Mechelle Artis
It was 1989 and
Mechelle was a freshman at Norwich Free Academy. Mechelle made an immediate impact for the Track and Field team by breaking the school record in Shot Put with a throw of 37 feet 7 ¼ inches. Later that season she finished second in the ECC, Class LL and State Open Championship. During her sophomore year, Mechelle started having success throwing the Discus as well as the Shot Put. She finished first in both the Shot Put and Discu
s at the New Britain Invitational. She later went on to place 1st in the ECC’s, 2nd at the Class LL and State Open and 4th in New England’s in the Shot Put and 3rd in the ECC’s in the Discus. Her Shot Put throw at the New England’s broke her own school record by almost 2 feet. During her junior year, Mechelle placed in the top 3 in the Shot Put and Discus at the ECC’s, Class LL, State Open and New England Championships. She again broke her own school record in the Shot Put with a throw of 39 feet 11 ½ inches. As a senior, Mechelle finished 1st in the Shot Put and Discus in the ECC’s and Class LL Track and Field Championship. She also finished 3rd in the Javelin in the Class LL meet. Mechelle again broke her own school record in the Shot Put with a throw of 41 feet 9 ¼ inches, which still holds today. She also broke the school record in the Discus with a throw of 127 feet. In her Track and Field career during ECC League Meets, Mechelle finished 1st 43 times, 2nd 16 times, and 3rd 16 times in the Shot Put, Discus and Javelin. In ECC, Class LL, State Open, New England and Invitational Championships, Mechelle has 15 Gold finishes, 13 Silver and 7 Bronze.
Former NFA Track and Field Throwing coach, Sara Jane Shearer said “Mechelle Artis is one of the most talented athletes I have had the honor of coaching. From her first practice to her final competition she continued to improve in both the shot and discus, breaking school records along the way.”
Following graduation from Norwich Free Academy, Mechelle attended Three Rivers Community College and later earned her degree at Norfolk State University. Mechelle has worked in the Human Service Field for the past 20 plus years.
She has coached her own children while they were growing up and her daughter ran Track and Field for NFA, competing in sprints and hurdles. She was a 2011 graduate.
Jemal Davis
Jemal’s athletic ability was noticed as a youth in the city youth organization and youth league basketball, football and little league teams. During his high school career he was an all-state athlete in Football and excelled in Track and Field. As a senior, he earned the class athlete award. His athletic high school career ended with 11 varsity letters, New Haven Register All-State Football team (1989), NFA school record for the most interceptions in one season (10) which was broken during the 2015 season under his tutelage, leading the football team in scoring during his junior and senior seasons, and holding the school and state record for most kickoff returns in a career (3). After graduation, he attended the University of Connecticut on a football scholarship where he was a 3-time letter winner. As a senior, Jemal was one of the team leaders in interceptions. Following college, he expanded his passion for the sport of football into the coaching realm, while at the University of New Haven. In 1997, Jemal returned to the University of Connecticut where he coached alongside Skip Holtz and Nick Rapone. During the 1998 football season, he returned to NFA where he began working as a staff member as well as an assistant football coach under coach Steve Robichaud. From 1998-2004, Jemal held the position of Defensive Coordinator and helped lead the Wildcats to their first playoff appearance. Jemal achieved his goal of becoming a head football coach in 2005 when he accepted the position at Woodstock Academy. He held the position with the fledgling program until after the 2007 season. In the Spring of 2008, Jemal made his way back home to NFA when he was appointed to the head football coach position. Along with his very talented staff, his teams have amassed a 71% winning record of 62-25. Most notably, they have reached the playoffs 4 times, twice reaching semi-finalist status, four ECC titles (2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014), undefeated seasons in 2010 and 2012, and currently hold the school record of most wins in a season (12). In 2010, the Norwich Bulletin and The Day recognized him as All-Area Coach of the Year, in 2011 the Southeastern CT Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame presented Jemal with the Active Coach of the Year award, and The New Haven Register Football Coach of the Year award was given in 2012.
Jemal’s passion and skill has not solely been focused on Football. During his tenure at NFA he has also coached both indoor and outdoor track. He has been awarded the CHSCA Boys Track coach of the year award. The Varsity N Club nominated him coach of the year in 2001-2002. In 2001 and 2004, he led the Girls indoor track team to a state championship. He led the Boys Outdoor track team to 3 class LL State championships in 2004, 2005, and 2006. The boys track team were also ECC tournament champions from 2002-2009. He has coached 10 state champions in track and 2 New England champions. The Day and/or the Norwich Bulletin recognized him as All-Area Coach of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006.
