decorative items, etc. will be welcomed during those hours. We will not be accepting donations on Saturday, April 19. We do not accept donations of clothing, textbooks, magazines or encyclopedias. For further donation assistance, call: 860-974-3379.
Sat. April 19
Egg Hunt
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage will present its annual Egg Hunt and Diorama Contest starting at 1 p.m.
Pomfret Cleanup
POMFRET --- The Green Team, in collaboration with The Last Green Valley, will celebrate Earth Day with a Roadside Cleanup Day starting at 8 a.m. April 19 (or at your convenience) Roadside Cleanup Day starts at a table at Pomfret Community School where bags, gloves, orange vests and, if needed, a road cleanup assignment, will be available. Free coffee and donuts. If you'd like to sign up for a particular road, you can send your request to the Green Team at
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. 326 Taft Pond Rd, Pomfret, CT. Meet the director and other camp staff; take a camp tour, registration materials available. 860-974-3379.
Egg Hunt
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Elks Club will hold an egg hunt starting at 10 a.m.
Comedy Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Paws Cat Shelter is holding a comedy night fund-raiser at the Valley Springs Sportsman's Club in N. Grosvenordale. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Cash bar and light snacks provided. 18+ event. $30 per person at: shelter on School St., Putnam; www.funny4funds.com/events or at the door. Info: 860-377-9329.
Easter Eggs
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will hold an Easter Egg hunt and more starting at 11 a.m. at the Pomfret Recreation Park.
Sun. April 20
Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America," from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Check for updates: 860-928-1035.
Wed. April 23
Maritime Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “The Global Maritime Industry” from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Meeting/Plant Party
PUTNAM --- The Relay for Life Meeting and Plant Party will run from 6 to 7 p.m. at Putnam High School. Free.
Sat. April 26
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Fighting for Freedom: Pomfret’s Black Revolutionary War Soldiers” at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
Spaghetti Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam will host its spring spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 on Providence Street. $10.00 for adults; kids 12 and younger eat for free. Take-out or eat-in. Bake sale and drawings. Advance tickets at the VFW Post and at Joseph’s Jewelers on School Street or 860-928-5873 (leave message). Benefits the Scout Pack 21 Summer Camp Fund, to send our Cub Scouts to this year’s summer camp.
Beautification Day
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam, the PBA and Discover Putnam will hold Beautification Day starting with registration and clean up assignments at 8:30 a.m. in Rotary Park. From 11 to noon a volunteer appreciation lunch will be held in the park. Trophies given. Rain date May 3. Funded in part by The Last Green Valley. For questions, or to RSVP your team call 860-963-6800, ext. 140.
Low-Cost Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals will offer a low-cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital. $10. Register: 860-317-1720. No walk-ins. Animals must be on a leash or in a carrier.
Edible Plants
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present a free program, “Edible Wild Plants & Fungi of Spring,” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the library.
Car Wash Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club will hold a car wash from 9 a.m. to noon at Putnam High.
Meet McClellan
WOODSTOCK --- Woodstock Celebrates 250 will present “Meet Brigadier General Samuel McClellan” at 1 p.m. in the Woodstock Hill Cemetery.
Fri. May 2
Book/Bake Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church on Rt. 6 will hold a book and bake sale from 5 to 8 p.m. May 2 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 3 in the church basement. Baked goods, too.
Concert Fund-raiser
POMFRET --- Stillwater, Minnesota, folk singer, Peter Mayer, will perform at 7 p.m. at The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret. $25. Registration required: 860-928-4948. Admission at the door will be $30, only if seating remains available.
Wed. May 7
Alzheimer’s Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam and Pomfret public libraries will present a program on “Communicating Effectively & Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors” at 6 p.m. at the Putnam Public Library. RSVP required: 860-963-6826. It is an education program in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Empowered Caregiver initiative aimed at teaching caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia.
Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three Cs is presenting the musical performance, ”Ada Twist Scientist & Friends” for local students at noon at the Loos Center for the Arts. Preregistration required:thethreecs.org.
Super Hero Saturday
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam will present Super Hero Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. downtown.
Sat. May 17
Bulky Waste Day
POMFRET --- The town of Putnam will hold a Bulky Waste Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the POMFRET Transfer Station. Open to all Putnam residents with proper ID. Must be able to unload your vehicle yourself.
Tues. May 20
Musical Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three Cs is presenting the musical performance, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” for local students at 10 a.m. and at noon at the Loos Center for the Arts. Preregistration required: thethreecs.org.
Sat. May 31
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Colonial Fiber Arts Workshop with Stacey Beck” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Town House. Pre-register.
Sat. June 14
Concert-Fundraiser
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present a concert/fund-raiser, “Washington’s Favorite, The Nation’s Guest: Songs of Lafayette’s Time In America” with Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle at the Old Town House). Refreshments at 6; concert at 7. $25.
Sat. June 21
Fine Arts Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council will present its annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival June 21 and 22 at the Municipal Complex front yard.
Sat. Sept. 27
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Jordan Freeman: Black Revolutionary War Soldier” performed by Kevin Johnson of the CT State Library at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
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Briefly
New Hire
JEWETT CITY — Jewett City Savings Bank hired David Stone as Vice President and Senior Commercial Loan Officer. Stone brings over 30 years of experience in commercial lending and credit analysis to JCSB.
He was previously with Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank, where he served as First Vice President, Commercial Lender and oversaw the commercial lending team, strategic planning, and monitored portfolios.
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