Noah Terzo - Wethersfield (Baseball): Terzo pitched a complete game, two-hitter and had 10 strikeouts in the Eagles 2-0 shutout of Rocky Hill on April 14. The senior, who has committed to pitch for Keene State next year, is one of Wethersfield’s aces on the mound this spring—helping the Eagles win three of their first four.
Jaime Anderson - Cromwell (Softball): Anderson tied a career-high with four hits and also scored two runs in the Panthers 10-1 win over Valley Regional on April 11. It was the senior’s third multi-hit game through five games. She has reached base in all five contests as Cromwell started the season 5-0. Michael Bohlke - Newington (Track): Bohlke placed first in the 600 meter and 800 meter dash, running personal-bests and breaking the school record in both events at a meet in Rocky Hill on April 12. The senior, who has broken numerous running records and been part of state championship performances at NHS, has already announced he will continue his athletic and academic career at George Washington University next year. Maddie Dillon - Rocky Hill (Softball): Dillon had a pair of big games last week, combining for six hits and scoring five runs as the Terriers won both games. The senior went 4 for 4 and scored four runs in a 21-3 victory over Hartford Public on April 11 and then added three hits, driving in one run and scoring another in a 7-2 win over Middletown on April 13. The win over the Blue Dragons was the team’s third straight. Paddy Brown - Newington (Lacrosse): Brown scored a career-high eight goals as Newington defeated Bristol Eastern 9-4 on April 14. The junior, who is also the school’s starting quarterback in the fall, was aided by teammates Everett Hillman and Kyle Bross who had four and three assists, respectively.
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RHAM’s Sarah West averaged a double-double for Raptors basketball this winter, earning her all-state recognition. It was junior’s second time making all-state this school-year, also being named all-state in volleyball in the fall.
Junior Sarah West has been a major force on the courts at RHAM High School this school-year and was recently named to the All-State basketball team in March. It was the second time in the last five months that West was selected to an all-state team, also making the Class L first-team in volleyball in November. “I haven’t heard of a lot of people awarded with back to back seasons of All-State, so I’m super grateful,” West said of the accomplishment. “It means a lot to be recognized as a top player in both of my sports. Now I just have to keep working for next year.” During the fall, West led the school’s volleyball team in kills (284) — averaging three per set — and was second in blocks (64) as the Raptors won a state championship on November 20. This winter, she averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game on the hardwood. The well-rounded West also chipped in three assists, two steals, and 2.5 blocks per content. “I am extremely proud and happy for Sarah to be named all-state,” stated RHAM girls’ basketball coach John McNair. “She is a tireless worker who always wants to do what is best for the team and do whatever it takes to help the team win. She is also one of the most coachable kids you will find these days and has a complete team-first attitude.” After finishing as the team’s leading scorer as a sophomore a year ago, West duplicated that feat this winter and McNair added that he saw West expand her overall game. “She understands the impact she can make on a game is more than just scoring. She is always willing [and] eager to take on the toughest defensive assignment,” added McNair. “She also became that leader I always knew she could be. She started to hold teammates to the standards we are looking for and did so in a way that got the team to really respond. It’s wonderful when a voice other than mine can start making an impact.” West helped lead the Raptors to 14 wins and a tournament appearance as a reliable presence on both ends of the court. McNair said that it was West’s “team-first, selfless attitude” that allowed her to grow as a player. He used the example of the two games that West missed this winter, which were both wins. McNair recalled that even though West wasn’t playing, she was just as passionate on the sidelines and happy for the team’s success. “She’s someone you want on your team because of the type of teammate she is and someone you don’t want to play against because of the type of competitor she is,” added McNair. “The craziest thing, for me, is that I don’t think she has played her best basketball. So while we will celebrate this accomplishment now, I cannot wait to see what next season looks like for the team and her.” East Hampton senior captain Einin Frost pitches as Alison Hebb, who plays first base, looks on during the Bellringers loss to Cromwell on April 4.
