​Both swimming and diving teams at Wethersfield High School received an honor which awards the program’s athletic and academic excellence.
 
Head coach Lee Schwartzman, who coaches both the boys and girls teams at WHS, released this statement.
 
“I received very exciting news from NISCA (National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association).  Both the 2019-2020 Wethersfield Boys and Girls Swim and Dive teams have been named a NISCA Scholar All-American Team at the Silver level.  This means that the overall cumulative GPA of each Varsity team is in the range of 3.5 to 3.749.  The boys Varsity team GPA was 3.511.  The girls Varsity team GPA was 3.543.
 
I am incredibly proud of all the student athletes for their hard work both in and out of the pool.  According to the rules of the award, all athletes that earned a Varsity letter for the 2019-2020 season were included in the calculation for the award.”
 
Schwartzman added that Wethersfield was the only public school in the state of Connecticut to receive the awards for both programs.
 
In addition, senior swimmer Kayla Condon was named a NISCA All American Scholar Athlete.  The qualifications for that award include being on the varsity team and having a 3.75 cumulative GPA.
  

This week we recognize most of the local senior tennis players from the 2019-2020 school year. Congrats to the entire class of 2020!
 
Cromwell Boys
 
Message from head coach Ken Borton, “[The seniors] all participated and made huge contributions to our progress over the last three seasons, including our school's first boys’ tennis conference championship last season (Spring 2019) in over 14 years.  They've worked tirelessly to improve and have been great examples for the younger players for how they should approach not just their play, but as a teammate, and a member of their school community.”
 
Jeff Gamer was slated to play another huge role this spring. Gamer was also a regular on the honor roll at CHS.
 
Ewan McNeil made an impact on the courts and also starred on the soccer field at CHS. McNeil will study accounting at Middlesex and CCSU over the coming years.
 
Ravi Desai was another honor roll student. Desai will major in computer sciences at Quinnipiac University.
 
Newington Girls
 
Shalia Sharma was entering her second year and expected to make a big impact. She was also part of Key Club, Student Council, and numerous National Honor Societies at NHS. Sharma will attend the University of Connecticut and study political science.
 
Ahana Padubidri was entering third year on the tennis courts. Padubidri will attend Southern New Hampshire University to study law.
 
Damiola Killanin was a four-year member, who was also Student Council president, along with participating in English, Science, and Math National Honor Society. She also participated in Jazz Band and was the recipient of DAR good citizens award. Killanin will now begin a double major in molecular and cellular biology, along with public health at John Hopkins University
 
Andrea Barzola was a two-year member. She was also a member of Math, English, and Latin National Honor Society. Barzola will attend Southern Connecticut State University to major in nursing.
 
Kerry Zvonarek was a two-year member. She participle in Yearbook Club, Key Club, Stop the Stigma, and was a member of Spanish and English National Honor Society. Zvonarek will attend Lesley University, majoring in physiology.
 
Lindsay Weaver was a team captain and all-conference recipient last spring. She was also a captain of the swimming team, along with a being a member of Spanish, Social Studies, Science and English National Honor Society. Weaver will continue swimming at Eastern Connecticut State University, majoring in secondary education.
 
Olivia Rozio was a four-year member and a 2x all-conference player, who was the recipient of Coaches Award. She was also a member of the Culinary Academy, Stage Crew, and school musical sound designer. Rozio will study psychology at Central Connecticut State University.
 
Asma Ahmed was entering her second year. Ahmed will study accounting at the University of Hartford
 
Sara Al Ramahi was also entering her second year. She participated in Stop the Stigma Club, Yearbook Club, Student Council, along with being a member of Science, English and Spanish National Honors Society.
 
Newington Boys
 
Lukas Klin was a four-year player. He was also a member of Unified Sports, along with Italian, Math, and English National Honors Society. Klin will attend the University of Connecticut to study physiology and neurobiology.
 
Vandan Patel was another four-year member. He also participated in Chess Club, Table Tennis Club, and Latin Honors Society. Klin will attend the University of Connecticut, majoring in actuarial science.
 
Videpp Soni was a captain and earned all-conference as a junior in 2019. He will study physics at the University of Connecticut.
 
