*** Welcome to the Andrew Warde High School tribute website ... There are 46 issues of the Crimson Crier school newspaper from 1967 through 1976 available for download on this website ... Please visit the companion blog in the "Library" in the left-hand margin to access and download the Crimson Crier newspapers ... Please credit this website for any content, photos, or videos you share with others ... Paul Piorek is editor and publisher of the Andrew Warde High School tribute website and a proud member of the AWHS Class of 1976 ... Contact Paul at paulpiorek@gmail.com ...

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Andrew Warde High School Family Mourns Passing of Longtime Teacher Raymond (Mr. B) Buzak

Former Andrew Warde High School teacher Raymond J. Buzak (Mr. B), age 85, of Shelton and previously of Bridgeport, beloved husband of more than 59 years to Carolyn (Marczyk) Buzak, died peacefully on December 19, 2010, with his devoted family by his side.

Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late William and Sophie Szymanska Buzak. A highly educated teacher who received his degrees from the University of Connecticut and Fairfield University, Mr. Buzak taught drama and English Speech at Central High School in Bridgeport for more than 15 years and at Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield for more than 16 years before retiring.

A charter member of The Polka-Dot Playhouse, he enjoyed playing many roles. An activist in the city of Bridgeport, he was a member of the Historical Society and had championed the "Save the Wheeler Mansion." During his retirement, Mr. Buzak did extensive volunteer work with the VNA, Geriatric Groups, prison ministries, and the Wednesday Afternoon Music Club, performing at various churches in Southport, Fairfield, Westport, and the Fairfield Recreation Department.

He was a civic-minded individual who was active with the Knights of Columbus Council #53 Aurora Lodge, Knights of Lithuania Council #141. Affectionately known as "Mr. B" to all of his students of 31 years, he will be sadly missed. Students recalled his kind and quiet mannerisms and his willingness to help.

In addition to his wife, Carolyn, survivors include a daughter, Lorraine Derbenwick, and husband Leland of Westford, Mass.; two sons, Victor Buzak and wife Kerry of Waterbury, and James Buzak and wife Mary of Bethel; a sister, Jeanette Aronson of Milford; four grandchildren, Margaret and Julia Buzak of Bethel, Connor and Brendan Buzak of Waterbury; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Buzak was predeceased by a sister, Gertrude Galluzzo, and brothers, Lewis, Perry, William, and Joseph Buzak. For online memorials and to light a virtual candle and sign the guest book, please visit commercehillfh.com.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Andrew Warde High School's Class of 1980 Reminisced With a Video After 30-Year Reunion

Andrew Warde High School's Class of 1980 celebrated its 30-year reunion September 25, 2010, in Fairfield. The class created a ten-minute slide show in honor of the occasion. I hope you enjoy it.

The class has its own Facebook page, and classmates are encouraged to visit the site to renew acquaintances and find out what their classmates have been up to after all these years. Just click on the illustration below to access the site.

Here is the video:



Paul

Monday, December 27, 2010

Capacity Crowd Watched Warde Cagers Beat Notre Dame in Opening Game of Fairfield Festival on This Date in 1973

Phil Ness and the Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team stifled a Notre Dame comeback bid in the closing minutes and held on for a 72-65 victory in the opening round of the Fairfield Festival basketball tournament before a capacity crowd of 3,100 fans at Fairfield University's Alumni Hall, Thursday, December 27, 1973.

Trailing 52-44 entering the final eight minutes, the Lancers went to work. Dave Lehn, a six-foot-two senior forward, scored 17 of his 30 points in the final chapter on an assortment of long-range bombs as Notre Dame managed to grab a short-lived 59-58 lead at the 4:21 mark. Lehn's three-point play at that point put the Lancers ahead.

The lead see-sawed back and forth until Bob Neilson tallied a pair of free throws with 1:37 remaining to give the Crimson Eagles a 66-65 advantage they never relinquished. Ness blocked three shots during the final minute of play and made a pair of steals to ice the verdict. The six-foot-seven center finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 blocked shots, and 10 steals.

Ness was aided by Ron DelBianco, who chipped in with 18 points, and Bob Cleveland with 11 markers. Lehn received support from sophomore Tommy Burbank, who scored 12, and Kelly Lombard with 10. Warde managed quarter leads of 19-16, 42-27, and 52-44 before the frantic final minutes of play.

John Lademan's steal of an errant pass with seven seconds remaining lifted Fairfield Prep to a narrow 64-60 victory over a scrappy Ludlowe outfit in the nightcap.

Paul

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Warde's Ron DelBianco Eclipses 1,000 Point Career Plateau as Crimson Eagles' Cagers Sank Black Knights, 77-64, on This Date in 1973

Senior Ron DelBianco scored seven points in the last three minutes to eclipse the 1,000 point career mark and teammate Phil Ness converted two three-point plays during that same span to lead the Andrew Warde High School varsity basketball team to a 77-64 FCIAC victory over Stamford at the winners' court 37 years ago today, Friday evening, December 21, 1973.

DelBianco, who needed 14 points heading into the game to crack the prestigious plateau, suffered through some jittery moments in pursuit of the mark, but finished with 20 points, giving him 1,006 for his career. His two clutch free throws with 3:15 left in the game gave the winners a ten-point lead, 62-52, and also vaulted him into the Warde record book.

Stamford, which fell to 1-2, had narrowed a 20-point second half deficit to eight points on a free throw by Forrest Andrews at the 3:30 mark. DelBianco subsequently canned his foul shots, and then came back moments later to complete a three-point play, stretching the lead to 11 at 65-54. Ness, who finished with a team-high 23 points and 25 rebounds, sandwiched his six points around a Stamford bucket to put the Crimson Eagles safely in front, 71-58, with two minutes left.

Warde had to contest with Stamford's Ernie Cobb all night as the Black Knights' rubber-armed guard fired in 37 points. He converted 17 of 42 shots. Cobb's 10 points enabled the visitors to hold a 17-15 first quarter lead, but he cooled down in the second stanza when Warde outscored the guests, 16-1, in the last three-and-a-half-minutes for a 38-29 lead at the intermission.

Reserve guard Bob Sherman keyed Warde's second period surge by scoring ten points in the last four minutes of the quarter. The junior also helped solve Stamford's full-court zone press, which riddled the winners in the early stages of the contest. He finished with 16 points and also turned in a fine defensive effort, helping to harrass Cobb on his jump shots from long range.

Both teams were cold in the third period, but Warde managed to add three points to its nine point halftime advantage for a 53-41 lead entering the final stanza. Cobb tallied 10 of his team's 12 points in the period.

Brad Gold helped out Ness with 11 caroms. The winners outshot the Black Knights, 48 percent to 35 percent.

Warde captured the jayvee contest, 54-53, behind Tom Curry's 15 point performance.

