2021 GHS graduate Greg Perry has committed to play both lacrosse and football at Western New England University in Massachusetts.
Following in the footsteps of other dual-sport athletes like Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson, Perry still has a passion for multiple sports. “I was only recruited for lacrosse and two days before I was going to commit, coach [Alex] Bresner the defensive coordinator at Western New England reached out to me,” said Perry, who was intrigued by the idea of playing two sports, “I talked about it with my parent and as much as I though I might not, I would always miss football. I don’t think I was ready to cut that out of my life yet, especially after losing my senior season.” The lacrosse commit, who thought his days on the gridiron were over, was suddenly dusting off his cleats. It's a challenge that Perry embraces. “It was a smooth process,” Perry said of his decision to play both sports, “What really attracts me to lacrosse is that everything is quick and there’s more of a flow to the game. For football, it’s the atmosphere. The brotherhood is better than anything else.” His lacrosse journey started in the 4th grade and included him getting cut from his 7th grade travel team. He returned to the sport as a sophomore in high school, quickly relearned the game and making a big leap during club lacrosse last summer following the cancellation of the high school season. Perry’s football journey has been a little less straightforward. He’s played several positions on both sides on the ball, most recently behind center as a starting quarterback. “Honestly when I first stated playing football I didn’t like to get hit. I was a running back so I’d try and avoid people and outrun them,” recalled Perry, who will play outside the hashes in college, “The only film they had from me was my junior year as a quarterback and they talked to [GHS} coach [Eric] Hennessy, and I’m not sure what happened in that interview but as soon as they got back to me they told me I had a roster spot. I love playing defensive back but I’ll strongly pursue receiver. They told me I could always switch.” Perry played nearly every sport growing up, including baseball, basketball, and soccer. Once in high school he focused primarily on football and lacrosse, showcasing a natural ability for both. During the fall of 2019--which ended up being his final full football season because of the COVID cancellation---he was challenged mentally following his switch to signal caller. “Everyone looks at Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes and they look at the glamour of the position and they don’t really realize what is included. It’s a total different responsibility, you need to know everyone’s responsibilities. In a sense it was a benefit and helped me stay more mentally prepared and have a better IQ,” Perry recalled. During his junior season behind center he had some excellent moments, throwing a pair of touchdown passes in his first start and then rushing for a touchdown and throwing the game-winner in a memorable 27-26 comeback victory over Conard in his third start. He was slated to be the starter again this fall, which was limited to only a few 7-on-7 scrimmages because of the COVID restrictions. “I love the football so much, so that was a low point when we realized we wouldn’t have a real season. Out last game was Bloomfield two years ago,” Perry said, referring to the team’s regular season finale on November 26, 2019, “Everyone always says play your last game like it’s your last, but we didn’t know at the time that was going to be your last game.” Fortunately, his final lacrosse season at GHS did have a beginning and an end. The spring season featured a 14-0 shutout victory over East Catholic in the team’s regular season home finale, an unofficial win over Simsbury in the conference championship game (game suspended due to lightning with Glastonbury up 4-1), and a 14-7 triumph over Trumbull in the Class L tournament. The tourney win over Trumbull was head coach Scott Hinchey’s 100th victory at GHS and was the final home game Perry ever played at his hometown high school. “I miss the guys the most for lacrosse. There was a lot of camaraderie with the guys, we were a close-knit group and have been playing together since youth,” said Perry, who will never forget football’s Friday night lights, “I didn’t get a lot of them, but they were amazing. In the locker room, running out, warm-ups, the whole community is there. I’ll get it at college, but playing for this town that I’ve played for my whole life is what I’ll miss the most.” He’ll be joining a pair of prominent programs at WNE. The football team most recently won 9 of 11 games in 2019 and will be chomping at the bit to get back on the field after having competition cancelled last fall. The lacrosse team, led by long time coach John Klempacki, won 10 of 12 games this spring. Outside of sports, Perry was on a Leadership Committee that helped clean up local parks in Glastonbury. Now he’ll take his athletic gifts and leadership skills to a collegiate level. “I’m excited to meet new people. I feel like it’s time for a change, especially after how this year went. I think all the seniors are excited to go and branch out. In high school you’re a big fish in a small pond and now you’re the little fish in a big pond. It's satisfying to start fresh,” said Perry, “I feel like I get better when I branch out. At the college level there are guys coming from all over, so you get to compete against new guys.”
