Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you and your family. May you have a happy, healthy, and joyous 2012.

You may have noticed that this Web site was taken offline for a few days earlier this week due to inappropriate comments in the Guest Book. Please note that I have worked on this site almost exclusively on my own over the last six years with very little help. I've created a Crimson Crier archive, embedded some classic videos, and opened a gift shop.

The site has also served to help promote reunions, including the 50-year reunions of the Class of 1959 and Class of 1961. I've also written a number of feature articles about former students and faculty members of Andrew Warde High School. And, "This Date in Warde Sports History" has been well-received. I certainly hope you have enjoyed it.

In order to keep this site going, I need your assistance. If you have any Crimson Crier issues, videos, photos, stories, or you would like to write feature articles, I welcome your help. Please contact me at pppiorek@news12.com.

Happy New Year!

Paul

Warde Hopes for Repeat of 1973 Victory Over Notre Dame in Fairfield Festival Finals Tonight

Fairfield Warde upset ninth-ranked Fairfeld Prep in overtime, 76-68, Wednesday night to advance to the championship game of the 2011 Fairfield Festival boys' basketball tournament. The Mustangs will play Notre Dame, which defeated Ludlowe in the semi-finals, this evening at Fairfield University's Alumni Hall. Warde is hoping for a repeat of its Fairfield Festival victory over the Lancers 38 years ago this week.

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

Warde Cagers Improved to 5-1 in FCIAC by Topping Danbury, 80-56, 47 Years Ago Today

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 47 years ago today, Tuesday, December 22, 1964. 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

Warde's Ron DelBianco Eclipsed 1,000-Point Career Mark 38 Years Ago Today

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 38 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

Warde Skaters Earned 2-2 Tie 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

Fifth Annual Christmas Sing-Along a Great Success

Andrew Warde High School alumnus Tony Procaccini developed the music program for the annual Bridgeport Christmas Sing-Along at its 2007 inception and conducted all previous sing-alongs.

For the first time in three years, Christmas revelers were able to sing and be festive outdoors in the Fifth Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along, on the Great Lawn of the picturesque Saint Margaret's Shrine in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The annual event, which is slowly becoming a popular fixture on the local calendar, took place on Sunday, December 11, at 3:00 PM on a brisk sunny day.

Bishop William Lori of the Diocese of Bridgeport, pictured below, attended and warmly greeted the crowd. Reverend Alfonso Picone, of the host parish, mentioned the ongoing restoration work being done at the shrine, a lovely destination for all who wish to visit and worship there.

Following the clergy, Leonard Paoletta, a former Bridgeport mayor and the founder of the event's sponsor, B.A.C.I.O., Inc., welcomed everyone to both the sing-along and the free reception held afterward directly across the street, at the Circolo Sportivo building.

Andrew Warde classmate Tony Procaccini, pictured above in the suit jacket singing, developed the music program for the sing-along at its 2007 inception, and conducted all previous sing-alongs. This year, however, he took a back seat to a talented young percussionist and composer, Brian Ente of Bridgeport. Ente studied at Ithaca College, has performed extensively nationally and internationally, teaches at the Jim Royle Drum Studio in Bridgeport, and is in great demand locally for his skills.

Mr. Ente, pictured at the left, and the volunteer chorus were supported by a professional brass quartet led by trumpeter Mike Pontecorvo, his brother Louis (also on trumpet), trombonist Leroy Loomer, and tubist Dave Rapposo.

The children also enjoyed the day as Santa Claus, as if by miracle, dropped in about half-way through the performance. He, too, greeted the crowd and mingled until it was time to move on to the reception.

A great time was had by all, and this writer thanks all who participated and helped in this annual endeavor.

Tony Procaccini
AWHS 1976

Dan Haines Led Crimson Eagles to 72-55 Victory over Blue Wave in Darien 45 Years Ago Today

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 45 years ago today, 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

Crimson Eagles Clobbered Bunnell to Open Boys' Basketball Season 45 Years Ago Today

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team defeated Bunnell High School in Stratford, 79-58, to open the season on this date, Friday, December 9, 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 at the Bulldogs' court.