East Hampton softball coach Erin Jump is grooming a young team that is gaining confidence on the fly. On April 4, the Bellringers fell to an experienced Cromwell team, 13-1, in five innings at Cromwell High School. Despite it being the team’s second loss in as many games, there is reason for optimism for Jump and her blossoming Bellringers. “We have good athletes. I know they are young and it’s been a tough start, but we work well together and we are playing better,” said Jump. “I look forward to seeing what they can do as we start getting more into [the season].” Captaining the team are seniors Einin Frost and Julia Borrelli. Frost is the team’s pitching ace and Borrelli plays second base. “They have been with me since their freshmen year,” said Jump, who is in her fifth season leading the program. “They are two that are always willing to do whatever is asked of them and that is great for the other kids to see. It’s nice for the other kids to see that leadership.” Frost shook off a rough first two innings, pitching a scoreless third inning. The inning was highlighted by a pair of solid defensive gems by young, talented infielders. Freshman shortstop Olivia DeMartino scooped up a ground ball and fired it over to fellow freshman Alison Hebb at first base for the inning’s first out. Sophomore Chelsea Woods, who plays third base, then snagged a grounder before throwing it to Hebb for the final out of the inning. Woods relieved Frost in the fifth inning, striking out a batter and showing exceptional poise on the mound for an underclassman. Because of an injury to Frost a season ago, Woods gained experience at pitcher during the second half of last season. She has also played outfield and first base at times last spring. “She is very athletic and smart,” Jump said of Woods, “I trust her to be out there and do what she has to do.” Woods scored the team’s lone run in the fifth inning. She reached first on a single before Reagan Burt connected on a deep shot, sending Woods to third. Hebb then sent Woods home, cutting the deficit to 12-1. Burt, a junior who plays center field, also made a difficult catch in the outfield to prevent further runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. After making a handful of errors and allowing nine runs over the first two innings, East Hampton went toe-to-toe with Cromwell over the final three innings. “I feel like right now it’s a lot of nerves. We don't typically make mistakes like this,” Jump said of the team’s slow start. “Today I feel like it was a bunch of mental mistakes, but they are just young and trying to figure it out. It’s a learning curve.” Jump is hopeful that the younger players will continue to follow the lead of the captains, who she said possess the type of leadership that brings comradery to the entire team. The Bellringers’ next home game is slated for April 19 at 11 a.m. RHAM softball opened the season with a dramatic 6-5 win over Bacon Academy thanks to a walk-off RBI from Abigail Pace, pictured (#3) here with her team.
Here are the Rivereast Standouts of the Week for the week of April 3-9: Abigail Pace- RHAM (Softball): Pace had a walk-off hit, driving home the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning as RHAM defeated Bacon Academy 6-5 in the season opener on April 4. The junior slapped a single, sending home senior Jordyn Fitch to secure the dramatic opening day victory at home. Sophomore Natalie Assunto also had a big debut, smacking a home run and scoring twice. Nick Rivard-Lentz: East Hampton (Track & Field): Rivard-Lentz broke a school record in the pole vault, vaulting a personal-best 14 feet at Valley Regional High School on April 5. Rivard-Lentz, a senior that is coming off an All-State selection following winter’s indoor track and field season, said that the height and the record was something that he had wanted to accomplish since he was a freshman, adding, “Finally breaking that goal felt so amazing to do after so long.” Steve Laliberte - Bacon Academy (Baseball): Laliberte had a back-to-back monster games to start the season—combining for seven hits, five runs, and five RBI as the Bobcats won both games. The junior opened the season by going 4-4 with two runs and an RBI in a 10-3 road win at Old Lyme. Laliberte then slapped three hits, scoring three runs and driving in four others in a 17-7 win over Norwich Tech in the team’s home opener on April 5. Josh Hanna - Portland (Baseball): Hanna had two hits and two RBI in the team’s second game of the season, a 6-4 extra innings loss to Hale Ray on April 5. Hanna, a sophomore, is one of many young prospects on a Highlanders team this spring, which only has one senior in Michael Quesnel. Glastonbury senior Sadie Scurto sprints to first after a base hit in the Guardians 8-1 victory over Enfield on April 5
