Warde Hoopsters Gained Sole Possesion of First Place by Beating New Canaan 49 Years Ago Today

Andrew Warde High School's boys' basketball team gained sole possession of first place in the FCIAC Eastern Division by defeating New Canaan, 64-57, on the Rams' court 49 years ago today, Friday, January 31, 1964.

Meanwhile, Staples bowed to Stamford Catholic's revenge-minded Crusaders, 67-59, in an upset. The Wreckers, who trounced Stamford Catholic in December, fell to 7-6 in league play, one game behind Warde in the Eastern Division standings.

Strong rebounding by Jim Bodnar, Marty Melson, and Hank Gellert, along with the double-figure scoring of four players, enabled coach Donald Feeley's Eagles to down New Canaan for the second time and lift their FCIAC record to 8-5.

Paul

First-Place Crimson Eagles' Cagers Downed Rams in New Canaan on This Date in 1967

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team remained tied for first-place atop the FCIAC East Division after defeating New Canaan, 49-40, on the Rams' court on this date, Friday, January 27, 1967. The win improved the Eagles' overall record to 10-3 and 9-3 in conference play.

New Canaan jumped out to an early 13-10 lead as Phil Kenney hit for eight points to pace the slow, deliberate offense. Jim Howard and Dan Haines each hit two baskets as the Eagles had trouble with their shooting accuracy.

Warde, however, bounced back in the second period to take a 24-23 lead. Howard struck for five points and Haines added four, while Tim Empke scored seven for the Rams.

The Crimson Eagles increased their advantage to four points at the end of the third stanza. The high-scoring Haines pumped in seven markers on two baskets and three free throws, while New Canaan's Terry Florence kept his team close with three field goals and a charity toss.

Warde iced the contest in the final period behind the scoring of Haines and the rugged rebounding of Howard and Rich Fekete. The Crimson Eagles controlled the ball for most of the last quarter with Haines netting five points. The New Canaan attack fell apart as the Rams could muster only four points for the period.

Warde hit on 19 of 51 shots from the floor with Haines taking the game honors with a 20-point performance. The Fairfield school also captured the junior varsity tilt, 55 to 42.

Paul

Sparkling New Andrew Warde High School Gymnasium Hosted First Athletic Contest 56 Years Ago This Evening

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team played for the very first time in its new gymnasium 56 years ago this evening. Although the Crimson Eagles made a very good showing against Stratford's unbeaten and heavily-favored basketball team on Friday evening, January 25, 1957, the North Paraders gained their 12th straight victory by a 55-40 margin and swept the two-game series.

The visiting North Paraders pulled away to a six-point lead in the closing minutes of the first period and remained ahead by a fairly comfortable margin thereafter. However, the Eagles made it an interesting battle compared to Stratford's 71-42 runaway triumph in their previous contest.

Stratford scored only one more field goal than Warde, 17 to 16, but the North Paraders turned in an excellent performance on the foul line as they made 21 out of 28 free throw chances. The Eagles sank only eight free throws in 23 chances.

The North Paraders jumped out to a 15-9 lead after the first quarter as Dick Ross sank four free throws in the closing minutes, and they widened the gap to 30-17 at halftime. Warde made its best showing in the third period and cut its deficit to 43-32. However, the Fairfield team never got any closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Rich Marinaccio was a standout performer both offensively and defensively for Stratford, and he led all scorers with 16 points, including eight free throws. Captain Lou Horner, who started strong by scoring seven points in the first period, was closely guarded thereafter, but finished with a 13-point total. Ross contributed 10 points, while rangy Ted Robinson and Pete Greenwood tallied eight apiece for the North Paraders.

Lou Kochis was Warde's top scorer with 15 points, while six-foot-three Dick Dakai and Chris Costello registered seven points each for the hosts.

The Warde jayvees defeated the Stratford junior varsity team, 53-41, in the preliminary game. Laurie Taylor was high scorer for the winners with 11 points, while Dewey Amos led the guests with 16 points.