Rocky Hill Girls
 
Message from head coach Mike Dudis, “The seniors were resilient in general, but in terms of tennis there was no question in my mind that we were winning the division this year. We had a team that had missed by one game the year previously and we had talked about our goals coming into this year. This senior class, while we might not have had a superstar in our class, was an extremely well rounded group of kids who could play anywhere and gave us the most depth that we’ve ever had. The team was extremely versatile and it would have been the deepest team I’ve ever had.”  
 
Rehka Dunn was again slated to be one of the top players this season after earning all-conference in 2019. Dunn will be attending the University of Arizona.
 
Olivia Augeri would have contributed in a variety of ways. She started playing as a sophomore and had natural athletic ability from her soccer and basketball background. Coach Dudis referred to Augeri as a “great kid” and she will be attending Central Connecticut State University.
 
Katelyn Longo will be attending Easter Connecticut State University.
 
Aleksa Peterson was newer to the game of tennis but was expected to make great strides this spring. Peterson, who also starred on the basketball court at RHHS, will be attending Central Connecticut State University.
 
Lydia Tzickas was expected to play a pivotal role this season on the tennis courts and was also a captain on the volleyball courts at RHHS. Tzickas will attend the University of Connecticut.
 
Ananya Chandra was a developing tennis prospect and strong swimmer at RHHS. Chandra will be attending the University of Connecticut.
 
Archisha Jaiswal will also be attending the University of Connecticut.
 
Riya Naik will attend either the University of Connecticut or the University of British Colombia.
 
Wethersfield Boys
 
Samuel Garcia played tennis, soccer, and was a four-year varsity and state swimmer and diver.  Garcia was also in senior journalism, writing for ‘The Eagle Eye’.
 
Clarence Jubac was a major continuator to the team over the years.  
 
Aaron Ky will be attending the University of Connecticut.   
 
Matt Silver was primed to make an impact on the tennis courts this season and was best known for quarterbacking the Eagles football team. Silver will attend the University of Vermont, majoring in business administration.   
 
Wethersfield Girls
 
Message from head coach Richard Scoppetto, “Kathleen and Kerianne were both captains. They worked really hard in the off-season to get the team ready. We had about 30 girls to play tennis this year. We were expecting a very good season this year with these two seniors.”
 
Kathleen Gilland was the team’s #4 singles player as a junior, finishing 12-3 and undefeated in league play in 2019. Gilland will continue her tennis career at St. Joseph College.
 
Kerianne O’Brien played #2 doubles as a junior, finishing 12-4 and earning all-conference in 2019. O’Brien also played soccer at WHS.

​Gunnar Johnson- Baseball
Michael Maslauskas- Football
Jacob Zotti- Wrestling
Lukas Klin- Boys Tennis
Logan Dumas- Cross Country
Alex DiPaola- Ice Hockey & Volleyball
Alicia Abrahams- Cross Country
Jordan Alexander- Boys Lacrosse
McKenna Deluca- Softball
Madelyn Gentile- Girls Outdoor Track
Sarah Hurwitz- Field Hockey
Evan Sanford- Boys Soccer
Daniel Ellis- Indoor Track
Sabrina Soler- Girls Basketball
Mike Hamill- Boys Golf
Sara Caceres- Girls Volleyball
Madison Massaro-Cook- Girls Golf
Sofie Goudreault- Cheerleading
Patrick Brennan- Boys Basketball
Reagan Pelton- Lacrosse, Soccer, Indoor Track
Gabriela Targonska- Girls Swimming & Diving
Joseph Bohlke- Outdoor Track
Salvatore Scata- Boys Swimming & Diving
Olivia Rozio- Girls Tennis

WHS seniors #8 Cameron Ky and #13 Conor Senk helped lead the Eagles to a semifinal appearance in 2019. Photo credit- Jo-Ann Campbell

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! This week we recognize the senior boys’ volleyball players. Information provided by the school’s athletic department and coaches.
 
Newington
 
Entering 2020, the Indians were in uncharted territory after accomplishing a three-peat last spring, winning back-to-back-to-back state titles from 2017-2019. Last season’s title was the team’s sixth championship in the past eight years, placing them on the Mount Rushmore of Connecticut’s high school sports programs.     
 
