Key Injuries Hindered Crimson Eagles' Cagers 50 Years Ago as Warde Finished 9-9 in 1959-60

The Fairfield Warde boys' basketball team is off to a 3-1 start this season, despite dropping a close contest to the cross-town Jesuits in the opening round of the Fairfield Prep alumni Christmas tournament Monday night at Fairfield University's Alumni Hall. The Mustangs play the Lancers of Notre Dame High School in the consolation game Wednesday evening.

Fifty years ago, the Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball bolted to a 2-1 start en route to a 9-9 overall record. The team parlayed outstanding team coordination and the brilliant scoring of Tom Dardani to offset key injuries to star players Bob Derby and Dan Harris. However, the loss of one too many games prevented the team from entering the state tournament.

Although the Eagles were continually scrapping for victories, there were some sensational games during the 1959-60 season. The Warde faithful cheered Pete Horvath, whose fancy dribbling enabled the Eagles to squeeze out a 46-43 victory over Staples.

Howie Ratner, pictured against Ludlowe below, turned in a sparkling 22-point performance to lead Warde to a stunning upset win over Stamford's Black Knights. Joe Magdon constantly cleared the boards as Warde edged Danbury, 57 to 52. Though Mike Siavrakas harassed New Canaan's ballhandlers, the Eagles eventually fell short, 66-63, in a thrilling contest against the Rams.

Dardani sparked an 81-57 romp over Ludlowe (see photo below), gaining sweet revenge after a 57-48 loss to the Flying Tigers earlier in the season. Jack Schneider's defensive prowess helped to bridle opponents, while Ronnie Bell consistently kept Warde in contention in games decided by a small margin.

Sam Rust, Glen Englander, Paul Sellvaag, and Dennis Lindwall, the unheralded but battling reserves, also exemlified the spirit of Andrew Warde. In addition, coach Bob Seirup was a top contender for a medal of honor, according to the 1959-60 yearbook. Awards for service beyond the call of duty were also recommended to managers Curt Helgren, Steve Markofa, and Paul Hiller.

After winning two of their first three games of the season, including nailbiters over Darien (48-47) and Staples, the Eagles dropped four games in a row. The team split its next eight games before closing the '59-'60 campaign with a three-game winning streak.

Here is a look at the game-by-game summary of the Andrew Warde Crimson Eagles' basketball results from 50 years ago:

• Warde 48, Darien 47
• Norwalk 57, Warde 34
• Warde 46, Staples 43
• New Canaan 56, Warde 53
• Ludlowe 57, Warde 48
• Greenwich 67, Warde 55
• Stamford 59, Warde 54
• Warde 66, Wright Tech 26
• Warde 57, Danbury 52
• Darien 92, Warde 47
• Warde 68, Norwalk43
• Staples 38, Warde 33
• New Canaan 66, Warde 63
• Warde 81, Ludlowe 57
• Greenwich 66, Warde 47
• Warde 70, Stamford 63
• Warde 76, Wright Tech 48
• Warde 58, Danbury 44

Paul

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Andrew Warde High School Began a Full Schedule of Classes for the First Time in January of 1957

Andrew Warde High School, which officially opened while still under construction in September of 1956, finally offered a full schedule of classes by January 7, 1957, according to an article which appeared in The Bridgeport Post 53 years ago this week.

The announcement was made by Dr. Walter Hellman, acting superintendent of schools, and Harold S. Shea, director of secondary education, Friday, December 28, 1956.

Dismissal time was scheduled for 2:44 p.m. instead of 1:30 p.m., with school sessions beginning at 8:10 a.m. The new schedule for Andrew Warde High School was the same as that of Roger Ludlowe High School, the town's other public secondary school.

Former Fairfield Police Captain Bob Comers, who celebrated his 50-year reunion from Andrew Warde High School this past summer, recalled that year vividly. "It (the school) wasn't finished when we got there, but it didn't seem to interfere with us going to class," he told me via email recently. "It was great to be in a brand new school.

"I don't know if the Ludlowe kids were envious or not, but I imagine they were. What I remember most was how big and spread out the new building was compared to Ludlowe. You had to really hustle to get from one class to another," added Comers, a member of the third graduating class at Andrew Warde High School, and the last class at Warde with roots to Roger Ludlowe High School.

The 43-year police department veteran attended Ludlowe during his freshman year in 1955-56, but found himself at the sparkling new public high school on Melville Avenue at the start of his sophomore year in the Fall of 1956.

Fellow classmate Jane Servadio, who also attended the 50-year reunion, added that portions of the school weren't completed when Warde opened in 1956. "The gym wasn't finished," she pointed out. "The same for the cafeteria. Wiring was sticking out of all the walls in the halls."

Scheduling the full-day program was made possible by the completion of several facilities by construction contractors, according to the school officials. The shorter sessions were necessitated because the cafeteria, gym, library, and music room facilities were not available for school programs during the construction period.

The school schedule would consist of seven periods, averaging 48 minutes each. Some of the periods, however, would last 72 minutes, the officials said.

