Andrew Warde High School Class of 1963 Celebrates 50-Year Reunion

The Andrew Warde High School Class of 1963 held a very successful 50-year reunion Sunday evening, November 3, at the Smith Richardson golf course in Fairfield.

Take a nostalgic trip back fifty years in this wonderful video, courtesy of Betsy Entwisle, a member of the Class of 1963.
 

Special guests attending the reunion were Social Studies teacher Mrs. Beatrice Mackenzie and English teacher Mr. Peter Harrity, both pictured below.

Paul

Warde Crushes Ludlowe to Take 'Battle of Fairfield' and Series Lead in Thanksgiving Day Classic

T. J. Gallagher rushed for 313 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Warde Mustangs over the Ludlowe Falcons, 44-21, at Taft Field this morning. The victory was Warde's third in the last four games of the modern-day series and gives the Mustangs a 5-4 series lead since the Thanksgiving Day rivalry was resurrected in 2005.

I had the pleasure of being the public address announcer for the Ludlowe football games the past two years. Special thanks to Ludlowe athletic director Dave Schulz for inviting me to be a part of the Falcons' football program. I'll admit, as a graduate of Andrew Warde High School, I had mixed emotions this morning.

The Fairfield Lions Club presented the most valuable player awards to quarterback Matt White of Ludlowe and Gallagher of Warde.

Here is the year-by-year summary of the "Battle of Fairfield," dating back to the original series between the Andrew Warde Crimson Eagles and the Roger Ludlowe Flying Tigers:

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 2013

(Series: Warde 5 Wins, Ludlowe 4 Wins)

2005: Ludlowe Falcons 20, Warde Mustangs 14

2006: Warde Mustangs 21, Ludlowe Falcons 12

2007: Warde Mustangs 28, Ludlowe Falcons 0

2008: Ludlowe Falcons 10, Warde Mustangs 8

2009: Ludlowe Falcons 24, Warde Mustangs 14

2010: Warde Mustangs 21, Ludlowe Falcons 16

2011: Warde Mustangs 52, Ludlowe Falcons 13

2012: Ludlowe Falcons 31, Warde Mustangs 13
2013: Warde Mustangs 44, Ludlowe Falcons 14

Cumulative series: Warde 12 wins, Ludlowe 7 wins

Paul

Dramatic Finish to 1976 Thanksgiving Day Classic Ranks as Most Memorable in Series History

The ninth edition of the modern day Thanksgiving football rivalry between Warde and Ludlowe takes place next, Thursday, November 28, 2013, at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. The current series is tied at four games apiece following the Falcons' 31-13 victory on the Mustangs' gridiron one year ago. Kickoff is set for 10:00 a.m.

The 1976 Thanksgiving Day football game between Andrew Warde and Roger Ludlowe high schools was arguably the most dramatic and most memorable in the long and storied history of the Fairfield rivalry. If you were one of the 7,000+ fans who packed the Ludlowe field to witness the game, you no doubt were sitting on the edge of your seat. If you were one of the players, it's a game you'll never forget.

The Warde Crimson Eagles were bidding for their ninth straight Thanksgiving Day game victory after sweeping a seven-game series with Kolbe from 1968 through 1974 and capturing the inaugural Turkey Day contest with the Flying Tigers in 1975. Although both teams combined for only five victories heading into the game, the season records, as usual, were meaningless when the Eagles and Tigers met for the third time in two seasons.

The Crimson Eagles were clinging to a precarious seven-point lead, 20-13, when Ludlowe drove to the Warde two yard line with only 11 seconds left in the game. However, an illegal motion penalty against the hosts negated quarterback Brian Curry's clutch pass to Dan French, and the football was spotted back at the 27-yard line.

An incomplete pass and Dan Capodicci's sack of Curry ended the game. The victory extended Warde's perfect Thanksgiving Day record to 9-0 and gave the Eagles their third straight win in two years over their bitter rivals. Both Warde, which was celebrating its 20th anniversary, and Ludlowe finished the campaign with identical 3-7 records.

Bill Davis, the late Crimson Eagles' coach, stood at midfield following the game, trying to convince fans, players, and the media that he wasn't concerned when the Tigers apparently had moved close to the Warde goal line. "I saw the flag on the play," he was quoted as saying. "I prayed that it was with us." His prayers were answered, improving his unblemished Thanksgiving Day record as coach to 7-0 since taking over for Fern Tetreau in 1970.

