It wasn’t the record the Woodstock Academy field hockey team was hoping for.
The Centaurs finished 3-13 on the season.
But there were positive signs.
Ten of the losses by the Centaurs were by two goals or less and of those, five were by one including a 2-1 loss to Stonington on the road.
“The fact that we never gave up and were playing our hearts out with a minute left in the game even if we were down by two or more goals, that just shows the character of this team,” said Woodstock Academy coach Lauren Gagnon said. “Opposing coaches and officials have come to me after games and said that we don’t give up, don’t make it easy. That’s great. If you’re going to lose, it’s best to lose with heart and character.”
The Centaurs did lose their last eight contests and only one of those, a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Old Saybrook, was by more than two goals.
That despite the fact that the Centaurs were dealing with some key injuries.
Sydney Cournoyer, a sophomore center-back and Hannah Wotton, a senior center-midfielder, both went down in the middle of the season.
It meant Gagnon had to make adjustments.
“They were supposed to hold down the middle of the field and then, we would have been able to push up Avery Jones to a more offensive position. That would have helped the offense quite a bit to have her being able to stay a low forward, blasting the ball up,” Gagnon said.
Instead, Jones (3 goals, 8 assists) had to stay in the middle.
The junior, however, did make an impact.
She was named Class M 2nd team All-State.
“It was very much deserved,” Gagnon said. “She has been working her tail off for as long as I’ve known her (since sixth grade). She learns fast and can master any skill she tries. She is a force in the (Eastern Connecticut Conference) and, sometimes, gets overshadowed by some of the flashier players from East Lyme and Stonington because she is unselfish and more concerned with distribution than goal scoring.”
Jones also received All-ECC honorable mention.
Sophomore Megan Preston, just in her second year of playing the sport, had to step into a pivotal role for the Centaurs.
Katie Boshka, a forward, was pushed back to defense and prospered. The senior earned first team All-ECC honors.
“She found a home back there. That was incredible,” Gagnon said.
In addition, Gagnon also saw positive signs among her other younger players.
“There was great growth at the junior varsity level. We had only two losses and one tie and when you watched them play, they really didn’t play like most JV teams. There is promise for the future and our younger players gained some confidence in themselves,” Gagnon said.
One thing the team has to overcome is themselves and their view of the program.
“We have this inferiority complex,” Gagnon said. “Early on, when we first started the program we deserved it because we went immediately into a varsity program which is tough and we took our lumps. They figured out early on who they could and could not beat and drilled it into their memory banks. We can’t beat Stonington, because we just don’t, even though the last Stonington away game we should have absolutely won it, or at least, tied it. We were knocking on the door the entire time and left a couple of goals on the end line which was really tough.”
The Centaurs will lose a host of seniors including Olivia Stanikmas, Victoria Staples, Boshka, Wotton, Hannah Chubbuck, Samantha Mowry, Madison Skellett, Emma Strandson and Abbe Lecuyer.
“We’re definitely going to miss Katie in the backfield and, a lot of them were utility players who you could put in where you needed them, like Sam (Mowry) who could play offense or defense. They will be missed, but we come back with a lot of strength,” Gagnon said.
The group that will return has already talked about playing in the offseason.
Although extremely important, it’s not something that is as easy as it sounds.
“One of the difficult things about field hockey is that there is not much indoor and what there is, is incredibly expensive. For kids to have to $1,000 to play in the offseason is not financially doable for most. We’re trying to find some more reasonable options for kids, especially to get them to be able to play together,” Gagnon said,
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director
The Woodstock Academy
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Letters of Intent
Putnam Science Academy celebrated the achievements of 8 student athletes recently as they would sign their letter of intent to play basketball at the next level. The Girls Prep Basketball team had five sign with four earning Division 1 scholarships. Fatima Lee (Providence), Xianna Josephs (URI), Trinasia Kenndy (Marist), Amaya Santiago (Canisius) and Ariana Koivisto (Southern New Hampshire) earned full ride scholarships to their respected colleges while the Boys Prep Team saw Justin Winston (St. Bonaventure), Tyson Etienne (Wichita State) and Russel Tchewa (Texas Tech) sign on the big day. Top, from left to right: Head Coach Derek Marchione, Trinsasia Kennedy, Xianna Josephs, Ariana Koivisto, Fatima Lee, Amaya Santiago and Assistant Prep coach Stephanie Coro. Center: Image 45- Providence Commit Fatima Lee with her family. Bottom: Head Prep Boys Basketball Coach Tom Espinosa and Russel Tchewa. Courtesy photo.
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Clayton R. Shead Jr.,
WWII vet
Clayton R. Shead Jr. died Nov. 12 2018.
Clayton was born June 17, 1924, in Putnam to Clayton R. Shead Sr. and Esther Diggins Parent.