Paul

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Fourth Annual Sing-Along Fun for All

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

Notwithstanding very inclement weather, causing an outdoor event to move indoors, spirits were high as young and old gathered near Saint Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport on Sunday, December 12 for the Fourth Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along.

Instead of carolers singing “in the frosty air,” the sing-along and subsequent reception took place in the Circolo Sportivo Building, located across Park Avenue from the shrine. Families in particular had a great time, seeing their children being greeted by none other than Santa Claus and his elf.

The day's special invitee was Bishop William E. Lori (pictured at the left), of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport. He expressed his joy at being with the community in ushering in Christmas in song, and wished all the best of the spiritual season to the audience.

The volunteer singers, representing many of the communities in the Greater Bridgeport area, were accompanied by a brass quartet and percussionist consisting of Masuk High School students. All were under the leadership of this writer, and another distinguished guest, Frank Martignetti, Music Director of the University of Bridgeport and the Mystic River Chorale, conducted two of the songs.

Musical selections ranged from carols such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful” to popular songs such as “Frosty the Snowman.”

The sing-along's primary sponsor, the non-profit B.A.C.I.O., Inc., (Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organization), was founded by the Park City’s former mayor Leonard Paoletta. Mr. Paoletta is to be commended for originating the concept of the event, now an annual fixture on the local calendar.

This writer thanks all those who contributed their time and effort in making the holiday season a more joyous one.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Warde Skaters Earned 2-2 Draw With Stamford Catholic on This Date in 1973

The Andrew Warde High School ice hockey team played to a 2-2 tie against Stamford Catholic High School in its third game of the season, Saturday, December 15, 1973, in Stamford.

Joseph Hamilton and Andy Larsen scored for the Crimson Eagles, with assists from Craig Benak. The Warde ice hockey team became a member of the highly-competitive Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference in 1973-74, one year after coach Arnie Larsen established the program. The league included 14 teams and two divisions.

Warde outshot the hosts, 25-10, overall, but could not manage to tally the go-ahead goal due to outstanding netminding by the Crusaders.

Following the tie, the Eagles record stood at one win, one loss, and one tie in FCIAC competition. Read more about the Crimson Eagles' exciting 1973-74 season by clicking this link.

Paul

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Warde Cagers Nipped McMahon in FCIAC Opener for Both Teams in Norwalk on This Date in 1962

Strong foul shooting helped the Andrew Warde High School varsity basketball team post a 58-45 victory over Brien McMahon in the FCIAC opener for both teams in Norwalk on this date --- Thursday, December 14, 1962.

The Crimson Eagles sank 18 of 24 shots (75 percent) from the charity stripe, while McMahon connected on just five of 19 free throws. Each club scored 20 field goals in the game.

Warde assumed a 22-10 lead in the first quarter on the strength of solid shooting by guards Pete Jankovsky and Bob Ryan. Jankovsky tallied eight points in the opening session, while Ryan accounted for seven.

The 12-point margin held up for nearly the rest of the game as Warde led at halftime, 31-19, and after three quarters, 44-33.

Jankovsky and Ryan were the top scorers with 16 points apiece while Wayne Gower garnered 13 markers. Bill Bloom scored 15 points for the host Senators.

Marty Melson controlled the boards for Warde, pulling down 18 rebounds. His stellar performance was especially important since the eagles played without their top rebounder, Jim Siavrakas, who was sidelined with a cold. The victory was Warde's second of the season against just one defeat.

In the preliminary game, the Crimson Eagles jayvees beat their McMahon counterparts, 69-45. Russ Helgren was the top scorer for the winners with 22 points, followed by Bruce Bernhard with 14.

Paul

Eagles Blasted Blue Wave, 78-40, in FCIAC Basketball Game 37 Years Ago Today

Ron DelBianco and Dave Favale combined for 39 points as the Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team registered an easy 78-40 victory over Darien at the winners' court, Friday, December 14, 1973.

Coach Ed Bengermino's Crimson Eagles were never threatened by the Blue Wave. Warde took a 20-6 first quarter lead on the strength of DelBianco's 10 points. Phil Ness, Warde's brilliant center, and Favale, each had five points.

Warde, which improved to 2-1 overall, led at the intermission, 37-21. Favale had seven points in the second quarter, while Jeff Leonard led Darien with six points.

Warde turned the game into a slaughter in the third quarter by outscoring Darien, 21-5, to assume a 58-26 advantage entering the final eight minutes. DelBianco, who finished with 21 markers, had four points to lead the well-balanced attack.

Favale finished the game with 18 points, while Bob Sherman, Brad Gold, Bob Nielson, and Ness were the other stars. Ness grabbed 13 rebounds, while Gold (12), DelBianco (11), and Nielson (10) also contributed off the boards. Warde compiled a 77-28 rebounding edge.

Darien, 0-3 overall, won the junior varsity tilt, 45-37.

Paul

Monday, December 13, 2010

Haines Leads Warde Cagers Over Darien, 72-55, on Blue Wave Court on This Date in 1966

An aggressive and pressing defense in the second and third periods helped the Warde varsity basketball team to a 72-55 victory over Darien on the Blue Wave court on this date --- Tuesday, December 13, 1966.

Trailing 14-11 after the first quarter, the Crimson Eagles erased the Darien lead and gained a 31-25 halftime advantage. Warde's pressing defense caused several ball control errors, while Dan Haines scored ten points in the second stanza.

Jim Howard, who led both teams in rebounding with 15 boards, notched six points in the third period as the visitors increased their lead to 50-38. Mike Corbett netted eight points in the final frame to boost Warde to its final margin of victory.

Haines finished with 20 points, while Jim Howard and Corbett split 32 points. Rich Fekete added 11 markers and grabbed 11 caroms to join with Howard in providing Warde with a 38-27 edge under the boards.

Warde, which won its second game of the season, connected on 44 percent of its field goal tries and 76 percent of its free throws. Darien clicked on only 38 percent of its shots from the floor and 69 percent from the charity stripe.

Darien managed to cop the junior varsity tilt, 69-67, in overtime.

Paul

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Crimson Eagles Clobbered Bunnell to Open Boys' Basketball Season on This Date in 1966

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team defeated Bunnell High School in Stratford, 79-58, to open the new season on this date in 1966. It was one of four interleague games between schools from the Fairfield County Athletic Conference and Metropolitan Bridgeport Athletic Conference.

Five Warde starters finished in double-digit scoring as the visiting Eagles jumped out to a 36-19 first half lead and then held on to defeat Bunnell, Friday, December 9, 1966.

Jim Howard's 23 points paced the Warde offense, while Dan Haines was next with 17. Tom DeLuca hit for 13, and Dick Fekete and Mike Corbett each tallied 10.

The taller Warde cagers had a rebounding edge which they used to build their first-half lead, while the cold-shooting Bunnell cagers could only manage a 25 percent field goal average.