Of all of his accomplishments, none are greater than the family he has grown. Jemal, 45 currently resides in Preston with his wife Jodi and their adoring children, Riley 8, and Julian 4. He holds a certification is social studies/history and Master’s degree in teaching and is pursuing certification in Administration and Literacy. Jemal teaches 9th grade World History at NFA.
Jay Friedman
Long before Jay Friedman entered NFA, he had been introduced to the fun and challenge of competitive athletics and was well prepared. The adult community of Norwich CT offered many sporting opportunities for youngsters. Starting around the age of ten, Jay got involved with Midget Football, Little League Baseball, Church League Basketball and Ten Pin Bowling.
At the NFA, Jay ran Cross Country in his Freshman year and was a starter on both the Frosh Basketball and Frosh Baseball Teams. He became a three-sport standout with four years of Cross Country and Boys Basketball – later adding Track & Field in his Senior season. Jay was elected Co-Captain of Cross Country and earned All-Conference recognition as a Senior. He was the recipient of the Highest Academic Award and Sportsmanship Award in his Senior year. During the three years in which Jay lettered in basketball, NFA advanced to the State Tournament semi-finals all three times – a school record which still stands.
At College in Southern Connecticut University Jay continued competing at the college level for four more years in Varsity Cross-Country and Varsity Track. He also played Intramural Football and Basketball. In his Senior year (1974-75) Jay served as Cross-Country Team Co-Captain.
Following college, Jay found a variety of ways to continue with competitive athletics. – a tenpin bowling league, a variety of Softball Leagues (where he did most of the pitching) and Norwich Senior League Basketball where he earned the reputation of being a standout shooter. He also became an avid golfer.
Jay was employed as a teacher for 35 years at Kelly Middle School. It was there where he gradually turned his experience as an athlete into coaching youngsters. The boys and girls at Kelly Middle were introduced to running. Teams representing the school were entered by Jay into competitions throughout the State and on more than one occasion the Kelly Kids were honored as State Champions. They also competed in the Junior Olympics National where they were ranked as high as 7th in the Nation.
In addition to cross-country, Jay introduced his students to Track and Field and they were also taught Boys and Girls Basketball. More importantly, Jay was instrumental in prolonging the after-school program when it was threatened with elimination. Numerous fund raisers headed by Jay, allowed it to continue.
Jay and his wife Pat have a son named Ryan and they are the grandparents of a youngster named Iain. Jay and Pat are now spending their winter months in Florida and enjoying the summers in Bozrah.
Chad Johnson
Chad’s running career started at a young age where he won numerous age group races while setting many course records. His high school career was full of championships and records. He was a ten-time letter winner in Cross Country, Swimming, Indoor and Outdoor Track. Chad was the Class LL and State Open Cross Country champion in 1991 and 1992. He is the only male athlete in Connecticut history to earn All-State Cross Country honors all four years. Chad earned All New England honors three times in Cross Country.
In Track, Chad was All-Conference all four years, never losing a race at the ECC Championship over the four years. He earned All-State honors three times and was named an All American his senior year. Chad set five school records and still holds the 1600 and 3200 records. At the ECC Conference meet Chad set the meet record in the 3200 that still stands today. Chad set a state record time of 9:01 for the 3200 in 1993 at the Keebler Outdoor Track National Championship, where he finished second. That record stood for 13 years.
After high school Chad ran for the University of Connecticut. He was a member of the school record setting 4 X 800 relay.
Chad has continued his running career competing at numerous local road races. He was the top Connecticut finisher at the New Haven and Manchester road races and was named USATF Connecticut runner of the year in 2003 and 2004. During his post college career, he set PR’s of 4:10 for the mile, 8:48 for the two mile, 14:48 for the 5K, and 24:21 for 8K. Chad has recently returned to competitive racing after a 12-year absence to compete in the master’s division. Thus far this year he has finished first in the USATF Master’s 5K championship as well as first in the USATF Master’s half marathon championship (second overall). He is competing as a member of the Mohegan Striders.
Chad returned to his Alma Mata and has served in numerous coaching positions for 15 years. Highlights include an Indoor track state championship in 2013 and numerous ECC titles during his career. Chad continues to serve as the boys cross country coach and In 10 seasons as coach, the boys have won the ECC cross country large division regular season title as well as the ECC Cross Country Championship meet title 8 times. The teams’ record in the last ten years is 123 wins and only 6 losses. His teams have not lost since 2012.
