2 CITIZEN’S NEWS Friday, January 29, 2010 Here’s Hoping You Love This Labor of Love By Kyle Brennan There are also some decisions I’ve made about the project for which I’ve Citizen’s News received some flak. More than a few people have told me the top 25 lists should I remember being in middle school, awed by Woodland sports. The Hawks separate males and females. I figured I would kill two birds with one stone and were really special to me. I wasn’t much of an athlete, but I was already a staunch- rank them anyway, so if you’d like to think of it as separate, go ahead and sepa- All-Decade Stat Chat ly avid sports fan, and the way I saw it, the Hawks were just the latest team to add rate them. to my short list of favorites. But I felt a level of connection to Woodland sports that I’ve had some insist that I do an all-decade team; I chose not 1 Athlete from either school on three different All-Decade teams—Woodland’s I didn’t have to the Red Sox or Jets or UConn—I felt like I was a Hawk, even by to, not out of disrespect to our schools’ spirit squads but because I felt there was Shane Kingsley watching football games as an eighth grader. no easy and proper way to choose teams. There’s no denying many cheerleaders 2 Football players—Woodland’s Jeff Jones and Naugatuck’s Matt Gomes—who If I could travel back to 2005, to the awestruck freshman I was, and compare throughout the years would be worthy, from Woodland’s Lindsay Temple to Paige have three different starting positions on their schools’ All-Decade football myself to the position I’m in today, there’s no way I would believe it. Christensen and Naugatuck’s Jessica Martins to Jamie Iannotti. teams 2 I’m in that position, though, as the person trusted with creating a piece of Of course, the other team supporters at both schools deserve recognition as State championships for both schools this decade; Naugatuck boys’ soccer claimed titles in 2001-02, while Woodland football won rings in 2004-05 history—the All-Decade sports teams at Woodland Regional and Naugatuck high well. Woodland’s dance team has become one of the best in the state over the last 3 Naugatuck football players with multiple starting positions on the Hounds’ schools. And I’ve relished every bit of this distinguished role. few years under coach Michele LoRusso, and Naugatuck’s marching band has All-Decade lineup I’m a Woodland alum (class of 2009), so I’m definitely more familiar with always been top-notch under director Robert Kogut. 4 Of Woodland’s top five games of the decade were played on the gridiron the Hawks’ history than Naugatuck’s. But I certainly have my ties to Naugy. My I don’t want to leave out the wrestling team from the early days of 4 All-America selections on the Naugatuck boys’ soccer All-Decade team, the dad’s entire family was Garnet and Grey, first his parents in the 1950s then he and Woodland, led by Jon Howard and Adam Shortell, nor do I wish to omit Naugy’s most of any squad his siblings in the ‘70s and ‘80s. I’ve had three cousins graduate from the borough all-state gymnasts, Kassie Merancy and Katrina Orsini. All deserve credit, but I had 6 All-New England picks on that unit, also the most among all teams institution, and I was a Greyhounds fan until my school was built in the Woods. to limit our teams to the conventional sports. 6 Woodland football players with multiple starting positions on the Hawks’ As knowledgeable as I am about area sports, there’s no way I could have So I hope this is something you all enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed put- All-Decade roster completed this project with the degree of accuracy it deserves without the invalu- ting it together. To be able to write about the athletes who dropped my jaw time 7 1,000-point scorers among the 20 starting players able help of more than 30 individuals. As I’ve found out, record-keeping isn’t and time again is such a thrill for me, and this takes the cake. Now those guys and 7 Combined All-State players on Woodland’s 2004 and 2005 football teams exactly the best around these parts, and each of the folks I consulted helped fill the girls, many of whom are men and women today, get to look back at what they 8 Track athletes from either Woodland or Naugatuck who have been All-New gaps in the project. On behalf of all of us at Citizen’s News, thanks so much. were part of, and it’s been my pleasure to compile it. (By the way, this issue is also England performers this decade There are a few things I need to clear up before you go leafing through this available on our Web site, mycitizensnews.com, so spread the word so our alumni 8 Out of 10 Naugatuck Valley League boys’ soccer championships this decade section. Obviously, as with any project involving this level of subjectivity, there is can check it out online.) won by Naugatuck going to be a ton of room for debate about each and every decision I made. I don’t I hope this is something we keep around, too. Maybe we’ll be lucky enough 8 Athletes who were All-NVL selections all four years in the same sport—7 from claim to have done a 100 percent perfect job on this, but I spent every spare to have this kept in our high schools’ and communities’ libraries because as cool as Naugy, 1 from Woodland moment I had over the last seven months making sure it was the best it could be, this project is going to be to look at now, it might be even more awesome to look 9 Families at each school with at least two athletes on the All-Decade teams and I’m sure there are still some athletes I’ve missed. back in 10, 20, 50 years. I know I’m laminating a copy and framing it in my game 9 NVL championships won by Woodland this decade; no sport has more than Unfortunately, we could only fit so much information on these pages, so we room. two titles 13 Athletes among Woodland’s top 25 athletes of the decade from Beacon Falls tried to list some of the athletes’ highest accomplishments in their short bios. Lastly, I hope the younger boys and girls in Naugatuck, Prospect and Beacon 14 Naugatuck athletes on multiple All-Decade teams Again, I’m sure there are some small bits and pieces I missed, but there were only Falls learn a little from reading about the recent history of our two high schools’ 14 Woodland athletes on multiple All-Decade teams so many records available. Hopefully, in the future, the NVL will start keeping some athletics, because in just a few short years, you’ll be able to make your cases to be 15 Naugatuck athletes yet to graduate who hold starting positions on the All- more organized records of all-league athletes and championships—that might listed among the best athletes of next decade. Decade teams make this a little easier the next time around. Enjoy, folks. 18 NVL track records held by athletes from either Woodland or Naugatuck 20 Woodland athletes still in school who hold starting sports on the All-Decade Table of Contents squads 31 Goals scored by Naugatuck’s Ryan Kinne in 2006, the highest single- NHS Top 5 Teams, Naugatuck Top 25 Woodland Top 25 total ever at either school 34 Total All-Decade teams between the two schools Football p. 4 Soccer p. 5 Basketball p. 6 Games, Plays p. 7 Athletes p. 8 Athletes p. 9 51.1 Straight by Woodland’s Mark McKay in 2008 without allowing an earned run 60 NVL championships won by Naugatuck this decade, 27 of which came in track 61 Career wins by Naugatuck’s Alana Wesche, the most by any pitcher at either school 90 Career runs scored by Woodland’s Alice Levinsky, the most by any or player at Woodland 270 Total starting positions on the 34 All-Decade teams .583 Career batting average of Naugatuck’s Henry Lee, the highest ever at NHS 640 Career point total of Woodland’s Adam Cegelka, the boys’ all-time leading WRHS Top 5 Teams, Cross Country and Baseball and and scorer Games, Plays p. 10 p. 11 Track and Field p. 12 and p. 13 Softball p. 14 Diving p. 15 1,040 Receiving yards by Naugatuck’s Matt Gomes in 2003, the highest single- season total of the decade at either school 1,157 Career point total of Woodland’s Jen Valente, the girls’ all-time leading scorer 2001 Year of five of Naugatuck’s teams of the decade, the most of any year at either school 3,602 Career rushing yards by Woodland’s Pat Krakowski, the most ever at WRHS