Alex Nguyen was expected to have an expanded role in the team’s quest for a fourth straight state championship. Off the court, he was the Vice President of Latin Club and a member of Latin Honor Society. Nguyen will attend the University of Connecticut to study pharmacy.
 
Jasper Cayunda was a three-year player who played a pivotal role in the team’s three-peat a season ago. He finished fifth on the team in digs (112) and served up 12 aces in 2019. Cayunda is off to the University of St. Joseph to study biomedical sciences.
 
Keenan Esau was a four-year member who started a season ago, registering 55 kills and 17 blocks in 2019. He was also an All-State football player in the fall and a part of History National Honors Society. Esau will play both volleyball and football at Nichols College in Massachusetts.
 
Zach Demarco was another four-year member who also excelled on the football field, starting the last two years on the gridiron. Demarco will attend Central Connecticut State University to study business management.
 
Alex DiPaola was in line to take over the starting setter role, after finishing second on the team with 115 assists in 2019.  He also excelled as an ice hockey goalie in the winter and was part of Italian National Honor Society. DiPaolo will continue his volleyball journey at Regis College in Massachusetts and study biology.
 
Krystian Kujawa was slated to have a larger role this spring and was an honor roll student in the classroom. Kujawa will attend Central Connecticut State University to study mechanical engineering.
 
Justin Gogluicci was primed to make a varsity impact on the court this spring, also playing football the last three years and running cross country as a freshman. Gogluicci will now help serve our country, committing to the United State Air Force.    
 
Razik Amadou was a three-year member of the team, breaking out last spring with 38 kills and 15 blocks as a junior. He also shined on the basketball courts at NHS. Amadou will now be studying health sciences at Western New England University.
 
Wethersfield
 
Message from coach Debbie O’Brien, “These seniors are an incredible group of athletes, students, and young adults who excel on the court and in the classroom. They would have been incredible leaders and role models. They have always worked hard to improve their skills and were great team players. There is no doubt in my mind that they would have picked up where we left off last year and that with their leadership, work ethic, drive to succeed, and natural talent that we would have had another successful season this year.” 
 
Conor Senk was entering his third varsity season, earning all-conference honors as a sophomore and junior. He was also selected to the Junior All Select Team last spring, after finishing with a team-high 295 kills when combining his front row and back row kills, helping lead the Eagles to the Class M semifinals. The outside hitter also racked up 193 digs, 40 aces, and finished with a passing efficiency of 2.03. Senk will be attending Plymouth State in New Hampshire and is keeping his volleyball options open.  
 
Cameron Ky was the team’s energizer on the court and coach O’Brien referred to him as “one of, if not the, best libero we have ever had on the team.” In 2019 he led the team with 261 digs, had a passing efficiency of 2.07, and developed into one of the team’s better servers, finishing with a serving efficiency of 84%. Ky earned All-Academic team honors as a junior and is now off to the University of Connecticut to major in computer science and play club or intermural volleyball.
 
Luciano Quagliaroli played his first varsity season as a junior and would been an integral part of the team this spring, especially on serve receive and defense. The defensive specialist was also the team’s reserve libero. Quagliaroli also earned All-Academic team honors.
 
Rei Koni was another first year player a season ago, who improved his skills throughout last season and earned All-Academic Honors. He was slated to be a key part on both offense and defense in 2020. Koni, who also played soccer at WHS, will be attending the University of Connecticut. 
​

​

This week we recognize the local lacrosse seniors. Information is provided by the school’s athletic departments and team coaches. Best of luck to the Class of 2020!
 
Cromwell Boys
 
Anthony Lombardo was a force on the field, shining as a junior in 2019 when he scored the third most points on the team. Lombardo will continue his academic and lacrosse career at Rivier University in New Hampshire.

Andy Park was a four-year member, excelling on the defensive end.

Connor Anderson was another four-year member that was expected to have a big role this spring. Anderson was also a regular on the honor roll at CHS.

Middletown Boys

Message from head coach Weventz Valery, “This 2020 season we would have celebrated our seniors as they take the field at home and away for the last time. They are best known as the backbone for kick starting Middletown’s 1st year as a varsity program in 2018. The spring of 2020 will forever be known as the great season that never happened.”