He graduated from Putnam High School in 1942 where he was the star running back on the football team. Upon completion of school
Clayton enlisted in the U.S. Navy over the Army, because he said the food was much better.
He served during WWII aboard the USS Patoka.
Against his mother’s wishes, after the war, he re-enlisted where he served on the USS Power and USS Winslow before being discharged on Dec 7, 1948.
On leave from the Navy, he married Doris Bosworth of Eastford on Nov. 16, 1946.
The couple had three children, Kevin, Barry and Audrey.
The family settled in Eastford in the home that Clayton built.
He worked for many years at UConn in the Agricultural Facilities and Maintenance Dept.
He spent his “down time” raising cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and turkeys.
In addition to serving his country, Clayton served his local community.
He joined the Eastford Independent Fire Company in 1952, and continued active service until 2009.
There he served as deputy chief, head of the Fire Police, and burn officer. He also served as town constable for many years.
Doris became ill in 1999 and Clayton cared for her every need, acting as her personal live-in nurse.
After Doris passed, Clayton spent his time traveling to Ireland, the Grand Canyon, and Jamaica with friends. Clayton had a loud, booming personality; he loved talking to every person in the room, cracking jokes and laughing.
Clayton leaves his son, Kevin Shead (Susan) of Eastford; son, Barry Shead (Brenda) of Woodstock; daughter Audrey Carabeau (Garry) of Eastford; grandchildren Benjamin Shead (Kathryn) of Thompson, Jason Shead (Elizabeth) of Thompson, Heather Minka (Nicholas) of Holden, Mass., Alison Shead of Los Angeles, Jesse Carabeau of Baltimore, Sarah Sanderson (Jared) of Woodstock, and Keith Owens of Orlando, Fla.; eight great-grandchildren.
The Funeral with military honors was Nov. 17 at Smith and Walker, 148 Grove St., Putnam. Donations: EIFC #1 PO Box 333 Eastford CT 06242.
Roger Privee,
Vietnam war vet
DANIELSON — Roger Privee, 79, of Danielson died Nov. 16, 2018, at W.W. Backus Hospital in Norwich.
He was born May 8, 1939, in Putnam, son of the late Lionel and Lena (Blanchette) Privee. He was the husband of Melanie (Cullins) Privee for 39 years. They married on Aug. 11, 1979.
Roger was a member of the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper in the Vietnam era.
Roger was a life time resident of Danielson and was the owner of Residential Sanitation for many years. He coached Little League for several years and was beloved by his players. He was an avid New England Sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the UConn women’s basketball team.
Besides his wife Melanie, he leaves his daughters Shelly Ansaldi (Edward) of Somers and Tonya Heath (Travis) of Sterling; his son Christopher Privee of Danielson; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, four brothers and his daughter Lori Hunting.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 23 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date in Connecticut’s Veterans Cemetery with military honors. Donations: Killingly Little League, PO Box 627, Dayville, CT 06241.
Josephine DiVincenzo
POMFRET CENTER — Josephine (Ruoppo) DiVincenzo, 89, formerly of South Main Street, Putnam, died Nov. 17, 2018, at the Matulaitis Skilled Care Facility in Putnam. She was the wife of the late Armand DiVincenzo.
Born in 1929 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Santolo and Luisa (Catoni) Ruoppo.
Josephine was employed by Belding Heminway, Colt’s Plastics and the American Optical Company (AO) in various manufacturing and production jobs, retiring from the AO in 1993. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Putnam.
She was a mentor and teacher of good life values. She enjoyed cooking for the holidays as she brought her Neapolitan cooking styles to the table every day. She liked to travel and returned to Naples, Italy, three times to visit family and tour the area. She also enjoyed knitting, sewing, crafting small decorations and toys for her grandchildren. She loved music and dancing and was always the first one up for a line dance at weddings and other events.
Josephine leaves behind three sons, David (Joan) of Hamden, Paul (Sandy) of Madison, and Gregory (Tina) of Wethersfield; six grandchildren, Michael, Mallory, Julia, Olivia, Laura and Daniel; nieces, nephews and friends, especially her recent friends and acquaintances at Seely Brown Village in Pomfret Center.
Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Church of the Visitation Church, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT. 06067.
Lillian A. Gilbert
PUTNAM — Lillian A. Gilbert, 78, of Putnam died Nov. 10, 2018, in Putnam. She was born on Dec. 5, 1939, in Fitchburg, Mass., daughter of the late Thomas and Myrtle (Provost) Quinn.
She was a loving and kind person. Lillian enjoyed puzzles, reading, knitting, crocheting and enjoyed life.
