Decade 1 (1968-70)
Gil Bouley
Gil was a 4-year member of the Football and Baseball teams at NFA graduating in 1940. He also participated in track and basketball. In his 2nd year on the track team Gil managed to break a shot put or discus record every time he competed. He set meet records in the conference meet and held the school record in both events.
In football Gil was selected all-state in 1939. Gil played at Boston College for the legendary Frank Leahy. His junior year he was named all-American and lineman of the year by the Saturday evening post. Gil played professionally for the Rams. In 1945, playing both ways, he helped the Rams to a 15-14 win against Sammy Baugh and the Washington Redskins in the NFL Championship game. The Rams played in 3 championship games. Gil was selected All-Pro 3 times during his career. Gil was inducted into the Boston College Hall of Fame in 1981 and was recognized by Rams owner Dan Reeves as the starting tackle on his all-time team. In January 2000, the Norwich Bulletin selected Gil Bouley as the 3rd best Eastern Connecticut athlete of the Century. 190
Ray ‘Pop’ Congdon
A 4-year member of the football and baseball teams, Raymond ‘Pop’ Congdon was a 1937 graduate of the Norwich Free Academy. He served as captain of both sports and helped each team win every game but one for their respective seasons. In 1936 he was named all-state for football. In 1938, Pop was signed by Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics. He spent the entire season as bullpen and exhibition catcher and the following year he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals playing on several minor league teams. In 1965 he returned to the Academy to teach and coach freshman football. 101
Howard Dickenman
Howie had a huge impact at the Academy as an athlete, teacher, coach and athletic administrator. Howie represented NFA in four different sports – Basketball, Baseball, Track and Cross Country. He served as captain of the 1930-31 basketball team that played the first game in the newly completed Norton Gym. As the captain of the 1931-32 basketball squad, he led the team to a 17-4 record, the best record of any sports team in the schools previous history. During those two seasons, Howie was an all-conference center. After attending Springfield College, Howie returned to the Academy in 1937 to realize his ‘highest ambition: to coach the NFA Basketball team’. As the head coach of the basketball team for 21 years, he brought the school its first Eastern Connecticut Conference title in 1945. That team was affectionately referred to as the “Dream Team”. 141
Augustine Joseph ”Lefty” Dugas
Young Augustin could be seen often in his youth playing on a baseball field close to Taftville’s Sacred Heart Church. Quickly he became one of the best young players in town. He played for the Taftville Knights of Columbus baseball club, the Taftville Athletic Association, and the Sacred Heart Young Men’s Association. In 1926 he was named MVP of the Norwich Twilight League
In 1930, Lefty began his professional career with the Wichita Aviators, a Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates called him up to the major leagues before the end of the season, and he played right field in nine of the team’s last 11 games of the season. On September 28 he made history by being the first hitter to face 20-year-old rookie pitcher Dizzy Dean of the St. Louis Cardinals. He got a base on balls and later scored.
After a stellar minor league career and four injury prone major league seasons, in 1943, at the age of 36, Lefty retired from baseball. (169)
Nick Marcarchuck
A 4-year 3 sport athlete earning 9 varsity letters, Nick was the captain of both the Basketball and Football teams. In Basketball he was a 2 time CDC All star, the first NFA Basketball player to be named All-State, a career total of 1018 points which at the time was 3rd all time at the Academy. Nick set a single game scoring record of 39 points.
Attending Fairfield University, Nick became a member of the 1000-point club and was a team captain his senior year. He was inducted into the Fairfield University Hall of Fame and elected to the All-Time Fairfield team.
Nick began his coaching career at St Thomas More School and coached Ernie Digregorio. He then became an assistant coach on the Providence College 1973 final four team.
Nick is also a member of the Canisius College Hall of Fame where he was the mens basketball coach for many years. He was also head coach at Fordham University. 159
Eugene “Chick’ Nafie
At the time of graduation Chick was the only NFA athlete to earn 4 varsity letters in 1 year. Selected as the top athlete in his class – he earned numerous letters in Basketball, Football, baseball and track.
Chick captained the 36-baseball team to a conference and state championship, at one time winning 18 consecutive games. Baseball teams he was on won 3 conference and 2 state titles. Out of high school he signed with the Cardinals. Playing in the North Carolina State league. Nafie led the league in home runs, total bases and runs scored. Playing for a Marine Corp travel team he got to share a locker with Joe Dimagio.
Chicks best sport in the spring however, may not have been baseball. He competed in track as a10th grader but was not allowed to throw the javelin during his junior and senior years by the baseball coach for fear of hurting his arm, the track coach asked the baseball coach if Nafie could go to the state meet his senior year. Having not thrown for two years Chick won the Javelin setting a new state record. 189
Lewis Randall
Lew participated in 11 varsity seasons, 3 with XC and 4 with Basketball and Baseball. Lew was the leading hitter on the baseball team his upper and senior years including a 15 game hitting streak. The iron 5 of the 54-55 basketball team went 17-3 and ranked #3 in class LL, one of the best records in the history of NFA to that point. Lew’s name is prominently mentioned in every game write-up his senior year. He was a top scorer and rebounder his senior year. Lew was voted class athlete by his peers. At graduation Lew received the Athletic Council Cup for overall excellence in athletics. Lew continued to excel as a collegian, playing 4 years of Basketball at American International College where he earned letters in 4 different sports, football, basketball, baseball and track. He was honored in 1960 by AIC as the schools Most Outstanding Athlete. After college he participated in 3 ½ seasons of professional Baseball in the Cleveland and Washington systems. 166
James Williams
James was a member of the class of 1927 at NFA. He played four years on the football team. At the end of his second season he was elected team captain for the following year. As the team’s star quarterback, he led the team to victory scoring the only touchdown to beat arch rival New London. James returned to NFA and served as the head football coach for 18 years. He led the 1945 team to the sports writers designated state championship. The first and only state championship for football. He would also serve as an assistant coach for football in the 60’s and 70’s. 105
Decade 2 (1971-1980)
Lloyd Hinchey
Lloyd was a 4-year member of both the baseball and basketball teams. He served as the team co-captain for both the 1959-1960 and 1960-1961 teams. During both of those seasons, Lloyd was named a Capital District Conference all-star. The 1960 -1961 team advanced to the state tournament semi-finals. For the 1960-61 season he was the top vote getter in the all-star poll and was named the honorary all-state captain. Lloyd was selected to the CIAC Class A all-tournament team, and capped his senior year by being named a High School All-American. A member of the 1000-point club he finished with 1222 career points, #2 all time when he graduated. For over 20 years he held the single game scoring record with 41 points. While playing for Holy Cross, Lloyd had a successful freshman year, but a knee injury hindered him during the next two years. Being healthy again for his senior year, Lloyd averaged 14 points per game and was named to the all-New England team. (166)
Lloyd “Mud” Jarvis
As a freshman Lloyd was already contributing to the baseball team pitching in several winning games. As a pitcher and center fielder, he went on to become the captain of the 1927 and 1928 teams. In 1928 he led the team to victory over Bulkeley. Voted most athletic by his peers. Lloyd was also a forward on NFA’s first team in 1927. He was a top player on the 1928 team, “…it was a Jarvis basket in the last minute of play, that won the Interscholastic Championship for NFA”. At graduation, Lloyd was awarded the Class of 1912 Cup as the top athlete. (104)
Lou Job
Lou was born and raised in Norwich. He started high school at NFA and finished at Norwich Tech, graduating in 1948. In 1949 Lou participated in a tryout for the New York Yankees and was selected to play in their minor league system as a pitcher. Lou played in the Yankees system from 1949 thru 1954. In 1950 he led the minors in strike outs by recording 256 strike outs in 200 innings. After being released by the Yankees in 1954, Lou continued playing baseball in the New London and Norwich City Leagues. When Lou was not pitching he was always in the lineup as a position player. He was as feared a batter as he was intimidating as a pitcher. He was the most dominating pitcher in the local leagues during his 10 years playing. In New London he was the league’s MVP for eight consecutive years and one year led the league in home runs. In the Norwich City league, Lou was voted the league MVP in every one of his ten years in the league. (178)
Jack Lonardelli
Jack was one of the outstanding all-around athletes during the 1940’s, excelling in both football and baseball.