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They When I was asked for my input as my sports editor, Callum Borchers, and our came in together as freshmen to give coach Keith Raczkowski a final hurrah to a top notch sportswriter Kyle Brennan were putting the finishing touches on our All- stellar career. During the Fab Five’s senior season, they went into Torrington unde- Decade issue, a flood of memories overwhelmed me. Where has the time gone? It feated, at 11-0, led by Northeastern-bound Michelle Decerbo, Jamie Raczkowski, certainly hasn't felt like all that time has passed. But, yes, it's been more than 13 Jen Butkus, Nicole Plourde and Lauren Fitzgerald. Torrington got a good home job years since my very first article appeared in the Naugatuck Daily News, back on from the referees that night, as Naugatuck was called for an uncharacteristic six Sept. 21, 1996. It was a job that was supposed to last six weeks—‘til the end of the traveling violations in the game’s first two minutes. With three minutes to go in Naugatuck Junior Football League season. the first period, Naugatuck trailed, 19-1. It looked like the winning streak would be I must have made a favorable impression because I was soon asked if I could over, but the Greyhounds somehow pounded out the nails and rallied for a heroic, hang around and cover the Lil' Pal Basketball League. Here I am, in my 14th year, 76-73 win to stay unbeaten. and I'm still hanging around at a job I have come to love. So many athletes have touched my life over the years. I still see a lot of those Naugy Baseball Gets Its Revenge—33 Years Later athletes who have grown up to become prominent members of the community. I After two blowout losses to the Red Raiders during the regular season, the Last is the Naugatuck baseball team. From 2003-06, it won three NVL cham- feel so honored to have shared such a special time in their lives. That's why it's so Greyhounds pulled off the upset of the decade last winter, when they pionships under head coach Tom Deller. Naugatuck baseball is famous for its 64- hard to compile a list of the best of the best. They most certainly were all the best shocked Torrington, 58-54, in the first round of the Class L tournament. game winning streak, from 1970-72. That streak ended in 1972 with an extra- in my book. Anyone who put on the Garnet and Grey or Black and Gold was the best innings loss to Shelton in the state tournament. Thirty-three years later, in 2005, of the best to me. So here’s to the best of the best, and I thank you from the bot- Pablo Couvertier plowed in for the game-winning points in a 14-13 seat grabber. Naugatuck got to face Shelton in a state tournament game for the first time since tom of my heart for all the great memories. I have been truly blessed with the best Naugatuck won the NVL title, and the fans knocked down the fences trying to storm 1972. One thing didn’t change: The game was decided in extra innings. This time, job on all of God’s earth. the field to celebrate with their team. Naugatuck prevailed, 9-8, thanks to a last-at-bat rally in the eighth. Rob Servidas The following is a list of my top five fantastic finishes of the last decade. turned in a gutsy pitching performance, going six innings, scattering eight hits and The Shocker in T-Town striking out five. Pat Dean came on and got the win in relief, going the last two Gutsy Gridiron Performances Ranked second on the top five list is last year’s Class L state tournament bas- innings, and also delivered the game-winning hit. Naugatuck had been ahead, 6- The Naugatuck football team has produced some wild finishes over the last ketball game between the Naugatuck girls and Torrington. The Red Raiders had 2, but trailed, 7-6, going to the bottom of the sixth. Nick DeBeauvernet drove in 10 years, including a 2003 barn burner in Torrington that quarterback Darryl White defeated Naugatuck twice in the regular season by a total of 75 points, and there Andrew Katrenya with the tying run to send the game to extras. Steve Dobi scored and company pulled out by a scary, 47-40 margin. wasn’t a fan within 20 miles of the Torrington gym that gave Naugatuck a chance. the game-winning run, ahead of Pat Dean’s hit in the bottom of the eighth. Speaking of scary, nothing can quite compare with the Halloween battle But the Greyhounds shocked the world and defeated Torrington, coming back from between Naugatuck and Woodland that same year. The Greyhounds took a slim, a halftime deficit in a game that will go down in Naugatuck sports history as the 18-14 lead into the final quarter. When the final salvo was fired, Woodland escaped greatest upset of all time. Most Bizarre Occurrence with a ghoulish, 40-37 victory, as the two teams hung up 45 points in the last 12 There was an awful lot of pushing and shoving going on when the minutes of the game. And Just When All Hope Seemed Lost ... Woodland boys’ basketball team hosted its first-ever state tournament That would no doubt be the most fantastic finish of the decade, if not for the Third is a boys’ basketball game played during the 2001 season. Naugatuck game in 2005. But the biggest shove of the night belonged to Waterford last Naugatuck Valley League championship won by the Greyhounds on the grid- trailed Seymour by 20 points with a little more than five minutes to play. The NHS head coach Richard Conover, who was led out of the Hawks’ gym in hand- iron. That took place on Thanksgiving Day 2001, when the 8-1 Ansonia Chargers fans crammed into the tight quarters of the Seymour gym were yelling for coach cuffs. There were a lot of fouls in that game, and Conover got into a heated came to the borough to take on the undefeated Greyhounds in a winner-take-all Kevin Wesche to put in the JV squad. But the Greyhounds of Dave Pires, A.J. argument with a referee. A Beacon Falls state trooper came over to calm scenario. Ansonia held a 7-0 advantage when Larry Bennett tip toed down the Bonessi and company were not to be denied, as Naugatuck outscored Seymour, 35- down the irate coach, but Conover was so livid that he pushed the trooper sideline on the opening kickoff of the second half to give Naugatuck new life. 10, for the remainder of the game, pulling off a stunning, 65-60 victory. and was arrested. The Black and Gold won the game and advanced to the Following a blocked extra point on Ansonia’s last touchdown in the fourth, Matt quarterfinals, where the Hawks lost to Fairfield Ludlowe. Paradisi scored, and first-year head coach Rob Plasky elected to go for the win. The Fabulous Five Remain Unbeaten

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Woodland Football Naugatuck Football Team of the decade: 2004 Team of the decade: 2001 Undefeated Class SS and NVL champion; No. 6 in final NH Register poll; WRHS Best record of the decade (10-0 regular season, 10-1 overall); NVL champion; last records points (437), shutouts (7); 3 All-State picks; 7 All-NVL picks NHS team to beat Ansonia and qualify for Class LL Tournament; 7 All-NVL picks Player of the decade: Pat Krakowski Jeff Jones Player of the decade: Matt Gomes All-State (2004); NH Register All-Area (2004); All-NVL (2003-04); WRHS records All-State (2003); New Haven Register All-State (2003); All-NVL (2002-03); 59 career touchdowns (66), points (412); only 3-year captain in team history receptions, 1,040 yards, 11 touchdowns (2003); New Haven County All-Star (2004) Offense Offense