Paul

Demarest Set Rebounding Record & Scored 13 Points to Lead Crimson Eagles' Hoopsters Over SCHS 51 Years Ago Today

Lee Demarest pulled down a record-breaking 23 rebounds and scored 13 points to lead Andrew Warde High School's boys' basketball team to a narrow 60-59 victory over Stamford Catholic in a Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference game at the Warde gym 51 years ago today, Friday, January 19, 1962.

The six-foot-one-inch Demarest snapped the Crimson Eagles' rebounding record with his 23 boards, and he scored what proved to be the winning points on a jump shot with three minutes remaining in the contest. The jumper gave the winners a 56-55 lead which they never relinquished.


Sharp-shooting by Demarest and Wayne Gower helped Warde take a 14-8 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Stamford Catholic countered in the second stanza, behind the shooting of Jerry Esposito and Don Foust, to take a 31-30 halftime lead.

The lead changed hands several times in the third and fourth quarters until Demarest's basket put Warde ahead for keeps.

Esposito was the game's high scorer with 29 points, while Gower, Demarest, and Bab Ryan sparked Warde with 19, 13, and 13 points, respectively. Jim Siavrakes also played a standout game for the Eagles with some superb floormanship.

The triumph boosted Warde's FCIAC record to 4-5, while the Crusaders league mark fell to 1-8.

The Crimson Eagles' jayvees won the preliminary game over the Crusaders' reserves, 56-49. Marty Nelson was high-scorer for the winners with 12 points.

Paul

Warde Girls Cagers Snapped Losing Streak Against Ludlowe 39 Years Ago Today

Mindy Sherwood scored 27 points to lead the Andrew Warde girls' basketball team to a 52-46 victory over arch-rival Roger Ludlowe at the Crimson Eagles' gym, Tuesday afternoon, January 15, 1974.

Co-captain Jody Lovanio starred on defense for the winners by grabbing 13 rebounds as the Eagles posted their first win over the Lady Tigers in four years.

Other standouts for Warde were Lynn Knuth, Sue Walton, Barbara Rodgers, Leslie Holmquist, Diane Dionis, and Nancy Mayeran.

Paul

Town's First Weather Station Established at Warde 47 Years Ago This Month

Fairfield's first weather station, which kept a minute-by-minute, day-by-day check of the temperature, wind, and air pollution, was set up on the roof of Andrew Warde High School 47 years ago this month.

The station was the product of a federal government-financed program to determine the need for establishing a permanent weather station in town, primarily due to the nationwide fight against air pollution.

After a more than five-month delay caused by difficulties in obtaining the necessary equipment, the station went into full operation in January of 1966.

Dr. H. Patterson Harris, the director of public health who supervised the installation of the station, said samples of air pollution were obtained every day and shipped for interpretation to a government laboratory in Islip, New York. Dr. Harris reported a certain degree of air pollution was indicated on smoke shade samplers, which were a part of the survey.

Plans were being made to file another application for a federal grant to continue the weather station beyond the first week of June in 1966.

Andrew Warde High School was chosen as the site of the weather station because it is located at one of the highest elevations in Fairfield, it is on town property, and high school students studying meteorology would have the opportunity to learn about climate and current weather conditions from the station's data.

Several other sites, including Fairfield Woods Junior High School, were also considered, but because of the advantages to the high school students, Warde was ultimately selected over Fairfield Woods.

The station was serviced each day by Thomas Haydon, the newest member of the health department staff, who changed the 24 tubes which collected air samples and recorded daily minimum and maximum temperatures, wind direction, and velocity. The tape for the smoke shade sampler was changed once a week. The tubes containing the air samples had to be shipped each day to Islip.

The Warde weather station formed a geographical triangle with the Greater Bridgeport weather station, located at Sikorsky Memorial Airport, and the Stratford station, located atop Bunnell High School. Both the Warde and Bunnell weather stations were equal distances from the airport, a significant factor in the study of air movement.

