AWHS Opened Sparkling New Gymnasium 66 Years Ago Today

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team played for the very first time in its new gymnasium 66 years ago today. 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

New Look Website Honors History of Andrew Warde High School

Thank you for visiting this website. It is a labor of love. The Andrew Warde High School tribute website originated 17 years ago prior to the 30-year reunion for the AWHS Class of 1976. 

Since that time, this website has expanded to include feature videos, photos, class reunion updates, historical events, a Gift Shop, a Guest Book, and companion websites which host 47 issues of the Crimson Crier school newspaper from 1967 through 1976. More issues will be added soon.

The background image will be different each month.

Much time and effort have gone into the creation of this website, which honors the history of Andrew Warde High School. Please take a look at everything it has to offer.

If you would like to write a feature story, send photos, videos, or Crimson Crier newspapers, please contact me at paulpiorek@gmail.com.

Thank you.

Paul Piorek

AWHS Class of 1976

andrewwarde.blogspot.com 

Editor and Publisher

Charity Tosses Helped Warde Defeat Staples 56 Years Ago Today

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team converted 33 foul shots to hand Staples a 71-50 FCIAC setback at the Wreckers' court 56 years ago today, Tuesday, January 10, 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