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WHS 2021-grads Brendan Zaleski and Matt Fletcher (pictured with WHS baseball coach Mark Bagdasarian) will both play baseball at Lasell University
Wethersfield High School seniors Mathew Fletcher and Brendan Zaleski both announced that they have committed to continue to play baseball together at Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts. Fletcher stated, “I’m excited to say I will be continuing my baseball career at Lasell University! Go Lasers!” During the passed four years, Fletcher was a three-year varsity player, serving as a captain this spring for the Eagles. He was named to the CCC all-conference team, CCC all-academic team, and selected to participate in the CHSCA senior all-star game following the season. In addition to baseball, Fletcher is also a member of the Leadership Club at WHS. He’s playing with the Connecticut Capitals this summer and at Lasell, the lefty will pitch for the Lasers as he studies Business Management. Zaleski stated, “Proud to announce my verbal commitment to Lasell University to continue my academic and baseball career. Go Lasers!” The hard-throwing righty also served as a captain this past season, earning his third varsity letter. Zaleski earned CCC all-academic honors in both 2019 and in 2021. At WHS, he also played soccer and was a member of the Interact Club, Geography Club, and Leadership Club. Last year as a junior, he was inducted into both the National Honor Society and the Social Studies National Honor Society. A two-year member of the CT Capitals, Zaleski will pitch for the Lasers next year while studying marketing. * Information provided by the WHS Athletic Department James McKinnon, the girls’ head basketball coach at Rocky Hill, launched a new basketball camp this summer. The first annual camp of Jr. Terriers: Hoop Hill was a major success, hosting 38 developing girls hoopsters, ranging grades 5th through 8th, from June 28 – July 2.
“The idea is to build camaraderie and relationships with our youth players while teaching them the individual and team-oriented skills needed for success,” McKinnon said of the program. "When I was hired in November 2020 I told Joe Horvath [Rocky Hill athletic director] that I wanted to start a basketball camp to help build up the interest in girl's basketball in Rocky Hill. I then met with Rocky Hill Parks and Recreation, specifically Craig Bowman and Logan Gauvin, to help get the ball rolling,” added McKinnon, “I can't thank Craig and Logan enough for all of the hard work they have done for us behind the scenes in helping to organize our camp. Craig and Logan have both been professional, well organized, and they are wonderful communicators. It's made my job a lot easier." McKinnon, who is a graduate of RHHS and previously coach boys’ basketball at the school, has brought a much-needed development program back to the area. "The original ‘Hoop Hill’ was run by former Rocky Hill boys coach Rick Watson in the mid-1990's when I was both a camper and a counselor. My siblings and our friends all attended the camp and we had a lot of fun and I wanted to bring that same joy to the kids in our town as well. I feel that as the leader of the girl's basketball program in Rocky Hill it is part of my responsibility to keep the youth engaged and excited about our sport because they are the future of our team. We are extremely delighted and humbled at the fact that so many kids wanted to participate.” Helping McKinnon run the program were current and former players. 2021 graduates Hannah Conneely, Jillian Chipkin, and Peggy Minga, along with current Terriers, Abigail Boutin, Christina DeNovellis, and Alyssa Gau helped run the program. Scott Anderson, a 2008 graduate who played for McKinnon from 2006-2009, also volunteered his time "The current high school players are role models for the athletes at our camp because they have the ability to teach, motivate, and build confidence in our young players. These high school players, all of whom I coached this past season, are given a chance to inspire our youth to be the best people they can be. More than likely, some of this week's campers will be counselors at "Jr. Terriers: Hoop Hill" in the years to come and they will remember how special it was to be around these high-school athletes when it is their turn to lead our youth by example." McKinnon added the most rewarding part of the camp is seeing the young players learning specific skills in drills and then utilizing those skills during competition. The plan is to make this an annual event, with a tentative date of June 27 – July 1 for the summer of 2022. James McKinnon with his current and former players, who volunteered at the first annual Jr. Terriers: Hoop Hill Boys Cross Country- Sean Ahern (Middletown): Despite a shortened season, Ahern added to his list of accomplishments this fall and broke a personal-record this spring by running a 15:41 5K. The senior earned another All-State selection and will now take his long-distance running abilities to the University of Connecticut to compete as a Huskie and major in exercise science to eventually become a physical therapist. Ahern said of his decision to chose UConn, “Thankful to God, my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and most importantly my parents. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for all of them. Can’t wait for the next four!”