Jack’s high school career consisted of only three years. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in August, 1945, thus he did not attend NFA for his senior year.
During those three years, Jack earned three varsity letters in baseball. He was captain and all-conference for two of those years as a pitcher and catcher. When the team had no option at catcher, Jack volunteered and developed into the best catcher in the conference. The 1945 squad won the conference crown.
Jack was a co-captain of the football team for two years. Jack not only broke off many runs for long yardage, he also passed for touchdowns. Jack was named honorable mention all-state in 1944.
Jack coached basketball and soccer for 19 years at Norwich Tech. He also coached football for many years at NFA. (152)
James ‘Babe’ Moran
Babe earned nine varsity letters while at NFA, including four in one year. While running to baseball practice, Babe returned a javelin to the track team, throwing it farther than anyone could on the track team. The two coaches worked out a schedule allowing Babe to participate in both sports. Babe would play and practice baseball, but would leave to participate in the track meets. Babe ran the 100 and 220-yard dashes, long-jumped and threw the javelin. He scored no less than 15 points in any meet, and was undefeated in the javelin. Babe went on to win the state championship in javelin and established a new state record.
On the baseball diamond, Babe was a four-year varsity player. He was an all-conference selection three times. In 1941, Babe hit the first home run in the first game played at the “new” Mohegan Park baseball field, now known as Dickenman Field. Babe’s batting average that year was .400 and he led the team in hits and runs scored. He was a two-year captain of the team, and, after graduation, captained the UConn team. He also led that team with a .468 batting average. (193)
Dorothy O’Neil
Dot was an NFA class of 1948 graduate and was, by all accounts, NFA’s most outstanding female athlete of her generation.
Dot participated in field hockey, badminton, volleyball, basketball, softball, archery and tennis every year for 4 years while at the Academy. Through her many victories in intramural sports, Dot was the first NFA student to earn her Girls Athletic Association blazer in only 3 years. She was particularly skillful in tennis and badminton, bringing fame and glory to NFA on the state, national and international levels.
Dot won 3 state badminton titles during her NFA career, and went on to win 18 consecutive Connecticut championships into adulthood. She claimed the national championship in 1964 and represented the United States on its national badminton team in international tournaments 4 times. Also, her skill as a tennis player led to a top ten ranking in New England. Dot was the first female winner of the Southern New England Tennis Championship, winning the first three years. (164)
Lucien Plante
Lucian was a 4-year member of the varsity basketball and baseball teams, serving as captain of basketball for the 1952-1953 season.
A prolific scorer who was known in his playing days at the Academy as “Mr. Basketball”. He was a 3-time foul shooting leader, set the single season scoring record with 404 points, was the initial recipient of the Principal’s Trophy for becoming the first NFA player to score 1000 points, finishing with a school record 1233 points. That total is currently 3rd all time for boys’ basketball at NFA. Remarkable, considering it took place 40 years ago.
After graduating from NFA, Lucien spent all four of his college years playing baseball and basketball for American International College. During the 1954, 1955, and 1956 baseball seasons, Lucien had the highest team batting average with .344, .354, and .353 averages respectfully. He earned the Maloney Trophy as the Outstanding Athlete in 1957 at AIC. (153)
George Strouse
George was a 1961 NFA graduate.
George was named second team all-state for basketball. The Wildcats reached the state semi-finals in his senior year. The team played in the very competitive Capital District Conference and had a combined record of 51-18 during George’s three years of varsity play.
The baseball team during that span enjoyed even greater success. The team won two Capital District Conference championships and two state titles. The overall record was an impressive 45-8. George’s 340-foot home run was the difference in the 2-1 victory over Hamden in the state title game.
George attended Gettysburg College and was a three-year letter winner for the basketball program. When playing an away game at the Palestra, he was featured on the game program as the best visiting player to play in Philadelphia that year. George scored 40 points in the game. Upon graduation, George received the Beacham award for character, scholarship, and athletic achievement.
George has been inducted into the NFA and Gettysburg College Hall of Athletic Honor. (169)
Decade 3 (1981-90)
Ted Alex
A three-year varsity starter for the basketball team, Ted was a play maker and one of the top scorers each of the 3 years. He captained the 48 team to a 16-6 record and the Eastern Ct Conf title. He won several basketball awards for outstanding play while playing for the great Howie Dickenman.
During Teds years on the baseball team, 3 Eastern Ct conf championships were secured. As the captain of the 46 team, he was the ace of the staff with an 8-1 record. He clinched the championship by blanking Windham5-0, allowing 7 hits and striking out 16. According to reports – it was the best pitching performance seen in the conference that year. Ted went on to play a season of professional baseball.
A coach and AD for 30 years at Shepaugh High School, his teams combined for 492 wins and 18 league championships. Teds baseball teams were 385-123 with 2 state championships. He was named as the CHSCA Baseball coach of the year, the NHSACA Region 1 Baseball coach of the year and is a member of the Ct HS Coaches Asoc hall of fame.
(188)
Don Scott
Don Scott earned 9 letters participating in Football, Basketball and Baseball. His best sport was Football. The teams were built around his running prowess. He had numerous spectacular plays as the leading runner on the team.
Don Scotts athletic accomplishments continued to grow after high school. He attended the University of Bridgeport where he played Football, Basketball and Track. He captained the Football and track teams his senior year while being named All New-England and All-American twice in Football. He was also named All-New England in track. After college, he received offers to play professional football from the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Cardinals, the New York Giants and the Baltimore Colts. Don signed with the Giants in 1959. His professional career ended with the New York Titans. 128
John Leone
John Leone was a three-sport athlete who participated in Football, Basketball and Baseball. He was a back-up on a strong 1962 basketball team that finished 17-6.
His Baseball career was outstanding both individually and team wise. John was a member of the 1960 and 1961 CDC and Class A State championship teams.
In football, one of the highlights of the 1960 team was the “fine playing of Johnny Leone at either end or full-back on offense and linebacker on defense. Against the three best teams in the CDC, in order, they were Weaver (having the most dangerous passing attack in the state), Public (pre-season choice to take the championship), and East Hartford, (the best defensive squad in the league). After those 3 games were played, the best passing attack had been defeated, the pre-season favorites had been soundly thrashed, and the best defensive team had yielded 323 yards and the CDC championship belonged to NFA.
Beyond high school, John played 4 years of football at Boston college. In 1965 he was selected All New England and received honorable mention All-American recognition. (181)
Charlie Weiss
Charlie was a star left fielder and clean-up hitter on the baseball team with a career average of .416. He also did track during the spring along with baseball.
During the 1938 and 1939 seasons, Charley was named All-State fullback by the New Haven register. He was also selected as Coaches “Best Bet” by the Connecticut Football coaches. This honor indicative of being the top football player in the state. The New haven register named Charley the best scholastic gridder in the state. The 1938 team had a record of 9-1. Losing only to eventual state champion New Britain 13-7. NFA was considered the second-best team in the state that year. In 1939 the team was 7-2-2 with night games being played for the first time on the NFA campus. Attendance for the season was over 33,000.
Charlie accepted a football scholarship from Cornell while also playing baseball. Passing on offers to play professional football, he attended Cornell Medical school and was later inducted into the Cornell Hall of Fame. (170)
Tim Smith
Tim Smith, Norwich’ running ambassador, has a lifetime of achievements worthy of any Hall of Fame.
As a high school runner, Tim won state titles in the class LL cross country race and the outdoor track 1-mile and 2-mile events. The NFA boy’s cross country teams won numerous conference and state titles.
While running at Providence College for one year, the frosh team won the New England and Eastern Intercollegiate Championships.
He has finished every Rose Arts race, finishing in the top 20 in all but two.