QB Jared Katchmar ‘05 All-State (2004); All-NVL (2004); NVL Top Senior (2004) QB Darryl White ‘04 MSG Player of the Week (2003); All-NVL (2003) RB Pat Krakowski ‘05 Player of the decade RB Pablo Couvertier ‘02 All-NVL (2001); 24 rushing touchdowns (2001) WR/RB Jeff Jones ‘06 All-State (2005); All-NVL (2004-05) RB Jesse Culbertson ‘02 All-NVL (2001) WR Shane Kingsley ‘06 All-State (2005); All-NVL (2004-05) RB Matt Paradisi ‘02 All-NVL (2001) Darryl White WR/RB Will Volage ‘08 All-State (2006-07); All-NVL (2006-07) WR Matt Gomes ‘04 Player of the decade TE Matt Dorosh ‘05 All-State (2004); All-NVL (2004) TE Bryan Crosley ‘01 2-year starter OL Tim Hutvagner ‘05 3-year starter; co-captain NVL, Class SS champ (2004) OL Tom Boisvert ‘02 All-NVL (2001) OL Mark LaFortune ‘05 All-NVL Honorable Mention (2003-04) OL Bill Freiheit ‘02 All-NVL (2001) OL Mike Stankus ‘06 All-State (2005); All-NVL (2004-05) OL Justin Kievits ‘02 All-NVL (2001) OL Jeff Temple ‘06 All-State (2005); All-NVL HM (2004-05) Mike Stankus OL Dan Mariano ‘10 All-State (2009); All-NVL (2008-09) OL Josh Woodin ‘08 All-State (2006); All-NVL (2006) OL Mike Reho ‘07 All-State (2006); All-NVL (2006) Defense Defense

DE Eric Alfiere ‘08 All-State (2007); All-NVL (2007) DE/LB Ryan Culbertson ‘07 All-NVL (2005-06); New Haven County All-Star (2006) DL Eric Brown ‘08 All-State (2006-07); All-NVL (2006-07) DE/LB Chris Davey ‘07 All-State (2006); All-NVL (2006); All-NVL HM (2005) DL Mark LaFortune ‘05 All-NVL Honorable Mention (2004) DL Roger Drown ‘01 All-NVL (1999-2000) DL Eric Moraniec ‘05 All-NVL (2004) DL Justin Kievits ‘02 New Haven County All-Star (2001) Matt Gomes LB Matt Dorosh ‘05 New Haven Register All-Area (2004) LB Andrew Katrenya ‘06 All-NVL (2004-05) LB Justin Famigletti ‘06 All-NVL Honorable Mention (2005) LB Mike Parente ‘02 All-NVL (2001) LB/DE Mike Stankus ‘06 WRHS record career tackles (200) LB Dom Pucci ‘03 All-NVL (2002) DB Anthony Cassetti ‘06 All-NVL Honorable Mention (2005) DB Andrew Corridore ‘07 All-State (2005-06); All-NVL (2006) DB Jeff Jones ‘06 WRHS-record 27 touchdowns (2005) DB Gary Diaz ‘01 All-NVL (1999-2000); 3-year starter DB Shane Kingsley ‘06 New Haven Register All-State (2005) DB Dave Pires ‘01 2-year starter DB Pat Krakowski ‘05 Player of the decade Shane Kingsley DB Adam Schultz ‘02 All-NVL (2000) Special Teams Special Teams

K Brandon Fowler ‘10 All-State (2009); All-NVL (2009); 56 PAT (2007) K Pablo Couvertier ‘02 New Haven County All-Star (2001) P Beau Larrow ‘05 All-NVL Honorable Mention (2003-04) P Matt Gomes ‘04 Player of the decade KR Jeff Jones ‘06 T-7 state history career KR touchdowns (3) KR Matt Gomes ‘04 Player of the decade Honorable mentions: Nick Amaro, Angelo Arena, Eric Battis, Nelson Cruz, Kile Coty, Jack DeBiase, Honorable mentions: Sean Anderson, Larry Bennett, Richard Blue, Mike Bruneau, Mike Figueroa, Alex Dorosh, Kyle Dorosh, Zach Ensero, Dave Fuller, Jason Kymer, Bobby Lepri, Ryan Lewis, Jon Damon Gallick, Mike Harris, Martine Jones, Adam Katrenya, Nikc Piccirillo, Chris Pinto, Mike Murren, Tom Norton, Rich Roberts, Sidney Sumler, Matt Trzaski Jesse Culbertson Pranulis, Tom Tousignant

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Woodland Boys’ Soccer Naugatuck Boys’ Soccer Team of the decade: 2008 Team of the decade: 2001 Best record in school history (10-7-1); first team to qualify for NVL tournament T-most wins of the decade (19-1-1); Class LL state champion; NVL champion Player of the decade: Jesse Menzies Player of the decade: Ryan Kinne All-New England (2008); All-State (2007-08); All-NVL (2007-08); school record All-America (2006); All-New England (2005-06); All-State (2005-06); All-NVL for career goals (39) and single-season goals (22 in 2008); NVL Top Senior (2008) (2005-06); NVL Top Senior (2006); NHS-record 31 goals (2006) Kevin Campofiore ‘07 All-NVL Second Team (2006-07) Luis Duque ‘07 All-NVL (2005-06); All-State HM (2006) Tyler Carlos ‘11 All-NVL Second Team (2009) Ryan Kinne ‘07 Player of the decade Jesse Menzies Rocky Cellupi ‘04 All-NVL Second Team (2003) B.J. Kochis ‘02 All-America (2001); 29 goals (2001) Egzan Dauti ‘05 One of school’s first outstanding players Brian Mariano ‘02 All-New England (2001); All-State (2001) Ken Graveline ‘07 All-NVL Second Team (2007) Tiago Martins ‘11 All-America (2009); All-New England (2009) Jesse Menzies ‘09 Player of the decade Jamie Pereira ‘03 All-NVL (2001-02) John Merriman ‘09 All-NVL (2008) Rich Reddington ‘03 All-America (2002); All-New England (2002) G Sean Montambault ‘08 Helped team to second-best season (2007) Fabian Rodriguez ‘03 All-NVL (2001-02) Jonathan Santos ‘08 Helped team to second-best season (2007) Tony Sendra ‘09 All-New England (2007-08); All-State (2007-08) Steve Vaz ‘10 All-State (2009); All-NVL (2009) Mike Serra ‘05 All-NVL (2003-04) B.J. Kochis Roman Wright ‘09 Helped team to best season (2008) G Jamie Verab ‘01 All-NVL (1999-2000) Honorable mentions: James Capriotti, Jay Gentile, Chas Loud, Tom Little, Chris Madormo, James Honorable mentions: Adam Bolton, James Canale, Jon Creem, Nick Duque, Julio Garcia, Manny Mathers, Rene Molina, Jeff Neddermann, Christian Pinho, Matt Sherman, Dan Teixeira Nobre, Dan Reid, Shawn Teixeira, Mike Vanasse