Girls Cross Country- Maren Valente (Rocky Hill): Valente ran a team-best 21:06 and earned All-State, captaining a Terriers team that finished 6-0 this fall. The graduating senior, who was also a Scholar-Athlete selection this year, will soon jet off to the University of Miami, majoring in Economic on a pre-law track. Field Hockey- Julia Peacock (Wethersfield): Peacock was a rock-solid goalie for an Eagles, registering a 93% save percentage and shutting out six opponents this fall. The junior, who earned All-State CCC, will be back in goal next season for head coach Colleen Budaj, who said “[Julia] is a great teammate. She is kind-hearted and does whatever the team needs her to do. She is not worried about her stats; she is more concerned about the team's success.” Boys Soccer- Anis Nurkic (Wethersfield): Nurkic earned All-State recognition after providing the offensive firepower for an Eagles team that finished undefeated and won a conference title. In the conference championship game, a 4-2 win over Newington, the senior striker scored two goals and he continued his soccer success this summer, winning his third straight Sports World Men’s Indoor League title in June. He will attend Central Connecticut State University and major in Criminology. Girls Soccer- Sierra Judson (Wethersfield): Judson received All-State recognition and captained an Eagles team that finished undefeated in the regular season. The senior was also named All-Academic for a fourth straight year and was a team leader for the lacrosse team as well. Her next stop is Merrimack College where she will play soccer for the Warriors and major in Health and Science. Girls Swimming & Diving- Olivia Thompson (Wethersfield): Thompson was consistently elite in the pool, earning All-CCC honors in all four years and receiving All-Academic recognition. This winter, the senior was part of an amazing Eagles squad that broke seven pool records and finished undefeated. She leaves WHS as part of freshman/pool/varsity records in the Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, and 400 Free Relay. The 2021 graduate will now swim for the Fairfield University. Girls Volleyball- Madison Massaro-Cook (Newington): A four-year varsity player, Massaro-Cook set a new standard for the Newington volleyball program and earned All-State this past fall after leading the team in kills for a third straight season. The graduating senior, who was also an all-conference golfer at NHS, will now play volleyball at Central Connecticut State University as she studies Bimolecular Sciences. Cheerleading- Lauren Wolak (Cromwell): Wolak earned All-State for a second straight season, leading a Cromwell cheer squad that battled through the restriction of the past year. The senor is now off to cheer at Western New England as she majors in Actuarial Science and is enrolled in the school’s 5-year MBA program. Boys Basketball- James Grodzicki (Cromwell): Grodzicki earned both All-State and All-Shoreline Conference after averaging a double-double as an inside-out power forward/center for the Panthers. The graduating senior was an all-conference goalie for the school’s soccer team and was named Academic All-State. The 2021-grad will attend Quinnipiac next fall. Girls Basketball- Lilly Ferguson (Newington): Ferguson arrived in the area and dominated the local basketball scene, earning All-State after averaging 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals a game as Newington went undefeated and won a conference title. The junior has already committed to play basketball at the University of Massachusetts. Gymnastics- Meghan Appel (Wethersfield): Appel was the captain and only senior on a competitive Eagles team that navigated through a restrictive winter season and won conference. She also was a pole vaulter in track and field, as well as DECA Marketing and National Honor Society at WHS. She will now study marketing at the University of Rhode Island’s College of Business. Ice Hockey- Kilian Ranger (Cromwell): Ranger led Newington-Cromwell co-op in goals and points as the team won a conference title. The senior was unstoppable in a wild conference tournament, capping off his high school career with a two goal, two assist masterpiece in a 5-0 victory over Tri-Town in the championship game. The All-State senior is now headed to the University of Connecticut. Boys Swimming & Diving- Brian Puglielli (Wethersfield): Puglielli has excelled as one of the state’s best divers over the past four years, being named All-State for the last two. He was also the secretary of the Class of 2021 at WHS. Baseball- Tino Gagliardi (Cromwell): Gagliardi led by his actions on and off the field, cementing himself as the undisputed captain at Cromwell. The reliable first baseman led the team in a variety of stats; including hits, doubles, RBIs, and home runs. He will continue his baseball career at Curry College, majoring in finance. Boys Golf- Jack Wise (Cromwell): Wise saved his best stuff for last, shooting an eagle on the final hole of the Division III championship to finished tied atop the leaderboard. The clutch sophomore has two years left to add to his championship collection. Girls Golf – Glorianne Pinote (Newington): Pinote tied for fifth at Division II finals as Newington finished fourth overall as a team. The freshman phenom is just getting started and will be