RPC - College pg 9 1-26-12
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- Category: Past Issues
By Ron P. Coderre
An RPC opening to John and Nick Rauh of Pomfret. It’s so nice to see a father and son who enjoy each other’s company, whether on the golf course, at a game or out to dinner. It’s great to open with a greeting to you.
It’s wonderful to see interesting audiences at local basket ball games. The quality of players in our area and the competitiveness of the teams have been drawing a variety of interested onlookers to gyms up and down the Quinebaug River.
The recent game between Putnam Science Academy and Maine Central Institute drew a large throng of fans including college coaches who were scouting the personnel on the floor. Quinnipiac University assistant coach Scott Burrell, remember him from his UConn days, was in the stands rating some of the PSA players.
Burrell, who played at UConn from 1989 to 1993, is best remembered for his length of the court pass to teammate Tate George with one second remaining in the 1990 East Regional win against Clemson. He was a 1st Round NBA pick of the Charlotte Hornets. During his eight year NBA career he also played for the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets. While with the Bulls he was part of his only NBA championship season. The 6’ 7” Burrell, who turned 41 on Jan. 12, works at Quinnipiac under former UConn assistant Tom Moore. Burrell was also drafted by the Seattle Mariners out of high school and the Toronto Blue Jays out of college. He played three seasons in the minor leagues for the Jays.
Also at the same game were Assumption College head coach Matt Mahar and his assistant Andrew Papaefthemiou. The duo has been spotted in the area on various occasions evaluating PSA personnel as well as players from MCI on Martin Luther King Day. Also spotted in the stands at the recent contest featuring Stonington and Tourtellotte were two Assumption players, Kevin Donahue and Akil Hodge. They were on hand to see Donahue’s brother Jackson Donahue and his cousin Wil DiFanti who play for the Bears.
Local names at the PSA vs. MCI contest were Bob Bernier, Walt Zadora, Bill Bartholic, Matt Desaulnier and his son, Ben, Tom Hayden, Saeng Phongsa and Chris Coderre. The group was on hand for the game as well as to observe referees Charlie Lee and Christian Sarantopoulos who were assigned to the contest.
Marine Corporal Wetzel in Afghanistan…
Ernie Wetzel, a 2008 graduate of Woodstock Academy, is currently serving at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan. Wetzel was deployed in September 2011. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 14, 2008, and did his basic training at Parris Island, S.C.
While at the Academy, he was a member of the football team under coach Gary Brine and also was a varsity wrestler. As a Centaur gridder, he was a hard charging fullback and linebacker.
Wetzel’s brother Zach Wetzel is a student at Norwich University in Vermont. He’s scheduled to graduate in May with a degree in accounting and finance and with 2nd Lieutenant bars on his shoulders. He also played football and wrestled for the Centaurs.
The Wetzels are the sons of Ernie and Martha Wetzel of Woodstock.
The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam recently reached out to Ernie Wetzel in Afghanistan. The Post sent a package loaded with goodies and essentials, which have been collected through the efforts of members, led by Commander Barney Seney, Donald Steinbrick and Russ Waters.
If any of our readers know of local individuals serving in Afghanistan they should contact Seney, Steinbrick or Waters. The Post will send packages to troops after consulting with the individual’s significant others.
Tri-Town Baseball Looking for Coaches…
The Tri-Town American Legion Baseball Program, a member of Zone VI, is looking for a head coach for its Senior and Junior teams. Individuals interested in the positions should have coaching on the high school, Legion or college level. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest to: Tri-Town Coach, P.O. Box 255, Putnam, CT 06260-0255 or call 860 928-6772.
According to Tri-Town executive committee secretary Joe Lindley, the coaching staff has the full support of the executive committee. The primary responsibility of the head coaches is the management of the teams on the field. Organization and fund raising matters are handled by the executive committee.
Providence and Coach Cooley Upset Louisville…
In the topsy-turvy world of Big East basketball Providence College under first year head coach Ed Cooley sits near the bottom of the powerful conference. In a recent contest against nationally ranked Louisville and coach Rick Pitino, the Friars pulled off a stunning upset, winning by more than 30 points.
The evening was supposed to be special for Pitino the former Friar coach who led the 1987 team to national prominence. The team was on hand celebrating its 25th anniversary of that special season. Pitino had planned to stay on the floor for the halftime ceremony but changed his plans when his Cardinals went to the locker room facing an 18-point deficit.
On hand for coach Cooley’s postgame media interview was former Putnamite Lance Coderre, who was Cooley’s roommate when they matriculated at Stonehill College, where Cooley starred for the Skyhawks. Joining Coderre for the celebration was Woodstock Academy athletic director Chris Coderre.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.