Woodland Girls’ Soccer Naugatuck Girls’ Soccer Team of the decade: 2004 Team of the decade: 2002 Best record in school history (14-3-3); first NVL championship in any sport at WRHS Best record of the decade (17-1); first NVL championship in school history Player of the decade: Gina DellaRose Player of the decade: Melissa McGinley All-State (2002-04); New Haven Register All-Area (2004); All-NVL (2002-04); All-State (2005-06); NVL Top Senior (2006); Senior Bowl (2006); All-NVL (2004- WRHS-record 23 goals (2004) Cecelia Dias 06); NHS-record 57 career goals; NHS-record 23 goals (2006) Alisha Berry ‘08 CGSCA Kelme MVP (2007) Allison Dell ‘04 All-State (2003); NVL Top Senior (2003) Gina DellaRose ‘05 Player of the decade Devon Magee ‘01 All-State (2000); NVL Top Senior (2000) Cecelia Dias ‘09 All-State (2008); 25 career goals; 27 career assists Meghan Magee ‘05 Senior Bowl (2004); NHS-record 35 career assists Christina Dias ‘08 All-NVL (2005-06); 29 career assists Stacey Maida ‘08 All-State (2007); Senior Bowl (2007) Liz Galla ‘08 All-State (2007); 50 career goals; 22 career assists Katie Massicotte ‘02 All-State (2001); Senior Bowl (2001) Michelle Jones ‘05 Captain of 2004 NVL champion Melissa McGinley ‘07 Player of the decade Stephanie Negaro ‘08 All-NVL (2006-07); 43 career goals G Stephanie McGinley ‘03 NHS-record 15 shutouts (2002); Senior Bowl (2002) Christina Palmerie ‘05 All-State (2002-04); All-NVL (2002-04) Holly McGrath ‘03 All-State (2002); Senior Bowl (2002) Raven Palmerie ‘11 All-NVL (2009); CGSCA Kelme MVP (2009) Krystal Pabey ‘01 All-State (2000); All-NVL (1997-2000) Courtney Pokora ‘06 All-State (2005); All-NVL (2005) Stephanie Santos ‘11 All-State (2009); All-NVL (2007-09) G Caitlin Witham ‘06 All-State (2005); NVL Top Senior (2005) Sara Tarsi ‘10 All-NVL (2007-08) Honorable mentions: Alyssa Caruso, Keri DeBiase, Meghan Graveline, Melanie Jones, Alaina Miele, Melissa McGinley Honorable mentions: Lisa Basile, Christina Bottacari, Corbi Crowther, Chrissie Gillis, Sarah Meghan O'Hanlon, Alicia Salvatore, Rachel Spiwak, Chrissy Witham Magnamo, Melinda Marshall, Stacey Nunes, Kim Reid, Heather Thurston

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Woodland Boys’ Basketball Naugatuck Boys’ Basketball Team of the decade: 2005 Team of the decade: 2006 Best record in school history (14-9); reached Division III quarterfinal (WRHS best) Best record of the decade (12-9); No. 19 seed in Division II tournament

Player of the decade: Tom Little Tom Little Player of the decade: Anthony Mariano All-Suburban Second Team (2005); 2-year starting center; third in school history All-NVL (2009); 1,000-point scorer; led team to 2009 Class L tournament (10-10 with 491 career points (12.3 ppg); WRHS-record 320 career rebounds (8 rpg) regular season, 11-11 overall) G Adam Cegelka ‘06 WRHS records 640 career points, 61 career 3-pointers G Anthony Mariano ‘09 Player of the decade G Shane Kingsley ‘06 2-year starting point guard; 268 career points; 7 apg G John Mariano ‘07 Helped team to 2006 Division II tourney (12-10) F Colin Bisson ‘07 All-Suburban 2nd Team (2006-07); 543 career points G Daeshawn McMorrin ‘06 Helped team to 2006 Division II tourney (12-10) All-State HM (2005); All-NVL 2nd Team (2005) Helped team to 2001 Class LL tourney (10-11) F Odiri Emadu ‘05 Anthony Mariano F AJ Bonessi ‘03 C Tom Little ‘05 Player of the decade F Dave Pires ‘01 Helped team to 2001 Class LL tourney (10-11) Honorable mentions: Tim Damman, Alex Dorosh, Beau Larrow, Tyler Rich, Jason Skibek, Ryan Honorable mentions: Pablo Couvertier, Stephen Cribb, Pat Dean, Pat Gibson, Spencer Palmer, Rich Slapikas, Mike Stankus, Steve West Reddington, Andrice Savage

Woodland Girls’ Basketball Naugatuck Girls’ Basketball Team of the decade: 2006 Team of the decade: 2001 Best record in school history (14-8); 4 players received league honors Best record of the decade (21-2); NVL regular-season and tournament champion

Player of the decade: Jen Valente Samantha LaCroce Player of the decade: Michelle Decerbo All-State (2006); All-NVL (2005-06); NVL Top Senior (2006); WRHS-record 1,157 All-State (2001-02); All-NVL (2001-02); 1,000-point scorer; led team to 2001 NVL career points and 716 career rebounds; led NVL with 21.7 ppg and 12.0 rpg (2006) championship G Alice Levinsky ‘06 All-Suburban HM (2006) G Brynn Davey ‘00 1,000-point scorer G Rebecca Rydzik ‘06 All-Suburban (2006); All-Suburban 2nd Team (2005) G Jamie Raczkowski ‘02 Helped team to NVL title (2001) F Heather Framski ‘11 All-NVL 2nd Team (2009); All-Suburban (2009) G Jessica Webber ‘10 All-NVL (2009); 1,000-point scorer F Samantha LaCroce ‘08 All-NVL (2008); 1,067 career points F Michelle Decerbo ‘02 Player of the decade C Jen Valente ‘06 Player of the decade F Gina Piroscafo ‘04 All-NVL (2003-04); 1,000-point scorer Honorable mentions: Katie Alfiere, Jessica Badale, Stephanie Kooharian, Jessie Madormo, Honorable mentions: Lisa Basile, Estephania Escobar, Jess Farren, Caitlin Garnish, Holly McGrath, Michelle Decerbo Samantha Werner Julie Piroscafo, Alison Rossi Egg Whites CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations Now ON Available YOUR SUCCESS! on any of on your Favorite SHANE KROPO Your Breakfast REALTOR® Residential Real Estate Sales Sandwiches (203) 768-2180 Cell Achievement [email protected] Original www.kropo.com Chicken Jim Goggin Sandwich PREFERRED PROPERTIES Naugatuck 108 Church Street • Naugatuck, CT 06770 • 203-723-9898 Tax Collector “No One in the World Sells More Real Estate than RE/MAX”