Ludlowe, which trailed 13-0 after three quarters, finally came alive in the final stanza, thanks to the receiving of French, Jack Tetreau, and Dave Williams. Williams opened the fourth quarter by grabbing an 18-yard aerial from Curry, only the fourth completion in 13 attempts by the Tigers' signal caller. Nine players later, Curry threw a strike to Williams, who split two defenders on a post pattern, for a 15-yard touchdown to cap a 78-yard drive. Curry's point after kick cut the Eagles' lead to 13-7.

The hosts played solid defense on Warde's next possession, and the Tigers got the ball back at the Eagles' 46-yard line with just 7:37 left in the game. Tetreau, the son of former Warde coaching legend Fern Tetreau, made a sensational one-handed grab of a deflected pass for an eight yard gain, and French made a diving stab of a Russ Gordon option pass for a 25-yard pickup and a first-and-goal at the Eagles' seven yard line.

After Ludlowe was pushed back to the ten-yard line, French made another diving catch on third down, this time on a post pattern in the end zone, for the tying touchdown with 5:39 remaining in the game. However, a poor snap from center foiled the conversion attempt, and left the score deadlocked at 13 apiece heading into the final minutes.

Two key plays on Warde's ensuing drive helped stop Ludlowe's momentum and led to the winning score. First, quarterback Joe Giesken came up with huge gain of 25 yards on a counter run up the left sideline. A personal foul on the play advanced the pigskin to the Ludlowe 37 yard line. Then, four plays later on a fourth-and-three from the 30 yard line, Jim Babian bulled off right tackle for a five yard gain and an Eagles' first down at the Ludlowe 25.

Two plays later, sophomore halfback Joe Ciccia threw a perfect option pass to Duane Meier for the winning touchdown with just 1:25 left in the game. The play was used six times by the Eagles. Ludlowe answered with its last-ditch effort before the Warde defense rose to the occasion and thwarted the Tigers' potential game-tying score.

The guests jumped out to an early lead. On Ludlowe's first play from scrimmage, Ed Kish, who intercepted three passes in the game and was voted Warde's Most Valuable Player, picked off an errant Curry aerial and returned it 22 yards to paydirt as Warde drew first blood. The winners added to their lead when Ciccia threw a perfect 77-yard halfback option to Meier.

Paul

Remembering Warde's Original Thanksgiving Day Rivalry

Fairfield Ludlowe High School will host the annual "Battle of Fairfield" this Thanksgiving morning when the Falcons take on the Fairfield Warde Mustangs at 10 o'clock. This will be the ninth Turkey Day tussle between the two schools since the rivalry was resurrected in 2005.

However, 45 years ago this month, Warde began a short-lived and all-but-forgotten Thanksgiving Day rivalry against a small private school in Bridgeport. Prior to the opening of Andrew Warde High School in 1956, cross-town rival Roger Ludlowe High School had an established Turkey Day football game against Bassick in Bridgeport.

That left the Crimson Eagles searching for a Thanksgiving Day opponent. So, how and why did the series with Kolbe eventually start? "We both needed a Turkey Day game, so a friendly, competitive situation developed," explained former Warde coaching legend Fern Tetreau. "Both teams played hard."

The Kolbe Friars, who didn't even have a field of their own, were Warde's opponents on Thanksgiving Day from 1968 through 1974. The only question prior to each of Warde's first five games with Kolbe wasn't who would win but, rather, by how much.

Warde dominated the series from 1968 through 1972, winning two of the five games in shutout fashion and never allowing more than eight points in any game. Overall, Warde won all seven games in the series and outscored Kolbe, 214-44.

"The best part about our clash with Kolbe was that we never had a terrible turkey dinner," Tom Davis, a member of the Eagles' squads from 1970 through 1972, told me via email. "It was always enjoyable. We went into the game knowing that we were going to win. They may have thought that they were a better team but we knew that we would win."

The Crimson Eagles won the first meeting between the schools, 32-8, in 1968. One year later, Warde blasted Kolbe, 40-6. Quarterback Chico Rodriguez threw five touchdown passes to lead the Eagles. Steve DuBoys caught scoring strikes of 70, eight, and 87 yards to help Warde to a 20-0 lead after one quarter.

Rodriguez led the winners on a 76-yard drive to open the second quarter, culminating with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Al Cassidy. Mike Skalski caught an 87-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, and the Eagles closed the scoring in the fourth quarter when Jack Rozgonyi scampered five yards to paydirt.