Joseph Chiappetta started his lacrosse career with Middletown Youth Lacrosse before being a consistence force and captain in high school. As a junior Chiappetta was relentless on the attack, leading the team with 30 goals, 17 assists. Chiappetta will be attending Bryant University.

Kristian Glemaud also started in Middletown Youth Lacrosse before becoming an unstoppable force at midfield and occasionally playing attack. Glemaud was known for his great athleticism and his ability to control the game tempo with his speed and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Glemaud will be attending Western Connecticut State.

Brady Foster was a defensive captain that excelled thanks to his great stick skills and relentless man-to-man defense. His speed at clearing the ball created many fast break opportunities that resulted in scoring opportunities for the offense. Brady, who was also an All-State football player, will be attending Western New England.

Eric Byrd was a captain and the overall leader on the defensive end where he was a force that dominated his opponents. He was quick on his feet and a natural stick handler that took pride in covering the best offensive players, limiting them to minimal offensive opportunities. Brady started his lacrosse career with Middletown Youth Lacrosse, and also played premier travel, and has now committed to play lacrosse at Eastern Connecticut State.

Matteo Parent was a defensive captain that played defensive midfield. As a junior Parent lead the team in face off wins, averaging 76% in 2019. He teamed with Foster and Byrd to form a dynamic shutdown defense, which limited opposing offenses. Parent also started in Middletown Youth Lacrosse and has committed to playing lacrosse at University of Saint Joseph (Conn.).

Ethan Foligno was a hard-working, team leader as a goalie who also started with Middletown Youth Lacrosse. As a junior, Foligno lead the team in saves despite having his season cut short with an injury. 2020 was going to be his comeback year to lead the defense. He is well known for his endurance with the ability outrun anyone on the field. Foligno will be attending The University of Harford to study computer science and engineering.

 Justin Walker was very comfortable playing a supporting role on defense and enjoyed the bond with his defensive mates. As a junior Walker was new to the sport, but worked tirelessly to improve his stick skills and was looking forward to getting more field time in the 2020 season. Walker will be attending Middlesex Community College.

Newington Boys
 
Jacob Cultrera was expected to have an expanded role in 2020. Cultrera, who also played soccer at NHS, will be attending the University of Rhode Island to study chemical engineering and to play club lacrosse.  
 
Owen Freeman is a four-year lacrosse player, finishing third on the team in goals (25) in 2019. Freeman will play lacrosse at Western Connecticut State University and study criminal justice.
 
Jordan Alexander was another four-year member, playing in every game a season ago and was expected to make an even bigger impact in 2020. Alexander’s will now begin his carpentry apprenticeship.
 
Newington Girls
 
Reagan Pelton was as an all-state candidate this spring after an all-conference selection in 2019 in which she scored 34 points, including 27 goals as a junior. Pelton was also an all-conference soccer player and part of the indoor track team. Off the field, she was part of five National Honor Societies, as well as the school’s marching band and jazz band, and received a CIAC scholar athlete award. Pelton will be attending University of Connecticut where she will continue her lacrosse journey.
 
Samantha Giudice was a four-year member and earned the Most Versatile Player award. Giudice was also was a captain for the field hockey team, where she earned all-conference this past fall. She will be majoring in human development and family studies at the University of New Hampshire. 
 
Chloe Mamaclay was another four-year member, also playing field hockey and track. Off the field, Mamaclay was part of DECA, National Honor Society, and Student Council Social Chair. She’ll be attending Fairfield University to study marketing.
 
Sarah Hurwitz was part of the lacrosse program all four years and was a high-honors field hockey player. Hurwitz was also part of Chamber Choir and Orchestra, as well as a member of English, Math, History and Spanish National Honor Society. She will be attending the University of Michigan to study psychology.
 
Mackenzie Beebe was primed for a bigger role on the lacrosse team in 2020 and was also a cheerleading captain at NHS. 
 
Juliana Cordeiro played for three years and was also expected to have an increased role in 2020. Off the field, she was a member of Spanish and English National Honor Society, as well as Spanish Club. Cordeiro will major in health science at the University of St. Joseph.
 