In 1974, Tim placed 3rd in the Mount Washington Road Race. In 1975, Tim placed 3rd in the New York City Marathon with a time of 2 hrs. 26 min. He has finished 15 Boston Marathons with a personal best finish of 41st place and a personal best time of 2:24:50. Tim set the course record of 2:23:56 at the East Lyme Marathon in 1982. He has won the East Lyme Marathon three times and was second six times.
Tim is the co-founder of the Mohegan Striders and the first President. The club is enjoying its 45th year. (185)
Carl Snitkin
Besides Carl’s teaching and coaching career, he had a career in power lifting. He started competing in power lifting in 1964 and for 10 times over his 20 year career was named New England champion. He was the National Collegiate champion and outstanding lifter for his college career and ranked #1 in the United States in 1982 and 1983. Carl was the North American Champion in 1981 and 1982 and won the Pan American title in 1976, the Hawaii World Invitational in 1982, the World Championship in 1971, and inducted into the CT weightlifting hall of fame, the Springfield college athletic hall of fame, the New England High School Wrestling hall of fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (120)
Robert Alves
During Bobs 2 years on the varsity basketball team, the teams compiled a 37-10 record while advancing to the state tournament semi-finals.
In the sport of football, the 1961 team went undefeated in the CDC winning the championship. The final game of the season was a resounding 42-8 victory over New London. According to the yearbook report, Bob ran circles around the opponents.
Bobs first year on the varsity baseball team was 1960. This team won the CDC and a state championship with a 14-3 record. The 1961 team was 17-2. Bob pitched many gems including a 1 hit 13 strike out performance against Hartford Public. The 1962 team was 10-5. Bob was considered by many as the best pitcher in the league. From yearbook accounts – In one of the real highlights of the season, BoBo Alves completely mystified the Hartford Public bats with a fabulous no-hitter and 19 strike out performance. Another outstanding performance was a 13 strike out 11 inning complete game 3 hitter for a 2-1 win over New London. (173)
John Morosky
John earned a total of 10 letters participating in Football, Basketball and Track while at NFA. As a javelin thrower on the track team, John came within 2 ft of breaking the school record and over a 2-year span, complied a 12-0 record, 2 Eastern Ct Conference championships, and a Class A state tournament runner-up.
He was the first NFA athlete to earn a varsity letter in basketball as a freshman. A 6th man on the 1945 ‘dream team’ as the team was named by coach Howie Dickenman, the team went 17-3 winning the first ECC basketball title. The varsity won their first title and the 1946 team repeated as ECC champions with a 15-5 record.
On the gridiron, he led the team to a 7-3 record playing several home games before crowds of 4500 and an NFA – Bulkeley crowd of 6200. The highlight of John’s illustrious career was the 1945 Associated Press state championship. The wildcats offense was built around a deadly passing, attack which saw all-stater Johnny Morosky do most of the passing. (176)
Decade 4 (1991 – 2000)
Clem McGrath
Clem was one of the best distance runners ever at Norwich Free Academy. In the first meet his senior year, his 2-mile relay team broke the state record by 2 seconds at the Connecticut relays. He established the school record in the mile numerous times. Clem won the mile at the Eastern sectionals and went on to win the mile at the state meet, in school record time. In cross country, he was the top runner on the team his upper and senior years. He set several course records and was all state both years. Clem was the captain for the 1956 XC team. They finished 11-1, were CDC champions, won the eastern regionals and finished the year as the state open champions. Clem won the state open meet and set a new course record. Post NFA, Clem was the Manchester road race high school winner, was a UConn freshman XC record holder and has won numerous master and grand master road races. He was honored at the Kelly road race as master athlete of the year. 177
William Wendt
A standout basketball and baseball player, Bill Wendt had the unique distinction of earning all-conference in his junior and senior years for both sports. This was accomplished in the highly competitive Capitol District Conference. In 1969 Bill served as co-captain for the 14-5-1 wildcats. The team won their 2nd consecutive CDC title while advancing to the state tournament semi-finals.
Bill was a 3year starter for the basketball team. The 1969 team set a record of 22 wins and 3 loses. After finishing 2nd in 68, they won the CDC crown. Bill rewrote the record books, finishing his career as the all-time leading scorer, most points in a season, and most field goals in a season and career. He also set the record for the most free throws in a game (18), and a season (184). A unanimous choice all CDC, was followed up with all-state and honorable mention on the All-American High school basketball squad. (159)
Leonard Jaskiewicz
Len participated on the Track and Cross-Country teams, was a 4-year member of the golf team and played basketball for 4 years. Len was the captain and leader of the “Dream Team” coached by Howie Dickerman. He was an all-conference selection for 2 years, won numerous awards, and led the 44-45 team to the school’s first Eastern Connecticut Conference Championship and a school record 18-3 season. The Dream team was the first for the school to qualify for post-season state tournament play. As the teams’ leading scorer, Len set a single season scoring record with 235 points.
After high school Len went on to play basketball at the University of Connecticut. 135
Robert Bundy
Bob put together one of the greatest 3 sport years ever as a senior. Bob’s varsity baseball career started in 1968 playing on the CDC champions with a 12-5 record. The next year the team was 14-5-1, again winning the prestigious CDC crown and advancing to the state tournament semi-final round.
The 1969 Basketball team had the best season NFA had ever seen. This included a 22-3 record, CDC championship and CIAC semi-final appearance. Bob’s senior season was a break-out season for him and continued success for the team. At 22-2 the team repeated as CDC champions. Bob was a top rebounder and scorer with 26 and 22 in the tournament. Bob’s third season was equally impressive with a second consecutive 7-3 record with the football team. Bob was selected to the all-CDC team on both offense and defense and continued to play football at the University of Connecticut, having an outstanding career. 186
Howie Dickenman
Howie has been a major figure in the sport of basketball as both a player and coach. He served as captain of the Central Connecticut State University basketball team for two years and named All-American. He became the first Blue Devil player to score 1000 points and 1000 rebounds in a single season, accomplishing this for three consecutive seasons. He was a draft choice of the ABA’s Carolina Cougars. He served as an assistant coach at the University of Connecticut for 14 years during the height of the program. Howie coached at Central for 7 years taking them to an NCAA Division 1 National Tournament. He received the Connecticut Sports Writers Gold Key in 1996. Howie is a member of the New England Basketball, Connecticut High School Coaches, Cheshire Academy and CCSU Halls of Fame. 135
Bev Goulet
Beverly’s athletic endeavors at NFA were extensive and varied. She played Basketball, Softball, Tennis, Field Hockey, Badminton, Archery, Tumbling and Fencing. During 11th grade Bev served as the vice president of the Girls Athletic Association. She was the singles and doubles badminton champion and runner-up in tennis and archery. By earning 2500 points, Bev was awarded the highest athletic award from the Girls Athletic Association. As a senior Beverly was the singles badminton champion. A member of the Basketball and softball championship teams and selected to the Basketball and Softball senior honor team. She served as the president of the Girls athletic association, received the principals award for girls’ athletics and was voted class athlete. After high school, Bev was a member of the UConn basketball, softball, field hockey and badminton teams. Beverly has received many awards for her community involvement including: the city of Norwich distinguished service award, the Social worker of the year award, and the community hero award from the United Way. 175
Ellen Mahoney
Prior to Ellen’s coaching career, she was a top athlete at NFA. She excelled in every individual and team championship she was a part of in the NFA intramural program. The sports included Archery, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball and Softball. Outside of her sports career, she was a 3-year member of the Girls Athletic Association – serving as the president. After an illustrious Intramural career at NFA, she went on to the University of Connecticut where varsity athletic opportunities awaited. Ellen was on the Volleyball team for 1 year and was a 4-year starter on both the Basketball and Softball teams, serving as captain in her senior year for both programs. Her many honors include – being inducted into the New Agenda Northeast Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Connecticut Softball Hall of Fame. (131)
Marlin McPhail
Marlin earned a total of 9 letters in football, basketball, and baseball during high school. He was the captain and MVP during his senior year on the football team with an 8-2 record. A captain his junior and senior year, he was a play making guard on the 75-76 basketball team that set an NFA record with 18 consecutive wins. He served as a baseball captain and was named the team MVP his senior year. Marlin won the league batting title twice and was named a High School all American after the 1977 season. Marlin has the unique distinction of earning all-conference honors for 3 sports in 2 consecutive years. At Cornell university, Marlin was a 4-year. He set 11 Cornell records. He was named to the Northeast Regional and earned All-American recognition as a senior. In 1990, Marlin was inducted into the Cornell University Athletic hall of fame. Marlin had a 10-year career in the minor leagues. He played all 9 positions as a professional.