The Eagles made it three in a row in 1970 when they posted a 20-6 victory in Fairfield. Warde traveled to Hedges Stadium in Bridgeport and earned its first of two straight shutout victories in 1971 (34-0). Quarterback Glen Hlavaty riddled the Friar secondary by passing for four touchdowns, leaving many wondering whether the Friars would ever win a game in the series, much less be competitive. However, even a new Kolbe coach couldn't change the Thanksgiving Day outcome in 1972.


According to the November 19, 1972 issue of the Bridgeport Sunday Post, "Kolbe High School football coach Paul Janosko is faced with a difficult assignment. In his first year as the Friars' mentor, he will try to lead his charges to their initial Thanksgiving Day triumph. With two fine performances in recent weeks, including a 40-18 triumph over Bullard Havens for their only victory, the Friars figure to give Warde a run for its money."

However, that was not to be as the Crimson Eagles buried Kolbe, 40-0. Warde finished the season at 3-6-1. Dividing the quarterback chores were Hlavaty and Davis. Running back Jim DelVecchio and placekicker Harry Caston were the scoring threats for Warde. Neil Karker and Frank Markoya were the sure-handed receivers for the Eagles.

"The '72 game was a really good game for us as we pounded them pretty good, and we all played a pretty good game," wrote Tom Davis, the younger brother of head coach Bill Davis. He noted that the games against Kolbe carried added significance for him and his brother.

"The Thanksgiving Day games were the only games my Dad saw me play as he owned his own business and worked on Saturdays, so those days were special for me." Overall, Warde outscored Kolbe, 166-20, after the first five games.

One year later, in 1973, the Kolbe gridders were a confident group heading into the Thanksgiving Day showdown with their Fairfield neighbors. According to the Bridgeport Sunday Post of November 18, 1973, "In five previous attempts, the Kolbe High School football team has failed in its quest to defeat Warde on Thanksgiving Day. That could all change as the Friars venture to the Crimson Eagles' gridiron in Fairfield for their sixth annual confrontation.

"Coach Paul Janosko's Friar combine has enjoyed a very successful season, posting a 4-5 MBIAC record. In two of the setbacks, the Friars led Harding, 14-0, at intermission before bowing, and lost in the final minute to St. Joseph, 14-12. Having already won more games than any other Kolbe eleven, Janosko has his troops primed for their first .500 season."

Once again, though, Warde prevailed. Senior halfback Ken Aiello exploded for 115 yards and two touchdowns in the second half to lead the Eagles to a 28-18 come-from-behind victory over the Friars in the 1973 Thanksgiving Day tussle. Aiello's fourth-quarter scoring runs of 11 and 54 yards erased an 18-14 Friar lead as the losers frittered away an opportunity to notch their first win in this Turkey Day series.

Aiello, who finished with 155 yards on the ground, was awarded the Most Valuable Player for Warde, while Kolbe halfback Ken Iassogna, who churned up 120 yards in 18 carries and scored a touchdown, was the Frairs' recipient.

"The Kolbe effort should rank as one of its strongest in this series as the Friars were in full command until the Crimson Eagles mounted a ferocious running attack in the second half to overpower the opposition," the newspaper article stated. Jim DelVecchio ran for a 74-yard touchdown in the third quarter for the victorious Eagles.

The final Thanksgiving Day matchup between the two rivals happened in 1974. The Eagles finished the seven-game sweep of Kolbe by posting a 20-6 victory in front of an estimated 4,000 fans in Fairfield. Warde linebacker Phil Cerrone came up with the big play as he killed a Kolbe scoring bid with a pass interception and an 82-yard return to set up an important insurance touchdown for Warde.

Cerrone, who gained the Most Valuable Player award for his crucial theft, intercepted Jamsey Codrington's pass in the right flat as Kolbe was driving toward the Warde goal line. Cerrone stepped in front of intended receiver Ira Thomas at the 10, picked off the pass, and rambled 82 yards to the Friars' eight. Two plays later, Harold Savage scored a touchdown from nine yards out, staking the Crimson Eagles to a 12-0 lead with 3:30 left in the game.


Warde put the finishing touches on its second victory of the season and final Thanksgiving Day win against Kolbe on its next series as an unsuccessful Kolbe onside kick gave the Eagles the ball at midfield, setting up Greg Aiello's 37-yard scoring gallop with 1:03 showing.