Paul

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Warde Alumnus to Lead Annual Christmas Sing-Along in Bridgeport, Sunday, December 12

Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976 graduate Tony Procaccini once again leads local choristers and a brass quartet in singing Christmas favorites at the Fourth Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along at picturesque Saint Margaret's Shrine, 2539 Park Avenue, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Procaccini, who headed the class's 2006 Reunion Committee and is pictured below conducting the choristers at the event two years ago, is Music Director of Saint Patrick's Church, also in Bridgeport.

This year's rendition is set for Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 3:00, rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, participants move directly across the street into the Circolo Sportivo Building.

Bishop William E. Lori of the Diocese of Bridgeport will greet the audience early in the program and local elected officials, including First Selectman Steve Vavrek of Monroe, are expected to attend.

The sing-along is becoming popular, and with the perennial arrival of a "special visitor" (pictured above) from the North Pole, families and their young children have a special incentive to attend. Children of all ages are encouraged to join the chorus when singing popular songs such as "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

B.A.C.I.O., Inc., a local non-profit group promoting Italian culture, is the primary sponsor of the event, which was the brainchild of Leonard Paoletta, the group's president and a former mayor of the Park City. He saw the example of a long-standing tradition in Mystic, Connecticut and brought the concept to Fairfield County.

The public is invited, and free refreshments are served once the singing is completed. The photo directly above is from last year's event.

Those interested in singing need to contact Tony Procaccini in advance at 718.873.7421 or aprocaccini@juno.com.

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Crimson Eagles Surge to 71-58 Victory Over Trumbull in 1962-63 Basketball Opener on This Date 48 Years Ago

Led by the hot shooting of co-captain Pete Jankovsky, Andrew Warde High School's varsity basketball team caught fire in the fourth quarter and overcame an eight-point deficit to post a 71-58 triumph over Trumbull in the season-opener for both teams at the Golden Eagles' court, Tuesday, December 4, 1962.

Jankovsky, who finished as the game's high scorer with seven field goals and five free throws, connected for 15 points on five field goals and five charity tosses during the closing surge by Coach Don Feeley's Crimson Eagles.

Strong rebounding and timely scoring by center Marty Melson and forward Wayne Gower also contributed heavily to the brilliant Warde comeback that completely turned the tide of battle. Trailing by a 46-38 margin at the close of the third quarter, the visiting Fairfield cagers outscored their hosts, 33-12, in the closing period, and broke the game wide open during the final two minutes of play.

Coach Dick She'a Trumbull outfit played deliberate basketball and controlled the boards early through the efforts of six-foot-three Fred Liggins and Tom Damico. The hosts jumped into the early lead which they maintained until the Crimson Eagles eventually took command. Trumbull had a 15-13 edge after the first quarter and led 29-28 at the halftime intermission.

The Trumbull squad played without valuable Gil Sidoti, who averaged 13.6 points in 19 games the year before. Sidoti was sidelined until after the Christmas holiday with a thigh injury.

Gower and Melson contributed 18 points each to the Warde triumph, while co-captain Bob Ryan scored nine points and reserve Jim Siavrakas tallied seven points for the Crimson Eagles. Gower, who was Warde's first-half scoring leader, sank four long-range set shots in five attempts during the first two periods.

Damico and Liggins led Trumbull's attack with 17 and 16 points, respectively. Harvey Adams also scored in double figures for the losers with 12 points, and Terry Nelson hit for nine.

The Crimson Eagles, who scored 27 field goals to Trumbull's 24, sank 17 of 23 free throws, while the Golden Eagles only cashed in on 10 of 23 foul shots.

Paced by the 16-point effort of Bruce Bernhard, the Warde jayvees edged Trumbull's junior varsity squad, 43-42, in the preliminary tilt. Dave Logie was the high scorer for the losers with 14 points.

Paul

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Warde Defeats Ludlowe, 21-16, to Take 10-6 Overall Lead in Thanksgiving Day Series

Warde defeated Ludlowe, 21-16, to even the modern-day version of the Thanksgiving Day series, 3-3, and take a 10-6 lead in the overall history of the series, which began in 1975. The following article was written by Pat Pickens of the Fairfield Citizen-News.

FAIRFIELD -- After two straight defeats to its arch-rival, Fairfield Ludlowe, the Fairfield Warde football team made sure that the third time would be the charm.

Senior Craig Lowery scored a touchdown, and set up both of the other Mustangs' scores en route to team MVP honors as Warde ended its season at .500 with 21-16 win over the Falcons Thanksgiving morning in front of 2,000 at Tetreau/Davis Field.

"We knew what we had to do," Warde coach Duncan Della Volpe said. "

Warde's Alex Delaney, pictured above, and David Wolff each ran for touchdowns as the Mustangs claimed the Gallagher-Banyas Trophy for the first time since 2007.

Ludlowe's Ryan Moore caught a touchdown and was named Ludlowe's team MVP as the Falcons closed out their year 1-9.

"We're still a very young program," Ludlowe coach Matt McCloskey said. "We've just got to get into the weight room, and run our stuff and we'll be fine."

Senior running back Nate Ryan also ran for 125 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown run on the first play of the Falcons' second drive to put Ludlowe ahead, 7-0.

"We thought we were going to compete and just outdo them," Della Volpe said. "When he scored and they went ahead, it turned into, `We can't let this happen to us again.' "

Off of the Falcons' touchdown, however, Lowery set the Mustangs up with good field position, returning the ball to the Warde 44-yard line. After a 15-yard gain on first down, Warde quarterback Chris Foley hit Lowery for a 40-yard pass play that set the Mustangs up at the Ludlowe 1-yard line.

"We didn't want to lose to Ludlowe," Lowery, pictured above, said. "I didn't want to lose to them my senior year as a captain."

Two plays later, Wolff bulled in from a yard out to tie the score at 7.

The Mustangs quickly took the lead when, after a three and out, Foley found Lowery for a 35-yard touchdown strike which put Warde ahead for good. The Falcons' defensive backs bit on a fake screen pass, and Lowery snuck behind the defense and Foley delivered a perfect pass to put Warde up 14-7.

"He threw an excellent ball," Lowery said. "All I had to do is hold on tight and score."
"He runs (the play) really well," Della Volpe said of Lowery.

Lowery also set up Warde's final score in the third quarter with a 40-yard punt return which put the Mustangs at the Falcons' 3-yard line. Delaney powered in on the next play to put Warde up 21-10.

"We beat them up on special teams," Della Volpe said. "We've got some pretty good kids in our return game."

"Our kick game was not very good today," McCloskey said.

Ludlowe cut the Mustangs' lead when quarterback Tom Hammons, pictured above, hit Moore for a 26 yard touchdown pass with 5:15 left, which made the game 21-16. Ludlowe then recovered an onside kick, but could not convert a first down.

"We had opportunities," McCloskey said. "We just didn't get it done."

