Warde Cagers Defeated Notre Dame of Fairfield at Fairfield Festival 49 Years Ago Today

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

Senior Ron DelBianco Eclipsed 1,000 Point Mark in Win Over Stamford 49 Years Ago

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 49 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 vs. Ludlowe Thanksgiving Football Tradition Continues

The storied Thanksgiving Day football rivalry between Fairfield's two public high schools resumes this Thursday, November 24, 2022. Warde will travel cross-town to battle Ludlowe Thanksgiving morning.

When Warde and Ludlowe reopened after nearly two decades of consolidation at Fairfield High School on the Warde campus, the historical Thanksgiving Day football rivalry was resurrected 17 years ago.

However, the first Thanksgiving football game between the original Andrew Warde and Roger Ludlowe high schools took place November 27, 1975. In fact, this author still has the official game program from that day.

Little did anyone know, but the original Thanksgiving football series between the two schools would only last 10 years. The last game was played in 1984. The Crimson Eagles won the last five games of the series and won the overall series against the Flying Tigers, seven games to three.

Just over two decades later, the rivalry was resurrected when Fairfield Warde traveled to Fairfield Ludlowe for a Thanksgiving Day football game in 2005. Although the Falcons won the first game and three of the first five, the Mustangs have dominated the series ever since.

Warde won three years ago, 46-20, and, truth be told, the margin of victory could have been much greater. The Mustangs avenged a heartbreaking one-point loss to Ludlowe in 2018, which snapped Warde's five-game winning streak in the series. The Mustangs have won six of the last eight games and eight of the last 11 for a 10-6 lead in the modern-day Thanksgiving rivalry.

How dominating has Warde been? Since 2010, the Mustangs have won all but three contests against their cross-town rivals. The Mustangs scored 321 points in their last eight victories for a 40.1 points-per-game average. Warde won five consecutive Thanksgiving football games from 2013 to 2017, matching their predecessor's five-game win streak to close out the original series (1980 through 1984).

Cumulatively, Warde owns a 17-9 series lead dating back to that very first Thanksgiving Day meeting in 1975.

Here are the Thanksgiving football results between Warde and Ludlowe, including the original series (1975 through 1984) and the modern-day series (2005 through 2019):
 

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 2021

(Series: Warde 10 wins, Ludlowe 6 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 21
2014: Warde Mustangs 27, Ludlowe Falcons 12
2015: Warde Mustangs 35, Ludlowe Falcons 14
2016: Warde Mustangs 41, Ludlowe Falcons 20
2017: Warde Mustangs 55, Ludlowe Falcons 22
2018: Ludlowe Falcons 34, Warde Mustangs 33
2019: Warde Mustangs 46, Ludlowe Falcons 20

2021: Ludlowe Falcons 50, Warde Mustangs 21

Cumulative record: Warde 17 wins, Ludlowe 9 wins

Crimson Eagle Extras: I was honored to be the public address announcer at the Thanksgiving Day game three years ago. It was the fourth time in the last seven years I announced the Thanksgiving Day game at Ludlowe ... It was great to see several fans wearing original Andrew Warde Crimson Eagle jackets with the unmistakable "W" on them ... Fellow classmate Brian Pander (AWHS Class of 1976) won the halftime trivia contest in 2019. He correctly knew that Kolbe High School was Andrew Warde's original Thanksgiving Day football rival. Brian and I chatted briefly in the press box at halftime.

Paul

Warde Posted Third Straight Gridiron Shutout During Undefeated Season 63 Years Ago Today

Andrew Warde High School's defense-minded Crimson Eagles ran their unbeaten, unscored-upon victory streak to three games 63 years ago this week --- Saturday, October 3, 1959 --- by downing previously-unbeaten Norwalk, 12-0, before an estimated 2,500 spectators at the Warde field.

Coach Fern Tetreau's charges scored early in both the first and fourth quarters, while stopping Norwalk inches short of the goal line and later at the Eagles' 13 yard marker. The Green Wave was only able to move inside the Warde 30-yard line just four times during the contest.