Chad lives in Lisbon with his wife Jennifer, and two kids Elliott (12) and Adele (10).
Erik “Rik” Little
Erik Little grew up in Norwich and became interested in sports at an early age. He admits that even though his favorite sport was basketball, he also played baseball and football in the local youth leagues. His interest in basketball, while playing for Lee Memorial in the Church League and in baseball at Fitzgerald Field and Otrobando Avenue, was aided by his father; who was also his coach. Erik also played Pee Wee football which was played at Hamilton Avenue. During the later years of the Rose Arts Festivals, Rik was selected as a member to the 25 Year Norwich Little League Team.
Rik entered high school in 1967 and was one of the very few athletes to play football, basketball, and baseball. He did this for four consecutive years. Not only was he a three sport athlete, he played the positions of quarterback, point guard, and shortstop, all highly skilled positions that demand leadership, confidence, and composure. This was quite an accomplishment considering the highly competitive nature of NFA athletics during the late 60’s and early 70’s.
Rik showed his leadership and experience as the quarterback for the football program during his senior season and received all CDC honorable mention for his efforts. He played varsity basketball for three years which was a very successful time for him and the program. The ’68-’69 team went 22-3 and won the CDC and advanced to the state semi-finals. The ’69-’70 team went 22-2, won the CDC and again advanced to the State Semi-Finals, losing to Wilbur Cross at Central Connecticut State College. The success continued for the team in the ’70-’71 season which ended with a record of 16-6 and Rik earning all CDC honorable mention while serving as a team captain. Rik was chosen to receive the Fletcher-Willey Cup which is the highest athletic award presented during a recipient’s high school career.
After graduating NFA, Rik attended Bridgeton Academy Prep in Maine and transferred to Southern Connecticut State College. Rik then began coaching. He coached a sport every year and into his retirement; including, outdoor track, football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, golf, and trained the soccer goalies. Over the years, his teams have won numerous awards and titles. In outdoor track, a State Championship in the CIA; in football, Waterford’s first team of qualify for the CIAC State Tournament; in girls’ basketball, Waterford’s first ECC Championship, and two State Championships in boy’s golf.
Awards and accolades aside, Rik’s most rewarding and memorable experience took place when he coached the Unified Basketball Program at Waterford. For ten years, he coached teams made up of special and regular education students. The schedule was setup between various high schools with tournament games being played at NFA and one memorable contest at Mohegan Sun Arena, during the half time of the CIAC Girls Championship game.
Rik retired from teaching in 2015 but still assists at many events at Waterford. He and his wife Susan have two grown children Samantha and Adam.
Bob Potter
Bob was inducted into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2000, Bob was voted the most popular driver of all-time at Waterford Speedbowl. In 1994, Bob was voted the most popular driver at Stafford Speedway. In 1998, Bob was voted as one of the 50 greatest modified drivers of all-time at Stafford Speedway. In 1994, Bob received the Sportsman of the Year award from the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame. Sid Dimaggio, Waterford Speedbowl track historian, states, “From the mid-1960’s to the mid-1990’s, no driver was more accomplished at Waterford Speedbowl than 6-time champ Bob Potter. Moving to Stafford Speedway in the 1990’s, while in his 50’s, he won 5 more championships, cementing his status as one of the best drivers in modified history”.
There is good reason for all of the accolades. After winning his first championship at Waterford Speedbowl in 1976, Bob dominated the racing circuit for the next 15 years. Bob won other championships at Waterford in 1980, 1983, 1986, 1987, and 1989. Bob won championships at Stafford Speedway in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1994, and 1995. In 1988, Bob won the Dual Track Championship at Thompson and Stafford Speedways. Bob won a total of 30 races at Thompson, 24 races at Stafford, and 97 races at Waterford, giving him 151 career victories. Bob occasionally raced outside of Connecticut at Martinsville, Virginia, Flemington, New Jersey, and Trenton, New Jersey. At Trenton, Bob clocked his fastest straightaway speed of 183 mph. On shorter local tracks, Bob’s speed would approach 100 mph at Waterford, 120 mph at Stafford, and 140 mph at Thompson.
When asked what separated him from the rest, Bob said, “Concentration, patience, experience, and a feel for how the car was handling on a particular day”. Racing at these speeds did not come without peril. One memorable crash occurred at Waterford when Bob took out the safety fence along the back straightaway. Despite numerous other crashes resulting in broken ribs, a broken wrist, and concussions, Bob said in the most telling quote, “I never got the fear”.