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

Andrew Warde High School Family Mourns Passing of Former Teacher and Coach Al Trifone

Former Andrew Warde High School teacher and coach Alfred Trifone, 88, of Fairfield died Tuesday, November 15, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Betsy (Dare) Trifone.

"My dad began teaching and coaching at Andrew Warde in 1964," wrote son Steve Trifone, a 1976 Warde graduate who is now the director of athletics at Cheshire High School. "He was an Industrial Arts teacher and taught graphics, printing, and photography. He loved sports and coached football, indoor and outdoor track."

According to Steve Trifone, his Dad started the indoor track program and the girls track program. "He was the first advisor to the Key Club, a service organization within Warde," he added. "I believe it is still in existence. Teaching and coaching were his passion as he loved working with kids. After retirement he stayed with that passion spending quite a bit of time with his grandkids."

Al was born on July 29, 1923 in the Bronx, the son of the late Amelio and Michelina (Parolla) Trifone. Growing up in the Italian section of Harlem, Al was part of a generation that worked to support the family. After his father died at the age of five, Al built a shoe box at age 10 and shined shoes for 10 cents, turning the money over to his mother.

A veteran of World War II, Al enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained as an aviator. After being honorably discharged, he went to New York University and transferred to the University of Miami to eventually become an Industrial Arts teacher, first working at Miami Beach High School. During those years he met his wife and began to raise his family of five children in Coral Gables, Florida.

A passionate photographer, Al taught photography and viewed most of his family activities through a camera lens. After a couple retirements, Al worked at a local graphics firm and later for Home Depot.

"He stayed in contact with many of his ex-students and athletes throughout the years through that job," pointed out Steve Trifone. "After retirement he still continued to follow Warde sports, attending football contests and remaining close to the coaches and teachers he had worked with."

Besides his devoted wife, he leaves his loving children, James D. Trifone (Cindy) of Cheshire, Robert Trifone (Marjorie) of Darien, Stephen Trifone (Diane) of Cheshire, John Trifone of Frederick, MD, Nancy Trifone Ferrarese of Fairfield, and Celeste Kroll of Gainesville, FL; a brother, Frank Trifone of West Haverstraw, NY; and two sisters, Lucy Parisi of Fairfield, and Grace Atalese of Long Beach Island, NJ.

Crimson Eagles Surge to 71-58 Win Over Golden Eagles in 1962-63 Basketball Opener on This Date

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

Andrew Warde Alumnus to Lead Fifth Annual Community Christmas Sing-Along set for Sunday, December 11 in Bridgeport

Residents of the Greater Bridgeport area are once again invited to join in celebrating Christmas in song at the Fifth Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along, on Sunday, December 11, at 3:00 PM.

The Great Lawn of Saint Margaret's Shrine, 2539 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT is the venue, and in case of precipitation, the singing will take place in the Circolo Sportivo Building, located directly across the street from the shrine.


Volunteer singers and a brass quartet led by Mike Pontecorvo will be under the direction of Brian Ente. Andrew Warde 1976 alumnus Tony Procaccini (pictured above), who conducted the first four sing-alongs, will open the ceremonies and guide the singers in two selections during the program.

Bishop William E. Lori of the Bridgeport Roman Catholic Diocese will attend and address the crowd, and local politicians are also expected.


A "special visitor" (pictured above) from the North Pole will arrive for the children. His appearance every year has been a great moment for all those who are young at heart.

The sing-along, which started in 2007, is the creation of former Bridgeport mayor Leonard Paoletta, who is also founder and president of B.A.C.I.O., Inc., the event's main sponsor. B.A.C.I.O. - the acronym means Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organization - is a non-profit group promoting Italian culture and heritage. Their Website is http://www.bacioinc.com.

People interested in singing should attend a 2:00 PM rehearsal on the same day. They may also contact Tony Procaccini at 718.873.7421 or aprocaccini@juno.com.

Come on, come all, and bring in the Christmas season in song!