Norwalk received the opening kickoff and, after advancing to its 27, was forced to punt to the Warde 47. On the Eagles' first play from scrimmage, halfback Larry Gill dashed 29 yards around his right end to the visitors' 24 yard line. Al Bennett ran to the 19 yard line, before Gill scampered around the left end for five more yards to the Norwalk 14.

Jack Flanagan burst through center for a one-yard gain and a Warde first down. Quarterback Howie Ratner handed off to Gill once again, and he ran to the four yard line on a delay. Flanagan added two more yards for a first down at the Green Wave two yard line before Ratner plunged oacross the goal line for the first score of the game.

Norwalk's Lee Johnson, however, stopped Gill shy of the goal line on the attempted two-point conversion, holding Warde to a 6-0 advantage.

A few minutes later, Norwalk tackle Jim Ciminello recovered a quick kick by Warde's Gill that was blocked on the Warde 25. Norwalk reeled off two first downs and had the ball on the Eagles' three yard line with first down and goal-to-go as the first quarter came to a close.

Jerry Fishman opened the second stanza with a one yard gain to the two yard line. However, halfback Everett Jess fumbled as he went through the line, and the loose football rolled to the goal line where Warde's right end Walter Ruby recovered it. Norwalk never again advanced inside the hosts 10 yard line.

The winners threatened again with four minutes left in the first half, but an offside penalty nullified a 14-yard touchdown dash by Flanagan. After the stellar Warde defense limited Norwalk to just seven yards rushing in the second quarter and only four yards in the third quarter, the Eagles' Walter Beck recovered another Green Wave fumble at the Norwalk 18-yard line. Flanagan scampered six yards to the Norwalk 12 as the third quarter ended.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Larry Gill sidestepped three would-be tacklers and followed good blocking by Ratner and Beck to dash 13 yards to paydirt for Warde's second touchdown. Norwalk stopped Flanagan's rush for the attempted two points as Warde assumed a 12-0 cushion.

Norwalk's Fishman played an outstanding game as he carried the ball 14 times for 64 yards and kicked a booming 60-yard punt.

Paul

Warde Defeated St. Joseph in Gridiron Season Lidlifter 54 Years Ago Today

Senior halfback John Malec scored one touchdown and rushed for a two-point conversion while quarterback Chico Rodriguez threw two touchdown passes to lead Andrew Warde to a 28-6 opening day victory over a young and inexperienced St. Joseph team on this date, Saturday, September 14, 1968, at the Trumbull High School field.

The Crimson Eagles, who scored once in every quarter, played opportunists as they converted a pair of blocked punts and a recovered fumble into touchdowns.

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

Malec, who was the game's leading rusher with 36 yards on 17 carries, rushed three times to advance the ball to the 15-yard line. Then, sophomore signal caller Rodriguez tossed a touchdown strike to Abraham. The extra point attempt was short, but the guests took a 6-0 lead.

Sophomore defensive back Tim Carthen gave Warde its second touchdown when he fielded a punt and raced 67 yards up the right side to paydirt. Malec scored his first conversion points as he went around right end to give the Eagles a 14-0 lead which they held at the half.

In the third quarter, Abraham blocked another Cadet punt and John Rozgonyi recovered on the St. Joseph 21-yard line to set up Warde's third score. Three plays later, Rodriguez rolled left and flipped an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ernie Tuska. A Rodriguez to Doug Forstrom pass over the middle gave the Eagles the conversion points and a 22-0 bulge.

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

St. Joseph avoided the shutout late in the fourth quarter. The Cadets took over on their 44-yard line and marched 56 yards with senior quarterback Lou Miklos passing 14 yards to junior wingback Rick Healy for the touchdown. The attempted rush for the conversion points failed.

Paul

Celebrating the 60-Year Anniversary of Andrew Warde High School's Class of 1962

Bill Baker is a member of the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1962. He is a very unique live performer, the likes of which you have never seen or heard before. 

Bill wrote and sang this song 10 years ago for his 50-year high school reunion at Andrew Warde High School.