Marlin coached 3 years in the Mets organization, and since 1990, has been a Scouting supervisor for the NY Mets. He was named as NY Mets Scout of the year in 1999. (198)
Decade 5 (2001 – 2010)
Jean Brown
Jean Brown earned 8 letters in her 8 seasons of participation in track and field and gymnastics. She was a 2-year co-captain of the gymnastics team. The team went 21-0, were league champions, set a state record for team average and won the 2nd ever girls state championship at NFA. In Jeans senior year, the team repeated as league champions with a 21-1 record.
In only her 2nd year on the track team she set a school record in the 80 yd hurdles and was part of the school record setting 880 yd relay. In 1977 Jean was all conference in 2 events, was part of a school record effort in the 440 yd relay, and set a school record in the high jump that lasted 20 years. At the states she was 2nd in the high jump and 4th in the hurdles. As a senior, Jean was the leading scorer, averaging an amazing 15 points per meet. Additionally, Jean won the pentathlon title at the Big B Invite.
Jean attended Rutgers University where she was a 4-year varsity rower. She participated in the Olympic Developmental camp and placed at many national level competitions winning the women’s pairs at the National Sports Festival. 203
Judy Pemberton Bell
Judy was a 2-sport athlete at NFA competing for 4 years in Basketball and Track. During her track career Judy was always one of the top point scorers. She competed in the 4X100 relay, the 4X400 relay, the 200, the 400 and the long jump. The track teams won 3 consecutive SAC titles during Judies career. The relays that she competed on set school and conference records and the 4X100 was named all state.
Judy was a 3-year starter on the basketball team and a big part of the early growth of the sport at NFA.
Judy attended Eastern CT State University where she continued her track career. She earned All New England honors in the 400 and 4X100 and won the NE open title in the 200. She became the first female track All American in the programs history. She qualified for national competition twice at 200M, twice at 400M and as a member of the 4X100 relay. Three times she ran to all American honors. In her career, Judy broke program records in the 200, 400, long jump and as a member of the 4X100 and 4X400 relays. (190)
Bill Krohn
Bill was a very accomplished runner at NFA where he won the class L indoor mile and received the Fletcher-Wiley cup at graduation. His personal best 4:16 in the mile earned him a scholarship to Manhattan College where he was a top runner. After graduation he continued to run and started to train full time. He experienced immediate improvements and received invitations to major meets nationally and internationally. Bill won the Penn Relays 5000M and finished third in the 1984 U.S. National Championships 5000M outdoors and fourth in the Indoor championships. He still owns the sixth fastest time in the Indoor 3-mile race. In 1985, Bill was named New York Runners Club Track Runner of the year. He competed nationally in all major meets such as the Milrose games, Olympic invitational, Prefontaine classic, Oregon Twilight Meet and the Jesse Owens Invitational. After racing in the U.S., Bill went to Europe during the summer vacations and entered all the European Grand Prix meets. Bill’s consistency at the highest level over a 10-year span is his most significant accomplishment. 178
Chris Wood
Chris has been involved in numerous sports throughout her career. She was the first female to make the Taftville little league All-Star team. At NFA, Chris devoted her efforts to Tennis and Track. She was a 4-year member of both programs. In track, Chris competed in the field events. Over her high school career, she accumulated 135 top three finishes in the three events, leading the team in scoring. She also earned individual recognition in prestigious events including the Hartford Invite, the New Britain Invitational, the State Class L and the State Open. In her senior year she won both the Class L and State Open in the Javelin and qualified for the Junior Olympic National Championships earning a silver medal and setting an NFA school record that still stands.
Chris also started judo at age 7, winning 8 consecutive State Championships. She was a two- time National champion. As a high school senior, she worked her way back to another National Championship while training at the Olympic Training center. She also competed in many American-Canadian Championship games. 178
David Coletti
Dr. David Coletti played soccer and tennis at the Norwich Free Academy. During Dr. Coletti’s sophomore year, he was undefeated and won the SAC singles title and doubles title. In his Junior year, he continued to dominate high school tennis. He remained undefeated and again won the SCA singles and doubles titles. He was seeded #3 in the CIAC Class LL tournament and reached the semi-finals at the Open. In senior year David was the #1 singles player on the team, a position he held for all four years. He was beaten only once during his high school matches and again reached the semi-finals of the Class LL and Open tournaments. David went on to play for 4-years at Boston University. He reached the United States Tennis Association National ranking of #28 in singles, and #4 in doubles. David is widely considered the best tennis player ever at the Norwich Free Academy and in Southeastern Connecticut. 151
Frank Vasington
Frank lettered in three sports in high school. He was a 3 year letter winner in football, starting at quarterback and halfback for 2 years while serving as co-captain. The 1945 team is arguably the best to ever play at the Academy. Selected as the associated press State Champions, they outscored their opponents 190 to 28 over the 9 games. The 7-2 victory over the defending state champions and arch rival Bulkeley was a highlight of the season.
Frank’s basketball career also produced a championship. The 1945-46 team went 15-5 and was co-champions of the ECC. They defeated Bulkeley and took over 1st place in the conference race. The game was witnessed by the largest crowd ever to attend a game at the Norton gym.
A 3-year member of the varsity baseball team, Frank started at 3rd base for 2 years and was selected all conference in 1946.
Frank went on to the University of Connecticut and participated in football and basketball for a year. Frank’s athletic accomplishments continued in the sport of golf where he has won several senior division championships. (182)
Bill Chowela
Bill was a talented multi-sport athlete in his youth. In high school he participated in football, basketball and baseball. He was all-conference in baseball for two years. He had a career .356 batting average. His 11 career homeruns and 57 RBI’s were school records that stood for 25 years. His main focus became football where he was recruited by several schools. He attended the University of Connecticut and was a member of the football team. Despite several recurring injuries, he was a four-year letter winner. 86
Sue Hopkins Terrill
Sue was a 3-sport athlete participating in Tennis, Gymnastics and Track. A 4-year varsity member of the tennis team, Sue played singles and doubles, reaching the semi-finals in doubles at the league tournament. The emergence of NFA gymnastics as a state power occurred during Sue’s years on the Gymnastics team. She served as co-captain during her upper and senior years. The team won the SAC and the CIAC state championship in 1977 and was runner-up in 1978. Sue was a runner-up at the state meet in 1977 and state champion in 76 and 78 on the uneven bars. She received All-American status in 1978 and was voted Class Athlete. After high school, Sue attended Southern CT State University where she was a 4-year member of the gymnastics team and captain during her senior year. (137)
Decade 6 (2011 – 2017)
John Newson
At the academy, John participated for 12 seasons and earned 11 letters. He was the leading running back for the football team. John received the Arnold Redgrave football award and was named all-conference.
Johns 4 years with indoor track were full of championships and records. He set school records in the 55M, 300M, 4X400 relay and long jump. In 85 the 4X400 relay team won the state title and in 87 he won the state open long jump title. He received all state honors all 4 years of indoor track.
The outdoor seasons were full of the same types of accomplishments. John set school records in the 100m, 200m, 4X100 relay, 4X400 relay and the long jump. He also set records for the most points in a season and most points in a career. In 86 John was the state open 200M champion and won the state open Long jump title in 86 and 87. He was all state for all 4 years. John was an honorable mention track all American.