a force to be reckoned with on the links over the next three years. Girls Lacrosse- Emma O’Connell (Rocky Hill): O’Connell earned All-State, helping lead the Terriers through the challenges of this spring. The junior, who also plays club lacrosse, is the 2022 Class President at RHHS and volunteers her time with youth lacrosse clubs. Boys Lacrosse- Mike Zapatka (Newington): Zapatka was a goal-scoring machine for Newington, leading the team with 60 goals and 78 points overall. The 2021-grad will continue to play soccer at Rivier College, majoring in Sports Management. Boys Track & Field- Trevor Drescher (Middletown): Drescher won the Class L state championship in the javelin and placed third overall in the discus. The senior went on to finish third overall in the javelin at the State Open. He will attend Bucknell Unviersity starting next fall. Girls Track & Field- Marina Perry (Rocky Hill): Perry won Class M state championship in discus and finished third in shotput. The junior also placed third overall in the discus at the State Open. Outside of track & field, she has a passion for dancing and is a member of the Connecticut Tap Collaborative, focusing on tap dance. Softball- Jazzy Edmunds (Rocky Hill): Edmunds earned All-State following a spectacular year from the plate. The junior hit .471, with an OBP of .550, and led the team in hits (32), runs (30), home runs (6), and stolen bases (13). Head coach Tyler Catlin praised her performance, adding that she was a “pro” in the outfield. Boys Tennis- Matthew Utter (Newington): Utter made All-State following a sensational senior season. The recent graduate was a consistent tennis force at NHS, making multiple All-Conference teams. Girls Tennis- Suhani Sheth (Rocky Hill): Sheth finished undefeated in regular season (18-0) and made All-State, winning a State Open match as well. The junior will be back as the #1 singles player for the Terriers next spring. Boys Volleyball- Jacob Baclawski (Newington): Baclawski was selected All-State after a leading the team in kills (288) and aces (77). The graduating senior departs after playing a key role on the program’s 2019 state championship team and captaining the Nor’easters to a state championship appearance this past spring. Sam Forrest is one of the most decorated athletes to ever walk the halls of Glastonbury High School.
She is also one of the most unselfish. The 2021-graduate reflected of her favorite sports memories at GHS, saying, “Obviously the state championship in soccer is one, but what stands out was during lacrosse this season when we found out that one of our teammates [Mary Norman] who had hip surgery in the fall was finally cleared to play. We were told that she might not be able to play this season, so my favorite moment was being able to get on the field with her again and have that connection back.” Despite all her accolades, which there are many, Forrest has remained the consummate teammate and friend. “She’s always been that way. Sam has always been really respectful of the other players,” said GHS girls lacrosse coach Kris Cofiell, “She has always carried herself maturely. She never thought she was bigger than the team or the game.” Forrest, who was a three-sport captain at GHS, received national recognition in June when she was named as MaxPreps Top Female Athlete in Connecticut. The honor came as a surprise in more ways than one for Forrest, “I heard about it through a friend that found it online. I was playing minigolf with my family and my friend called me. I didn’t even know that it had happened until a couple of days after the article came out.” “It means a lot because I know a lot of the girls that were on it from other states and they are some of the greatest athletes that I know, and it’s an honor for me to be in the same category as them.” Prior to graduating last month, Forrest put the finishing touches on an impeccable resume at GHS. In her final lacrosse season this spring she scored 100 points, leading the team with 74 goals as the team won a 13th straight conference title. The prolific midfielder finished as the program’s all-time leader in career goals and earned USA Lacrosse All-American. Cofiell said Forrest’s drive to be great was evident from day one, “She was a player who I heard about before she got to the high school and I’ve had some phenomenal athletes previously, but Sam’s pure athleticism is clearly seen by the fact that she has done so well in three sports. There is no doubt that no matter what sport Sam decided to put her mind to she would be very good. To have the speed, the strength, the field sense, all of those things in one person and a great desire to improve. Those are all things that make her the lacrosse athlete that she is and make her successful at the other sports.” Indoor track was limited to practice-only this winter, but Forrest left her mark on the program during her junior year when she earned All-New England in three events (Individual 300-meter, anchor on the 4x200 relay, and anchor of the 4x400 relay). Glastonbury’s indoor track won both the Class LL and State Open Championship during the February of 2020. Her first team state title at GHS was during the 2019 soccer season where she earned MVP honors as the team defeated top-seed Southington 1-0 in the Class LL title game. During her time with the program, she set a new scoring