While many musicians/vocalists today use midi-tracks, tapes or CD's to back them up, Bill, on his keyboard, plays the bass with his left hand and the piano, sax, trombone, organ, strings, and vibes with his right hand..

Bill plays his own drumfills with his left foot and sings four-part harmony with a digitech vocalizer, creating an incredible sound.

Bill is an entertainer in the classic sense of the word. A skilled musician and vocalist playing both keyboards & guitar, he utilizes the epitome of today's "state-of-the-art" electronic keyboard sounds and plays guitar on songs from mellow James Taylor to bluesy Eric Clapton to the rhythmic Antonio Carlos Jobim. 

Bill has performed with and accompanied such performers as Robert Goulet, Andy Williams, Roy Clark, Roger Miller, The Shirelles, The Drifters, Jay & the Americans, Chubby Checker, Little Anthony & the Imperials, and many more.

Bravo, Bill. Thank you.

Paul

Whatever Happened to Andrew Warde High School?

Whatever happened to Andrew Warde High School? That's a good question. In fact, if you happen to visit the high school, you'll see two monuments near the front entrance acknowledging the proud history of the school. The only problem is that there isn't any reference to Andrew Warde High School. It actually existed from 1956 to 1987. Don't you remember?

Once Andrew Warde High School consolidated with Roger Ludlowe High School into Fairfield High School at the Warde site in the Autumn of 1987, thirty years of memories were all but forgotten. Nearly two decades later, however, due to an exploding student population in town, the Fairfield Board of Education decided to reopen the former Roger Ludlowe High School and return to two public high schools in 2004.

The schools were named Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe high schools in an attempt to unify the secondary student population, while at the same time offering a less-than-sincere cursory nod to the original names of the two high schools. The board never got it right in the first place, originally opting to name the schools Fairfield East and Fairfield West before yielding to public pressure, especially from alumni of the two high schools.

The childish antics of the board, students, and parents could have been avoided if the original names of the schools were returned. This corner has never fully embraced the new names of the schools, preferring instead to refer to them as Warde and Ludlowe. What is most troublesome, though, is the fact that there isn't any acknowledgement of the original Andrew Warde High School by the front entrance.

Upon entering the main lobby of Ludlowe High School, there are several engraved plaques acknowledging the building as the former home to Mill Plain School, Roger Ludlowe High School, Roger Ludlowe Middle School, and the current FLHS. In fact, an original school bell from Mill Plain School adorns the front lobby for all to see.

It's about time to pay tribute to Andrew Warde High School. Shouldn't there be a monument alongside the two which sit at the front of the high school? I think so. I am going to write to the Fairfield Board of Education and request that a third monument be placed alongside the others. Andrew Warde High School existed from 1956 through 1987. I should know. I graduated from AWHS! There are many proud graduates who will always call themselves Crimson Eagles.

What say you? Let's get a monument in honor of the original Andrew Warde High School.

Paul

Andrew Warde High School Class of 1972 to Host 50-Year Reunion, Saturday, August 20, 2022

The Andrew Warde High School Class of 1972 will host its 50-year reunion this Summer.

The event is planned for Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 6 until 11 p.m. at Fayerweather Yacht Club, 51 Brewster Street, in Bridgeport. The reunion is for members of the Class of 1972 only. 

Please find details on the reunion website by clicking the image below. Information is also available on the class Facebook page.

Paul

Eighteen Issues of Crimson Crier Newspapers Added to Library Archives

I am pleased to announce that 18 additional issues of the Crimson Crier school newspaper have been added to the library archives. 

The issues were the gift of Mr. Jon L. Schoenhorn, an attorney in Hartford and editor-in-chief of the Crimson Crier newspaper during his senior year at Andrew Warde High School.

I am thrilled and gratified by the sincere offer from Mr. Schoenhorn. The 18 additional issues from 1971 and 1972 push the total number of Crimson Crier archived newspapers to 47.

The archived Crimson Crier newspaper issues are on PDF files and can be accessed by visiting both companion blog websites. They are linked in the left-hand margin of the AWHS blog.