John accepted a full athletic scholarship from the university of Rhode Island. He earned 3 varsity letters and was a captain in 1991. (194)
Deirdre Passarello Osypuk
Dee’s athletic career at NFA covered 12 seasons earning 11 varsity letters. A 4-year letter winner in Basketball – Dee was the leading scorer and team MVP for 3 years. She captained the 89 team and received all-conference honors, finishing as the all-time leading scorer for girls’ basketball. In her softball career, she earned 3 letters, was the team MVP for 2 years, earned all-conference 3 times and was named all state. She had the highest batting average for 3 years.
Dee also excelled in the sport of tennis. Her overall record was 103 – 18 -1. Named 3 times all ECC – Dee went on to win the fall state tennis doubles championship. At Skidmore college Dee earned 7 varsity letters. 1 in soccer, 4 in basketball and 2 in softball. Dee was captain of the basketball team for 3 years. She completed her basketball career as the all-time leading scorer and 3-point shooter in school history. The GTE Academic all-American team is one of the most prestigious honors a college athlete can attain. Dee was named to the team twice for basketball and once for softball. Upon graduation she received the Skidmore College Senior Female athlete of the year award, and the Skidmore College Athlete of the year award. (208)
Chris Tamborra
During Chris’s career at NFA he earned a total of 9 varsity letters in Track, Football and Wrestling.
He earned 4 letters in football where he was the anchor of the defensive line. In his senior season the wildcats, dubbed the “Comeback kids” were recognized as the top defensive line in the area, yielding less than one touchdown per game. Chris was honored with All-ECC and All-Area recognition and second team all-state.
It was the sport of wrestling where he had the biggest impact. Wrestling in the unlimited division he earned 3 varsity letters. In 1983, the NFA wrestlers up-ended the defending state champions and began a 12 year stretch of dominance that included 9 state championships. Leading up to the 1983 title, Chris had been the dominant force winning all-ecc honors, state LL and Open championships, and a state free style title. The final touch on this championship season was a 7th place finish at the nationals
Chris competed collegiately for 2 years at national power Bloomsberg University. He stayed connected to wrestling after college as a volunteer at CCSU and later at Boston College. (186)
Kate Giardi Erickson
Kate earned 10 varsity letters competing in 12 seasons of Soccer, Basketball and Softball at NFA.
Her soccer career included serving as captain your senior year and earning all-conference honors twice. The 1990 team was named ECC co-champions. The following year the team won the ECC title outright.
Kate served as a captain on the basketball team and was named all-conference her upper and senior years. The 1991 and 1992 teams won the ECC regular season and ECC tournament and Kate was selected as MVP of the 1992 tournament.
Her softball career was highlighted by being named all-conference 3 times and all-state in 1990 and 1992. Twice her teams advanced to the state tournament semi-finals. During the 1990 season she led the team in batting average, runs scored, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI’s and stolen bases. She was the leading hitter for 3 years finishing her senior year with a .429 average.
After graduating from NFA she attended Boston College. Kate was a four-year starter on the softball team serving as captain in 1995. At the time of graduation, she ranked #3 all time in runs scored and 7th all-time in the BC record books for home runs in a season and earned BIG East Academic All-Star honors in 1995. (211)
James Euell
Jim is considered by many to be the greatest runner to come out of NFA. The 1968 cross country campaign was a break out season for Jim. He set his fourth straight course record in the final dual meet of the season. In the post season Jim took a first at the CDC meet in record time, he then won the state meet with a record shattering performance.
The 1969 XC season was a repeat of 68 for Euell. He again won the CDC, Class meet and State open, he went on to win the New England Championship – besting the course record by 14 seconds.
Jims Indoor track career was much the same as XC. He won the 880 3 consecutive years at the state meet. In 1969 Jim also won the 1000 in a state record time of 2:13.5.
School records were set by Jim in Outdoor track in the 440, 880 with a state and new England record time of 1:52.3., the mile and the 880 yd relay again with a state record. He won his 3rd consecutive Class L mile title. At the state open he won with a record time of 4:10.8. Traveling to Sacramento with coach McCarthy, Jim competed in the Golden west invite. This involved the top 8 milers in the country. He finished in 4th place with a time of 4:10.1. (228)
Darryl Marcaurele
Darryl’s sport was wrestling. He was a two time All-Conference, All State and Connecticut Free-style open winner. He was the first NFA Wrestler to earn all-state honors. He was also the New England Free Style champion. His senior year at NFA, he went 18-0.
Wrestling off season in high school, Darryl took first place in the US Greco and Freestyle regionals, the first CT wrestler to do so. Going into the National Junior Championships in Iowa, Darryl stretched his record to 129-1, he became the first Nutmeg wrestler to make all-American in both disciplines. Darryl was named New England wrestler of the year in 1992. Beyond high school Darryl has enjoyed a wide range of success. His resume includes third in the World team trials, 4-time New England Freestyle Champion, AAU Greco-Roman National winner, twice an Ironman Wrestling World Champion, state Judo champion and New England welter weight winner. He won a silver medal helping the US team capture the 1999 Sambo World Cup and he was the US Mixed Martial Arts Champ at age 40. 176
Norine Nadeau Brown
Norine was a four-year letter winner in track. The team won 2 class LL state titles, finished second twice and won a state open championship during her career. She set school records in the 300 hurdles, heptathlon and 4X400 relay. The heptathlon and hurdles records still stand. Norine qualified for the New England championships in multiple events all four years, events included the long jump, javelin, 300 hurdles, 4X400 relay and the 4X100 relay. Senior year she placed 4th in the hurdles at the new England championships. Norine was ranked nationally her upper and senior year in the heptathlon. She was invited to participate in the national Golden West Invite in Sacramento. Only the top 8 athletes in the country are invited. Norine finished 4th at this meet.
Following high school Norine continued her track career at Bucknell University. She won the high jump at the patriot league championship three times and established a school record. At the time of graduation Norine was ranked in the top 10 all time in 9 individual events. She was awarded the outstanding performer award at the patriot league championship scoring in 6 individual events and claiming titles in the high jump and long jump. 201
Chad Johnson
Chad competed in cross country, swimming, indoor track and outdoor track earning 10 letters.
During Chads cross country career, he was a 4-time team MVP. The team was ECC champions in1990 and 1992. He won the ECC tournament 3 times and was named all-ecc all four years. Chad is the only male athlete ever in the state to earn all-state honors all four years in class LL. Chad won the state meet twice and earned all-new England honors in 1990, 91 and 92.
In the sport of track Chad was all conference all four years, all state 3 times and all American twice. He set 5 school records and still holds the 1600 and 3200 records. Chad set and still holds the ECC conference record in the 3200. He was invited to compete in the track nationals in Chicago where he earned all American honors by finishing second in the 3200.
Following high school he competed at the university of Connecticut in cross country and track and was a member of the school record setting 4X800 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. (216)
Special Sports
Mike Driscoll
Mike Driscoll, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, rowed for Georgetown University from 1967 to 1970. After graduation, he rowed for the Potomac Boat Club for three years. In 1970, Mike was a member of two American National Championship teams, the lightweight 4 and the lightweight 8. That same year, the lightweight 8 boat also won a gold medal at the World Championships at St. Catharine, Canada. 1n 1972, the lightweight 4 also won an American National Championship, while the lightweight 8 took first place in the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta. In 1973, the lightweight 4 took second place at the Canadian Henley, beaten only by the Canadian Olympic boat. Mike most recently had rowed for the Chelsea Boat Club. (124)
Randy Bumgarner
From an early age Randy got involved in body building, hard body contests and power lifting. In 1988 he finished 6th in the Mr. Connecticut Contest and earned a gold medal in the 1989 Nutmeg games Olympic lift clean and jerk. Some of his power lifting feats include running the 100-yard dash in 25 seconds while holding a 100 pound dumbbell in each hand and running the same distance while palming a car battery in each hand. He won arm wrestling competitions, participated in the Scottish Highlands Games in the tabor throw contest and participated in the ESPN Strongman competition.
As Randys career progressed, he began to specialize in the bench press. At age 42, he entered the International Power lifting Association Senior National Bench Press Championship. Randy benched 605 pounds to win the competition and set a world record for lifters in the 40-44 age group. His best bench press was 625 pounds. 154
John Kirker, Jr.