Warde took over, and salted the final three minutes away, to clinch its second straight 5-5 season. The Mustangs had been 7-14 in the previous two seasons.

"We didn't want to be the same old Fairfield Warde," Lowery said. "We didn't want a losing season."

Photos courtesy Connecticut Post.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Aiello Carried Warde to Thanksgiving Day Win Over Kolbe on This Date in 1973

Senior halfback Ken Aiello exploded for 115 yards and two touchdowns in the second half to carry Andrew Warde High School to a 28 to 18 come-from-behind victory over Kolbe, Thanksgiving morning, November 22, 1973.

Aiello's fourth-quarter scoring runs erased an 18-14 Friars' lead as the guests failed to notch their first win in the annual Turkey Day series between the two schools. Warde extended its winning streak to six games, dating back to 1968.

Aiello, who finished with 155 yards on the ground, earned the Warde Most Valuable Player award for his efforts, while Kolbe halfback Ken Iassogna, who churned out 129 yards in 18 carries and scored a touchdown, was the Friars' recipient.

Kolbe's effort was one of its strongest in the series. The Friars were in command until the Crimson Eagles mounted a ferocious running attack in the second half. Quarterback Jim DelVecchio gained all of his 74 yards in the second half on a long touchdown jaunt in the third quarter.

Kolbe made a bid to put the game away early in the second half, however, as the Friars used up five minutes to drive 57 yards in 10 plays for a score on the opening series of the half. Quarterback Frank Borres, who rushed for 72 yards and passed for another 122, went over from three yards out to give Kolbe a seemingly sturdy 18-6 lead.

Less than two minutes later, DelVecchio was off and running toward paydirt. Tom Connelly's subsequent conversion rush narrowed the Kolbe lead to 18-14. It appeared that Warde's momentum was stopped at the outset of the fourth quarter when the Kolbe defense held the hosts on downs at the Friar 11. However, a crucial fumble on Kolbe's next series gave Warde new life.

Julius Dudics recovered Iassogna's fumble at the Kolbe 26, and Warde assumed its first lead moments later when Aiello bolted over the goal line from 11 yards away. His subsequent two-point rush made it 22-18, and his 54-yard scoring run four minutes later sealed the victory.

The two clubs traded touchdowns in the early minutes of the first half as Borres hit Ed Daniels with a 22-yard scoring strike for a 6-0 Kolbe lead. Connelly returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards to tie the score at 6-6. Iasoggna's 26-yard touchdown run in the second quarter sent the Friars to the locker room with a 12-6 advantage.

Statistically, Kolbe enjoyed a 342-221 edge in total offensive yardage. The Crimson Eagles outgained the guests on the ground, 271 to 220 yards. Borres, who clicked on five of seven passes, gave Kolbe a 122-55 margin in yards passing.

Paul

Friday, November 19, 2010

Former Warde Gridiron Teammates Prepare to Battle Each Other for FCIAC Football Crown

Editor's Note: Former Andrew Warde High School football player Rob Trifone coached Darien High School to a 17-7 victory over Trumbull High School, coached by Trifone's former Warde teammate and Crimson Eagles' tri-captain Bob Maffei, for the FCIAC football championship tonight at Trumbull High School.

Rob Trifone and Bob Maffei were teammates on the Andrew Warde High School football team nearly 40 years ago. Today, however, they will be on opposite sides of the field as head coaches in the FCIAC championship football game.

Trifone's undefeated (9-0) Darien Blue Wave will battle Maffei's 8-1 Trumbull Golden Eagles at 7 o'clock this evening at McDougall Field in Trumbull for the league championship. Trifone, pictured above wearing number 20 for Warde Eagles, is hoping to win the school's fourth league title against Maffei, pictured above wearing number 22.

Maffei was a tri-captain on the 1972 squad along with Glen Hlvaty (#13), and Tom Davis (#30). The squad was coached by Tom's brother, Bill, after whom the Warde field was named and dedicated in 2006. Maffei is hoping to capture Trumbull's sixth FCIAC crown.

Trifone, pictured above making a tackle for the Crimson Eagles, has taken a measured tone since the season started. "The funny thing about this team is they either rise to the level of the competition or settle," he said. "They have struggled against teams under .500 and been kind of complacent. We tried to snap that. It's the type of group that likes a challenge."

Tom Davis searched through his photo archives and found several photos of Trifone and Maffei when they played for the Eagles. The first photo below shows Davis, Hlvaty, and Maffei, the 1972 Warde tri-captains. The next photo shows them standing alongside Warde coach Bill Davis.

"He would be very proud of them as he has been over the last 40 years," wrote Tom Davis about his late brother, Bill. "He would have been at the game and fighting to get on the field to congratulate both of them."

Tom Davis, who currently coaches girls' lacrosse at Warde, couldn't be happier for his former teammates. "I too am proud of them and know they both have put their lives into football," he added. "To get into a FCIAC championship is a coach's dream. I am rooting for a great game for both."

Good luck to both Rob Trifone and Bob Maffei this evening. It will be a memorable night for one of these two former Andrew Warde High School football players.

Paul

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Warde Hosts Ludlowe in Annual Thanksgiving Day Rivalry at Tetreau/Davis Field

The sixth meeting of the renewal of the Thanksgiving Day football rivalry between Warde and Ludlowe high schools takes place next Thursday morning at 10:30 at the Mustangs' home field on Melville Avenue. Ludlowe has won the last two games of the series to take a 3-2 lead in the modern-day version of the rivalry.

Here are the cumulative results of the Thanksgiving Day football games between Warde and Ludlowe. The original series between the Crimson Eagles and Flying Tigers took place from 1975 to 1984. The modern-day series between the Mustangs and Falcons began in 2005.

Andrew Warde Crimson Eagles vs. Roger Ludlowe Flying Tigers
1975 to 1984
(Series: Warde 7 Wins, Ludlowe 3 Wins)
1975: Warde Eagles 28, Ludlowe Tigers 6
1976: Warde Eagles 20, Ludlowe Tigers 13
1977: Ludlowe Tigers 20, Warde Eagles 13
1978: Ludlowe Tigers 35, Warde Eagles 6
1979: Ludlowe Tigers 41, Warde Eagles 25
1980: Warde Eagles 17, Ludlowe Tigers 14
1981: Warde Eagles 14, Ludlowe Tigers 8
1982: Warde Eagles 23, Ludlowe Tigers 0
1983: Warde Eagles 26, Ludlowe Tigers 6
1984: Warde Eagles 16, Ludlowe Tigers 13

Fairfield Warde Mustangs vs. Fairfield Ludlowe Falcons
2005 to 2008
(Series: Ludowe 3 Wins, Warde 2 Wins)
2005: Ludlowe Falcons 20, Warde Mustangs 14
2006: Warde Mustangs 21, Ludlowe Tigers 12
2007: Warde Mustangs 28, Ludlowe Falcons 0
2008: Ludlowe Falcons 10, Warde Mustangs 8
2009: Ludlowe Falcons 24, Warde Mustangs 14

Paul

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Former Andrew Warde High School Gridders Set Sights on FCIAC Title as Coaches

The following feature article was written by Bob Greeney for the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference and MSG Varsity Network, a service of Optimum.

