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PUTNAM — The following students were promoted at the September Graduation 2013 at Mike Bogdanski’s and Kristin Duethorn’s Quest Martial Arts.
Blue Dragon   
Tobias Dexter
Red Dragon
Michael Lowery
Paul Poplasky
Yellow
Samuel Chitwood
Campbell Fraser
Alishia Thompson
Alexis Thompson
Child Blue
Charlie Caggiano   
Ela Gadoury   
Tucker Trahan
Blue/Green   
Evan Antonson   
Kyle Pazienza
Green/White   
Nicholas Caggiano
Green/Red   
Emma Brock   
Ewa Sekula   
Adam Sekula
Green/Black   
Nicholas Boligan
Green Child   
Jai Abrams   
Isabel Alvarez    
Alaina Salkiewicz   
Conor Stewart
Red/White   
Christopher Martineau     
Morgan Potter
Child Red     
Ellie Morissette
Red/Black   
Melanie Pazienza
Kylie Blanchard   
Alexis Elkinson
Junior Apprentice Black    
Dylan Martin   
Jarod Martin
Adult Blue   
Yves Geyer
3 Stripe Green   
Robert Adonizio  
Troy Davis

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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Thompson’s Danny Rainey.  Known more for his “Famous Frank(s)” Rainey enjoys his spare time on the golf links, although sometimes it appears he hunting because he’s in the woods so much.
They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery.  If it works in helping to achieve a goal, it is often worth it.  
Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa is planning an event for his basketball team that his coach at Worcester State University used with his teams when Espinosa was the captain of the Lancers basketball team.  It’s also something that former UConn coach Jim Calhoun used with his players and current coach Kevin Ollie is doing with the Huskies.
Wednesday, October 16 is the first official day that the Mustangs are allowed to practice formally.  That morning at 7:15 a.m., Espinosa will gather his players at the St. Marie/Greenhalgh Sports Complex for the first ever Mustang Mile, where all the players will compete in a 1-mile run to see who crosses the finish line first in this preseason get together.
“Since our players come from different parts of the country and the world and most were not playing basketball in Putnam last season, this run will serve as a bonding experience for the team.  It will also create some competitiveness among the players as well as probably inject a little humor among the group.  It’s an event I’d like to institute as an annual team official season opener,” said Espinosa.
The first official practice, which is open to the public, will take place that same day at the school’s gym at 7 p.m.  
The following day on Thursday, October 17 Espinosa is also planning his first Mustang Media Day.  Members of the press will be invited to join the coaching staff and players at 3 p.m. on the Maple Street campus for a one-hour session, complete with individual interviews and photo session if desired.
“The object of our media day event is to give the sports media a chance to meet our players up close and personal.  It is also a training ground for our players, as many will be moving on to college playing careers and encountering sports reporters along the way.  It’s part of our overall approach to education at the school,” noted Espinosa.
Anyone looking for more information regarding either event should contact Espinosa by phone at 960 933-0117 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
29’s The Magic Number…
Although cribbage isn’t considered an Olympic sport and it’s a game that’s reserved for those who take a more sedentary approach to physical activity, there’s certainly something that brings out competitiveness in those who play the game where moving a peg with the thumb and forefinger is the most strenuous part of the competition.
In cribbage a “29 hand” is the equivalent of a hole-in-one in golf, a 300-game in bowling, a no-hitter in baseball or scoring 20,000 points in a basketball career.  The “29 hand” is something that’s only accomplished by the very elite or the very lucky who play cribbage.
On Friday, September 27 the twosome of Paul “Cousin” Brodeur and Richard Preble opposed the venerable pair of Victor Lippiello and Raymond Navarro for a friendly afternoon trip up the outside – down the inside game of crib at the Putnam Lodge of Elks.  In the course of the action, Brodeur was dealt a hand that included the five of hearts, clubs and diamonds and the jack of spades.  Looking at this sweetheart of a hand, Brodeur chided Navarro as he cut the deck to “cut the five of spades.”
To everyone’s chagrin, “up popped the devil,” the magical five of spades, giving the affable Brodeur the once in a lifetime 29 cribbage hand.
The coincidence of the event dates back to July 13, when the same quartet faced off in a game of cribbage.  On that fateful day, Navarro was the beneficiary of the magical 29 hand, when the identical five of spades was also the cut card.
“I’ve been playing this game since 1973,” proclaimed Brodeur loud enough to be heard in Union Square.  “I’m excited but it’s about time don’t you think?” he concluded.
Needless to say, the five cards are on display at the Elks Club on the bulletin board right beside the cards that were dealt to Navarro on July 13.  The excitement was so exhilarating for the foursome that they all required a shower to rid them of the perspiration they had worked up during the contest.
Ready For The California Beach…
Congratulations to Woodstock Academy volleyball player Sarah Swenson who was recently named the Max Preps Connecticut Player of the Week.  There was a good reason for Swenson’s selection as she led the Centaur netters to a 3-0 sweep of Avon High School.  During the match, which Woodstock scored game victories of 25-22, 25-17 and 25-23; Swenson recorded 22 kills and 20 digs.
Swenson’s heroic effort was supported three of her teammates, Kendall Wilcox (13 digs), Corinne Jones (13 kills) and Linzee Glennon (10 service points).
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
October 1897: Woodstock Academy defeated Putnam High School in football 32-0; the next week Putnam defeated Webster High School 21-0.  (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni, who celebrated his 88th birthday recently)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Every time you wonder, “Should I say that?” – don’t say it.