Enfield softball knocked Glastonbury out of the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) tournament last spring. In the rematch on April 5, the Guardian flipped the script to open the 2022 season, leaning on a terrific pitching performance from Brooke Tracy and a grand slam from catcher Sadie Scurto to down the visiting Eagles 8-1 at GHS. Behind solid pitching from Enfield’s all-conference hurler Tiffany Lubanski, Glastonbury fell behind 1-0 in the third inning before scoring eight runs between the fourth and fifth innings to break the game open. “[Lubanski] is a good pitcher and I knew it would be a challenge if we didn’t figure out the pitching,” Glastonbury head coach Karen Costes said. “I like how we never gave up and we worked at improving every single at-bat.” Lubanski threw four wild pitches in the fourth inning, allowing the Guardians to stack the bases. Tracy, who started the bottom of the fourth inning with a straight shot to center field, scored following a wild pitch and then Scurto scored on a sacrifice RBI from Gabby Lambert. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth, Tracy was walked, sending freshman Molly Doherty home. Scurto then put the icing on the cake by cranking a home run to deep left field with the bases loaded, sending home Rayah Snyder, Natalie Lessard, and Tracy. Snyder, who had a pair of triples, said the team couldn’t wait to get another shot against Enfield after last year’s conference defeat. “We talked about it a lot but we made sure we weren’t in our heads about it. We were just coming back for revenge,” said Snyder, who liked how the team shook off the slow start to finish strong. “We have been working a lot on our mental game and making sure we don’t let those things like that bother us.” Defensively it was a brilliant performance from the Guardians. Tracy struck out a dozen betters and walked only one, allowing only two hits in six innings of work. Tracy, who has committed to pitch at Bryant University next year, said she doesn’t change her approach no matter she is facing, adding, “I’m always just looking to throw strikes and get ahead on the court and not let too many base runners get on.” Senior Molly Edgington, who plays first base, dropped a ball in foul territory in the third inning, leading to Enfield’s only run. Two innings later, Edgington redeemed herself by making the defensive gem of the night when she snared a hard grounder from Enfield’s Kylie Ringwalt and tagged first base for the first out in the top of the fifth inning. “She is mentally tough. I knew she was not going to let that ground ball get by her,” Costes said of Edgington. “She has undying enthusiasm for this team. She’s a great kid that will be anything she can for the team.” Scurto’s slam was the icing on an impressive opening victory for the Guardians. The team’s No. 4 hitter finished with a pair of hits and runs to go along with her team-high four RBI. Costes said Scurto is showing the benefits of working in the weight room in the offseason, adding, “She’s just a rock, I’m so happy for her. She is hitting the ball hard, hitting it all over the field, and making good choices.” Lambert relieved Tracy and finished the game on the hill, registering a save and striking out two in the seventh inning. It was a fantastic start for a team that returned every starter from a season ago when the team advanced to the Class LL quarterfinals, losing to the eventual state champions from Southington. Costes said she sees a more polished team on the field this year, adding that the sluggish early-inning may have taken the wind out of a less mature team. “Having that entire year of experience and going deep in the tournament gives them the confidence and helps them succeed in those circumstances,” said Costes. “It was a good win. I am happy we came out on top.” Tracy added, “We feel more connected as a team. Last year really gave us a chance to really know how each other plays. This year there is a really good connection between all of us and that is what makes a great team.” GHS volleyball players (far to near) Ryan Barcikowski, Stephen Dayton, and Shaun Kaufhold anticipating a Southington serve during the Guardians three-set win over the Knights on April 4
Glastonbury High School boys’ volleyball defeated Southington in three sets (25-20, 25-16, 25-22) in the team’s season-opener on April 4. The Guardians senior experience was on full display from start to finish, overwhelming the visiting Knights with power and finesse. Six of the team’s seven starters are seniors, who all were contributors a juniors during the team's 15-win quarterfinals run last spring. “We knew we had a lot of experience coming back. That is the difference right now,” said head coach Tony Sanith. “There are a lot of good players in the state but we need to use that knowledge and experience to gain that extra edge. Everyone is physical and can swing hard, but right now it’s about understanding the game and communicating.” Captains Stephen Dayton, Paul Giliberto, and Eric Rose are guiding an experienced group that performed well, particularly in the biggest moments during the opener. Dayton had a crucial point in the first set when he hammered home a spike from the left side, putting the Guardians up 21-17. Rose