The heart of the weather station was the mast outside the building. The weather vane, atop the mast, through electrical power, transmitted wind direction, and the spinning anemometer balls, just below the weather vane, transmitted wind velocity to a recorder sheltered in a cabinet indoors. Wind direction was recorded every five minutes, while wind velocity was recorded continuously.

Below the anemometer balls was a curved pipe containing two tubes to funnel air to equipment inside the building. One tube sucked the air onto a tape recorder-type instrument equipped with a filter paper for the purpose of measuring the density of the air pollution.

Instruments to record the temperature were housed outdoors in a mounted box with slat openings on all four sides. Arms on the instrument stopped automatically at the low and high points for the day.

Dr. Harris said the initial year grant totaled $15,100, of which about 70 percent went for equipment. The remainder was for consultant's fees and education.

Paul

Crimson Eagles' Cagers Scored Stunning Upset Victory Over Norwalk on This Date in 1967

An inspired Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team scored a stunning 63-55 upset victory over Norwalk in an FCIAC game at the winners' court on this date, Thursday, January 12, 1967.

The victory boosted Warde into a tie for second place in the Eastern Division of the FCIAC with idle New Canaan. Both teams have 5-3 records. Norwalk still leads the division with a 6-3 mark.

A late fourth-quarter rally, sparked by Dan Haines, carried the Crimson Eagles to victory. Haines, who was held to just seven points in the first three quarters, poured in nine markers in the final eight-minute session.

Norwalk held a 45-44 edge entering the fourth quarter. The Green Wave extended its lead to five points at 52-47 behind the shooting of Jim Burey. Then, Warde went to work as Mike Corbett stole a pass and converted the theft into a basket to open the Eagles' closing drive.

Minutes later, Jim Howard put coach Wes Aldrich's cagers ahead for keeps, 53-52, as he was credited with a basket on a goaltending call against Norwalk.

Once they gained the lead, the Crimson Eagles didn't let up. Haines, Howard, Corbett, Tom DeLuca, and Rich Fekete operated al amost perfect "freeze" offense as the Eagles worked the ball around until they had a good shot. The strategy worked so well that Warde engineered an impressive eight-point margin of victory.

The Eagles' pressing man-to-man defense kept the usually high-scoring Norwalk offense off balance throughout the game. The Green Wave averaged 70.2 points-per-game entering the contest.

Corbett and DeLuca were the top ball hawks as Warde made 16 steals, including six in the crucial fourth period. Fekete turned in a sensational defensive job on Willie Miller --- the visitors' top scorer with a 15.8 average --- holding him scoreless.

The first three quarters were closely contested. Warde led after the first frame, 16-14, and the score was tied at 31 apiece at the intermission. Norwalk assumed a one point lead, 45-44, after three quarters.

Howard took game scoring honors with 21 points, and he grabbed 14 rebounds. Haines followed with 16 points, while Fekete (12)and Corbett (10) also scored in double figures for the Crimson Eagles. Fekete added nine rebounds.

Burey was the most consistent Norwalk shooter, finishing with a team-high 15 points, followed by Gary O'Malley with 12 points.

Paul

Charity Tosses Helped Eagles Bury Wreckers, 71-50, on This Date in 1967

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team converted 33 foul shots to hand Staples a 71-50 FCIAC setback at the Wreckers' court 46 years ago today, Tuesday, January 11, 1967.

The Crimson Eagles led at all the quarter breaks to build a commanding lead. Warde improved to 4-3 in conference play while the Wreckers fell to 0-7.

Jim Howard, who connected on 18 foul shots, made six in the opening period as Warde assumed a 13-11 advantage. Jeff Hand scored six points for the hosts.

Hand and Bob Rummel were forced to the bench in the second quarter because of foul trouble. Howard and Rich Fekete combined for 17 points as the guests pulled out to a 34-20 halftime advantage.

With Hand and Rummel back on the court in the third quarter, Staples sliced its deficit to six points, but both Wrecker stars eventually fouled out before the end of the stanza. Warde increased its lead to 49-34 after three quarters.

Dan Haines, Tom DeLuca, Mike Howard, and Jim Howard combined for 18 points in the final chapter to keep the Crimson Eagles comfortably ahead. John Hand netted six points for Staples.