The following year, Andrew Warde High School's Crimson Eagles began a Thanksgiving Day football tradition against Roger Ludlowe High School. In fact, Warde defeated Ludlowe twice during the 1975 campaign, marking the only time in the long and storied history of the Fairfield football rivalry that one school swept two games in the same year against the other. As for Kolbe, it no longer fields a high school football team.

Paul

Aiello Carried Warde to 28-18 Come-From-Behind Thanksgiving Day Victory Over Kolbe 40 Years Ago Today

Senior halfback Ken Aiello exploded for 115 yards and two touchdowns in the second half to carry Andrew Warde High School to a 28-18 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

Ludlowe Capitalized on Warde Miscues to Win Thanksgiving Battle One Year Ago Today

The following was written by Pat Pickens, former sports editor of The Fairfield Citizen-News

The Fairfield Ludlowe football team was 1-5 in mid-October and its coach, Matt McCloskey, announced his resignation effective at season's end. Less than one month later, thanks to some stellar defense, the Falcons sent McCloskey out a winner. Ludlowe blocked a punt for a score and forced four turnovers as the Falcons beat crosstown rival Fairfield Warde, 31-13, one year ago today in front of 2,750 at Tetreau/Davis Field.

"It was a great win," McCloskey said. "The kids played their hearts out." Ludlowe defensive end Kyle Dammeyer recovered a fumble and had 1½ sacks. Stephen Scholz and Matt White each also ran for scores. White -- thanks to his third-quarter, 52-yard touchdown scamper-- earned the Falcons' MVP honors. "It's awesome," White said. "I look to get that edge and the receivers make such great blocks."

The Falcons won their final four games after McCloskey announced his resignation, finishing 5-5 -- their best record since finishing 6-4 under McCloskey in 2009. "The way we ended the year was amazing," White said. "We turned it around."

Warde's TJ Gallagher and Max Garrett, pictured below, each rushed for touchdowns. Warde wide receiver Mark Byrne caught four passes for 115 yards, earning the Mustangs' MVP honors.

Warde finished 1-9. "Besides fumbling however many times we did and giving up a blocked punt, I thought we played well," Warde head coach Duncan DellaVolpe said. "That's been our season more or less, it's not been through lack of effort or lack of trying, it's just something I can't explain."

The Mustangs dominated time of possession and yards in the first half, but a pair of key defensive plays put the Falcons ahead. Ludlowe junior Jimmy Gasper blocked a first-quarter punt, then recovered the ball amid a wild scramble in the end zone, putting the Falcons up 7-0.

"Coach always says `let's block that punt this week,'" Gasper said. "That's what we did, we got it and we had four or five Falcons around the ball."

After the teams traded fumbles, the Mustangs moved the ball to Ludlowe's 4-yard line. But Warde's sophomore quarterback Brandon Bisack tripped over his center's foot, leading to a fumble. Ludlowe defensive lineman Benjamin Brzoski, pictured below, scooped up the ball and went 92 yards for Ludlowe's second defensive score, making it 14-0.

"The defense played out of their minds when the offense wasn't generating too much," White said. "It was huge." Two of Warde's turnovers came inside Ludlowe's red zone, including a similar fumble in the fourth-quarter. Dammeyer recovered the fumble, as Warde drove to the Ludlowe 14-yard-line, attempting to tie the score. "Their nose guard did a great job of penetrating on the snap," DellaVolpe said. "We should've stopped being under the center. That's my fault."

The Falcons took the ball off that turnover and went 75 yards in 14 plays, draining nearly seven minutes off the clock. Scholz's 13-yard touchdown run, pictured below, capped the march, putting the Falcons up 28-13.

"That's the way our offense runs," McCloskey said. "When you're up and you have an offensive line that can push and your running backs can run ... why wouldn't you?"

Recalling the First-Ever Gridiron Meeting Between Warde and Ludlowe

The Fairfield Ludlowe Falcons host the Fairfield Warde Mustangs in the ninth renewal of the modern-day Thanksgiving Day football rivalry next Thursday morning at Taft Field at 10 o'clock. The current series is tied at four wins apiece after the Falcons scored a 31-13 victory at the Mustangs' field last year.