Gabriella Gray played both lacrosse and soccer all four years. Gray was part of both Student Council and Stop the Stigma club. She’s pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
 
Rocky Hill Boys
 
Liam Sullivan was a captain and a returning all-conference long stick defensive midfielder, where he was an integral part on the defense end. Sullivan will continue playing lacrosse at Wheaton College. 

Jeremy Walker was a captain and the backbone of the defense since he took over as the starting varsity goalie as a sophomore in 2018. Walker will be attending Central Connecticut State University. 
 
Austin Bouchard was named captain and was expected to be one of main offensive contributors in 2020. He was a natural leader and a versatile player, playing multiple positions. Bouchard will be attending Gateway Community College and plans to join MDC in the future.
 
Logan Donovan was named captain in 2020 and was a force to reckon with on the defensive end. Donovan has a passion for cars and will be attending Porter and Chester to become an automotive technician.
 
Benji Smith has an undeniable dedication to the sport of lacrosse, earning All-State as a short stick defensive middle 2019. Smith is known for his great attitude and work ethic, and will continue his lacrosse career at West Virginia University. 
 
Nicolas Capasso was consistently one of the strongest and fastest players on the field, brining fun and excitement to the game over the last four years. Capasso, who also starred on the football field at RHHS, plans to work for MDC. 
 
Eric Callahan transitioned from goalie to long stick defense during his time with the program. Callahan was a force on the field, excelling at clearing the crease.
 
Alex Calcagni started playing as a sophomore and quickly showed his multi-sport athleticism, becoming a great fit for the sport of lacrosse. Calcagni will be going into the Elevator Union.
 
Patrick Conlan was a multi-sport athlete that used his experience in other sports to find success on the lacrosse field. Colon will be attending Roger Williams University.
 
Jason LaTorra was an enforcer on the field and the added talent of being a DJ at team events. LaTorra added fun to the locker room and the excitement on the field. LaTorra, who was also a captain of the football team at RHHS, will be attending Southern Connecticut State University. 
 
Wethersfield Boys
 
Kyle Anderson played all four years and was a member of the first Wethersfield High School lacrosse team, which was set to make their varsity debut this season. Anderson played long stick midfielder.
 
Ryan Berasi is a three-sport athlete, earning all-conference in football, excelling at swimming and was an original member of the school’s lacrosse team where he was a tenacious defender. Berasi will be attending Temple University.
 
Andrew Cascio played all four years and was a two-sport athlete, also playing an important role on the ice hockey team.
 
Jack Healy also played both lacrosse and hockey, earning all-conference on the ice. Healy will be attending the University of Tampa.
 
Logan Lichatz played midfield and was another four-year member of the team.
 
Kieran Moller also played midfield and was a four-year member who will be attending Plymouth State in New Hampshire to play lacrosse.
 
John Rumley was an attacker, who was also an original member of the program. Rumley will continue playing lacrosse at Clarke University in Iowa.
 
Jake Whitaker played attack and was another original member of the lacrosse program. Whitaker was also an All-State football player and will continue his gridiron career at Anna Marie College.
 
Max Karkos was best known for as a 2x all-conference soccer player. Karkos will continue to play soccer at Endicott College in Massachusetts.
 
Matthew Stearns was set to play a role during the team’s first varsity season and also wrote for the WHS news source ‘The Eagle Eye’.
 
Wethersfield Girls
 
Message from head coach Nicole Silva, “We were going to have our first CIAC recognized Varsity season this year.  These girls started playing when Wethersfield had only a Recreational program in 7th or 8th grade.  Their commitment  and dedication to the sport allowed for the growth of the program. The 19-20 season would have been their first CIAC Varsity recognized season. I cannot imagine how these girls are feeling about missing their season but I hope they know that we could not have come so far without them. Their dedication to the growth of the sport paved the way for future players to have a recognized varsity level program. I will greatly miss my them all!”
 
Kaitlyn Sousa was a three-year goalie and slated to spend her senior season protecting the net again. Sousa will continue her education at Manchester Community College.
 
Katherine Pierce was a reliable attacker and is off to Quinnipiac to continue her education. 
 
Cristina Lynch played defense and is now headed to the University of Connecticut.
 