Warde converted 33 of 42 free throws for 79% accuracy compared to 14 of 20 and 70% accuracy for Staples.

The Eagles also triumphed in the junior varsity game, 54-41.

Paul

Crimson Eagles Survived Cold Shooting to Defeat Danbury, 68-60, 50 Years Ago Today

The Andrew Warde High School boys' varsity basketball team survived cold shooting and the 19-point effort of Charles Bogusis to hand Danbury a 68-60 loss in the Hat City, Tuesday, January 8, 1963.

The win was the fifth in eight starts for the Crimson Eagles. Coach Don Feeley's cagers improved to 4-2 in conference play.

The teams were tied at 12-12 after the first quarter, but Bogusis, a six-foot-seven inch, 208-pounder, nicknamed 'Baby Huey,' tossed in 10 points in the second quarter to pace the Hatters to a 30-26 lead at the half. Bob Ryan and Marty Melson combined for 10 Warde points in the second period.

Warde began to roll in the third period, though. Pete Jankovsky found his scoring touch for 10 points, and the visitors assumed a 44-40 cushion heading into the final period.

The scoring tempo increased for both sides in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles had the better of it as Wayne Gower, Jankovsky, and Ryan accounted for 22 points. Bill Coffey, Elmer Harrison, and 'Baby Huey' combined for 18 Danbury points.

The Crimson Eagles ultimately won the game at the foul line by sinking 12-of-21 free throws, compared to four-of-12 for the Hatters. Bogusis had 10 of the Danbury charity tosses, but he converted only three as he was continually fouled by the smaller Eagles.

Warde won the junior varsity game as Rusty Helgren scored 19 points and George Amarant added 10 for the Crimson Eagles.

Paul

Original District Lines First Proposed for New Andrew Warde High School 57 Years Ago This Evening

District lines for the new Andrew Warde High School, which opened in September of 1956, and for Roger Ludlowe High School were recommended by Dr. Carlyle G. Hoyt, superintendent of Fairfield schools, 57 years ago this evening, at a Board of Education meeting in the administration building. That's according to a story which appeared in The Bridgeport Telegram, Saturday, January 7, 1956.

Under Dr. Hoyt's high school district line proposal, which was not acted on at the meeting, all Roger Ludlowe pupils, with the exception of those from the Pequot and Mill Hill school areas who receive bus transportation, will be transferred to the Andrew Warde High School.

This would leave Roger Ludlowe High School with all pupils who walk to school plus those who are now transported from the Pequot and Mill Hill school sections, Dr. Hoyt explained.

Transportation was provided to students living at least one-and-a-half miles from school.

Andrew Warde High School, under the plan, would open with an enrollment with 1,174 students, while Roger Ludlowe High School, now on double session with an enrollment of more than 1,500 students, would have 874 students.

Dr. Hoyt said that it was impossible to divide the town into east and west sections for the district lines without continuing double sessions at Ludlowe.

He warned that by 1958, unless steps are taken to expand Roger Ludlowe's facilities, double sessions will again be required.

The enrollment in the 1,500-student Andrew Warde High School in the 1957-58 school year was estimated at 1,404 and at 744 at Roger Ludlowe High School. In the 1958-59 school year, Dr. Hoyt estimated the Andrew Warde enrollment at 1,625 and at 805 at Roger Ludlowe, with a total of 1,776 expected at Andrew Warde by the 1960-61 school year and 906 at Ludlowe.

Paul

Warde Hoopsters Blasted Ludlowe at Mill Plain Gym 50 Years Ago Today

Coach Don Feeley's Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team humbled winless arch-rival Roger Ludlowe, 71-48, before a standing-room only crowd at the Mill Plain Gym 50 years ago today, Friday, January 4, 1963.

The Crimson Eagles improved to 4-3 on the season, including three wins in five FCIAC contests, while Ludlowe lost its sixth, five of which were in league play.