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Dream Fulfilled
Putnam native and World War II veteran Nelson LaRose fulfilled a lifelong dream when he attended the Notre Dame football game against Michigan State.  LaRose is pictured outside Notre Dame Stadium by the statue of legendary Irish coach Frank Leahy. Courtesy photo.

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By Ron P. Coderre
It’s October and the sound of basketballs bouncing off the synthetic surface of Putnam Science Academy’s tiny gymnasium floor is producing positive energy at the home of the Mustangs.  It’s an atmosphere that’s becoming familiar on the Maple Street campus and one that’s been embraced by the student body and administration as the Scientists have produced a special brand of winning basketball under coach Tom Espinosa.
Although still a relatively young program, Putnam Science Academy is in its 11th year and the varsity hoop program is entering its 8th season, the Mustangs have posted an impressive overall record of 117 victories against only 45 losses in their hoop history.  Last season after a slow start the team went on to record a 22-8 log.
Gone from the team that captured the Northeast Prep Tournament championship are Dayshon “Scoochie” Smith, who is now a University of Dayton Flyer, Paul Brooks, who’s at Worcester State University as well as 6-foot, 11-inch Ugur Hortum, Mairega Clarke, Jonte Rutty, Jemal Mosely and Joel Angus.  Those losses would seem daunting to most coaches but the Houdini-like Espinosa has once again spun his magic in assembling this year’s squad.
Espinosa has brought in seven quality recruits as well as returning some Turkish players with game experience and being surprised by the late arrival of a pair of unexpected players who’ll add depth to the 2013-2014 edition of the PSA Mustangs.
This team is not overly tall and might even be described as guard oriented.  Manning the inside however, is a pair of rugged players, 6-8 Chaise Daniels and 6-7 Jordan Butler.  Daniels appears to be the prize package as he’s attracted the attention of many NCAA Div. I schools, while Butler, who starred at Glastonbury High School last year is ready to prove he can perform at the Div. I level also.  In addition to being relied on for rebounding, both players also run the floor well.
“The mix of players we have appears to blend well on the court.  Everyone is capable of handling the ball, giving us a chance to run the floor.  At any given time all of these guys can contribute to our scoring,” said Espinosa.
Daniel Upchurch from Bridgeport is a 5-10 guard who will most likely run the point but is also capable of scoring points.  His backcourt running mate is 6-2 Dalique Mingo from Long Island who can shoot and has good movement off the ball.
The wing positions may be where the Scientists have the most flexibility, featuring the likes of 6-6 Jalen Terry from “Seward’s Icebox’ Alaska; Anthony Durham, a 6-3 two-way player from Pennsylvania; Kyle Menard, a 6-4 athletic performer from Spring Valley, N.Y.; and 6-2 Berkan Tuylu, a returnee from Istanbul, Turkey.
Rounding out the team is, Calvetti Nyabingi from New York City, senior Sergen Kumas, and  junior Burak Eraslan, along with sophomore Jean-Carlos Vidot of Queens, N.Y., and junior Haciby Catalbasoglu of New Haven.
“One thing is certain with this year’s team, those who come to see us play will find an exciting and entertaining brand of basketball.  Overall this is one of the more talented groups of players we’ve assembled since our program started,” said Espinosa.
Putnam Science Academy is currently undergoing the process of becoming an accredited prep school.  As early as next year the Mustangs could be eligible to join the NEPSAC.  This season the team will continue to feature a strong and varied schedule, playing as an independent prep school.  The Mustangs will be featured at the National Prep Showcase, Ballas TV Invitational in Boston, The Doc Hurley Classic in Hartford, the St. Andrew’s Holiday Classic and The Spanding Hoophall Classic.
The schedule is still in the final stages of completion but Espinosa anticipates playing the area preps, Marianapolis, Hyde-Woodstock and Pomfret as well as the likes of Notre Dame Prep, Lee Academy, Brimmer & May, and Wilbraham & Monson.
“Each year we attempt to put together a competitive schedule.  We’re hoping to expose our players to college coaches, while giving them the feel of what it’s like to play at the next level,” said Espinosa.
Espinosa’s coaching staff consists of assistant coaches Josh Scraba, Eric Mauer, Dan Gomes and Travis Godley.  The Mustangs have also promoted Ryan Rumrill to assistant coach and team statistician.  Mike Peters returns again as a “special assistant” in charge of scouting.