Bob is held in the highest regard by his fellow racers and aficionados. Dennis Gada describes Bob as tough, calculated, a gentleman and sportsman, and a childhood hero. Willie Hardy Jr. describes Bob’s racing style as clean and with a lot of class. Bob always took pride in having great pit crews and only drove for great owners. Foremost was Freddy Doolittle of Freddy’s TV, who was very instrumental in Bob’s success. Just as any young driver would do, Bob set goals, listened to more experienced drivers, and learned quickly from his mistakes. Bob rose to the top with hard work and dedication. While working for 38 years at Electric Boat as an audiographer, Bob often spent as much time weekly on his car. Then it was off to the track on the weekends.
Referring to his love of racing, Bob said, “I drove for myself, my family, the crew and owners, but I also drove for the City of Norwich. I wanted to put Norwich back on the map”. Tonight the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Bob Potter.
Bob currently resides in Norwich with his wife Dale. Bob has three children, Bob, Debbie, and Ginny.
Howard Rubin
(Posthumously)
From the class of 1946, our next inductee is Howard Rubin. Howard was a record setting track and cross country runner earning 5 letters. As a 10th grader Howard placed 3rd at the conference meet in the 440 yard run, the only meet the team participated in that year. “Speed” Rubin served as captain of the track team for 2 years. He was undefeated in the half mile his senior year finishing as the state and New England champion. His school record of 2:01.6 stood for 18 years. Rubin was also conference champion in the 440 yard and broad jump. The 1946 track team went undefeated and placed 1st at the conference meet.
In cross country, Rubin was a captain for 2 years and earned all-conference both years. As a junior, Rubin went into the conference meet unbeaten. In a close race Rubin finished 2nd in the conference. His senior year, Rubin was undefeated in dual competition as well as winning the conference title. The 46 team went undefeated while easily winning the conference championship placing 4 runners in the top 5.
Howard’s running career continued after graduation. He ran track and cross country at the University of Connecticut earning 8 letters and serving as captain in both sports his senior year.
While Rubin’s high school and college accomplishments are outstanding, his involvement in masters road running are even more impressive. He was selected as the National Athletic Congress Outstanding Master runner in his age group 3 times. Rubin set a world Indoor Record for his age group in the 3000 meter. He set 12 National records at distances from 5K to 30K and won 22 National Age Group championships in distance running.
Howard left us in September 2012. He as well as his athleticism will never be forgotten.
Cindy Shea
Cindy Shea earned induction into the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame for her outstanding talent for baton twirling. At a very young age Cindy began twirling and trained under Ralph Smith of Norwich, CT. She went on to train with Alan Kramer of Pittsburgh, PA who was a National Champion.
By the age of 10, Cindy was a private student, training under Sybil Anderson and Peggy Lenkiewicz Weseman of Norwich and Don Sartell of Janesville, WI. She competed in Oxford, MS in the American Youth on Parade National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) World Baton Twirling Championship. She competed along with 2000 twirlers from all parts of the United States and Canada and she was crowned the winner of five world titles. She was the winner of the World Flag Ten-Year Old Solo, World Juvenile Flag Solo, World Ten-Year Old Solo and World Juvenile Solo. The night of the grand finale, the outstanding twirler was named the Juvenile Miss Majorette of America for 1968 Solo champion. She returned home undefeated in all the events she entered. The five earned trophies were added to the 357 she had already won. Following the competition, she was interviewed by the NBC television network.
At the age of 14, Cindy competed in the open World Baton Twirling Association (WBTA) Miss Majorette of Rhode Island Baton Twirling Pageant. She competed in strutting, twirling and marching and was crowned the 1972 Junior Princess of Royalty for receiving the highest score in the three divisions. For winning the Visitor 14-year-old solo and national open solo, Cindy had to re-compete later in the day to capture the “Good Neighbor” and National Open Junior Twirl-Off” titles and awards. She also placed first in strutting, hoop, two batons and won the Best Appearing Majorette awards.