polished off the set with a kill following a nice feed from setter Matthew Herrera. Giliberto started the second set with four straight service points, including a pair of his team-high five aces, as the Guardians jumped out to a 5-0 lead. The visiting Knights wouldn’t get any closer than four points the rest of the set. “Since we are very senior-heavy this year we expected to be top level and we knew we had to come out full force,” said Dayton, who moved to outside hitter this spring after starting at libero a year ago. “It’s very nice having a versatile senior class.” Dayton had eight digs and first-year libero Ryan Barcikowksi added six in his debut. Sanith said that Dayton is an adaptable player that can contribute in all areas on the court. “He’s always been knowledgeable and a student of the game. Now he has that experience,” added Sanith. “Having a lot of the guys play club in the offseason there is a lot of interchanging that we could do. They know what their job is and the job of the people next to them because they have had that experience playing those positions. It makes it a lot easier.” After falling behind 14-10 in the third set, Dayton sparked a rally by blocking a shot, ending a three-point run by the Knights. Dayton’s block ignited a five-point surge for the home team as Gilberto served up four more points. Glastonbury ended the match by scoring five of the final six points, capped by a kill from Ryan Hoffman. Hoffman and Rose are the team’s powerful middle hitters. The duo, who each stand well over 6-feet tall, combined for 11 kills and seven blocks in the victory. “It’s always good to be very physical. Being that tall and that strong, they are going to be our main firepower” said Sanith. “Having them back and being as big as they are is a big plus for us. I think they will be one of the best tandem middles in the state.” Sophomore Shawn Kaufhold is the only non-senior starter. Kaufhold looked calm and collected making his first start, serving up an ace and adding three kills and a block. Sanith was impressed with his first-year starter, saying “He took his time and let the game come to him and did a great job. We wouldn’t have won 3-0 without the way he played.” Dayton added that the seniors have welcomed the sophomore starter, saying that Kaufhold has fit right in the group. During the Class L state tournament last spring, Glastonbury also eliminated the Knights in Southington, who were ranked ahead of them. Southington always fields a competitive squad and the opening win was a good measuring stick for the team. “We needed a big win to start the season and it lit a fire under our team,” Dayton said about the opening win. Sanith added, “It should build our confidence and show that we are what we hope we are, which is one of the top teams. Beating a program like Southing helps tremendously. We just have to maintain it and keep it going.” GHS made it two for two, beating Maloney in three sets on April 6. The inaugural Eagles Youth Football Camp will be held this summer in Wethersfield.
Kids entering grades 5-8 can now register for this non-contact camp, which will take place daily at Wethersfield High School July 25-29 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Cottone Field. WHS football coach Matt McKinnon, along with his knowledgeable and experienced staff will run the camp, teaching the skills and fundamentals of the game as campers learn on the field that the Eagles call home. "We are thrilled to start the Eagles Youth Football Camp this summer,” stated McKinnon, who is entering this fourth year as the Eagles’ head coach and has been with the program for nearly a decade. “Our goal is to teach the game of football in a safe manner, helping kids become better players.” This is a non-contact camp for all kids in padded or flag football programs, where campers will learn the fundamentals for offense, defense, and special teams. It offers players a chance to learn the game or enhance the skills they already have. McKinnon added that kids of all skill levels, including those brand new to the game, are welcomed. There will be competitions each day for campers to practice what they have learned and have fun with their friends. There will also be guest speakers for the campers to interact with. Athletic wear should be worn, but no equipment is necessary. Campers should bring a water bottle and cleats are recommended, but not required. Register through the Wethersfield Park & Rec Summer Programming or visit https://rec.wethersfieldct.gov/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc for additional details and to sign up. Cost is $95 for residents or $125 for non-residents of Wethersfield. “We are looking forward to a fantastic week with our future Eagles," added McKinnon. Cromwell pitcher Lily Kenney struck out nine in four innings of scoreless work during the Panthers 12-run win last Monday