Editor's Note: Trumbull and Darien will play for the FCIAC football championship Thanksgiving morning. Both head coaches played together at Andrew Warde High School in the early 1970s.

It is quite an amazing thing and a neat coincidence how things have come full circle so many years and several decades later for a pair of longtime successful head football coaches in the FCIAC.

It was 41 years ago that Darien coach Rob Trifone and Trumbull coach Bob Maffei first buckled up their chinstraps as freshman teammates at Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield.

Both of their fathers were assistant coaches with the program — hence, the coaching pedigree — as upperclassmen they ended up playing alongside each other on defense, and now, all these years later, here they are still fraternal colleagues as two of the 19 head coaches in the FCIAC.

“I’ve always thought that was a neat thing,” Trifone, pictured to the left, said. “It’s kind of cool that both of us went to high school together, we were in classes together, and obviously with our teams we’ve been in the same coaching fraternity for a long time.

"Five years ago we had a high school reunion, all of the football players were there, and Bob and I were at the head of the conversation because we’re both still involved.”

As this year has evolved, Trifone and Maffei are two of the several FCIAC coaches having very successful seasons and in contention for postseason playoff berths – be it playing in the conference championship game at 7 p.m., November 19, at Trumbull High School or securing a spot in the State playoffs in their respective classes.

Trifone and Maffei had a kinship and the utmost respect for each other when they were side by side as linebackers for Andrew Warde in the early-1970s and that is a mutual respect that they maintain today.

Maffei, pictured to the left, was a tough, scrappy and heady 5-foot-8, 160-pound inside linebacker when he was a senior at Warde during the 1972 season. “I studied the film a lot,” said Maffei, who went to Yankton College. “I just got a jump on where the ball was going. If you’re quick they can’t get to you to block you.”

“First of all he was a very good high school athlete — period!” Trifone said of Maffei. “He was a great baseball player and a very good linebacker in football. He was never really the biggest kid. When you look at him today, he wasn’t much different in high school. I always looked at him and said: ‘Where does that power come from?’ I always had the utmost respect for Bob. He was a good, tough athlete.”

Trifone was a 5-foot-11, 175-pound outside right linebacker who played to the right of Maffei. Typical of the son of a coach, he was also heady along with being tough and strong.

“He was smart,” Maffei recalled of Trifone. “He was very, very intelligent. He never messed up his assignments. He was a strong kid, too. He was very strong with the weights and stuff.”

Trifone played a little football at Central Connecticut State before making the transition to rugby.

Maffei and Trifone were so zealous about their football on and off the field when they were in high school. When they were not on the field, they would discuss football at the dinner table and watch film at home with their respective fathers.

Maffei’s father, Bobby, and Trifone’s father, Al, were both assistants to Warde head coach Bill Davis when their sons were teammates.

“They were very similar in coaching style,” Trifone said. “They were old school, very gruff, but at the same time they’d put their arm around you when you needed a hug. My dad and his dad were great friends. I know that coming from a football family stimulated me to go into coaching and I think it was the same thing with Bob, too.”

“My father was in the booth and Robbie’s father was the offensive line coach. And his father was our freshman coach, too,” Maffei recalled. “We’re a football family. My father made me a good football player because he taught me how to read keys, like linemen being on their heels and linemen on white knuckles. We’d watch tape together and look for keys. That was my early development as a player.

“I always wanted to be a coach,” Maffei continued. “I always wanted to be a pro football player, of course. But when that dream fades the next thing is to be a coach. Now my son (Bobby) wants to be a coach. He’s a student-assistant coach at Nebraska. He’s working for Sean Watson. He’s getting taught College Football 101 at Nebraska. So it’s three generations here.”

Another coincidence is that Trifone and Maffei were both protégés of two of the classiest and most successful FCIAC coaches ever.

Trifone was the defensive coordinator for former Brien McMahon coach Jack Casagrande and he ascended to the head position when Casagrande retired. Maffei assisted Jerry McDougall at Trumbull when McDougall was en route to setting a state record for most career wins as a head coach. Maffei, now in his 35th year of coaching, succeeded McDougall at Trumbull.

Trifone won the FCIAC championship in 1994 with a McMahon team that was one of the greatest FCIAC teams ever and the next year his Senators defended that crown. Maffei’s Eagles won the FCIAC title five years ago.

Trifone took a teaching and an assistant coaching job at Darien so that he could be involved with his stepson on the team and he then became the head coach and has resurrected the program.

As irony had it, Trifone and Maffei have hardly coached against each other since Maffei became Trumbull’s head coach 13 years ago because they’re teams have rarely been scheduled against each other.

Trifone recalled the one time they were on opposing sidelines in the late-1990s and how Davis, their former high school coach, was so proud to spend one half with each of them on their respective sidelines.

This year, yet again, they were not on each other’s schedule.

But because they are both having such successful seasons, well, who knows?

Darien is 8-0 overall, 7-0 in the FCIAC and in second place behind defending FCIAC champion Staples (8-0) in the points standings that determine the two finalists.

Trumbull (7-1) is third but Maffei’s Eagles do have a significant bit of their destiny in their own hands because they play at Staples this Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Darien hosts Norwalk (3-5) at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The top two teams in the final point standings in the FCIAC will play each other for the conference championship and this is the final weekend of the season to determine that.

Trumbull has quite the challenge in trying to win at Staples and thereby set up a championship showdown of two former high school teammates going against each other.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we met in the FCIAC championship? Wouldn’t that be something?” Maffei said, before quickly adding, “But we just try to take things one week at a time.”

Darien is ranked fifth and Trumbull 11th in the New Haven Register’s media state poll. Darien is fifth while Trumbull received the 16th most points in the Day of New London Coaches Poll. In the MaxPreps state poll, Darien is fourth and Trumbull seventh, just a ahead of Staples.

Staples is ranked third in the aforementioned media and coaches polls.

Darien is second behind Masuk in Class L Football Point Rankings that determine the state playoff participants.

Trumbull, which has won two straight since a 27-19 loss at home to Stamford (5-3) on Oct. 22, is fifth in Class LL Football Point Rankings.

Staples is fourth in Class LL, behind top-ranked Norwich Free Academy, Xavier and Hall, all of whom are also 8-0.

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Fairfield Board of Ed Approved Name for New Fairfield High School 56 Years Ago This Week

The following story is reprinted from the November 5, 1954 edition of the Bridgeport Sunday Post. The article appeared on the front page. Please see the newspaper scans below.

Fairfield's new secondary school, to be constructed on the eastern side of town, has been named Andrew Warde High School in honor of one of the first commissioners appointed to govern the people of Connecticut.