John Kirker, Jr., inducted in 2001, was, and remains Norwich’ premier bowler. Recognized for his participation in over 70 Professional Bowlers Association Tour events, John’s closet brush with victory came in 1985 at the Pat Boone open in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. After compiling the highest average during the week against such legends as Pete Weber and Walter Ray Williams, John lost on national television in the final game to Mark Williams of Beaumont, Texas to settle for second place.
John has bowled 85 perfect 300 games and recently bowled 28 strikes in a row. He carried a 230 pins per game average. He has over 50 wins in tournaments throughout the Northeast, including four PBA Regional titles. In 1989, he was named the PBA Eastern Regional Bowler of the Year. In 2017, he was recognized as the Senior Bowler of the Year in New England. John’s busy schedule had him bowling in 45 weekend tournaments throughout the Northeast. 158
Norm Rioux
Norm Rioux, inducted in 1980, was Connecticut’s champion horseshoe pitcher throughout the 1960’s and 70’s.
In the New London County Horseshoe League, Norm owned the high average for 17 years running. He also won the singles and doubles titles for three consecutive years in the Rose Arts Horseshoe Tournament.
On the state level, Norm had won the championship six of the past seven years going into the 1976 tournament. He was also the reigning New England champion. In the sudden death championship game, he registered 66 ringers out of 82 tosses for the victory. In his most recent national tournament, Norm qualified in eighth position out of 360 entrants. He tossed 165 ringers out of 200 attempts in the qualifying round. A metal sliver on his pitching hand hindered his finals effort, however, but he still managed to finish in 28th place. (158)
Chris Adams
Chris has been active in riflery since the age of 5. He soon became part of the local competition community. From 1981-88 he made the All-State team. Being a member of the all-state team enabled Chris to represent Connecticut at the National Rifle Championships. Chris attended the Olympic Rifle training camp and received coaching from some of the best shooters in the world. In 1987, at age 17, he captained the National Champion Junior Prone team. His Connecticut team placed among the top 5 teams in the country. While attending NFA, he led the school’s riflery team to 4 league titles and 2 state championships, while individually earning all-state status all four years. In college he captained the King’s Point riflery team, leading them to 3 national championships. In 1990, Chris was invited by Team USA to the tryouts for the U.S. Olympic team. Today, Chris professionally trains shooters and coaches in several shooting disciplines, for both the Government and private organizations. (163)
Bob Potter
Bob was a long time and dominant driver on the local and regional racing circuit. After winning his first championship at Waterford Speedbowl in 1976, Bob dominated for the next 15 years. Bob won other championships in 1980, 83, 86, 87 and 89. He won five championships at Stafford Motor speedway and 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 for a total of 151 career wins.
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. He was also voted the most popular driver at Stafford. In 1988, Bob was voted one of the 50 greatest drivers of all time at Stafford Speedway. 147
Cindy Shea
Cindy earned induction into the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame for her outstanding talent for baton twirling. She started at a young age and by age 10 she competed in the World Baton Twirling championship. She competed along with 2000 twirlers and was crowned the winner in five world titles. She was named the Juvenile Miss Majorette of America for 1968 Solo champion. She finished undefeated I all the events she entered. The five earned trophies were added to the 357 she had already won. This level of success continued throughout her career. She completed her career having won 10 World Titles including 1 baton, 2 baton, Flag and hoop. Other titles she won include Miss Majorette of America Solo Champion, Miss Majorette of Connecticut, Connecticut State Champion, Canadian International Champion, North American World Champion and Eastern Seaboard Champion. Cindy was the winner of 552 trophies and 342 medals. She also was the 2014 and 2015 Women’s Sub Base Open Golf Champion. 162
Kenny Adams
Kenny Adams was an outstanding boxer in the late 40’s and 50’s. His boxing career extended throughout the Northeast. He started boxing in 1946 as an amateur bantam weight and boxed professionally from 1948-1954. In 1950 he earned the award as the most prominent feather weight boxer in the world with a string of eleven straight victories, eight by knockout. Some of his boxing matches took place at the Rhode Island and Hartford Auditoriums, the Norwich State Armory and the Boston Garden. He fought a total of twenty-eight bouts during his career. Later in life he was appointed state deputy boxing commissioner. 102
Coaches
Kevin Crowley
At Montville High School, Kevin coached the girls’ cross-country team to six consecutive Class M State Championships, from 1978 to 1983. Three of those teams earned the number one ranking in Connecticut by winning the State Open Championship. In 1982, Kevin also coached the boys’ team to the Class M Championship. A coach winning both the boys’ and girls’ state championships in the same year had never been done up to that time. In 1982, Kevin also coached the girls’ team to a Class M Track Championship.
While serving as an assistant coach at NFA, the girls’ cross-country team won the Class LL Championship in 2009. During Kevin’s tenure, the track team won 14 Class LL State Championships and two State Open Meet Championships. Kevin coached a total of 31 state championships during his career. In 1981, Kevin was presented with the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Cross Country Award. In 1982, Kevin was the recipient of the Connecticut Track Coaches Association Coach of the Year Award. 167
Jemal Davis
During Jemal’s high school career, graduating from NFA in 1990, he was named all-state in football and excelled in track and field. Following high school, Jemal attended UConn and was a three-year letter winner on the football team.
In 1998, Jemal returned to NFA and joined the football coaching staff and was named head coach in 2008. His teams won 71% of their games. Most notably, they reached the playoffs four times, twice reaching the state finals. His teams won four Eastern Connecticut Conference titles and were undefeated twice. He was named all-area Coach of the Year several times. The New Haven Register named him state Coach of the Year. He also received the Coaches Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the National Football Foundation.
Jemal also coached the indoor and outdoor track and field teams at NFA. He was named as the Boys Track State Coach of the Year. He led the girls’ indoor track team to two state championships. The boys’ outdoor track teams won three Class LL State Championships. The boys’ track teams were also ECC champions for eight consecutive seasons, beginning in 2002. 187
Gil Lapointe
Gil Lapointe coached 78 seasons at NFA, more than any other coach in the history of the school. The sports include swimming, indoor track, and boys’ and girls’ cross country.
Gil was the head coach of the boys’ tennis team for 35 years. His teams won five Capital District Conference titles along with five Eastern Connecticut Conference championships.
Gil spent 29 years as the girls’ cross-country head coach, taking over for another of tonight’s honorees, Gene McGrath, in 1978. His cross-country teams enjoyed quite a bit of success. They won nine ECC titles, six Class LL championships, eight Class LL runners-up finishes, two State Open titles, and a New England title in 1995. His 1995 team was ranked 16th nationally by Running Times Magazine. This team scored a total of 21 points at the Class LL meet and 45 points at the State Open, both scores being the best CIAC scores ever up to that time. Gil was named the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1996. He was also named National Coach of the Year in 1998. 182
Rene Ledoux
Rene was the Director of Athletics for 13 years at NFA. Rene coached football for 15 seasons, basketball for three seasons and baseball for 23 seasons. He coached 400 varsity baseball games with a record of 241 wins, 153 losses, and six ties. His teams earned nine Capital District Conference championships and two Class L state championships. The 1960 team beat Hamden 2 -1 while the 1961 team bested New Britain by a score of 6 – 3.
Rene has been inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame. He also served that organization as their president and received their Achievement Award. The Knights of Columbus also honored Rene for his coaching accomplishments. 115
Ellen Mahoney
Ellen’s coaching career began at Ledyard High School. As the tennis coach, her teams won a Fall State Championship, eight league titles, and had an overall record of 178 wins and 36 losses. Ellen began the softball program at Ledyard in 1976. Over the course of her career, she recorded 355 wins and 84 losses. Her teams reached the state finals ten times, winning seven state championships. Her teams also won 12 Eastern Connecticut Conference championships, including ten in a row. At one point, Ledyard had a 105-game winning streak. Ellen retired from coaching at Ledyard in 1997. She subsequently joined the UConn coaching staff. On May 4, 2013, the softball field at Ledyard High School was named in Ellen’s honor.