Pitcher Lily Kenney has picked up right where she left off last season. Kenney, who is coming off an all-state season as a sophomore last spring, opened the 2022 season with a 14-strike performance in a 6-1 over Coventry on April 2 and then pitched four efficient innings, striking out nine in a 13-1 win over East Hampton on April 4. “She sets the tone and the others follow,” Cromwell head coach Angelo Morello said of his ace. “She’s bigger and stronger this year. There’s a big difference.” Kenney is one of five all-conference players—along with Jamie Anderson, Madison Tessmer, Grace McFarlin, and Malena Signorello—who are back for Panthers this spring. All five made impacts in the win over East Hampton. In the top of the first, Kenney struck out the top of the order in a dozen pitches. Anderson then led off the bottom of the inning with a walk. Two batters later, Anderson scored when catcher Victoria Wiatrak connected on a hit through the middle. Kenney, Wiatrak, McFarlin, and Samantha Smith added runs in the inning, providing Cromwell a 5-0 cushion after the first inning. The Panthers added four more in the second inning to break the game wide open. Kenney tripled to lead off the bottom of the second, before Wiatrak drove her home with a deep hit to center field. Wiatrak, Signorello, and Esposito each crossed home plate later in the inning. Morello said he likes the experienced bats supporting Kenney, pointing to the team’s seniors (Anderson, Tessmer, Smith, and Esposito) and the team’s increased confidence at the plate. “The girls know we have an opportunity for a special year,” added Morello. “It’s going to be about staying healthy, keeping the bench players involved and keeping them ready.” The challenge this season will be getting through the regular season gauntlet of the always competitive Shoreline Conference (SLC). Cromwell finished fourth a season ago behind North Branford, Coginchaug, and Haddam-Killingworth. The Thunderbird of North Branford took home a fourth straight SLC championship last spring. “I told them from the beginning that the three teams that finished ahead of us last year were 5-1 against us,” recalled Morello. “We have to change that. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best.” Kenney will play a major role in helping the Panthers quest to reach the Shoreline summit. She had a special connection with last year’s catcher Monica Dewey, who graduated, and she is currently building a good rapport with Wiatrak behind the plate. Morello, who is coaching in his ninth season, said that Kenney and the extra year of maturity from the roster will give them a chance against any team in the state. “I have eight solid players behind [Kenney] and that has been the difference,” added Morello. “We need 21 outs and if Lily is striking out 10 to 12 players the ball is not in play as much and the mistakes come down. It’s less pressure on the defense.” Cromwell sophomore Victoria Wiatrak picks up a hit during the Panthers 13-1 win over East Hampton on April 4 Ben Centurelli - Rocky Hill (Baseball): Centurelli pitched a complete game, striking out 10 and walking only one hitter, as the Terriers defeated Plainville 5-4 on April 4. The win was the team’s second in as many games, also defeating Vinal Tech in their home opener behind a solid pitching performance from Zach Myers, who struck out four in two scoreless and hitless innings during a 15-0 win.
Brianna Gadarowski - Newington (Softball): Gadarowski connected on two hits, driving in two runs, and scoring a pair of runs as the Nor’easters opened the season with a 19-5 win over Northwest Catholic. The junior also reached base on two walks as Newington’s offense exploded for a total of 18 runs between the 2nd and 4th innings to erase a 4-1 deficit after the first inning. Jaiden Tucker (junior) and Kiley Connors (freshman) each scored three runs for the Nor’easters. Zachary Zajac - Cromwell (Baseball): Zajac struck out 10, allowing only three hits in seven innings of work during the Panthers season-opening 6-2 victory over East Hampton on April 4. The senior, who has committed to pitch for Wheaton College next year, also had two hits and an RBI from the plate. The following night, the Panthers moved to 2-0 with a win (9-3) over Morgan. Luke Solomon - Xavier (Lacrosse): Solomon scored a dramatic game-winning goal, finding the back of the net with 3.6 seconds remaining in overtime as the Falcons upended Hall 15-14 in the team’s season opener at Xavier High School. On Xavier High School’s Twitter account, the senior credited a “great pass” with setting him up for the winning goal, adding, “We put in the work in the offseason. It’s a great way to start the season.” Alyssa Pericello - Wethersfield (Softball): Pericello hit a deep home run as the Eagles hammered Suffield 14-1 to open the season on April 2. The sophomore duplicated her feat in the following game, connecting on another home run during a loss to Windsor. Head coach Colleen Budaj likes what she has seen from her young prospect, calling Pericello, “hard-working, humble, and kind.” Paul Steiner, who been coaching baseball at RHAM since 1974, decided to retire from coaching following the 2021 season.