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By Joe Palladino That's where Mat Jannitto positioned himself. When he leaped to play the Republican-American ball, he blocked the vision of the Westhill keeper for just an instant, and the ball NEW BRITAIN — There was joy on the faces and exultation and, yes, there deflected into the net. was even a hint of disbelief. But when Jon Kochis held aloft the championship "The last time that play was that effective was against Xavier, my sophomore plaque, it signified one thing: that the Naugatuck High School boys’ soccer team year," Mariano added, speaking of the game-winning goal that sent Naugatuck to was king of the scholastic soccer world. what was then its deepest trip into tourney play, the semifinals. Using goals by Julio Garcia, Kochis, and an own goal that resulted off a Brian So maybe it wasn't luck after all that Naugatuck won its first-ever soccer Mariano throw-in, the No. 4-seeded Greyhounds claimed a 3-2 victory over sec- state title in its first-ever trip to the finals. ond-seeded Westhill-Stamford before a raucous crowd of more than 2,000 fans in "This is a hard-working, close-knit group," announced Kochis, who scored the CIAC Class LL tournament final Friday night Willow Brook Park. his 29th goal of the year in the game, and who was also named the Class LL Most Every coach on every team that Naugatuck left in its wake on this CIAC tour- Valuable Player. "We come out and lay it on the line for each other." ney run all echoed the same sentiment: Naugatuck, they said, was the best team In a game that was frantically-paced for a full 80 minutes, Naugatuck scored they saw all year. Naugatuck, they added, might be the best team in the state. All first, just 11 minutes in, when Garcia volleyed a crossing pass from Rodriguez past that was left for the Greyhounds was to go out and prove it themselves. Faugno (nine saves), who had a total of 11 shutouts on the season and had allowed Coach Art Nunes, fresh off an ice-water bath delivered by his players at mid- a mere 12 goals in 21 games. In the 18th minute, Westhill (19-1-2) tied it on a head- field following the game, wasn't quite sure how to answer one of the questions er from Edwin Miranda, which came off a booming crossing pass from Luis Quiceno. posed by the media: At the start of the season, did you think you had a state cham- Naugatuck stopper Rich Reddington also saved a goal when he cleared a ball off pionship team? the goal line that had been chipped over the head of keeper Jason Crisp. Nunes hesitated with his answer, but said, "We thought we had the kind of Naugatuck (19-1-1) took the lead with 41 seconds left in the half on a Kochis a team that could at least get here. You have to have talent to get here, and you Fabian Rodriguez (left) and Rich Reddington, pictured during Naugy’s 2002 goal. Denied a break-away when play was stopped on a Westhill penalty at mid- have to have some luck to get here." state championship victory, also helped the Hounds win the game of the field, Kochis scored seconds later anyway when Kevin Golebieski sprinted down the A lot of talent and a little bit of luck was the championship formula for decade, the 2001 Class LL final. left touchline and crossed the ball to Kochis wide open in the middle. He had time Naugatuck. Luck, as Nunes pointed out, first showed itself when Fabian Rodriguez to cut back against the defense and whip a bullet past the keeper. scored with one second left on the clock in overtime to beat Guilford 2-1 in the he leaves his feet, plants the ball on the ground and does a 360 front flip as he cat- Westhill, which was outshot, 16-8, scored the game-tying goal, but few in semifinals. Luck may have even reared its handsome head late in the second half apults the ball toward the goal—that traveled about 40 yards in the air. Westhill the stands might have seen it. While a fracas was about to break out involving rival Friday night. goalkeeper David Faugno tried to punch the ball out, but it went off his hands and student cheering sections, the Vikings' Ian Sloss dribbled the ball for more than 60 With the game tied, 2-2, Naugatuck scored the championship-winning goal into the net for what would prove to be the title-clinching goal. yards, beating the defense and slinging a shot past Crisp (four saves). on what has almost becomes the team trademark: Mariano's 360-degree spinara- "At halftime, Coach Nunes said that we have to get someone to stand in front But it was less than one minute later that the Greyhounds responded with ma throw-ins. With 20 minutes left in the game, Mariano unleashed a throw-in— of the goalie on one of those throw-ins," Mariano reports. the winning goal on the Mariano throw-in.

Top 5 Teams Top 5 Games Top 5 Plays

1. 2001 Boys’ Soccer 1. 2001 Boys’ Soccer vs. Westhill, Class LL Final 1. 2001 Mariano’s title-clinching throw-in The decade’s first state championship at NHS; t-most wins of the The Hounds won the first of two straight state titles by a 3-2 score A 40-yard, 360-degree front flip throw-in found the net for the decade (19-1-1); 1 All-American, 2 All-New Englanders, 5 All-NVLers over Westhill, clinched by Brian Mariano’s flip throw-in goal game-winner over Westhill, earning Mariano an ESPY nomination 2. 2002 Boys’ Soccer 2. 2001 Football vs. Ansonia, Thanksgiving 2. 2001 Couvertier’s conversion beats Ansonia The decade’s only undefeated NVL and state champion at Naugy Naugatuck’s only win over Ansonia this decade, 14-13, clinched by After Matt Paradisi’s 66-yard TD pulled the Hounds within one, (19-0-1); 1 All-American, 1 All-New Englander, 3 All-NVLers Pablo Couvertier’s 2-point conversion run in the fourth quarter Couvertier followed Jesse Culbertson to the end zone for the win 3. 2001 Football 3. 2002 Boys’ Soccer vs. Newtown, Class LL Final 3. 2002 Mariano’s national title-winning dive Naugy’s only NVL football title and best record of the decade (10-1); Fabian Rodriguez sent the game to overtime with a 30-yard goal Already an All-American his junior year, Mariano’s diving perform- last Greyhound squad to beat Ansonia; 7 All-NVL picks and Rich Reddington clinched a 3-2 win with a header in double OT ance impressed the national judges, earning him the national title 4. 2002 Girls' Soccer 4. 2008 Softball vs. Seymour, NVL Championship 4. 2007 Dean’s vs. Holy Cross First NVL champion in school history; best record of the decade (17- The Greyhounds clinched their first NVL title in 27 years when Alana Striking out 12 of 21 batters, Pat Dean needed just 66 pitches to 1); posted 15 shutouts and allowed 1 goal in 16 regular season games Wesche stranded two runners with a to win, 4-3 wrap up his second no-no in a week in the 2-0 win over the Saders 5. 2008 Softball 5. 2002 Girls’ Soccer vs. HC, Snapping the Streak 5. 2008 Wesche’s strikeout wins NVL title Naugy’s first NVL softball crown since 1981; best record of the Naugy traveled to Oronoke Rd. and ended Holy Cross’ 33-game NVL Wesche stranded two Seymour runners in scoring position by strik- decade (23-4); Class LL finalist; 3 All-NVL picks winning streak dating to Nov. 1998 with a dominant, 2-0 victory ing out the final batter of the game to clinch the NVL crown