Warde led throughout the contest, doubling the Tigers' first quarter production by taking a 20-10 lead at the break as Wayne Gower and Bob Ryan scored six points each. George Martin, Ludlowe's high scorer, tallied seven points for his team.

The Tigers gave their best account in the second stanza, but Warde still managed to increase its lead, assuming a 35-22 cushion at the intermission. Joel Blaskey and Marty Melson each scored six points to lead their respective clubs.

Gower found the range for 17 points in the second half as the Crimson Eagles had things pretty much their own way. Martin and Blaskey again topped Ludlowe in scoring after the intermission.

Ludlowe, which had an edge in rebounding, was able to convert only 14 of 32 foul shots, but Warde sank 21 of 33 free throw attempts.

Ludlowe used a zone defense throughout the game, but Warde came out of its zone in the second quarter and went the rest of the way with a man-to-man defense.

The Crimson Eagles also won the junior varsity contest, 56-47, as Jim Bodnar led all scorers with 18 points. Greg Madden netted 16 points for the Tigers.

Paul

School Role Models Formed Warde's First-Ever Boys' Cheerleading Squad 45 Years Ago

The Andrew Warde High School athletic department pioneered and championed girls' sports programs in the early-to-mid 1970s. The school was one of the first in the area to field girls' soccer, volleyball, and track-and-field teams.

However, several years earlier, nine spirited students formed the very first Crimson Eagles boys' cheerleading squad. With their unique routines and rousing cheers, the group became a tremedous hit with players and fans alike during the 1967-68 school year. The students were role models to their fellow classmates.

The idea was the brainchild of Pat Tomlinson, the girls' cheerleading captain, Tom Nardozzi, the boys' co-captain, and Miss Diana Alvarez, the cheerleading adviser. The members included Nardozzi, co-captain John Waite, Arthur Baron, Peter Guarnaccia, Howie Klein, Paul Kaplan, Dean Morvay, Vinnie D'Elia, and Bob Nagy.

Nardozzi, who was a Smedley House junior in January of 1968, was an active member of the AWHS band and played in the percussion section. He was also a member of the school service commission and played intramural sports. He was a member of the Big Brothers program and participated with the Troubadors, a Drum and Bugle corps.

Waite, a Barlow house senior 41 years ago, participated in cross-country and track. He had a part-time job at the Rocket Drive-In. He enjoyed gymnastics and eventually hoped to become a physical education teacher.

Baron, a Smedley House senior, was an avid music enthusiast who played trombone in the Warde band for four years. He achieved the honor of playing trombone in the All-State orchestra. He was also a member of the National Thespian Society and Modern Music Masters. He participated in the productions of West Side Story, You Can't Take it With You, and My Fair Lady.

"The school's spirit has been in need of a real boosting for a long time, and I felt that cheerleading was a good way for me to help the cause," Baron said. He was also a member of the Rooster River Boys, a unique jug band, and he served as vice president of the Folk Music Society. He also played with several local jazz bands, was an avid George Burns fan, and enjoyed Math and Music. He hoped to attend NYU.

Guarnaccia, a Wolcott senior, was a member of the School Council and served as treasurer. He was also a member of the Inter-School Council, which was comprised of students from Warde and Ludlowe. He played clarinet in the Warde band and played junior varsity soccer and tennis. He was elected to the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society.

In addition, Guarnaccia was awarded the Harvard Book Prize for outstanding boy in the junior class, and he was a member of Modern Music Masters. He received a National Merit Letter of Commendation and participated in the World Youth Forum.

The nine cheerleaders wore maroon sweaters over white shirts along with white pants, white socks, and white sneakers. The cheerleader's class number --- '68, '69, or '70 --- was sewn on the left shoulder of the sweater. One of their formations was a pyramid which was constructed during a fight cheer. They also teamed up with the girls' squad in a cheer which culminated with each boy cheerleader lifting one of the girls while she was performing a spread jump.

The boys' cheerleading squad was a tremendous success in 1967-68. The boys became a vital part of the school's scene at football games, pep rallies, and basketball games. The squad became an important force in arousing school spirit at Andrew Warde High School.

Paul