The Board of Education approved the name for the new school following a recommendation made by Mrs. Herbert A. George, secretary of the board, who headed a committee studying various names for the new structure.

A contemporary of Roger Ludlowe, after whom the town's original public high school was named, Mr. Warde played an important role in the early history of Connecticut. Mrs. George said information gathered disclosed that he came to America in Winthrop's fleet and for a short time resided in Watertown.

He was appointed by the General Court of the Bay Colony as one of the commissioners to govern the people of Connecticut and was one of the five persons who held the first court in the colony. Mr. Warde, records indicate, was one of the six magistrates who with committees of the lower house first asserted the sovereignty of the colony by the formal declaration of the war against the Pequots in 1637. "The names of the six commissioners should live forever," reported Mrs. George.

Among his other descendants were Miss Annie Burr Jennings, Oliver Gould Jennings, Henry Ward Beecker, Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, Rear Admiral Andrew Hull Foot, General William Hull, Commodore Isaac Hull, General Joseph Wheeler, Stephen Burroughs, inventor of the decimal system of currency, John Burroughs, emminent naturalist and author, and Mary E. Wooley, president of Mount Holyoke College.

Mr. Warde was the father of nine children. His daughter, Mary, married John Burr II of Fairfield, father of Aaron Burr, who was the third vice president of the United States, and ancestors of the Rev. Aaron Burr, president of Princeton College.

The Board of Education also approved a list of seven names from which Mrs. George was authorized to select four for the naming of the four houses in the new high school plan. The names approved were John Winthrop, founder of New London; John Mason, founder of Windsor and author of A Brief History of the Pequot War: 1736; Joel Barlow, author of A Vision of Columbus, and editor of a weekly newspaper in Hartford.

Also, Oliver Wolcott, one of the signers of The Declaration of Independence who served as governor of the state in 1796; and Thomas Morehouse, Thomas Newton, and Edmund Strickland were among the first early settlers of the town.

The name Aaron Burr, president of Princeton, was dropped when it was pointed out that the name might be confused with that of the Revolutionary War traitor.

Members of the committee working with Mrs. George on the names were Dr. Carlyle G. Hoyt, superintendent of schools Bernard Marlin, Alanson C. Harper, Kenneth Peterson, and Philip Pitruzzelio of the school teaching staff.

Paul

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Former Crier Editor Recalls Warde's Charter in Prestigious Math Club 43 Years Ago

Andrew Warde High School was awarded a charter in Mu Alpha Theta, an international high school and junior college mathematics club, according to a published story in the Bridgeport Sunday Post on this date in 1967.

"It was a significant honor to be invited into the club because there were only a few of us who qualified," wrote Gino Massafra, one of 26 Warde students who earned membership in the club. "Candidly, I often felt that most of my peers in that group were much brighter than I was," added the former editor-in-chief of the Crimson Crier.

"I was fortunate to have classmates who were remarkably talented young students, some of whom went on to Harvard, MIT, Yale, Cornell, and Columbia. Being considered a part of that group was quite humbling," noted Massafra.

Dr. Harold V. Huneke, the national secretary treasurer who was associate professor of Math at the University of Oklahoma, said only those schools "with excellent math programs earned membership in the club since all courses in math and the qualifications of the mathematics faculty and students are examined in detail by the club's governors and officers."

Miniumum requirements for eligibility for a student were completion with distinction of at least four semesters of college preparatory math and enrollment in the fifth semester. The student must have had an overall grade of at least a B in all of his or her high school work. Leonard Launer was the faculty sponsor for the club.

"I recognize the name Leonard Launder, but I’ve been racking my brain to try to remember the names of my other math teachers during the period from 1994-1998, and I am coming up blank," admitted Massafra by email yesterday. "What I do recall is that one particular new member of the faculty was a good-looking young guy who taught us algebra and who had all the girls swooning, sort of a Richard Chamberlain/Dr. Kildare look. Perhaps someone else can recall his name."

Other students who earned membership into the exclusive club included John Benson, Leonard Bernstein, Merritt Cole, Robert Contolini, Francine Ecsedy, Peter Guarnaccia, Gail Harinstein, Michael Hartenberg, Michael Howard, Gwenn Klein, Karen Kovacs, Sherry Kramer, Iris Mayer, Craig McPherson, Arlene Neuman, Jack Raineault, Philip Schopick, Hilary Shapiro, Michael Shapiro, Emily Sheketoff, Brad Silver, John Simone, Carol Strickman, Sandra Walsh, and Mark Windt.

Massafra moved to Atlanta in 1968 years ago and never left. "Forty-two years later, I consider it the best decision I ever made," he pointed out. "I met my wife here. She’s a transplant from central Illinois, and we now enjoy traveling and spending time with our two grandsons."

Massafra attended Georgia Tech where he majored in Aerospace Engineering. "The aerospace industry took a hit, however, after we landed on the moon in 1969. With that writing on the wall, I redirected my efforts to a BA Degree in Management. Then, I was introduced to the legal profession, and that led me to where I am today as a trial attorney specializing in business litigation."

Massafra and his wife are active volunteers with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. They will be in New York this weekend for an ASO concert at Carnegie Hall. His parents still live in Fairfield, and his three brothers, Robert, Mark, and Carl, who also attended Andrew Warde, still live in the area.

Paul

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Gino Massafra, Former Editor-in-Chief of the Crimson Crier, Donated Four Issues of the Newspaper from 1967-68 to My Web Site

Gino Massafra, former editor-in-chief of the Crimson Crier during the 1967-68 school year, graciously sent to me four issues of the newspaper from 43 years ago. You will find the links to each of the newspapers below. They are in pdf format and have been added to the Crimson Crier archive. Please read the cover letter which he sent to me.

I am grateful to Mr. Massafra for his generous donation. Special thanks are also extended to Mr. Todd Gukelberger of Vintage Images in Fairfield for uploading each of the pages and converting them to the pdf format. It took a lot of time and effort.

"The December 1967 issue was of particular significance (and fun), as the Board of Education was caught off guard with our spoof --- complete with architectural drawing of a proposed swimming pool," wrote Massafra, who now lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

"My recollection is that a lot of Fairfield residents called the Board inquiring about the funding for the pool. Of course, the Board had no clue what they were talking about! You will also note that we had two faculty members in on the scheme, as they posed for the alleged ground-breaking photo shown on the front page."

Massafra added, "In many respects, it was a tumultuous and rebellious time for young people, and, in retrospect, I believe that a reader gains a sense of that through some of the articles that we published in the Crier. I am happy to make this contribution to the Web site."

Please know that there is a cost involved in converting and publishing each of these issues. If you enjoy reminiscing about your days at Andrew Warde High School, I would appreciate your support. Naturally, if you have any old film, photos, stories, or anything which would be of interest, I would like to hear from you.