Paul

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Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

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Warde Cagers Downed Danbury in FCIAC Basketball Contest 45 Years Ago Today to Improve to 5-1

Andrew Warde High School's high-scoring duo of Rusty Helgren and Bruce Bernhard powered the Crimson Eagles to a relatively easy 80-56 victory over Danbury in FCIAC basketball action 45 years ago today. It was Warde's fifth victory in six league contests.

Helgren tallied 21 points and Bernhard added 20 to lead head coach Don Feeley's charges. Feeley, you may remember, would later coach at the collegiate level at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield.

The winners jumped out to a 21-8 cushion after the first quarter and held a commanding 32-20 lead at the halftime intermission. The Crimson Eagles featured a balanced attack with eight players reaching the scoring column.

Danbury's attempt to put on a press in the third and fourth quarters failed as Helgren moved inside and clicked for 13 points during the stretch. Bernhard chipped in with nine more as the Eagles coasted to the victory in Danbury on December 22, 1964.

Paul

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Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Third Annual Christmas Sing-Along a Great Success

The following was written by Tony Procaccini, music director at St. Patrick Church in Bridgeport and a 1976 graduate of Andrew Warde High School.

Fairfield County citizens recently enjoyed an afternoon of holiday music near Saint Margaret’s Shrine, Park Avenue, in Bridgeport.

Due to inclement weather, young and old gathered at the nearby Circolo Sportivo building on Sunday, December 13 for the third annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along. The event was sponsored by B.A.C.I.O., Inc., Circolo Sportivo and Saint Margaret’s Parish. A reception followed, and all was free to the public.

Children participated, joining the choir and adding their voices to the popular songs. To their delight, Santa Claus arrived from the North Pole, and gave presents to the youngsters.

The volunteer singers, who were accompanied by a professional brass quartet, came from Fairfield, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Monroe, Stratford, and Weston. Their conductor (also this writer) is a Fairfield native and UB Music graduate. Musical selections ranged from “The Star-Spangled Banner” to seasonal carols such as “Silent Night” and popular songs such as “Frosty the Snowman.”

B.A.C.I.O., an acronym for Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organization, is a non-profit group founded by the Park City’s former mayor Leonard Paoletta. He welcomed the crowd, and was soon followed by current Mayor Bill Finch and Congressman Jim Himes. Both Finch and Reverend Alfonso Picone, pastor of Saint Margaret’s parish, spoke of the ongoing work which will eventually transform the shrine into a major destination point and enhance the city’s image.

Mr. Paoletta is to be commended for originating the concept of the event, which will continue on an annual basis. In addition, this writer thanks all those who contributed their time and effort in making the holiday season a more joyous one.

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Andrew Warde High School's Crimson Eagles' Hoop Squad Won First-Ever Game in Overtime Against Arch-Rival Roger Ludlowe on This Date in 1956

Successive field goals scored by Dick Dakai, Jim Jankousky, and Chris Costello in a three-minute overtime period enabled Andrew Warde High School's boys' basketball team to win its first-ever game against arch-rival Ludlowe, 55-52, at the Mill Plain gym on this date in 1956.

The Crimson Eagles, coached by former Ludlowe mentor Bob Seirup, bolted out to a 13-6 lead in the first quarter and maintained a narrow lead for most of the game. The score was tied at 49-apiece at the end of the fourth quarter after Henry Sprouse sank a foul shot to pull the host Tigers even.

Ludlowe took the lead early in the extra session on Frank Mizak's basket. However, Warde scored the next three baskets by the rugged Dakai, Jankousky, and Costello to offset a final Ludlowe foul shot.

Dakai was the outstanding player in the Friday, December 14, 1956 game with 20 points and excellent rebounding, while Jankousky contributed 14 points to Warde's first major sports triumph following eight straight losses by the school's inaugural football team. Sprouse and Dave Warner led coach Ed Bear's Ludlowe team in scoring with 17 and 11 points, respectively.

Paul

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Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Warde Alumnus to Lead Annual Christmas Sing-Along in Bridgeport on Sunday, December 13

B.A.C.I.O., Inc., an Italian cultural organization headed by Bridgeport ex-Mayor Leonard Paoletta, and Circolo Sportivo announce the Third Annual Christmas Carol Community Sing-Along on Sunday, December 13, at 3 PM, at Saint Margaret’s Shrine, 2539 Park Avenue, Bridgeport.

The volunteer choir and brass quartet will be conducted by Andrew Warde Class of 1976 graduate Tony Procaccini, Music Director of Saint Patrick Church, Bridgeport. Procaccini is pictured with the choir below at last year's event.

The music program will last an hour or less. A "special visitor" from the North Pole is expected for the children, and the children will be encouraged to sing with the choir, as they did last year in the photo below.

The first two editions of the sing-along brought together many residents of the Greater Bridgeport area for a pleasant afternoon of fun for both adults and children, in what may eventually develop into a long-standing and popular tradition.

Selections will include seasonal carols such as "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and well-known secular songs such as "Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town."

Volunteer singers interested in participating are asked to contact Procaccini at 718.873.7421 or mail to aprocaccini@juno.com. An optional general rehearsal is tentatively set for Friday evening, Dec. 11, in Bridgeport.

In case of inclement weather, the venue becomes the Circolo Sportivo building, directly across the street from the shrine. Light refreshments will follow.

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".