Christine Vittner also played defense and will be attending the University of Saint Joseph.
 
Alexis Almada was an attacker and is also off to the University of Connecticut
 
Katherine Bridges was a defender who will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida to study engineering.
 
Abbey Riberio played defense and will attend Simmons University in the fall.

WHS senior student athletes Sam Odell, Matt Bagdasarian, Jake Whitaker, Eric Denz, Kyle Edman, Jimmy Luiz during last week's graduation. Photo credit- Tammy Luiz

​Newington High School announced the four finalists for the Joyce Jamer Award and the George Brinley Award, awarded annually to the most outstanding senior female and male multisport athletes who, in the opinion of the head coaches, have shown outstanding achievement, have brought recognition to Newington High School or the town, and have been an inspiration to their teammates and to the student body. 
 
The 2019-2020 finalists for the Joyce Jamer Award are Reagan Pelton and Lindsay Weaver.
 
Pelton played soccer, lacrosse, and participated in indoor track & field during her time at NHS. On the soccer field, she was 2x All-Conference selection and was a CGCSA Senior Bowl participant. She also earned All-Conference in lacrosse as a junior, scoring 27 goals in 2019. On the track, she was a captain and member of the school’s record-breaking Sprint Medley Relay squad.
 
Weaver starred in both swimming and tennis. She earned All-Conference and was the team MVP in the pool, participating in the Class L finals in the 200 Medley Relay, 50 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, and 200 Freestyle Relay. On the tennis courts, Weaver played #1 doubles and was a team captain.
 
The finalists for the George Brinley Award are Keenan Esau and Gunnar Johnson.
 
Esau excelled at football and volleyball. On the gridiron, he was a two-year captain who was an All-State selection this season, as well as All-Conference and the team’s defensive MVP.  Esau was also a starter on back-to-back state championship volleyball teams (2018 & 2019) and was an Academic All-Conference member.
 
Johnson was a three-year varsity player and a captain in both baseball and football. On the diamond, he was a 2x All-State and All-Conference player, and also earned All-Conference in football this past season. Johnson will play baseball at the next level, committing to Wofford College.     

Wethersfield High School had several senior student athletes announce commitments to further their academic and athletic careers at the next level. Below is a list of the athletes that have made college commitments as of late May, along with a statement from most of them regarding college choices/saying goodbye to WHS.    
 
Antonio Capossela: Soccer (Johnson & Wales University)- “I chose Johnson and Wales University because they have a great criminal justice program as well as a great soccer program. Exciting thing about playing in college is still having more time to bond with a family before having to hang up the boots.”
 
Kayla Condon- Cross Country/Track & Field (Worcester Polytechnic Institute): “I chose WPI because it was a good overall fit for me. It has everything I want academically and athletically and as soon as I visited campus I knew it was where I wanted to go. I am excited to participate in athletics at the college level and to be a part of the team at WPI.”
 
Abbey Keane- Swimming (Central Connecticut State University): “I choose Central for a couple reasons, when I went to visit the swim girls were so welcoming and easy to get it know. Coach Bill and coach Alex also made me feel right at home, as I was looking for program that could challenge me, I knew it would be a good fit. Coming from Wethersfield Swim program with Lee, I could see a lot of similarities throughout the team. After I finished at the State Open this year, I knew swimming was something I couldn’t just walk away from after high school. I am also looking to get my degree in education and CCSU has a great program so I was confident that it was a perfect fit all around. I am really excited to see what Central has in store for me.”
 
Megan Kelleher- Volleyball (Wheaton College): “I chose Wheaton because of the beautiful campus, tight community aspect, wide range of majors, and its high rank among other liberal arts colleges. I am excited to join such a strong, competitive athletics program, with a coach who always has the team’s best interest in mind. I cannot wait to continue my academic and athletic career at such a strong program!”
 
Zoe Kleeblatt- Softball (Dickinson College): “I’m super excited to go play at Dickinson. I really loved the campus and the students. It’s the right size for me and it’s not too close, but not too far. I fell in love with the school. It felt like my place.”
 