The first-ever regular season meeting between the two schools, however, took place 57 years ago, and Warde's original football coach, Fern Tetreau, remembers leading the Andrew Warde Crimson Eagles onto Roger Ludlowe's field for the first time on November 15, 1956.

Although the first Thanksgiving Day game between Warde and Ludlowe didn't take place until 1975, the two teams clashed for the very first time just two-and-a-half months after Andrew Warde High School opened in September of 1956.

Tetreau and his Crimson Eagles' squad completed their inaugural season against the established Roger Ludlowe Flying Tigers by dropping a 27-6 decision. However, it was apparent even then that Coach Tetreau, the former Ludlowe skipper, was building a solid program which would ultimately win a state championship just three years later.

While at Ludlowe, Tetreau's 1954 team was ranked number three in the state. Tetreau always preferred the unexpected on the football field. He liked to run the Statue of Liberty play, where the quarterback fades back to pass and the running back grabs the ball. He ran draw plays and screen passes. And, he taught his players to think on the field.

"When I elected to go to Warde after three years at Ludlowe, I was asked about Emil Taft," recalled Tetreau via email about his successor at Ludlowe. "I recommended him very highly to Dr. Walter Hellman, who was assistant superintendent at that time. I was very pleased when they selected him to replace me at Ludlowe," he admitted. "My three sons (Mike, Bill, and Jack) played for Emil (at Ludlowe) and did very well."

While at Ludlowe, Bob Seirup was Tetreau's assistant coach in football, while Tetreau was an assistant to Seirup in basketball. "We won the New England basketball championship, and six of the first starters were football players," Tetreau remembered. "Bob Gillette, a former teacher at Warde, was a starter (at Ludlowe) in both football and basketball."

Tetreau helped open the new high school and began a new football program with just a few of his players from Ludlowe. "Only two players with a lot of playing time followed me to Warde," added Tetreau. "(They were) Dick Dakai and Bob Kasvinski. Ben Slesinki was the starting quarterback and Al Greco also played that position. Joe Renaud also played in that game. Most of the team was made up of new faces who eventually went through an undefeated season (a few years later)."

Coach Taft's Flying Tigers used a potent running attack to erase an early 6-0 deficit and cruise to victory over their new cross-town rivals in the 1956 series lidlifter. Ludlowe improved to 4-2-1 on the campaign prior to closing out the season with its traditional Thanksgiving Day game against Bassick of Bridgeport. The Eagles closed their inaugural campaign winless in eight games.

Ludlowe co-captain Pat Thomas scored three of his team's four touchdowns on breakaway runs measuring 69, 35, and 15 yards in addition to helping to set up the first score with a nifty 32-yard scamper. The stellar fullback carried the ball 12 times for 288 yards for a 19-yard average per carry. The winners gained 355 total yards on the ground.

Warde actually scored the game's first touchdown on its second play from scrimmage to give the visitors the early advantage. "The big play against Ludlowe called for Dakai, who was a lineman with a strong arm, to turn around and get the ball from the quarterback and throw a long pass to Rick Solari for about 50 yards," explained Tetreau. Solari caught the long aerial and scampered the remaining 10 yards to paydirt for a touchdown.

"That's as much as I remember. I did spread Rick Solari wide to have a one-on-one situation." It was the first time that the six-foot-three Dakai, Warde's punter, threw a forward pass during the regular season.

The Tigers, however, responded with a 70-yard drive of their own, climaxed by co-captain George Toth's one yard end run into the end zone. The methodical march downfield included one pass from quarterback Dick Bonney to end Bob Power, good for 10 yards, a 32-yard jaunt by Thomas, and an 11-yard carry by Bonney. Thomas also swept around end to convert the extra point and give Ludlowe a 7-6 lead.

The hosts took control of the game at that point, although Warde, using a newly-adopted spread offense for Dakai's passing, completed five-of-15 aerial attempts for 96 yards. Ben Slesensky and Al Greco also did some pitching for the Eagles.

Thomas made his first two touchdown runs in the second period as Ludlowe boosted its lead to 21-6 just before halftime. Norman Stickney's interception of a pass thrown by Dakai preceded the 69-yard scoring romp by Thomas to expand the Tigers' cushion. The winners used their bruising ground game to gain good yardage, eat up the valuable time off the clock, and take command of the contest.

"Ludlowe (players) had friends at Warde and Warde (players) had friends at Ludlowe," emphasized Tetreau about that initial meeting on the gridiron. The players on both teams attended the same school the year before, so they knew each other very well. "Ludlowe was favored, and they won."