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2. Ryan Kinne ‘07 3. Pat Dean ‘07 4. Alana Wesche ‘09 5. Rosa Moriello ‘10 soccer basketball, baseball volleyball, softball cross country, track and field All-America, 2-time All-New England, 2- 2-time All-State, 2-time All-NVL; career 29- Combined 3-time All-State, 4-time All-NVL; Combined 4-time All-State, 9-time All- time All-State, 2-time All-NVL; 2006 NVL 8 record, 2.00 ERA, 268 , 2 no- 2008-09 New Haven Register All-Area and NVL; 2008 Class L cross country champion; Boys’ Soccer Top Senior; scored 31 goals in hitters; threw a perfect game against Holy All-State softball; threw back-to-back no- 6 NVL championship meet awards; top 3 in 2006 (best single-season total in NHS his- Cross in 2007; led team to 2006 NVL cham- hitters in 2008; 61 career wins (most in NHS 3 indoor nationals races; top 10 at New tory) pionship history) England cross country meet (2008-09) 6. Andrew Corridore ‘07 Combined 1-time All-New England, 3-time All- 16. Melissa McGinley ‘07 2-time All-State, 3-time All-NVL; 2006 NVL Girls’ football, track and field State, 5-time All-NVL; owns 2 track NVL records soccer Soccer Top Senior; NHS-record 57 career goals 7. Krystal Pabey ‘01 Combined 1-time All-New England, 2-time All- 17. Josh Perry ‘07 Combined 1-time All-New England, 1-time All- soccer, track and field State, 5-time All-NVL; 2001 NE javelin champion cross country, track and field State, 3-time All-NVL; 2007 state 600m champ 8. Matt Gomes ‘04 Combined 1-time All-State, 4-time All-NVL; 18. Gary Diaz ‘01 2-time All-State, 2-time All-NVL; led baseball football, baseball 2004 New Haven Register All-State football football, baseball team to 2000 NVL title; .483 career average 9. B.J. Kochis ‘03 Combined 1-time All-America, 1-time All-New 19. Tiago Martins ‘11 All-America, All-New England, All-State, 2- soccer, swimming England, 2-time All-State, 2-time All-NVL soccer time All-NVL; led team to 2009 NVL title 10. Mohamed Hrezi ‘09 Combined 1-time All-New England, 2-time All- 20. Tony Sendra ‘09 2-time All-New England, 2-time All-State, 2- cross country, track and field State, 6-time All-NVL; 2008 Class L XC champion soccer time All-NVL; led team to 2008 NVL title 11. Joe Ardito ‘06 Combined 1-time All-New England, 2-time All- 21. Gina Piroscafo ‘04 2-time All-NVL; 1,000-point scorer; led team football, track and field State, 3-time All-NVL; owns NVL indoor LJ record basketball to 2003 Class LL semifinals 12. Rich Reddington ‘03 All-America, All-New England, All-State, 2- 22. Jon Kunces ‘02 3-time All-State, 3-time All-NVL; led team to soccer, basketball time All-NVL; led soccer team to 2 state titles swimming 3-straight NVL titles (2000-02) 13. Michelle Decerbo ‘02 2-time All-State, 2-time All-NVL; 1,000-point 23. Ryan Culbertson ‘07 combined 4-time All-NVL; helped track to cross country, basketball scorer; led basketball team to 2001 NVL title football, track and field indoor and outdoor NVL titles (2006-07) 14. Tori Pisco ‘10 Combined 1-time All-New England, 1-time All- 24. Darryl White ‘04 All-NVL; MSG Football Player of the Week soccer, track and field State, 6-time All-NVL; owns 2 track NVL records football, baseball selection (2003) 15. Jasmine Cribb ‘09 Combined 1-time All-New England, 2-time All- 25. Sarah Thomas ‘08 2-time All-State, 4-time All-NVL; 2nd place in cross country, track and field State, 5-time All-NVL; 2008 state HJ champion swimming butterfly at 2006 Class L meet Friday, January 29, 2010 CITIZEN’S NEWS 9 Woodland Top 25 Athletes

1. Gina DellaRose ‘05 soccer, track and field Gina DellaRose isn’t a particularly imposing person: She’s barely plenty of memories from the Woods, none better than her soccer senior five feet tall, has flowing brown hair and wide brown eyes, and is one of night against Torrington at Hotchkiss Park in Prospect. the sweetest-spoken girls you could ever meet. But don’t let her diminu- “It was overall a great game,” DellaRose says. “I had to have at tive stature and charm fool you—she’s the best darn athlete to ever come least three goals. I actually committed to Southern after that game. But out of Woodland Regional High School. that wasn’t why it was so great. Those girls were my best friends, and that Take a minute to peruse all of DellaRose’s accomplishments at was the field I had trained on my whole life. I started and ended there.” Woodland: She was the school’s first all-state athlete, was named to a Ended there? In one sense, yes, but in another, DellaRose was just combined seven all-NVL teams and six all-state teams (which is the high- beginning. She’s had the most successful college career of any Woodland est combined total in school history), still owns six track school records, is alum, named the Northeast-10 Conference Freshman of the Year in 2005, still the only girls’ soccer player to achieve New Haven Register All-Area twice selected to the all-NE-10 team, twice named to the NEWISA All-New honors, shares the school’s single-season goal-scoring record (23 in England team, and this year selected to the NCSAA All-America East 2004), and is one of only three athletes to have her name on three differ- Region Third Team. She was also a two-year captain and ranks eighth in ent banners in the Woodland gym. Owls history in three different statistical categories. Despite all these accolades, however, DellaRose maintains her indi- DellaRose isn’t done, though. When her soccer career ended last vidual accomplishments are not at the top of her list of favorite memories fall, she migrated to the Southern track team to relive the greatness she from her years as a Hawk. once earned at Woodland. “I think it’s cool that people think of me when they think of the top “It’s bringing back a lot of high school memories,” DellaRose says. athletes,” she says, “But it’s not a big deal to me that I’m up there. I’m “Track has been out of my life for so long, so I’ve been thinking about really honored for it, but seeing those banners reminds me not of individ- what we used to do at Woodland. I love running, and I figured I would be ual stuff, but of how much I loved the teams I was on.” running by myself. I think it’s kinda cool to look back and see that I did The fifth-year senior at Southern State University has See DELLAROSE, page 16

2. Shane Kingsley ‘06 3. Eric Alfiere ‘08 4. Liz Galla ‘08 5. Pat Krakowski ‘05 football, basketball, baseball football, track and field soccer, track and field football, track and field Combined 3-time All-State, 5-time All-NVL; Combined 1-time All-New England, 4-time Combined 2-time All-State, 5-time All-NVL; All-State, 2-time All-NVL; 2004 New Haven 2005 New Haven Register All-State foot- All-State, 5-time All-NVL; 2007 Class M, State owns 6 track school records, NVL outdoor Register All-Area football; owns school ball; top 4 in 6 baseball stats; hit over .420 Open, New England outdoor javelin champi- long jump record; 50 career goals, 22 records for TD (66), points (412), rushing both junior and senior years; top 2 in 6 on; 2008 NVL Top Athlete ; owns 3 track career assists, tied for school record in sin- yards (3,602); only 3-year football captain football stats; won 2 state football titles school records, NVL indoor shot put record gle-season goals (23 in 2007) at WRHS; led football to first state title 6. Brandon Fowler ‘10 Combined 3-time All-State, 3-time All-NVL; 16. Heather Chucta ‘09 All-State, 2-time All-NVL; 2-time NVL diving football, track and field owns 9 track school records diving, track and field champion; owns 2 track, 2 diving school records 7. Jesse Menzies ‘09 All-New England, 2-time All-State, 2-time All- 17. Christina Palmerie ‘05 3-time All-State, 3-time All-NVL; led girls’ soccer, track and field NVL; 2008 NVL Boys’ Soccer Top Senior soccer, basketball, softball soccer to school’s first NVL title in any sport 8. Jeff Jones ‘06 All-State, 2-time All-NVL; owns 2 track school 18. Courtney Pokora ‘06 Combined 1-time All-State, 2-time All-NVL; football, track and field records; led football to 2 state titles soccer, softball 2005 CSGCA Kelme MVP; .350 career average 9. Jared Katchmar ‘05 All-State and All-NVL; 2004 NVL Football Top 19. Mike Stankus ‘06 All-State, 2-time All-NVL; led football to 2 state football Senior; led football to first state title football, basketball titles; WRHS all-time leading tackler (200) 10. Ken Graveline ‘07 2-time All-State, 3-time All-NVL; owns almost 20. Krista Albright ‘05 Combined 2-time All-State, 3-time All-NVL; soccer, baseball all baseball school records cross country, track and field owns 2 track school records 11. Jen Valente ‘06 All-State, 2-time All-NVL; 2006 NVL Girls’ 21. Dan Park ‘10 Combined 2-time All-State, 1-time All-NVL; volleyball, basketball Basketball Top Senior; WRHS all-time top scorer track and field owns 6 track school records 12. Alice Levinsky ‘06 3-time All-State, 3-time All-NVL; WRHS 22. Mikelyn Messina ‘08 All-State, 4-time All-NVL; 2008 NVL Softball basketball, softball records for career average (.442), runs (90) cross country, basketball, softball Top Senior; WRHS records for HR (14), RBI (77) 13. Nicole Jones ‘07 All-State; 2007 Class S 55-meter hurdles cham- 23. Eric Brown ‘08 2-time All-State, 2-time All-NVL; helped foot- volleyball, track and field pion; owns 7 track school records football, track and field ball team to second state title 14. Samantha LaCroce ‘08 combined 3-time All-NVL; second leading 24. Deirdre Burke ‘08 Combined 1-time All-State, 4-time All-NVL; volleyball, basketball scorer in WRHS basketball history swimming, tennis owns 3 swimming school records 15. Will Volage ‘08 2-time All-State, 2-time All-NVL; 2007 New 25. Greg Cerrato ‘06 2-time All-State, 2-time All-NVL; All-America football Haven Register All-State football swimming qualifier; owns 8 swimming school records 10 CITIZEN’S NEWS Friday, January 29, 2010 As you read it: Nov. 7, 2003 Hawks Stun Naugatuck in Wild NVL Classic, 40-37