Ryan Koplin- Baseball (Alfred State University):  “I chose Alfred State for because the school has an amazing Architecture program, which is my major, the campus is beautiful and the student life is great. Also, the coaching staff at Alfred State run an amazing program that I’m proud to call myself a part of. What excites me about playing sports in college is getting 4 more years to play the sport I fell in love with as a young kid and that I can keep on making memories that come with playing baseball that will last a lifetime.”
 
Evan McNeice- Cross Country/Track & Field (Franklin Pierce University): “I chose Franklin Pierce because of the great team environment. When I did my overnight, both the coaches and the members of the team were very welcoming and I knew that I wanted to spend the next four years there as soon as I left. I had two ankle surgeries my sophomore year and have spent the past two years recovering so I believe that I am just getting started and competing at the next level will push me to be stronger and faster than I ever would’ve imagined.”
 
Clarissa Nock- Track & Field (University of New Hampshire): “Next year I’ll be committing to the university of New Hampshire for track and field. Meeting the team and the coaches really made me realize I wanted to go to this school. I felt welcomed and the environment was something I knew I’d fit into. I can’t wait to be a part of this team and to be given the chance to improve my skills and compete at a higher level.”
 
Trevor Piecewicz- Hockey (Central Connecticut State University): “First off I want to say thank you to Wethersfield High School and all the friends who made me feel prideful and honored to wear an Eagles jersey. To all the CTHSHockey guys, thank you for making it feel like I was part of something much bigger than just High School sports. To my coaches and teammates, thank you for the most unforgettable 4 years of my life. All of our accomplishments along with the unforgettable off ice moments will be part of me forever. Finally to my family, thank you for allowing me to follow my dreams for the past 13 and being by my side ever step of the way. Although I have to hand in my jerseys, my life as an Eagle is not over, for I will never hand in the lessons I’ve learned, the respect I’ve earned, and the family I’ve created, I will wear that for life. Thank you.”
 
Samantha Strong- Soccer (Johnson & Wales University):  “I chose Johnson and Wales because it gives me everything I am looking for in a school. I plan to major in health sciences, which will put me on the path to become a Physician Assistant. I’m going to be playing soccer and the school is in a great location so I can meet new people and have new experiences. I’m excited to play college soccer because it is a sport I love and enjoy. I look forward to the new challenges it will bring.”
 
Jake Whitaker- Football (Anna Maria College): “100% committed to Anna Maria College!! So excited for the next chapter of my football career and a huge thank you to my teammates and coaches for everything they’ve done to make me the player I am today!! #ringthebell”
 
Samantha Bassell: Volleyball (Elms College)
 
Kathleen Gilland- Tennis (St. Joseph’s University)
 
Julian Gonzalez- Baseball (Western Connecticut State University)
 
Alice Kelly- Basketball (Worcester Polytechnic Institute)
 
Caitlin Nardella- Track & Field (Southern Connecticut State University)
 
 

Rocky Hill High School announced their senior student athletes who have made college commitments in 2020. Below are student’s names and colleges with a statement from several of them. A full video of the soon-to-be-graduates, created by RHHS athletic director Richard Seidman and his department, can be viewed by visiting rockyhillhigh.ct.rdh.schoolinsites.com and by clicking on the RHHS Athletics Main Page. 
 
Alex Boutin: (Football) Western New England College- “After much thought and talking with my family I have decided to further my academic and athletic career at Western New England University. I’d like to thank coach Bresner for the opportunity and I am excited for the next four years. #GOBEARS”
 
Nick Faraci: (Wrestling) Western New England College- “I will be furthering my academic and wrestling career at Western New England. Big thanks to coach Sugermeyer for this amazing opportunity. I also want to take this time to thank my coaches, as well as my teammates for allowing me to grow and strive over the last four years. Go Golden Bears.”
 
Justin Fraleigh: (Baseball) Roger Williams College- “To my family, friends, coaches, and teammates, thank you for all the supports, none of this would’ve been able to happen without your help. Gonna be a fun next 4 years!”
 
Bella Montalvo: (Soccer) Western New England College- “I chose Western New England because I love the coach and the campus and I was able to see myself there. The thing that excites me the most about playing in college is the fact that I have an opportunity to play at the next level and continue playing the sport I love.”
 