She leaves a son Mark Cerasiello Sr., (Lisa) of Putnam; sisters Geraldine Quinn of Virginia, Sherry Dymek (Henry) of Massachusetts, Darlene Houle and her companion John of Pennsylvania; grandchildren Mark Cerasiello Jr., Dawn Cerasiello; great-grandchildren Gabby Cerasiello, Isaiah Blaise; nieces, nephews and cousins.
There were no services. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Kelley A. Greene
THOMPSON — Kelley A. Greene, 57, of Thompson, died Nov. 16, 2018, after a long illness. She was the first daughter born Feb. 22, 1961, in Webster, to Richard and Joan (Bellerive) Greene of Thompson.
She lived in Windham County and worked at Frito Lay for more than 25 years. Kelley loved dancing, music, skydiving and her pets: Skippy, Molly and Missy. She had a great sense of humor and a smile that could brighten any room.
Besides her parents Richard and Joan, she leaves two sisters Tammy Dalterio of Southbridge and Mandy Carroll of Plainfield; her two nephews L. John Dalterio III and Brandon Thornton; her two nieces Katlyn Thornton and Lesley Beland.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 28 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, with burial in Grove Street Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B Southington, CT 06489. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Kenneth W. Hunter,
U.S. Army vet
BROOKLYN — Kenneth W. Hunter, 80, died Nov. 14, 2018, in an auto accident in Brooklyn.
He was born in Killingly, son of the late Arthur L. Hunter and Beatrice C. (Colwell) Hunter and lived here most of his life. He was a U.S Army veteran. Ken was a chicken farmer all his life. He enjoyed fishing and clamming.
He leaves his wife Barbara (Rukstela) Hunter; a son James Hunter of Georgia; a brother Robert Hunter of Brooklyn; two sisters Marjorie Auger (Moe) of Putnam and Malene Wilson (Roger) of Willington.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Carl Jankowski,
WWII Marine
DUDLEY — Carl P. Jankowski, 93, died Nov. 14, 2018, at the Harrington Hospital, Southbridge.
He was born in Webster son of the late Jacob and Anna (Tschierzy) Jankowski and lived here most of his life. He was a WWII U.S. Marine Corp veteran.
Carl was a machinist, and worked for Pratt Whitney in Hartford. He was a past commander of the PAV, and a longtime member of the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council.
He was part of the invasion of Guam and Saipan. Carl received the honor of being the first Grand Marshall of the Veterans Day Parade.
He leaves his wife of 69 years, Irene (Wedda) Jankowski; three daughters, Christine Laroche (Gui) of Milford, Mass., Debra Jankowski of Dudley, and Carol Parks of N. Grosvenordale; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Carl was predeceased by three brothers, Louis, Chester and Ralph and a sister Josephine Patterson.
A Memorial Mass will be announced at a later date. Donations: Charity of donor’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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caption:
‘A Christmas Story’
Jacob Saad (Randy), Kelly Lambert (Mother), Ben Arters (Ralphie) and William Corriveau (The Old Man) during rehearsal of the Bradley’s production of “A Christmas Story.” Chris Atwood photo.
'Christmas Story'
coming Nov. 30
PUTNAM — The holidays are here and the Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse is presenting one of the most beloved Christmas shows of all time, “A Christmas Story.” Join Ralphie and his family and friends as he dreams about the only gift he wants for Christmas. The show opens Nov. 30 and runs for three weekends.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 and 16. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. Reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887.
Theater goers are urged to bring hats/gloves/mittens to put into the box under the tree. These are donated locally.
The TNECT performance of A Christmas Story is directed by Jennifer Briere, assisted by Roy Simmons. Vincent Chaisson appears as the adult Ralph, who is the narrator, and young Ralphie is Ben Arters. The rest of the Parker family is portrayed by William Corriveau as The Old Man, Kelly Lambert as Mother and Jacob Saad as brother Randy. Ralphie’s friends include Remy Jacquet as Flick, Spencer Slayton as Schwartz, Maggie Montville as Esther Jane, Savannah Bryer as Helen and Aubrey Zannini as the bully Scut Farkas.
Their teacher, Miss Shields, is played by Bonnie Theriault. Other classmates include Alexa Deleon, Jack Dembinski, Coco Jacquet, Brendan Kaufold and Lauria Lavallee.
The play version of A Christmas Story was written by Philip Grecian and based upon the motion picture of the same name written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark. It was also influenced by Jean Shepherd’s collection of short stories, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, which draws from his childhood in Hammond, Indiana.
A Christmas Story follows the adult Ralph Parker as he reminisces about one particular Christmas from his childhood. It was the year that the only thing he wanted for Christmas was a Red Ryder Carbine Action Air Rifle, and it wasn’t looking good as adults told him “you’ll shoot your eye out.”
Everyone you remember from the movie is on stage – Ralphie’s cranky dad, doting mother and annoying little brother, as well as his friends and the local bully.
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