By Brian Campbell White and receiver Matt Gomes (11 receptions, 190 yards) as halfback Sean Citizen’s News McConologue scored his second touchdown, from 5 yards out, to give Naugatuck a BEACON FALLS — For Woodland, in only its first year of Naugatuck Valley 37-34 advantage. League football, it was a win for the ages. But as Krakowski continued to make big play after big play, the Hawks came For Naugatuck, coming off an emotional victory the week before, it was a right back on the final drive, kept alive by a key 41-yard catch and run from heart-breaking climax to a hard-fought effort. Krakowski on a screen pass that brought the ball to the Greyhounds’ 16-yard line. For the fans in attendance, it was purely a classic. One of the greatest and “[On the screen] we caught them in a blitz, and all I can say is that Pat is Mr. most exciting high school football games in this area in many years, Thanksgiving Clutch,” Anderson said. “I have all the respect in the world for him as a player. And included. Katchmar was certainly awesome, considering he hadn’t had a lot of reps in prac- Capping off a wild and emotional final two minutes, in which four touch- tice this week. But he is a game-time player.” downs were scored, Woodland provided the final blow on the game’s final play The dynamic duo hooked up after three incompletions with just seven sec- with no time left. onds remaining on the game’s final play. Katchmar hit Krakowski in the left corner Jared Katchmar connected with halfback Pat Krakowski on a 16-yard touch- of the end zone, setting off a wild celebration, as Woodland improved to 6-2. down pass on 4th-and-10 as time expired to lift the Hawks to a 40-37 victory Friday “I was worried whether there was still one second left on the clock because at Woodland High. I knew they were going to run the kickoff back for a touchdown,” Anderson said. It was the first-ever gridiron meeting for the new neighboring rivals. Krakowski finished with 11 catches for 177 yards and also carried nine times “This is a humongous win, and I am very proud of the way the kids respond- for 37 yards and two more touchdowns. ed,” Woodland coach Chris Anderson said. “Naugatuck is a great team that is so “We had a five-wide-receiver set [on the final play], and Pat ran a post cor- well-coached, and this win feels almost like a destiny. Naugatuck didn’t lose this ner route,” Anderson said. “I had to cover my eyes. Although I did have to peek. I game; they played great. We just came out and won it.” had a gut feeling the game was going to be like this. This is a great rivalry with two In a game played at the new Woodland field that is still without a clock or great teams.” scoreboard, the poise and control of the two quarterbacks—Katchmar and Jared Katchmar threw for 437 yards and four touchdowns—including the “Coach [Anderson] said from the beginning that it was going to be a dog Naugatuck’s Darryl White—were phenomenal in the closing minutes of play. game-winner with no time remaining—in Woodland’s game of the decade. fight, and he told us to play every play like it was the last play in the game,” After Naugatuck rallied to take the lead in the fourth, Woodland regained it, Krakowski said. “This is a huge win. Naugatuck is a good team with a great tradi- at 34-31, with 1:29 to go, as Katchmar drove down and hit Jason Kymer on an 11- His counterpart, White, was coming off a clutch performance of his own in tion, and we proved ourselves tonight.” yard scoring pass. rallying Naugatuck to a 47-40 win over Torrington the week before. White, who It was a gutsy victory that matured the young Hawks one step closer to the Katchmar didn’t play the week before with a bum ankle and barely practiced was 15-for-28 with 260 yards on Friday, drove the Greyhounds right back, follow- force that the program is becoming. all week. Limping in and out of his shotgun offense, he heroically led the Hawks on ing Kymer’s catch. “We certainly try to sell to them to never quit,” Anderson said. “Sometimes, Friday, going 23-for-44 for 437 yards, no interceptions and four touchdowns. With just 32 seconds to play, Naugatuck (6-2) capped a clutch drive led by it is a hard sell, but I give the kids a ton of credit.”

Top 5 Teams Top 5 Games Top 5 Plays

1. 2004 Football 1. 2003 Football vs. Naugatuck, Halloween 1. 2003 Katchmar to Krakowski vs. Naugatuck The only undefeated NVL and state champion in school history; Often cited as the first big—and sometimes biggest—game in Katchmar’s 16-yard post pass to Krakowski as time expired gave posted a school-record 437 points and 7 shutouts; 7 All-NVL picks Woodland history, the Hawks won the Halloween battle, 40-37 Woodland an epic, 40-37 comeback victory on Halloween 2. 2005 Football 2. 2004 Football vs. Seymour, Thanksgiving 2. 2004 Katchmar to Jones vs. Seymour Second of two-straight NVL and Class SS state champions; t-school The Hawks clinched their first NVL title, 27-22, in front of 5,000 fans Jones tiptoed 12 yards down the right sideline after catching record 12 wins; 4 All-State picks; t-5th in state history with 26 INT when Jared Katchmar hooked up with Jeff Jones for a 12-yard TD Katchmar’s pass with 47.4 seconds left to clinch the NVL crown 3. 2007 Baseball 3. 2005 Football vs. HC, NVL Championship 3. 2005 Kingsley forces fumble vs. Holy Cross Only NVL champion in school history; advanced to Class M semifinal Woodland capitalized on a fumble, tied the game with 35 seconds Shane Kingsley knocked the ball away from Ryan Cashman, setting (school record); best record in school history (20-5) left, and won its second-straight NVL crown, 21-14, in overtime up the Hawks’ tying score and eventual win in overtime 4. 2004 Girls' Soccer 4. 2004 Football vs. Ansonia, “Mud Bowl” 4. 2006 Valente’s 1,000th point vs. Holy Cross First NVL regular-season championship in Woodland history; best In a downpour at Jarvis Stadium, Woodland shut out the two-time Jen Valente became the first Woodland player to score 1,000 career record in school history (14-3-3); reached Class M quarterfinal defending NVL champs, 21-0, for the first time in over 10 years points on a layup in the third quarter of a 48-45 loss to Cross 5. 2007 Volleyball 5. 2004 Baseball vs. Seymour, NVL Championship 5. 2007 Graveline’s perfect game vs. Watertown First NVL champion in school history; best winning percentage in After suffering a 19-0 early-season loss to the Cats, Ryan Matthews Ken Graveline needed only 68 pitches and some superb defense to school history (19-2); school’s first Copper champion led the Hawks to a 7-2 win, the first title of any kind at Woodland throw his first no-hitter in an 8-0 win over Watertown