Ryan Robb: (Baseball) Husson College- “I am very excited to announce that I will be furthering my academic and baseball career and Husson University. I would like to thank every coach and teammate I’ve ever had for forming me to be the player and person that I am today. I'd also like to thank coach Morris for giving me this wonderful opportunity to play at his program. Lastly I’d especially like to thank [my parents] that are here with me today because I would definitely not be able to do it without them. Thank you. Go Eagles.” 
 
Matt Sevigny: (Baseball) St. Michael’s College- “I’m excited to play baseball for St. Michael’s College in the Northeast Conference.”
 
Emma Drumm: (Swimming) Eastern Connecticut State University
 
Jake Rajotte: (Soccer) Washington and Jefferson College
 
Brandon Scacca: (Swimming) University of Saint Joseph
 
Benji Smith: (Lacrosse) University of West Virginia
 
Liam Sullivan: (Lacrosse) Wheaton College
 

NHS senior golfer Mike Hamill will continuing golfing at Eastern Connecticut State University

Last week we took and in-depth look at the senior girl golfers at Wethersfield through the words of head coach Carl Mearman.
 
This week we will recognize many of the other senior golfers around the area. Information provided by head coaches: Cromwell-Sarah Turner, Newington-Jayson Barbarotta and Rich Condon, Wethersfield-Brendan Hallisey
 
Cromwell Boys
 
Message from coach Sarah Turner, “These three gentlemen are truly a class act. I am so proud of them in the classroom and on the course. It has been an honor to watch them grow (since Kindergarten) and have the opportunity to be their teacher and coach. They will make a difference in this world and wish them the best of luck.”
 
Timothy Falt is a four-year player year who was involved in matches since he was a freshman. Falt was known for his consistency and was a scoring member for the team in every 2019 match. Coach Turner praised him for his comical commentary and overall enjoyment of the game, and said he motivated both teammates and opponents. 

Matthew Sbriglio was another four-year player who made tremendous progress during his tenure at CHS. Throughout his four years, Sbriglio consistently worked to improve his overall game and demonstrated to his teammates how hard work pays off. Coach Turner said he also took the initiative to work with the younger teammates, helping them learn strategies for success.

Patrick Stafstrom hit the ground running as a sophomore, picking up the game quickly.  Stafstrom was always in contention and was a medalist as times, thanks to his calm, cool, and collected approach.  Stafstrom was also a force on the soccer field and played basketball during his time at CHS.

Newington Boys
 
Mike Hamill was a four-year varsity letter recipient and the team’s only senior this spring. Hamill was coming off a 2019 in which he finished as the team’s #1 player and won the most improved player, as well as earning all-conference after averaging 42.5 on the course. As a freshman in 2017, he won the program’s Rookie of the Year, and entering 2020 he was slated as the team captain and also the received the 2020 Leadership Award. Off the course, he was a member of chamber choir and drama club. Hamill will continue golfing as he studies Environmental Earth Sciences in college for Eastern Connecticut State University. Coach Barbarotta said he will be missed, calling his only senior, “A great all-around young man.” 
 
Newington Girls
 
Shea Devanney stayed busy during her time as NHS, playing golf, excelling at field hockey, and taking part in the chamber orchestra. Devanney will continue her academic and athletic careers at the University of St. Josephs, where she’ll be playing field hockey for the Blue Jays. 
 
Wethersfield Boys
 
Message from coach Hallisey, “I am disappointed that these two fine young men were not able to compete in their final high school season. However, it was a pleasure to have Nick and Trevor on the team during their years at Wethersfield High School and I wish them great success in the future.”
 
Nick McGrath is a four-year member, earning a varsity letter the past two seasons. In 2019 he showed great promise by improving every week during the season, which is a challenge for a first-year varsity player because of the longer and harder golf courses. McGrath gained great experience last season and because of his great attitude and leadership skills, he was chosen as a captain this spring and was ready for a very successful senior season.
 
Trevor Piecewicz played JV as a freshman and earned a varsity letter along with CCC All-Academic honors as a sophomore. In 2019 he decided to take the golf season off and continue playing hockey in the spring, which was a decision that paid off as Piecewicz blossomed into a 2x All-State hockey player. He was primed for a great return to the links this spring and is now off to play college hockey at Central Connecticut State University.