By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to Dan Gomes.  The former Putnam Clipper standout basketball player now serves as an assistant at Putnam Science Academy in his spare time.  During the summer Gomes can be found at Harrisville Golf Course where he serves as the course superintendent of grounds.  In the winter he jockeys his plow around, earning extra money.

Over the past four seasons the Woodstock Academy football team has had trouble picking up victories.  Despite its losing record, one young man, Cahan Quinn has been a steady influence on the spirits of the gridiron team.

Quinn, who is known for his dedication and hard work at whatever endeavor he undertakes, has recently received some good news, which is a reward for his perseverance.  Quinn was notified of his acceptance to Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., where he’ll enter the core of cadets in the school’s military preparedness program.  In addition to his acceptance he was notified that he’ll be receiving a Presidential scholarship.

During his time at Woodstock Academy, the Putnam resident has served as the Centaurs football captain during his junior and senior seasons.  The rugged linebacker was recently selected as Eastern Connecticut Conference 2nd team All Conference as a linebacker.  This is the second year in a row he’s received the honor.  In addition to football, Quinn is a four-year member of the school’s lacrosse team and two-year member of the wrestling squad.  As a junior he received the coach’s award in football and wrestling.

In preparing for his entry to Norwich Quinn has been invited to meet with the university’s football coaches.  According to reports, the Norwich staff is very interested in Quinn.  The Cadets play in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference with all home games at Sabine Field.

Quinn, who is a serious student, carries a GPA well over 3.0 in the classroom.  In addition to his interest in a military career, Quinn plans on majoring in Criminal Justice.  As a student at Woodstock Academy Quinn has found time to volunteer his services with the Quiet Corner Football program, Northeast Opportunities for Wellness and the Arc of Quinebaug Valley.

Cahan Quinn is the son of Eric and Julie Quinn of Putnam.

‘Man Mountain’ Jordan Earning 

Hoop Honors…

During the 2013-2014 basketball season Putnam Science Academy had a 6-foot, 8-inch forward/center by the name of Jordan Butler.  The rugged Butler picked up the nickname “Man Mountain” for his yeoman’s work on the boards and tireless energy on the court.  When he left the 18 Maple St., campus, he had a reputation as one of the best big men to ever play for the Mustangs.  His credentials were solidified by the 405 points he scored for coach Tom Espinosa.

Butler, a native of Hartford, earned a basketball scholarship to Norfolk State University, where he’s proving to be a valuable asset for the Spartans who play in the Mid-East Athletic Conference.  Last week Butler was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week, his third such honor this season.  He was previously named Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 23 and Dec. 28.  He’s the only player in the league to win the honor three times.

In a 79-73 win over Morgan State Butler had 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots.  In an earlier game Butler had 16 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and a steal in a 76-70 win over UMES.  On the season, Butler is averaging 6.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1 assist per contest. 

In other college action last week, Woodstock Academy grad Ian Converse led Worcester Polytechnic Institute to a big NEWMAC victory over Coast Guard Academy in a contest played in New London.  Converse had a double-double, posting 10 points and corralling 20 rebounds in a Herculean effort for the Engineers.

Quinnipiac University’s Chaise Daniels, who’s recovering ahead of schedule from early season knee problems, had two outstanding performances last week for the Bobcats.  In a double overtime 84-80 loss to Fairfield University Daniels had a career game posting 28 points on an 11-17 shooting performance.  Later in the week QU was beaten 78-59 by Iona despite a dozen points from the 6-9 Daniels.  His teammate Andrew Robinson is seeing more playing time for coach Tom Moore.  He posted a total of five points in the two games.

Putnam Loses Two Former Athletes…

The community of Putnam bid farewell to two former athletes who died last week.  Ron Dubuc died on February 14 and Bill Purdon died on February 11.

Dubuc, who played football for the Putnam Clippers in the early 1960s, was a quarterback on some scrappy coach Jim Greenhalgh coached teams.  Following high school graduation, Dubuc enlisted in the U.S. Army and saw action in the Dominion Republic and served during the Vietnam era.  He’ll be missed by many of his former teammates who remember him as a dedicated athlete and a man with a great sense of humor.  His teammate and friend Moe Coderre eulogized Dubuc and characterized him as “having the courageous heart of a lion.”

Purdon, who was originally from Killingly, played on some of the good Weiss’ Market softball teams that dominated local circuits in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.  He was a pitcher of note who was especially effective in slo-pitch contest.  Many of his former teammates will remember him for his competitive spirit.

PSA Climbing In National Rankings…

Putnam Science Academy moved up a notch from #4 to #3 in the National Post-Grad Rankings last week according to NextUp Recruits.  The Mustangs trail #1 Hargrave Academy of Virginia and #2 St. Thomas More of Oakdale, a team that beat PSA earlier in the season.

In the #4 slot is South Kent School.  The remainder of the Top-10 - #5 Mt. Zion Prep, #6 Brewster Academy, #7 Elev8 Prep of Florida, #8 New Hampton School, #9 Northfield Mount Hermon and #10 Notre Dame Prep.  The Mustangs are scheduled to meet Brewster Academy and Mount Zion in future games. 

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.

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