Here is the link for the 18 additional issues of the Crimson Crier newspaper from 1971 and 1972:

https://paulpiorek.wixsite.com/website/post/andrew-warde-high-school-crimson-crier-issues

Paul

Warde Nine Upset Milford in CIAC Baseball Tourney 61 Years Ago This Month

Andrew Warde High School's well-balanced baseball team finished runnerup to Norwalk for the Fairfield County Interscholastic Conference baseball championship in 1961. However, the Crimson Eagles were victorious while Norwalk was eliminated in the opening round of the CIAC Class A championship tournament, Monday, June 12, 1961.

Coach Bob Jackson's Warde squad advanced to the tourney semi-finals with an impressive 2-0 victory over Milford's higher-rated Metropolitan Bridgeport Conference champions as Dick Bernard, who remained unbeaten since the baseball season opened, hurled a two-hit shutout to earn his ninth straight victory in a pitching duel with the Indians' Ricky Grich at Quigley Stadium in West Haven.

The Crimson Eagles, ranked seventh among the eight teams which qualified for the Class A title competition, backed Bernard with a nine-hit attack and tallied single runs in the fourth and sixth innings to defeat the third-ranked Milford team. It was the 17th victory in 21 games for the Fairfield squad, and just the fourth setback in 19 contests for Coach Ray Stoviak's Indians.

Outfielders Mike Siavrakas and Larry Gill connected for two hits each to lead Warde's attack against the veteran Grich, but it was rightfielder Tom Dardina and third baseman Frank Chimelewski who drove in the two runs for the Eagles with extra base hits in the June 12, 1961 contest.

It was a scoreless game until the fourth inning. Grich walked Gill with one out and when Chimelewski hit a grounder down the third base line, both runners were safe when the throw to second base for the attempted force out was too late. One out later, Dardina smacked a double down the left field line to score Gill with Warde's first run.

Tom Cody, Milford's rightfielder, made a fine catch of a long drive by Joe Magdon to open Warde's sxith inning, but Gill singled and Chimelewski bounced a triple off the fence in left-centerfield to bring home the Eagles' second run.

Both of Milford's hits off Bernard were bloop singles by third baseman Art Bungerford in the first and sixth innings. Although both hits were preceded by walks to Vic Nelson, the Indians were unable to capitalize. Warde's second baseman Hank Bahe made a poor throw following Hungarford's first single, but catcher Joe Vige threw out Nelson trying to advance to third base. In the sixth inning, both Nelson and Hungarford were picked off first base on throws by Vige and Bernard.

Paul

Today Marks 46th Anniversary of Warde's Dramatic Last-Inning Comeback Victory Over Ludlowe at Sturges Park

Sean Gormely greeted relief pitcher Paul Klecko with a two-run single to highlight Andrew Warde High School's four-run seventh-inning rally as the Crimson Eagles defeated arch-rival Roger Ludlowe, 4-2, in an FCIAC baseball clash 46 years ago today.

Ludlowe entered the game as the heavy favorite on its march toward a state tournament berth in 1976. However, as cliche as it sounds, whenever Warde and Ludlowe met on the playing field, it was time to throw the record books out the window. In fact, Warde's Tony Procaccini said the players felt upbeat on the bus ride to Ludlowe.

"The collective attitude was very positive," he wrote via email. "We had suffered through a disastrous start to the season, to be followed by greatly improved fielding and pitching as the season moved into the warmer and more comfortable playing weather. We defeated three teams much stronger than us: Wilton, Trumbull and finally Ludlowe."

Senior lefthander Bob Henry, making only his second start of the season, teased the Flying Tigers with a three-hitter. He struck out seven in going the distance for the winning Eagles. "I told coach Bob Jackson, 'I want the ball,' for that game against our arch-rival Ludlowe," admitted Henry.

"I was very upset when Ludlowe's Jim Barletto hit a seeing eye two-run single off me that left us trailing, 2-0. My Dad was never prouder of me after the team came back to win that game," he added. Henry is pictured below pitching during a 1975 home game with centerfielder Jeff Hannon in the background.