One graduate from the school's early years is searching her attic for copies of the Crimson Crier from 1956-60. She will be sending them to me soon, and I will add them to the archive.

You can also help by making a purchase from my Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop. The holidays are just around the corner, and you can shop from the comfort and safety of your own home. Take a look at all the gifts which are available in the gift shop. I'm sure there's something you'd like.

Please click the links below to access each of the newspapers. Enjoy!

December 1967 issue of the Crimson Crier

January 1968 Issue of the Crimson Crier

March 1968 issue of the Crimson Crier

April 1968 issue of the Crimson Crier

The complete Crimson Crier archive is available for download. Simply click the link or access the link in the menu at the upper-right-hand side of the page.

Paul

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Second Half Comeback Sparks Warde Gridders Upset of Ludlowe on This Date 37 Years Ago

A bad snap from center and a recovered fumble allowed Andrew Warde High School's football team to score a pair of second half touchdowns and rally for a 16-14 upset victory over cross-town rival Roger Ludlowe High School at the winners' field before a bi-partisan crowd of 4,000 people on this date, Saturday, October 20, 1973.

Reliable halfback Ken Aiello grounded out 180 yards on 30 carries to spark the Crimson Eagles to their first FCIAC victory against five overall losses and left them with a 1-3 mark in the Eastern Division. Ludlowe fell to 1-3 in the East and 2-4 overall.

Aiello, who also tallied on both extra point conversions, received a plaque from the Fairfield Lions Club as Warde's most valuable player in the game, while Bob Haggerty was voted Ludlowe's top performer in post game ceremonies.

The Flying Tigers tallied at 2:52 of the first quarter when quarterback Joe Rietano sneaked across the goal line on a fourth-and-goal sitution. The 10-play scoring drive started when Tom Danielson fumbled on his own 31 yard line. Kevin Klik kicked the extra point to give the guests a 7-0 lead.

Coach Emil Taft's squad added another seven points on the first play of the second quarter when Rietano hit Paul Sullivan with a 21-yard completion and Klik added the extra point to take a seemingly secure 14-0 cushion into intermission.

But the fired-up Eagales of Bill Davis weren't going to be denied and turned opportunistic by using the Ludlowe miscues to pull out the win. The first break came when Ludlowe punter Mark Greenwalt was not able to handle the snap from center and was brought down on hos own 34 yard line.

Later, Aiello's 23-yard carry brought the ball down to the nine yard line, and two plays later Steve Cameron crossed the goal line with 3:23 remainin in the third quarter. Aiello fought his way into the end zone for two additional points.

The deciding touchdown came after tackle Julius Dudics pounced on a Ludlowe fumble at the Tigers' 31. A facemask penalty and a 12-yard run by Aiello put the pigskin on the eight yard line. On third-and-goal, quarterback Jim DelVecchio hit paydirt from one yard away to tie the score at 14-14 with 6:29 left in the game. Aiello again battled his way into the end zone for the deciding two points

Paul

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Warde Cheerleaders Featured in Newspaper Article & Photo 44 Years Ago This Morning

"Yeah, rah, rah, Warde! W-A-R-D-E. What does it spell? Victory!"

The Andrew Warde High School cheerleaders were featured in a story and photo which appeared in The Bridgeport Sunday Post, October 16, 1966. The 1966-67 squad included captain Debbie Ciccia, co-captain Cindy Bernhard, Sue Poltrack, Edna Nardozzi, Lynn Wesche, Ellen Sheiman, Pat Thurston, Pat Tomlinson, Gina Zarilli, and Lyse Kalfus.

For the first time in the school's brief history, senior cheerleaders proudly displayed a badge on the arm of their sweaters which read, "Warde Cheerleader, 1966-67. Senior." The uniforms, which displayed a megaphone emblem and culottes for football games, and a vest with a megaphone emblem and culottes for basketball games, were brand new. All the cheerleaders, with the exception of the captain, were new to the squad, too.

After practicing three nights a week during the Summer, the squad quickly learned the traditional cheers in addition to two new cheers: "Go, Fight, Win," and "Battle Cry." Once the school year began, the squad continued to practice twice a week after school for one-and-a-half hours, and one day a week after school in the Winter.

Paul

Friday, October 08, 2010

Warde & Ludlowe Placed Restrictions on Student Smoking 53 Years Ago This Week

Under a new policy adopted at Andrew Warde and Roger Ludlowe high schools, only juniors and seniors were permitted to smoke and only at the end of lunch period, according to a front-page story which appeared in The Bridgeport Post 53 years ago this week. The general ban on smoking at other times anywhere on school property remained in effect.

Freshmen and sophomore students who were originally permitted to smoke with 11th and 12th graders had to wait until they became upperclassmen to smoke. The story appears in the lower-right hand side of the Saturday, October 12, 1957 publication below.

Daniel B. Fitts, hedamaster at Andrew Warde High School, and Roger L. Warner, Roger Ludlowe High School's headmaster, said the new restrictions were the result of a desire by parents to discourage smoking. In addition, it was illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to purchase cigarettes.

The two administrators pointed out that the smoking ban was eased at Roger Ludlowe High School several years earlier because of the serious policing problem it created.

"Teachers had to be assigned to various school areas to watch against smoking," they pointed out. The previous policy permitted all students to smoke in a certain area at a designated time.

Violators of the ban faced stiff punishment, the headmasters reported. There was an automatic two-week suspenion period after the second offense. A year earlier, eight Warde students and two Ludlowe students were suspended.

Paul

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A Good Teacher is a Gift

The following is an excerpt of an article written by Patti Woods of fairfieldpatch.com from September 27, 2010. It is a tribute to former Andrew Warde High School teacher Bob Gillette.

A good teacher is a gift. If, in your lifetime, you have even one teacher who went the extra mile, who guided you and made learning fun, you can count yourself lucky.

Kim Quinn, now an elementary school teacher, is one of those people. "To be honest I never thought of becoming a teacher when I was younger," she said. "Looking back at high school, I can think of two teachers who really left an impact on me. Both had a sense of humor and were passionate." One of her favorites was Bob Gillette, one of the most popular high school teachers in Fairfield.

"I loved teachers who had a sense of humor, who spoke to me and not just taught, teachers who had fun and teachers who obviously loved what they did," said Deanna Sheng, a reading intervention teacher. "Bob Gillette had a gift for communicating and inspiring students. He also didn't take himself very seriously - which enabled him to be goofy and leave an indelible print on a student's memory."

"I loved Bob Gillette," said Maureen D'avanzo-Ciriello. "He really got who I was." D'avanzo-Ciriello was part of an alternative learning program, which Gillette created, at Andrew Warde High School. "I have great memories of the man who loved to teach kids. I remember taking apart the wheels on my ten-speed and him showing us how to clean all those little bearings, teaching us how to rock climb up the side of the school building, and telling us stories around our Mount Washington campfire in 20-degree weather. He definitely left a great impression on me."