Longtime head coach Paul Steiner will not be in the RHAM dugout for the first time in nearly a half century. Following a 12-win season last spring, Steiner decided to end an illustrious career on the diamond, passing the reins over to former assistant and new head coach Bill Eller. Steiner said he wanted more time to spend at home with his wife, Sue, who he said has been extremely supportive of his educational and coaching career, which has spanned 48 years. So what is it like having a baseball-free spring? “It’s awful. It’s just something that I’m not used to,” a smiling Steiner said. “Outside of COVID I haven’t had a spring off since ‘74.” Steiner first came to Hebron in 1974 as part of his student teaching and then got a job as a Physical Education teacher at the elementary school prior to starting as an assistant baseball coach under Bob Godin at RHAM. After a brief stint as the head coach in 1983, Steiner officially took over the full-time varsity gig in 1992 and held the position for 29 consecutive seasons, coaching over 600 games and winning 398 of them. “When I took over I wanted to give everything that I possibly could to it,” recalled Steiner. “You go out to our field now and there are dugouts, a scoreboard, and batting cages.” He added, “We’ve had some outside help but basically we had to fundraise and it has been the kids and parents that have been willing to build and dig holes.” In his nearly half century with the program, he has seen a lot of change. Steiner said that kids used to show up to practice in jeans and that some players were upset because practice was on the opening day of fishing season. He added that it took a “year round” effort to change the perception of the program. Steiner had many special moments, but it was two in particular that stood out. First was the 2004 championship team, which holds a special place in Steiner’s heart for obvious reasons. Steiner said he could write a book about the team, adding, “There was something unique about that team. Everything just clicked together, they never gave up, they never quit. We were down so many times.” Current major league outfielder A.J. Pollock was a sophomore on the ‘04 title team. Pollock is in his first year with the Chicago White Sox after playing the previous decade with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers. Steiner said that Pollock’s talent was evident early on, but he was unaware of what the future major leaguer’s career trajectory would be, saying, “At that time you have no clue.” Pollock rose to national prominence but it was Brian Archambault who Steiner recalls as putting the title team on his back. “He probably had the best single year of anyone,” Steiner said of the 5’6” Archambault, “He was 12-0 as a pitcher, including a no hitter in the semifinal, and he hit .420 with five home runs. He may have also been the best outfielder in the state of Connecticut.” Then there was the program’s first conference championship team in 1993. The team was playing undefeated Rocky Hill, who had beaten Steiner’s squad twice in the regular season and was leading 6-5 heading into the bottom of the final inning. Despite it being nearly 30 years ago, Steiner remembers the way it ended like it was yesterday. “We had a bunt single to lead off the inning. They knew we were going to bunt, but he beat it out. Then he stole second and the next guy was hit with a pitch. We bunted him over to third,” recalled Steiner. “Our fourth hitter comes up with runners on second and third. He missed two pitches and then puts the bat on the ball. The second baseman scoops it trying to throw the guy out at the plate and the ball goes under his glove. We scored both runs. Game over, we win 7-6.” It would be the first of seven conference championships during Steiner’s tenure. Steiner, who also coached wrestling, soccer, cross-country, and assisted with various other activities at the school, said, “The secret to coaching is having terrific kids and great assistant coaches.” Current RHAM girls’ volleyball coach Tim Guernsey served as a baseball assistant under Steiner for several years. "The impact that he has had on players and coaches over the years is something that will live on forever," Guernsey said of Steiner. "He has truly built the RHAM baseball program from the ground up and is responsible for so many great things." Steiner said another key to his longevity was learning and adapting as a coach, using the example of the team’s strength training development. Following a 10-run loss to Waterford in the 1998 semifinals, Steiner and his coaches knew the team would have to get bigger, stronger, faster to compete with the elite teams, so they implemented an off-season weight lifting program. The team won a half dozen conference championships and a state title once the strength training program was in place. Steiner’s journey to Hebron started in the heart of Connecticut where he played baseball and wrestled at the old Penney High School in East Hartford. Upon graduating high school, he studied and wrestled at the University of Connecticut before graduating with a degree in education in 1974. After teaching in Hebron for 26 years, he moved to the community in 2000 and has resided in town ever since. He has taught physical education at both the elementary school and middle school, along with being a paraprofessional. He said the best part of coaching is the lifelong relationships that he has made. His first team captain in 1983 was John Tarbox, who now works as a Physical Education teacher in Block Island. Steiner and Tarbox now run an annual baseball camp together on Block Island during the summer. “No one can understand what you go through as a coach, but you get repaid when you go to a wedding of a former player or when you go to a college game and watch these kids play or when you see them graduate from college. You may win or lose games, but those moments are why you coach,” said Steiner. Now working as a paraprofessional, Steiner still comes to the school early to run and lift, and will throw batting practice if needed. He said he is excited to see where Eller, who was previously the head coach at Rocky Hill High School, takes the program, saying, “Bill has had varsity experience. He’s a good man. There’s no question that he’ll do a terrific job.” Steiner added he will attend the baseball games this spring, but joked that he will stand off to the side because it will be hard for him to relax. “I feel like I’m leaving it better than when I got it. I love those kids from last year and I wish them the best,” he added. As he passes the baton, he said that he always strived to coach his players to love the game, the skills to play it, and give them a good experience, adding, “I always tried to treat people with respect and courtesy and teach my players the best I could.” |
AuthorSports Editor for the Rare Reminder, Glastonbury Citizen, and Rivereast News Bulletin Archives
December 2023
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