Following is the impressive Honors and Awards Cindy received over her years of competition:
Winner of 10 World Titles including 1 Baton, 2 Batons, Flag and Hoop. Won at several different locations including: New York World’s Fair, Syracuse University, University of Mississippi and the University of Notre Dame, Miss Majorette of America Solo Champion, Miss Majorette of Connecticut, Connecticut State Champion, Canadian International Champion, North American World Champion, Eastern Seaboard Champion, Long Island New York, Sybil Anderson Award, Good Neighbor Award, Junior National Open Twirl off Title, Crowned The 1972 Princess of Royalty Award, World Solo Champion ’65, ’68 and ’69, World Flag Champion ’68 & ’70, World 2 Baton Champion ’71, Received Resolution Letter from The Counsel of the City of Norwich in August of ’65 for winning the World Championship at the World’s Fair, Performed a twirling exhibition at the Norwich Rose Arts Festival in 1971.
Cindy was the winner of an impressive 552 trophies and 342 medals. She also was the 2014 & 2015 Women’s Sub Base Open Golf Champion.
Mike McCullough
Mike has served as both a coach and administrator of various organizations since his boys began playing sports. He first got involved in coaching when his boys were playing baseball in 2000 for Sprague/Franklin Little League.
In 2004, the family made the switch and became a “hockey family” for life. He started his hockey coaching career by helping with Southeastern CT Youth Hockey at the Mite level in 2005 and has been either an assistant or head coach at every level through Midgets. His coaching has brought him up and down the east coast but his favorite destination was Lake Placid, NY, home of the 1980 Miracle on Ice.
He currently is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach and has completed multiple age specific coaching modules. He has served in the team manager role since 2010 for the NFA hockey team. He has been an assistant hockey coach with this team for the past three seasons.
Mike has also been involved on the administrative side of youth sports. With SECYH, he has served as President, VP, Director, Scheduler and Website Manager. He was the SECYH Registrar for two years, CHC Registrar for two years and currently serves as the New England District Registrar. Mike also just concluded his second year as the Connecticut Hockey Conference Vice President.
In 2007, his boys picked up lacrosse sticks and they all fell in love with that sport. Mike started coaching youth lacrosse in Norwich in 2008 and finished in 2012 when his boys moved on to High School lacrosse. He served on the Board of NYLA as Vice President. Mike is a certified Level 1 coach with US Lacrosse and has completed the Positive Coaching Alliance course.
In addition to his other roles, Mike also helped set up and manage a number of websites including the Connecticut Hockey Conference, Norwich Youth Lacrosse website, New England Lacrosse (NECLAX) website, New England District Hockey, Southeastern CT Youth Hockey and the Hartford Jr Wolfpack.
Mike has two boys, Matthew and Mitchell, and lives in Sprague with his wife Sue. He is a 28-year employee of Liberty Mutual working as a Senior Analyst in the Property Catastrophe Analytics Operation.
David Burnett
Mr. David Burnett has distinguished himself as a national champion in cycling the past two years and has for ten years been a dominant competitor in the sport. His current mantle of two-time National Champion is assigned as Master, competing among men between the ages of 70-74. In September of 2015 at Ogden, UT, David successfully defended his 2014 National Champion title by again sweeping all three events that make up the title, an unprecedented fete. The USA Cycling Master Road National Championship is comprised of a 12.4-mile time trial, a 45-mile road race, and a 20-mile criterium with David earning Best All-Around Rider honors both years, also unprecedented.
Also in 2015, David demonstrated his formidable cycling skills by competing in ten other USA Cycling sanctioned races and recording six wins! Those wins included the NE Time Trial Championships; the Bob Beal Memorial Criterium; Lime Rock Cycling Grand Prix 4.1; Lime Rock Cycling Grand Prix; the Mystic Velo Criterium and the Chris Hinds Sunshine Criterium.
David’s cycling journey began about age 60 after a long running career when “an old football injury flared up, so I started racing to rehab the knee”. Cycling became more than just rehabilitating a bad knee. In 2012, David and his four-man cycling team competed in The Race Across America, regarded as the world’s toughest bicycle race. The team, competing in the 70-74 age bracket, broke the national record in the 2012 race, a 3,000-mile endurance trek from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD. They made the trip in six days, 13 hours and 13 minutes shattering the record by 27 hours!
As of this program printing, David is competing in the 2016 USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships in Winston-Salem, NC. defending the already unprecedented string of two consecutive National Championships. He’s not done yet! Check out USACycling.org. Norwich, CT is all over it.
David, CEO of Reliance House, resides in Norwich with his wife Nancy and has two daughters, Molly and Laura.
Legends Team Recognition
Thamesville AC (Polish Falcons)
The Polish Falcons were originally formed in the early 1960’s by Ray Walczak, a former professional player in the Braves Organization. In 1962, the Falcons were reorganized and played in the Norwich City League under the sponsorship of the Polish Citizens Club. League rules required that all teams must have a Norwich based sponsor, which was a policy for many years; thus, the reason for the Falcons having a variety of names and sponsorships.