Quinn was also influenced by Gillette. "(He) was a very inspiring teacher, as his 'Call of the Wild' class questioned the students rather than lectured. [He taught us to] explore ideas. What a concept. Then there was the hiking/camping trip to Dudleytown (a ghost town.) Nothing like that experience! Having students go off and sit in the dark, with just their thoughts. Powerful."

With so many people claiming him as their favorite, I had to find out what he's doing these days. After teaching for 40 years, he moved to Virginia with his wife Marsha. "I will never forget driving up Stratfield Road on that last day, after I'd packed up all my boxes," said Gillette. "I was listening to NPR, and Brahms' Academic Festival came on, and oh, the tears," he said. "This major piece of music put an exclamation point on it. It felt really, really great."

Gillette gained a good deal of popularity from the program that he developed for students at Warde during the 1970s. He had the desire to offer more than the traditional classroom experience. "I said to Ken Peterson," [the headmaster at the time], " 'Give me your 25 biggest, bad-ass kids and I'll trade you for the freedom to create a new curriculum.' "

That was how OTO (Opportunities to Teach Ourselves) came to be. "Within two years, there were 200 applicants for 25 positions. For every kid who was a poet, we had a mechanic." Gillette achieved national recognition for the program and received a $300,000 grant. The program continued for 10 years before layoffs caused a reduction in the force of teachers, and the program died. But then Gillette created "Call of the Wild," an English class that, as Gillette described it, "was experiential in nature."

I took that class my senior year of high school. I knew nothing about it at the time except that the one requirement was that you had to go on an overnight camping trip. Little did I know that I'd come away with many life lessons. I learned how to chop wood and purify drinking water. I discovered how rock walls - and essays - could be constructed. I developed a passion for the poetry of Robert Frost and Walt Whitman, and, perhaps most importantly, I learned that camping is just not for me.

"There's no greater thrill than to see kids think, to get excited, to get it right. We were a community of thinkers, as well as backpackers," Gillette said.

So humor and inspiration are two qualities that make a teacher great. But what else?

"What I have taken from many teachers and try to incorporate in my classroom is to be real," said Quinn. "Students need to know that we have a life and we do make mistakes. It also helps to have a sense of humor, and show your passion for life and learning. I think a good teacher helps you develop the tools to be a life-long learner."

Did you have Mr. Gillette? What do you most remember about him. Feel free to share your thoughts and memories via email or through the "comments" link below.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Crimson Eagles Football Team Posted First-Ever Victory on This Date in 1957 Against Bassick

The Andrew Warde High School football team, which was winless in its eight games in its first season a year earlier, came from behind with two quick fourth quarter touchdowns and defeated Bassick, 13-7, before a good-sized crowd at the new Warde field 53 years ago today, Friday, September 20, 1957.

Both of the Crimson Eagles' touchdowns, registered by fullback Jack Flanagan and left halfback Dick Kardos, followed recoveries of Bassick fumbles by Warde tackles Brian Shay and Dan Pisanelle. The Lions outplayed the Eagles through much of the first three quarters. Bassick jumped to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Archie Holm caught a long forward pass from Tony Wiencko and ran 55 yards to complete a spectacular 79-yard scoring play.

In addition to losing the hard-fought battle, Bassick also lost the services of its two experienced co-captains, Helm, and regular quarterback Hank Cepero, for an indefinite period. Cepero was removed from action on the game's opening kickoff when he suffered what was feared to be a dislocated knee. Helm had to be assisted from the field late in the third quarter when he suffered a possible toe fracture.

The first Warde touchdown drive covered 35 yards and was highlighted by an 18-yard gain on a lateral pass play from Kardos to wingback Ray Figlar. Flanagan carried the ball twice from there into the end zone, but he was stopped in an attempt to rush for the extra point, leaving the Lions with a 7-6 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Helm was hit hard by two Warde tacklers and fumbled, with Pisanelle recovering for the Eagles at Bassick's 32 yard line. The fired-up Warde charges of coach Fern Tetreau covered the remaining distance to paydirt in four well-executed running plays, with Kardos, quarterback Ben Slesinsky, and Flanagan doing the ball carrying. Slesinsky took a forward handoff from Kardos and circled end for 19 yards and the longest gain. Slesinsky also added the extra point after Kardos registered the touchdown.

The turning point of the game came midway through the third quarter when Bassick fumbled away an almost sure touchdown after driving from its own 37 following the second half kickoff. The drive was engineered on the running of Helm, Johnny Gennette, and Paul Borgman. Substitute halfback Gus Hatzis bobbled the ball just short of the goal line, after a 13 yard run, and Warde end Fred Gates recovered in his own end zone for a touchback.

Paul

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Rodriguez & Malec Led Crimson Eagles' Gridders to Season-Opening 28-6 Victory Over Cadets of St. Joseph in Trumbull on This Date in 1968

Senior halfback John Malec scored one touchdown and rushed for a two-point conversion while Chico Rodriguez threw two touchdown passes to lead Andrew Warde High School to a 28-6 opening day victory over a young and inexperienced St. Joseph squad at Trumbull High School 42 years ago today.

The Crimson Eagles, who scored once in every quarter, played opportunistic football as they converted a pair of blocked punts and a recovered fumble into touchdowns during the Saturday, September 14, 1968 contest.

Warde took the opening kickoff and marched inside the Cadets' 10 yard line before the St. Joseph defense held. After three plays, the hosts were forced to punt, and when Dave Abraham raced through the line and partially blocked the kick, Warde took over on the Cadets' 29 yard line.

Malec, who was the game's leading rusher with 96 yards on 17 carries, ran three times for 14 yards. Rodriguez, the sophomore signal-caller, passed 15 yards to Abraham for the Eagles' first score to give the guests a 6-0 lead.

Sophomore defensive halfback Tim Carthen gave Warde its second touchdown when he took a punt and raced 67 yards along the ride sideline to paydirt. Malec then scored his first conversion points as he went around right end to give Warde a 14-0 lead at the half.

Abraham blocked another Cadet punt in the third quarter, and John Rozgonyi recovered on the St. Joseph 21 yard line to set up the Warde's third score. Three plays later, Rodriguez rolled left and flipped an 11-yard scoring strike to fullback Ernie Tuska.

A Rodriguez to Doug Forstrom pass over the middle for the conversion points gave the Eagles a 22-0 cushion.

A fumble recovery on the St. Joseph 31 yard line following an interception by Steve Duncan set up Warde's final score. Malec climaxed the 31-yard drive when he raced around right end from two yards out. The attempted kick, however, failed.

St. Joseph avoided a shutout late in the fourth quarter. The Cadets marched 56 yards with senior quarterback Lou Miklos passing 14 yards to junior wingback Rick Healy for the touchdown. The attempted rush for two points failed.

Paul