Tigers' righthander Brian Lee, 1-2, was pitching a three-hit shutout entering the last inning when the Crimson Eagles rallied, sending 10 players to the plate. Scott Thornton opened the top of the seventh with a walk, one of four free passes issued by Ludlowe hurlers in the fatal frame.

Procaccini stepped to the plate next. "This at-bat is still crystal-clear in my mind," he wrote. "I was facing Brian Lee, a solid right-handed pitcher and multi-sport player, against whom I would eventually have much good fortune," added Procaccini, who had three hits against him in one Senior Babe Ruth game played that summer.

"The count went to three and two, and I fouled off about three or four pitches, battling Lee all the way," he remembered. "I recall concentrating on not falling behind the pitches; his fastball was quick, and I could have easily been whiffed. Then, I sliced a fastball on the outside part of the plate into left-center field, a solid line-drive single, advancing the runner to second."

Pinch-hitter Paul Rossitto laid down a perfect bunt along the third base line for a hit, loading the bases with nobody out. The pressure then fell squarely upon the shoulders of pinch hitter John Zadrovitz to keep the rally going. "I started the scoring by hitting a deep sac fly to the left field fence with the bases loaded in the seventh," pointed out Zadrovitz. His fly ball cut the deficit in half, 2-1.

"I was down, 0-2, on the count, and Brian Lee threw me a knuckleball that didn't do squat. He had thrown me a curve ball the previous pitch, and I was in a hole. I guess he was cocky, so he figured he would mess with me. Unfortunately, I had only warning-track power, but I still got us on the scoreboard. The rest is history."

Ludlowe coach Jack Mullady then brought in Klecko, and Gormely belted a 1-1 offering to centerfield, plating two more runs and giving Warde a 3-2 advantage. Frank Fekete walked with the bases loaded, allowing the fourth run to score.

Henry set down the Tigers in order in the last of the seventh inning, his fourth perfect inning of the game. He said his Dad had the game clippings, including a story from the Fairfield Citizen-News seen below, plastered all over the walls at the family gas station, Wells Rest Texaco, on Stratfield Road, until he finished managing the station in 1978.

Procaccini caught the last out, and he still has the baseball to this day. "I was absolutely ecstatic," he remembered. "Bob Henry, my close friend since grammar school, had pitched a great game, and we had defeated our cross-town enemies, in an otherwise dismal season."

He appeared with the baseball on News 12 Connecticut's Education Notebook program to promote the AWHS Class of 1976 30-year reunion 16 years ago, and he even brought the ball to the class reunion in August of 2006. "Having caught the last out, I decided to keep that ball forever," Procaccini admitted.

"It has remained with me ever since, along with the glove with which I caught it, and my cap, which sports a white italic-style W against the crimson color of our school. "TONY PRO," my nickname in high school, is still on the under-bill."


It was just the third league win in 10 outings for Warde, while Ludlowe's FCIAC record dropped to 6-5. Overall, the Crimson Eagles improved to 3-9 and the Tigers dropped to 9-5. Ultimately, the Eagles finished the season with a 6-12 record, while Ludlowe made the state tournament.

"Coach Ed Bengermino told me he remembers that game vividly," Procaccini pointed out. "Bob Jackson was the varsity coach in 1976, and Bengermino was JV baseball coach. But 'Bengie' came to our games when the JV games ended. Defeating our crosstown rivals in those circumstances was extremely satisfying, and meant much to us. We had decisively won 'bragging rights' which, for the seniors, means we keep it forever."

Paul

Attorney Jon Schoenhorn Donates 17 Issues of Crimson Crier Newspapers to This Website

Mr. Jon L. Schoenhorn, an attorney in Hartford and editor-in-chief of the Crimson Crier newspaper during his senior year at Andrew Warde High School, has graciously donated 17 issues of the Crimson Crier for publication to our archives.

"I guess these were in a trunk in my parents' house," he wrote. "Perhaps the Fairfield Historical Society, the Board of Education, or Andrew Warde High School's librarian want these artifacts."

I am thrilled and gratified by the sincere offer from Mr. Schoenhorn. The 17 additional issues from 1971 and 1972 will push the total number of Crimson Crier archived newspapers to close to 50.