Ellen was selected as Coach of the Year on many occasions by the New London Day and the ECC. In 1992, Ellen was named Amateur Baseball Woman of the Year by the U.S. Baseball Federation. She was also a finalist for National Coach of the Year. In 1994, she was named Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance Female Coach of the Year. In 1996, she was inducted into the Connecticut Scholastic and Collegiate Softball Hall of Fame. In 2009, Ellen was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame. 210
Gary Makowicki
Gary served as a coach and Director of Athletics at the Norwich Free Academy for 37 years. He was an assistant basketball coach for 12 years and was the head coach of the girls’ track team for 23 years. Gary’s track teams won 10 Class LL state championships and had an overall 92% winning percentage with 12 undefeated seasons. During his tenure, the track program had an 8-year unbeaten streak while winning 14 conference titles overall. He was selected as the CHSCA and CITCA track coach of the year and in 2003 was the NHSACA Girls Track Coach of the Year.
From 1993 through 2015 Gary served as the Director of Athletics. Gary received the CAAD Distinguished service award, and the CHSCA Athletic Director of the year award. In 2015 Gary was selected as the National High School Athletic Director of the year. Gary has served as chairperson on numerous committees for the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and was inducted into the CHSCA Hall of Fame. At the National level, Gary served as President and then Executive Director of the National High School Coaches Association. The NHSACA recognized Gary with the Carey McDonald National Citation and the Dwight Keith award and recently Gary was inducted into the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 216
Gene McGrath
Following college, Gene returned to NFA to begin a teaching career. He also began a coaching career which spanned 38 seasons, including both the boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams as well as the indoor and outdoor track programs.
In 1966, Gene took over the boys’ cross-country program. Gene’s teams won eight league titles, mostly in the Capital District Conference and the remainder in the Southeastern Connecticut Conference. Gene’s 1971 team won the Capital District Conference, Class LL, and State Open Championships. Gene took over the girls’ cross-country program in 1984. In his first year, he led the team to a state Class LL title. The following year the team was the state runner-up. After two years with the girls’ program, he passed along the head coaching duties to longtime assistant coach Gill LaPointe. Gene’s tenure with the boys’ indoor and outdoor track programs produced ten individual state champions. Gene was selected numerous times as Coach of the Year by the Norwich Bulletin, the New London Day, and the Connecticut High School Coaches Association. Gene was a finalist for the National Coach of the Year. He was the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame Sportsperson of the Year in 1971. 198
Bob McPhail
In 1970, Bob left his career in computer technology to begin two new careers, teaching and coaching.
He became a member of the football and basketball coaching staffs at NFA that year. He coached the defensive secondary for 11 years and was on Tim Ryan’s basketball staff for 10 years. Bob began his first stint as the head coach of the golf team at NFA in 1972, retiring in 1978. He started a second stint in 1994, retiring in 2016. Bob was the Athletic Director from 1981 to 1993. During his career, Bob amassed 629 wins. Bob created the Wildcat Invitational, a golf tournament now 47 years old.
Bob served as the secretary/treasurer for the Eastern Connecticut Conference for 25 years and served two terms on the CIAC golf committee. In 1972, Bob received the golf Coach of the Year Award from the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and was a finalist for the National Coach of the Year. In 2016, Bob was named NHSCA National Coach of the Year. (179)
Bill Scarlata
Bill began his career as the junior varsity coach under program founder and first head coach, Paul Giardi. Bill took over the head coaching job in 1992. During Bill’s tenure, the NFA program became one of the most successful in Connecticut girls’ basketball history.
Bill’s record after this last season, his 26th, is 566 wins and 101 losses. Accomplishments include 13 trips to the state semi-finals, nine to the finals, with seven Class LL championships. NFA finished 27 – 0 four times. The Wildcats also won 17 ECC tournament titles. The 2002 team was ranked as high as 15th nationwide and 5th in the East by the USA Today basketball poll. NFA also had winning streaks of 53 and 38 games. Those streaks were interrupted by a two point loss in the 2000 state finals. The Connecticut record is 62 consecutive wins. Bill has been nominated for the National Coach of the Year Award twice. He was named the CHSCA Coach of the Year in 2004. Bill was inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. (179)
Carl Sniktin
Overshadowed by Carl’s legendary career as the NFA wrestling coach is his many years as an assistant track coach. Carl coached several state champion javelin throwers as well as many league champion throwers. Carl took over the NFA club wrestling program and in short order developed it into a local and state powerhouse. During the 25 years as a head coach, Carl’s teams compiled a dual-meet record of 471 wins, 80 losses, and 7 ties. His teams won 13 league titles. On the state level, Carl’s teams won nine Class LL titles, including six in a row, and finished as runners-up five times. Carl coached 63 Class LL, State Open and New England champions as well as 165 individual medal winners.
In 1990, Carl was awarded the Doc McInerney Coach of the Year Award. He was also honored with the Connecticut Scholastic Coach of the Year Award. He was twice a finalist for National Coach of the Year. In 2003, Carl was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. 173
Sue Hopkins-Terrell
The rise to prominence for the NFA gymnastic program coincided with Sue’s high school career and continued with her hiring as the head coach in 1994. Her All-State and All-American level abilities carried over to her teams. The program’s accomplishments were unparalleled throughout New England.
Sue coached 16 seasons with a record of 218 wins and 59 losses and 11 ECC titles. It is the program’s success over a nine year stretch that is especially eye-opening. The team won eight consecutive ECC titles, seven Class L state championships, and three New England championships. In 1997, Sue was honored by the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame as the Sportsperson of the Year. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. Sue has been selected Coach of the Year numerous times by the local newspapers. She was also CIAC Coach of the Year in 1995, 1996, 1998, and 2000. In 2005, Sue was a finalist for National Coach of the Year. In 2002, Sue received the CIAC Outstanding Contributions to Connecticut High School Gymnastics Award. 175
Kara Kochanski-Vendola
Kara was a member of Gymnastics, Indoor Track and Outdoor track teams from 1991 – 1994 at NFA. She won the ECC 800-meter title her senior year. Kara started her coaching career at NFA with the Gymnastics team in 1997. In 2002 she was named the head coach of the outdoor track team. Over the 17 years she has coached, her teams compiled a record of 111 wins and 6 losses. During that time, they won 10 regular season titles, 13 conference champions and 5 Class LL state championships. Her cross-country coaching career started in 2006. Her teams have a 93-4 record with 9 regular season crowns and 5 league tournament titles. In 2009 the cross-country team won the Class LL state championship. Kara was selected as the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year and has been selected Coach of the Year by the local newspapers numerous times. She was recently a finalist for Coach of the Year from the National High School Coaches Association. 167
Contributors/Innovators/Service
Marty Gilman
Marty was a 1925 graduate of the Norwich Free Academy where he played football. He went on to play football at the University of Connecticut where he was named All-New England and Honorable mention All-American.
During summers, Marty worked at his father’s cotton mill in Bozrahville. He also wanted to improve his blocking skills. At the time no sleds or blocking dummies existed. Marty created a crude dummy. When his college coach saw what he had created, he ordered 6. His creativity to design innovative products led to the formation of the Marty Gilman Sporting Goods Co. The products he created significantly helped to advance the sport of football. He pioneered the development of the first blocking and tackling sled in addition to the ‘pop-up’ dummy. Marty designed, built and was the chief salesman and promoter of his products. The company is now Gilman Gear and is the nation’s leading manufacturer of football practice equipment. Gilman maintains 10,000 accounts including the National Football League. His son Neal is now managing the company. (172)
Joe Skindzer
Joe Skindzier was arguably the greatest contributor to sports in Norwich’s history through his generous sponsorship of so many teams. Joe owned and operated the Wonder Bar Restaurant in Norwich from 1940 until his death in 1990. During those fifty years he sponsored a countless number of teams in basketball, baseball, woman’s fast pitch and slow pitch softball, men’s fast pitch and slow pitch softball and bowling teams among others. Teams playing under the Wonder Bar name have been awarded over 100 trophies for winning league championships, playoff championships and tournament championships. Joe’s contributions to sports in Norwich may never be matched. 102
Arden Curtis
Arden was involved in the promotion of girls’ sports for over 50 years. She was a physical education teacher for 32 years, 28 of which were spent at N.F.A. Arden created the NFA Class Leaders Club program; and started and coached gymnastics, girls’ track, and girls’ cross country in the early 70’s. She also coached Synchronized Swimming and was a basketball official for 5 years. She served on the CIAC advisory committee to the Principals’ organization, chaired the committee that organized and conducted state tournaments, was a high school consultant on the Connecticut Division of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, and organized and conducted a statewide public relations program through the media in order to advocate the growth of girls’ sports.