Tetreau, after whom the Warde football field was named and dedicated seven years ago, was inducted into the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his excellence in coaching and the leadership he provided in organizing the FCIAC. The annual awards program took place at Testo's Banquet Hall in Bridgeport.

Just three years after that first winless season, Tetreau's Crimson Eagles posted an undefeated 9-0 record and captured a state championship. Fifteen players went on to play college football from his 1959 championship squad. The following year, in 1960, his charges went 8-1 for a two-year cumulative record of 17-1.

Paul Piorek

Warde Travels to Ludlowe for Ninth Renewal of Modern Thanksgiving Day Classic Next Thursday Morning

The ninth meeting of the renewal of the Thanksgiving Day football rivalry between Warde and Ludlowe high schools takes place next Thursday, November 28, at 10 o'clock at the Falcons' home field on Unquowa Road. The current series is tied at four games apiece after Ludlowe defeated Warde, 31-13, at Tetreau-Davis Field last year.

The Falcons enter the contest with a 4-4 conference record and 6-4 overall mark after defeating Stamford, 42-40, last Friday evening at Taft Field. The Mustangs own a 3-7 cumulative record and 3-5 conference mark after defeating Bassick, 43-20, last week.

Ludlowe is the favorite to make it two in a row and take the series lead with star senior quarterback Matt White in charge. The poised and talented signal-caller ran for two scores and passed for two more in last week's win over the Black Knights. He led the Falcons to last year's Thanksgiving Day victory at Warde.

I'll be the public address announcer for the game, so I'm sure to have mixed emotions. In fact, this is the second time I've been behind the microphone at a Ludlowe vs. Warde football game since the rivalry was renewed eight years ago. I was the master of ceremonies at the Warde field dedication ceremony during halftime of the 2006 contest at Tetreau-Davis Field.

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 2013

(Series: Warde 4 Wins, Ludlowe 4 Wins)

2005: Ludlowe Falcons 20, Warde Mustangs 14

2006: Warde Mustangs 21, Ludlowe Falcons 12

2007: Warde Mustangs 28, Ludlowe Falcons 0

2008: Ludlowe Falcons 10, Warde Mustangs 8

2009: Ludlowe Falcons 24, Warde Mustangs 14

2010: Warde Mustangs 21, Ludlowe Falcons 16

2011: Warde Mustangs 52, Ludlowe Falcons 13

2012: Ludlowe Falcons 31, Warde Mustangs 13

Paul

Andrew Warde High School Class of 1963 Celebrates 50-Year Reunion

The Andrew Warde High School Class of 1963 held a very successful 50-year reunion Sunday evening, November 3, at the Smith Richardson golf course in Fairfield.

Take a nostalgic trip back fifty years in this wonderful video, courtesy of Betsy Entwisle, a member of the Class of 1963.
 

Special guests attending the reunion were Social Studies teacher Mrs. Beatrice Mackenzie and English teacher Mr. Peter Harrity, both pictured below.

Paul

Crimson Eagles Topped Golden Eagles in Come-from-Behind Fashion 44 Years Ago Today

A big second half both offensively and defensively carried the Andrew Warde High School football team to a come-from-behind 25-7 victory over visiting Trumbull High School 44 years ago today, Saturday, November 15, 1969.

Chico Rodriguez threw three touchdown passes to run his season total to 17 and scored another on a two-yard sneak. In addition, Warde's defensive line continuously contained the Trumbull eleven and improved its overall record to 4-5. The Golden Eagles, meanwhile, dropped their sixth in a row to fall to 2-7.

Trumbull opened the scoring in the first quarter as Tom St. Onge fell on a loose lateral at the Warde three yard line. Quarterback Tim St. Onge carried two yards to the one from where Jay Wright ran in for the score. Dick Weinberg booted the extra point.

Andrew Warde Alum Tony Procaccini Excited About Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along

Tony Procaccini, AWHS 1976 classmate and Music Director of Saint Emery Church, Fairfield, has announced that the annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along, set for Sunday, December 15, 2013, at 3:00 p.m., has added an extra dimension which, he says, may lend a helping hand to those in need in southwestern Connecticut.

