Warde Homecoming Day Set for this Saturday, October 14

Fairfield Warde High School is holding its annual Homecoming football game this Saturday, October 14, at Tetreau/Davis Field in Fairfield. The tailgate party begins at 9:00 a.m., and kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

Julie Gulbin is the chair of the event, and she invites alumni of Andrew Warde High School, Fairfield High School, and Fairfield Warde High School to attend the football game.

According to Jessica Summers, a graduate of the first class of Fairfield High School, "Football alumni, as well all alumni, can join us at the Warde football homecoming this Saturday. I know you are having a reunion on the same night, so I thought this might add some additional fun as it is a day game.

"We would love to have any football alumni let us know they are coming so we can announce them at the game. We would love to have all alumni wear their Warde jackets or any fun old memorabilia. I love the hat with the pins you came across. So FUN!"

The Andrew Warde High School Class of 1967 is holding its 50-year reunion later that evening at Vazzy's 19th Hole in Fairfield from 7 to 11 p.m. Graduates are encouraged to start the day by returning to their high school for the Homecoming Game at 11:00 a.m.

Paul

Crimson Eagles' Gridders Posted First Victory on New Football Field 60 Years Ago Today

The Andrew Warde High School football team, which was winless in its eight games in its first season a year earlier, came from behind with two quick fourth quarter touchdowns and defeated Bassick, 13-7, before a good-sized crowd at the new Warde field 59 years ago today, Friday, September 20, 1957.

Both of the Crimson Eagles' touchdowns, registered by fullback Jack Flanagan and left halfback Dick Kardos, followed recoveries of Bassick fumbles by Warde tackles Brian Shay and Dan Pisanelle. The Lions outplayed the Eagles through much of the first three quarters. Bassick jumped to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Archie Holm caught a long forward pass from Tony Wiencko and ran 55 yards to complete a spectacular 79-yard scoring play.

In addition to losing the hard-fought battle, Bassick also lost the services of its two experienced co-captains, Helm, and regular quarterback Hank Cepero, for an indefinite period. Cepero was removed from action on the game's opening kickoff when he suffered what was feared to be a dislocated knee. Helm had to be assisted from the field late in the third quarter when he suffered a possible toe fracture.

The first Warde touchdown drive covered 35 yards and was highlighted by an 18-yard gain on a lateral pass play from Kardos to wingback Ray Figlar. Flanagan carried the ball twice from there into the end zone, but he was stopped in an attempt to rush for the extra point, leaving the Lions with a 7-6 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Helm was hit hard by two Warde tacklers and fumbled, with Pisanelle recovering for the Eagles at Bassick's 32 yard line. The fired-up Warde charges of coach Fern Tetreau covered the remaining distance to paydirt in four well-executed running plays, with Kardos, quarterback Ben Slesinsky, and Flanagan doing the ball carrying. Slesinsky took a forward handoff from Kardos and circled end for 19 yards and the longest gain. Slesinsky also added the extra point after Kardos registered the touchdown.

The turning point of the game came midway through the third quarter when Bassick fumbled away an almost sure touchdown after driving from its own 37 following the second half kickoff. The drive was engineered on the running of Helm, Johnny Gennette, and Paul Borgman. Substitute halfback Gus Hatzis bobbled the ball just short of the goal line, after a 13 yard run, and Warde end Fred Gates recovered in his own end zone for a touchback.

Paul

Recalling the 50-Year Reunion of the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1962

It's been 55 years since the Class of 1962 graduated from Andrew Warde High School. Let's take a trip back five years and remember the 50-year reunion with this wonderful song and video written and performed by class member Bill Baker. "We are all Andrew Warde."

Paul

'Senior Hat' from 1967 Displayed Spirit Pins

How many of you are old enough to remember 'Senior Hats?' This writer is a 1976 graduate of Andrew Warde High School, so I'm not familiar with them. However, one of the regular contributors to the Guest Book wrote, "Anyone remember collecting the different spirit pins, buttons, and badges each week during football season in the late 60s and 70s?"

The writer continued, "Warde students and faculty (collected pins) with the name of the opponent for the upcoming Saturday football game. There used to be 'Senior Hats' for sale, usually before the first football pep rally. Seniors would decorate their hats with the buttons and pins collected during their years at Warde.

"On the day of the first pep rally, seniors were allowed to wear the 'Senior Hats' to classes throughout the day. The school-wide pep rallies usually took place during the last period of the day. If the weather was clear, then the rally took place on the patio in front of the cafeteria. Otherwise, the rally moved into the gym. After the football team and coaches were introduced, each class would compete in a cheer contest with the loudest class being declared the winner."

Believe it or not, I found a 'Senior Hat' from 1967 at a Fairfield Warde High School flea market. The crimson hat has the embroidered letters AW and numbers 67 along with the spirit pins. This is quite a find, and it's one of my favorite Andrew Warde High School collectibles. Take a look. 

Paul

Highlights of AWHS Class of 1967 45-Year Reunion

Wayne Cotter, a member of the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1967, is one of the committee members planning this year's 50-year reunion at Vazzy's in Fairfield. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 14. Please see the post below for information on the 50-year reunion.

Here is a video he compiled from the 45-year reunion of the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1967. Please make sure the speaker is on and adjust the volume accordingly to hear the audio.

Andrew Warde High School's Class of 1967 to Hold 50-Year Reunion October 14

Andrew Warde High School's Class of 1967 will hold its 50-year reunion Saturday, October 14, 2017, at Vazzy's 19th Hole at the Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield. That's the word from Dr. Eric Mazur, an alumnus of the Class of 1967.

"Three people from my AWHS class--- Micka Zeman-Ellison, Stephanie Owsiany, and Wayne Cotter --- are organizing the 50th reunion celebration," wrote Dr. Mazur, who retired from his position at Norwalk Hospital about three years ago and now teaches residents and medical students. He also volunteers at the Norwalk Community Health Center. "There is a dinner buffet from 7:00-11:00 and a cash bar." For classmates interested in attending, the cost is $25, and checks should be sent to Stephanie Owsiany, 833 Jennings Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, 06824.

According to the committee members, "To date we have received 66 confirmed and paid for acknowledgements for our class reunion. (We are) sending you a reminder notice of the upcoming planned reunion scheduled for 2 1/2 months to our scheduled reunion date, and we needed to move quickly to secure a location that would be cost effective and locally convenient to all.

"We have always kept the affair in our town of Fairfield, where we grew up. This has made some options limited as the town has changed. We looked at our prior reunions and elected to revisit Vazzy's at Fairchild Wheeler golf course, as the price was reasonable and the location picturesque with Fall leaves in color. We were able to secure Vazzy's for October 14, 2017. We look forward to seeing everyone. Lets all make this a great 50th."