Arden was inducted into the New Agenda – Northeast Hall of Fame in ’72; the CT Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in ’93; and the CT Field Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011. She received the CT Assoc. of Secondary Schools aware for contribution to the expansion of girls’ varsity programs. (176)
Sarah Jane Shearer
Sarah Jane Shearer was a pioneer at the local and state level promoting girls’ sports. She served as a Physical Education teacher, coach and promoter of girl’s sports for 43 years at the Norwich Free Academy. She coached girls’ volleyball and along with 2 other teachers started the gymnastics team. She started the tennis team – the first girls varsity sport at NFA in 1972. She also helped to start the track team for girls and had been an assistant coach for 31 years. She has coached 28 state champions and 264 state meet qualifiers.
Sarah Jane has been very active at the state level serving on many CIAC committees. She was the director of the first Girls state badminton tournament, worked on the CIAC tennis committee, and organized and administered the first girls Basketball state tournament. Awards have included the American Heart Association Outstanding volunteer, the CHSCA tennis coach of the year, NHSACA district 1 tennis coach of the year, New agenda hall of fame inductee, Ct Women’s basketball hall of fame inductee and the first recipient of the CHSCA assistant track coach of the year award. (187)
Jack Steinman
Jack Steinman was named to the Norwich Recreation Advisory Board in 1980, culminating over 40-years of dedicated service associated with youth sports in Norwich. Jack’s main goal at that time was to improve the lack of facilities for youth athletic programs city wide. His main argument centered on this quote: “If there’s money to purchase a golf course, there should be money made available for baseball, basketball, and other facilities that can be helpful for our youngsters.”
Jack has worked with the Police Athletic League, Sts. Peter and Paul Baseball League, Midget Football League, and other athletic projects in the city. He was also a director of the Sports Hall of Fame. (112)
Bill Darrow
Starting with the 1932-33 school year, and continuing through 1968, Coach Darrow was working with NFA Athletes. He coached for 34 seasons with the Basketball Program, serving as the head coach from 1937-1940. He was a Baseball coach for 14 years. From 1941 through 1946 he was the varsity coach. The team went 34-2 during that time winning 3 Eastern CT Conference titles. Bill Darrow also coached football for 7 seasons. During his coaching career, Academy teams at the Frosh, JV and Varsity levels competed in more than 1600 games. As an assistant, Coach Darrow took great pride in seeing his younger players move up to the varsity. He preferred to work with the younger athletes, but would step up to coach the varsity when he was needed. Coach Darrow served as the head of the Physical and Health Education Dept and ran the extensive intramural program. 147
Kevin Crowley
At the Norwich Free Academy, he has served as a volunteer coach for the girls cross country and track and field programs for over 25 years.
Kevin was the volunteer director of the Norwich Hershey Track program for 25 years. When running the Norwich Hershey Track Program, Kevin took Norwich athletes to the national meet, coaching one national champion, two runners-up, and also a seventh-place finish. Kevin also organized the Joe Lonardelli age group races and the Harry O fun runs for many years.
In 1981, Kevin was presented the Connecticut High School coaches Association Cross-country award. In 1982, Kevin received the Connecticut Track coaches association coach of the year award and in 2002, the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame honored Kevin with the Kapteina Community Service Award. 128
Joe Romanski
Joe was well known for his dedication to the Norwich Little League, where he served on the board of directors, and coached for more than 50 years. He was also active in the Norwich Basketball Church League where he coached for many years. In 2006, Joe was remembered by the Norwich Little League for his years of service with his name on all of the uniforms. The first pitch on opening day was thrown out by his son Paul to his other son Michael.
As a young man, Joe was an outstanding athlete. He played in the Norwich City League with the Rose of New England Athletic Club. In the 1950’s he played for the V.F.W. and Polish Cits. In his years in the league he compiled a .316 batting average. He was also a pitcher in fast-pitch softball for many years and had a record of 385 wins 173 losses and tossed six no hitters. In 1975 Joe was presented with the Knights of Columbus Youth Service Award for his devotion to coaching. (174)
Joe Lonardelli
Joe Lonardelli was a man who dedicated his life to sports, either as a participant or a volunteer for the many athletic events of Norwich.
He played city league baseball and basketball and won the Bill Kelly Award for Sportsmanship in 1957. In 1962 and 1963 he had high average at the Norwich Ten Pin. He was a youth instructor for bowling for 10 years. Joe was also head football coach in the Norwich PeeWee Football League and his Dairyland Packers won the league title in 1968.
Joe was an Honorary Life Member of the U.S. Tennis Association for his commitment to tennis. He was also given the Mohegan Striders Lifetime Member Honor. He was a dedicated volunteer for track at NFA and cross-country youth races. There are two lasting legacies in Joe’s name: The Joe Lonardelli Youth Cross Country Race held annually at Mohegan Park on Columbus Day and the Joe Lonardelli Award for Inspiration to an NFA Track athlete. (161)
Steve Armstrong
On August 7, 1967, the tennis courts in Mohegan Park were named in honor of Steve Armstrong, and for good reason. Steve was the driving force behind much of what was done at the courts.
In 1950, Steve manned the pick and shovel to help spread the gravel and clay, he supervised the construction of the fence, net posts, and nets. His passionate daily care of the courts began in 1951 and would continue well into the 1980’s.
In 1952, Steve was named to the newly formed Recreation Advisory Board, a tenure that would last for over 30 years. Because of Steve persistence, many improvements occurred. The court surfaces received a major upgrade, the parking lot next to the courts was constructed, and night lighting and bleachers were installed. Steve also promoted the game by running well-attended weekly clinics. Steve also organized the annual Norwich Tennis Tournament and the Southern New England Tennis Championship. In quoting from Steve’s book: The Clay Courts of Norwich: (sic) “The perpetuation and maintenance of the courts represents a plus for humankind, however infinitesimal.” (179)
Fr. Maurice Sullivan
Father Sullivan was a prominent athlete and coach while serving at Sacred Heart Church in Taftville from 1946 to 1956. He was director of Catholic Youth Organization activities during that time, encompassing 14 Norwich-area parishes.
As a coach of the CYO high school division team at sacred Heart, he won ten straight Norwich district championships and two state titles. As an athlete, he was a member of the Shyma Club basketball team which retired the Norwich Bulletin-Record Tournament trophy in 1948 with three consecutive championships. He also starred on the Shyma Club baseball teams throughout the 1940’s. When Fr. Sullivan was in the 354th Infantry Regiment during World War II, he coached the Regiment baseball and football teams. In his civic activities, Fr. Sullivan served as chaplain for the Eastern Division of the Connecticut State Police and also the Connecticut AmVets, an organization of which he is a charter member. (150)
Lou Pingalore
Lou Pingalore was one of the founders of the Norwich Little League. Lou dedicated over 30 years working on youth activities in Norwich. From 1942 to 1951, he was director of the city-sponsored leagues for teenagers. He was a matchmaker for Duwells boxing programs. He was a President of the Norwich Little League. He was District Director for 16 years. He was a member of the city’s recreation advisory board. Lou created and was the driving force behind the Bulletin-Record tournament . He played for the Westerly Independants baseball team and also played quarterback for the Italian American Club football team in Westerly. (100)