Procaccini and Len Paoletta, former Bridgeport mayor and founder of B.A.C.I.O., Inc., the non-profit sponsor of the annual event, met with Donna Schmidt, Volunteer Program Manager of Fairfield-based Operation Hope, last month. The well-known community service organization has agreed to set up a collection booth at the entrance to the sing-along, held each year on the Great Lawn of Saint Margaret Shrine, in Bridgeport.

Procaccini, pictured below at the far right, along with Operation Hope Executive Director Carla Miklos, Schmidt, and Paoletta (left-to-right), are shown holding items of non-perishable donations, the suggested "admission price" for the sing-along.

Newly-installed Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport is expected to be in attendance. B.A.C.I.O., Inc., Operation Hope and Procaccini are all ecstatic that the bishop will appear.

"I feel the bishop will not only give us a spiritual boost, but will give a little clout to the event, too," states Procaccini. "I vividly remember Bishop Lori's two prior appearances when he gave warm welcomes to the crowd and, though pressed for time, he stayed and talked with many and blessed them, too. I am certain that Bishop Caggiano will have a very positive effect on everyone."

Monroe First Selectman Steve Vavrek has accepted an invitation to attend. Previous sing-alongs have had appearances by other local politicians, according to Procaccini.

For the first time ever, the sing-along will feature the participation of about 15 high school singers, all from Fairfield Warde High School. This is the very same school that was known as Andrew Warde High School back in 1976, the year Procaccini finished his high school studies. According to Procaccini, other local groups, including Jim Royle's Drum Studio in Bridgeport, will likely participate.

"I think this year's sing-along will be extra special knowing that I'm conducting singers from the very same high school I attended," Procaccini notes. The school's choral director, Lauren Harmata, assisted in procuring the participation of the young choristers.

An optimistic Procaccini states, "I think this may be the first great sing-along since our inception in 2007, given the increased participation from many groups, and the new aspect of helping the hungry and homeless in the seasons of Advent and Christmas." He also emphasizes that all are welcome to the event, not just those who are Christian.

According to Procaccini, "We are expanding the scope of our musical event in a way that is unique, in accordance with American and Christian values, and likely to help the sing-along become a very popular regional event."

Fairfield Board of Education Approved Name for New High School 59 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.

Warde Students Voted for Kennedy to Defeat Nixon in 1960 Presidential Election

Election Day is just two days away. Fifty-three years ago, the students at Andrew Warde High School narrowly voted for John F. Kennedy over Richard M. Nixon in October of 1960, just weeks before the election.

The vote was 668 (48 percent) for Kennedy to 638 (45 percent) for Nixon with 102 students (seven percent) undecided. It was the first of two presidential straw ballots conducted at the high school.

The faculty, however, favored Nixon with 33 teachers (45 percent) voting for him compared to 25 teachers (34 percent) favoring Kennedy. Sixteen teachers (21 percent) were undecided.

The voting by paper ballot was conducted by about 175 students, members of seven Problems of Democracy classes in the school. The balloting was conducted in homerooms so that all the students could participate.

Students representatives conducting the voting included Charlene Mitchell, Cahrlotte Cerutti, Lynn Carter, Rita Schweitz, Pat Musone, Paul Hiller, Carole Glantz, Larry Gill, Barbara Bachrach, Ann Dickey, and Rosemary Vasas. Faculty advisers were Edward Bateson, Gordon Ingerson, Fred Klee, and Virginia Mussler.

The voting in each of the four houses in the high school was as follows:

• Barlow House: Kennedy (175), Nixon (153), Undecided (23);
• Mason House: Kennedy (167), Nixon (166), Undecided (24);
• Wolcott House: Kennedy (164), Nixon (155), Undecided (36);
• Smedley House: Kennedy (162), Nixon (164), Undecided (13)

Paul

Ludlowe Tigers Defeated Warde Eagles in the Rain on This Date 56 Years Ago

An aggressive Roger Ludlowe High School football team held almost complete command throughout a game played in a steady and chilling rain to throttle Andrew Warde's Crimson Eagles, 20-6, before a small crowd of bi-partisan Fairfield fans at the Warde field, 56 years ago today, Friday, November 1, 1957.

Joining a strong ground offense with heads-up defensive play, Coach Emil Taft's gridders won in easier fashion than they did a year ago when they had to overcome an early deficit before sweeping to a 27-6 triumph over their cross-town rivals. The orange-and-black team drove for touchdowns the first two times it had possession of the ball, and the thoroughly outplayed Eagles were unable to register a first down until midway through the final period.