mark in three seasons, making All-State and United Soccer Coaches All-American. Her rise to the athletic apex started at an early age. “It was my parent who got me into sports. Honestly, my dad really didn’t know what to do with a daughter so he thought why not throw her into sports and see what happens,” joked Forrest, “When I was younger it came to me really easily and I figured why not keep doing it and try and get better.” The intuition of her parents, Jon and Pam, was spot on as Forrest thrived both athletically and academically. Despite playing sports year around, Forrest maintained a 4.16 GPA and earn high honors in all four years. She has won numerous awards and championships, yet it’s the simple things about Glastonbury that are tough to leave behind. “There’s so many things that I am going to miss, but honestly, it’s just going to be hanging out with my friends and family. We live in a small town, so one of the things that you do when you’re bored is go get Dunkin with your friends and drive around and listen to music. That’s probably one of the most stereotypical nostalgic things I’ll miss. It’s something that takes my mind off all the stresses of life, and we can live in the moment with friends and enjoy an iced coffee.” Her next destination is Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Forrest, who has lived in Glastonbury her entire life, will take her lacrosse skills and ambition to the University of North Carolina to join the Tar Heels athletic program steeped in greatness. The soon-to-be college freshman will join an elite UNC team that finished 20-1 and made the Division I Final Four this spring. “I love all my family and friends here and it’s definitely going to be tough to leave them because they’ve always been here and supported me, but I think what I am most excited for it to make new friends and have a good time and do well in school so I can get a good job in the future. People always say that college is the best years of your life, so I’m excited to enjoy it,” said Forrest, who will major in Business and minor in Exercise Sports Science, “The coaches have been really nice, and I have gone to a couple of camps on the campus and I thought it was really beautiful. It’s just the whole vibe of the school and the team, I just really fell in love with it.” Prior to jetting off to the Tar Heel State, Forrest will competed against the most elite high school lacrosse players from across the nation in the 2021 Under Armour All-American game in Baltimore, Maryland. Forrest was 1 of 44 girls selected to play in the North vs South game later this month. Just like her MaxPreps recognition, the invitation came as a total surprise for the selfless superstar. “I was in the middle of a school day and we went outside to take a mask break for math class when my phone started to ring so I picked it up. It was the Under Armour team that told me I made the team, I was shocked. I thought it was going to be a spam phone call,” recalled Forrest, “I’m so excited to play against such a high caliber. It’s going to be so much fun to play around people that are so good.” The game will be televised live on ESPNU on Saturday, July 31st at 5:30 p.m. Forrest has conquered Glastonbury. Now she takes her talent and humility around the country. Cofiell summed up Forrest’s time at GHS, “I’ve had some amazing athletes that have played at the highest level and Sam can stand among them. Certainly her effect on athletics as Glastonbury High School has been the largest of any female athlete that I’ve known in the 20 years I’ve been coaching.” Abby Peterson, a 2021 graduate at GHS, will continue her academic and athletic career at RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute).
As a senior, Peterson was a force for a field hockey team that crushed every opponent this fall, finishing 14-0 and winning a conference title with a 7-0 win over Hall. The Guardians outscored their opponents 71-2 during the undefeated season. Peterson, who also played lacrosse for two season and was the Director of Bowling Operations/Captain for the Bowling Club, leaves GHS with four years of fond memories, “I am going to miss my friends and teachers at GHS the most because they’ve been my support through the ups and downs of high school.” Outside of sports, she played cello in the school’s orchestra and was the head of the makeup department in drama club. She was also a member of Peer Education, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Homeroom Advisory, as well as being part of Mu Alpha Theta, the Math National Honor Society, and National Honor Society. Next fall she will join a Redhawks field hockey team in Troy, NY led by Bre Lowe, who will be coaching in her first official season at RPI after last year’s COVID cancellation. “I choose RPI because of its excellent academic reputation. RPI allows me to study engineering at one of the top research universities in the nation while continuing to play the sport I love,” stated Peterson, who will major in Chemical Engineering, “I am most excited to compete at the next level of play, especially because of the new incoming coach at RPI. I am thrilled to see where she takes the team.” |
AuthorSports Editor for the Rare Reminder, Glastonbury Citizen, and Rivereast News Bulletin Archives
April 2024
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