They will be posted to the Website soon. Please click the image below to access the companion site, the Crimson Crier Archives.

Paul

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1962

Kathy Anderson Paced Lady Eagles to FCIAC Basketball Crown 46 Years Ago Today

The Andrew Warde High School's girls' basketball team captured the FCIAC championship 46 years ago today --- February 13, 1976 --- by defeating Westhill High School, 62-49, in Norwalk. Kathy Anderson, tournament MVP, led the Crimson Eagles to their 15th victory in 17 games by scoring 20 points, while Diane Dionis and Debbie Mendell had 12 points apiece to aid the Warde attack.

The Crimson Eagles led the entire way against the Western Division champions, marching to a 32-25 halftime lead. The Lady Vikings lost for only the third time in 17 outings. Warde advanced to the title game by defeating Western Division runner-up Stamford, courtesy of Anderson's 19 markers. Westhill moved into the finals by defeating Eastern Division runner-up Ludlowe.

The champions bolted out to a 12-9 lead after the first quarter before taking the seven point cushion into the intermission break. Warde outscored Westhill, 14-10, in the third quarter to increase its lead to 46-35 heading into the final frame. Warde won the final quarter, 16-14, to post the comfortable 13-point margin of victory.

With a new head coach, Miss Mary Beth McGirr, the girls got off to a slow start early in the season, but they staged a remarkable comeback to end up winning the league title. One of the reasons for the team's mid-season surge was the play of Anderson, a sophomore sensation. Her phenomenal improvement from the beginning of the season paralleled the improved play of the team as a whole.

By the end of the campaign, Anderson was habitually leading the team in points and rebounds every game. She earned All-FCIAC first-team honors, and she was named the MVP of the league tournament. But, Anderson wasn't the only reason the team won the coveted FCIAC championship.

The many other players who contributed much to the team's achievements included seniors Dionis, Mendell, who earned All-FCIAC second-team recognition, Gayle Johnson, and Marti Causey. The juniors included Kris Ness and Betsy Niesyn. The FCIAC championship game was played Friday evening, February 13, 1976, at Norwalk High School.

Paul

Warde Cagers Trounced Ludlowe 59 Years Ago Today to Sweep Season Series

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team trounced arch-rival Roger Ludlowe, 87-62, at the winners' gym 59 years ago today, Tuesday, February 5, 1963. It was the second game between the spirited Fairfield rivals that season. Warde also won the first contest, 71-48.

There were several highlights in the game. Warde co-captain Pete Jankovsky equaled Joe Magdon's school scoring record of 34 points; the Crimson Eagles climbed into a tie for second place with New Canaan in the FCIAC Eastern Division; Coach Don Feeley's cagers gained a berth in the CIAC tournament; Warde chalked up its tenth straight home court triumph; and the Eagles defeated the Tigers for the eighth time in a row.

Jankovsky and co-captain Bob Ryan combined for 12 points as Warde spurted into a 17-8 lead after the first period. Joel Blaskey topped the Tigers with six points.

The Crimson Eagles scored 21 points in the second quarter to take a commanding 38-25 halftime cushion. The second-quarter onslaught was led by Ryan (six points), Rusty Helgren (five), Jankovsky (four), Hank Gellert (four), and Wayne Gower (two), each having a hand in the scoring. Blaskey was the top scorer on offense for the Tigers with eight points, but he was limited to only two points in the second half.

Feeley's fast-breaking charges erupted for 45 points in the second half , netting 21 in the third period as Ryan hit for nine and Jankovsky added six. Ludlowe fought back gamely with 16 points, including six each by George Martin and Gary Klahr, but the Tigers trailed, 59-41, prior to the final eight-minute session.

The fourth quarter was all Jankovsky, as the senior tallied 16 points to equal the high mark established by Magdon in 1959 against Stamford Catholic.

Overall, Warde converted 21 of 27 foul shots, compared to 12 of 17 for Ludlowe.

The Crimson Eagles also won the junior varsity tilt, 46-44, as Jim Bodnar paced the winners with 19 points and Ray DeCormier tallied 18 for the Tigers.

Paul