During the 1963 season, the Falcons won both the City League title and the Connecticut/Southern Rhode Island League for the second consecutive year. The team also defended their title in the Annual Lions Club Tournament which was composed of the best teams throughout Connecticut as well as from surrounding states. The Falcons set numerous league records capping the all-time league record in wins in the City League by finishing the regular season with an 18-2 record.
In 1965, the team was under the leadership of Chet Stafford and was invited to play under the sponsorship of Thamesville AC. This relationship would continue through the 1973 season and continue to bring additional accolades encompassing other tournaments; Norwich Invitational and leagues; Morgan Park League, and Willimantic Twilight League. Even after going through a rebuilding and refurbishing of their roster for several years, the Falcons would again regain their previous status in 1970 by winning their 5th Norwich City League title. Only the 1954-58 Polish Cits had ever achieved this regular season mark and no other “continuous” rostered player team in League history has ever won the playoff championship this many times. Six players from the 1964 Championship Polish Cits Team were also members of the 1970 Thamesville Championship Team.
During the 1965 season, 6 team players were selected to play on Electric Boat’s “Dream Team” which at the time was considered to be the best team EB had fielded since World War II. The team would also capture the Rocco Pica Trophy as the best area team in 1970. Playing in the Willimantic Twi-light League, the Falcons would also capture two more regular season championships. As the Falcons and under Thamesville, they would play two years in the prestigious Connecticut State League finishing in the upper tier of the standings. They were the first Norwich based team since the 1946 Thamesville team to have ever competed in a league of such caliber.
During its 12-year existence from 1962-1973, the Falcons would win a league/playoff championship in 9 of those seasons, 5 Regular Season Championships and 5 Playoff Championships; including an unprecedented 4 Consecutive Playoff Championships. It competed in 6 Norwich Invitational Tournaments reaching the finals all 6 times and winning the championship 5 times. Playing as an independent team as the Jewett City Falcons and then as the Norwich Falcons, they would capture 5 consecutive Connecticut/Southern Rhode Island Championships. They would win a league/playoff championship in 9 of those 12 seasons.
The team has had many noteworthy players including two individuals,
Paul Casanova (Washington Senators/ Atlanta Braves) and Roger LaFrancois (Red Sox) who would play at the major league level. A number more would play at the minor league level, Leon Drobiak (Reds), Richie Dawley (Kansas City), Dave Galligan (White Sox), Gary Goyette (Expos), Dave Sanchez (Twins), Bob “Peanuts” LaFlemme (White Sox), and Ray Walczak (Braves) among others. Some 13 players are Norwich Sports Hall of Fame Inductees: Ray Abraham, Dick Bilda, Omer Gagnon, Marcus Job, Ralph Johnston, Jr., Rick Kane, Yash Lapkowski, Jr., Jack Lonadelli, Dick Miller, Tony Orsini, Danny Ruffo, Richie Serafin and Chet Stafford. At least four players, Tom Halliwell, Leo Bravakis, Ron Bugbee and Jim Parmalee played on NCAA Championship Teams at UCONN. Another, Burt Rood would play at Eastern Connecticut and become the then all-time Division III Homerun Leader. Another noteworthy player was Jorge Hernandez who once played with the Indianapolis “Clowns” along with Paul Casanova, and was one of three Cuban National ballplayers that played with the team. Other standout players such as John McNally from Jewett City, a prolific hitter, versatile player and perennial all-star, Dave Oatley, a pitcher from Danielson, who achieved noteworthy state recognition and gained professional attention, Roger Dawley from Plainfield who was a power hitter during the team’s early years, Charlie Baukus, a solid hitter and standout catcher, Nelson Fields, a power hitting outfielder from Columbia and “Tippy” Garrett, also from Columbia who was another prolific hitter, both playing for the team during and after the late 1960s. The team featured some four Norwich League Batting Champions and a number of Home Run and RBI Leaders. Not to overlook a key component to any team, we were fortunate to have a number of the league’s top pitchers over those years which were critical to our success as the league was usually star-studded and dominant with good pitching. Top pitchers on the roster over these years were Ralph Johnston, Tony Zavistowski, John McNally and Gary Goyette to name the more prominent ones. There were a number of exceptional players which were not mentioned here only due to the amount of time they played or impact to the team during its more productive years.