Congratulations Congratulations Athletes Woodland Joe Valente, Naugatuck Athletes GRI, PSCS Office Broker/Owner 1183 New Haven Road Naugatuck, CT 06770 203-723-0287 PH: (203) 723-0722 FAX: (203) 723-0092 www.PTSMC.com Mayor Bob Chatfield Best time of the day... also in avon guilford groton westbrook Reading the paper! new london waterbury watertown Friday, January 29, 2010 CITIZEN’S NEWS 11

Woodland Volleyball Naugatuck Volleyball Team of the decade: 2007 Team of the decade: 2001 Best record in school history (19-2); NVL champion; Copper champion Best record of the decade (18-5); NVL tournament champion

Player of the decade: Jessica Patrizi Jessica Patrizi Player of the decade: Shannon Mesaros New Haven Register All-Area (2009); NVL Tournament MVP (2009); All-NVL All-State (2001); New Haven Register All-Area (2001); NVL Top Senior (2001); All- (2009); All-NVL Second Team (2008) NVL (2000-01); attended prestigious Tourney Sports USA Hawaii Classic (2001) Stephanie Badale ‘10 All-NVL (2009) Kristin Boisvert ‘05 All-State (2004); All-NVL (2004) Chrissy Bell ‘06 All-NVL (2005); All-NVL Second Team (2004) Jen Butkus ‘02 All-NVL (2001) L Caitlin Classey ‘08 All-NVL Second Team (2006) Trisha D'Angelo ‘04 All-NVL (2003) Jessica Gruemken ‘08 NVL Tournament MVP (2007); NH Register All-Area (2007) Stephanie Dunn ‘02 Helped team to 2001 NVL championship Samantha LaCroce ‘08 All-NVL (2006-07) Shannon Mesaros ‘02 Player of the decade Jessica Patrizi ‘11 Player of the decade L Lauren Nester ‘04 Helped team to Class L tournaments (2002-03) Shannon Mesaros Jen Valente ‘06 All-NVL Second Team (2005) Alana Wesche ‘09 All-State (2008); All-NVL (2008) Honorable mentions: Erika Barnett, Jenna Broadbent, Marie Culik, Melissa Feige, Nicole Jones, Honorable mentions: Ashley Barbieri, Jackie Brenia, Alicia Hussey, Fallon Mesaros, Taryn Mesaros, Alysse Lembo, Kelley Mollor, Kaitlin Renkewith, Rebecca Rydzik, Katya Smith, Marissa Stryjewski Alison Rossi, Stacey Weiler, Jackie Witkoski

Woodland Boys’ Cross Country Naugatuck Boys’ Cross Country Team of the decade: 2003 Team of the decade: 2009 School-best 2nd-place finish at NVL meet and 5th-place finish at Class S meet Undefeated NVL champion; 8th-place finish at Class L meet; 4 All-NVL picks Runner of the decade: Tom McGarvey Runner of the decade: Mohamed Hrezi All-State (2003); All-NVL (2003); led team to 2nd place at 2003 NVL meet Tyler Murphy Class L Champion (2008); All-State (2008); All-NVL (2007-08) Mike Dionne ‘04 All-NVL (2003); one of two 3-year captains in team history Mohamed Hrezi ‘09 Runner of the decade Chris Mariotti ‘09 One of two 3-year captains in team history Nick Moriello ‘12 All-NVL (2008-09); 2nd at 2009 NVL meet Tom McGarvey ‘04 Runner of the decade Sean Norris ‘02 All-NVL (2001); 26th at Class LL Championship (2001) All-NVL (2009) All-NVL (2005-06); 2nd at NVL meet (2005-06) Tyler Murphy ‘10 Mohamed Hrezi Josh Perry ‘07 Honorable mentions: Dallas Conway, Kyle Cranney, Justin Getts, Josh Greenawalt, Ryan Mariotti, Honorable mentions: Alex Areias, Nick Aviles, Matt Basile, Bob Butkus, Mike Carson, Erik Desousa, Jeff Kyle Menta, Steve Paniati, Chris Wright Dorosh, Jim Halbert, Tom Mashia, Jeff Massa, Justin Perugini, Mike Russo, Mike Santos, Tim Steiskal

Woodland Girls’ Cross Country Naugatuck Girls’ Cross Country Team of the decade: 2009 Team of the decade: 2008 Undefeated NVL champion; 5th-place finish at Class SS meet (school best) 2nd-place finish at NVL meet; 12th-place finish at Class L meet Runner of the decade: Krista Albright Runner of the decade: Rosa Moriello All-State (2003-04); All-NVL (2003-04); 4th-place finish at Class SS meet (2004) Class L champion (2008); All-State (2007-09); Top 10 at NE meet (2008-09) Brittany Albright Brittany Albright ‘10 All-State (2009); All-NVL (2007-09) Diane Clarke ‘02 All-State (2000); 4th at Class LL meet (2000) Krista Albright ‘05 Runner of the decade Rosa Moriello ‘10 Runner of the decade Michelle Palomba ‘04 All-NVL (2001-02); first All-NVL athlete at WRHS Jamie Raczkowski ‘02 All-NVL (2001) Crystal Steinfeld ‘11 All-State (2009); All-NVL (2008-09) Cassie Rowe ‘05 All-NVL (2004) Honorable mentions: Shannon Freeman, Melissa Kiley, Sarah Melville, Mikelyn Messina, Kaitlyn Honorable mentions: Malissa Bolton, Crystal Crane, Tara DaSilva, Michelle Decerbo, Shelby Hale, Rosa Moriello Murphy, Meaghan O'Hara, Janet Pacitto, Kelly Smith Becky Renzoni, Jamie Robinson CONGRATULATIONS on a Sibby’s Automotive, Inc. DECADE of EXCELLENCE! LOOKING TO PREFERRED BUY OR SELL IN PROPERTIES NAUGATUCK, No One in the World Sells More Real Estate than PROSPECT or • AAA Road Service & Towing BEACON FALLS? • General Repairs Call Bob Lauer 108 Church Street • Naugatuck • Daily Rentals (203) 723-9898 AHWD, GRI, PSCS • Quality Pre-owned Vehicles (203) 723-1722 • Insurance Replacement Rentals • 24 Hour Towing & Flatbed Service ROAD SERVICE PROVIDED FOR Alex Piech, Jr. Alex Piech, III GEICO, ALLSTATE, COACH NET, GE SIGNATURE GROUP, & QUEST OWNER/BROKER OWNER/BROKER Put 32 years of prompt, courteous and (203) 808-6767 (203) 228-2887 Gold & professional service at your disposal. www.sellwithmax.com www.listwithalex.com www.sibbysautomotive.com Silver 12 CITIZEN’S NEWS Friday, January 29, 2010

Woodland Boys’ Track and Field Naugatuck Boys’ Track and Field Team of the decade: 2009 Team of the decade: 2007 Out: T-best record in school history (11-1); Copper champion; Class M runner-up Out/In NVL champion; 4th-place finish at Class LL indoor meet; 6 All-NVL picks Athlete of the decade: Eric Alfiere Athlete of the decade: Joe Ardito All-New England outdoor (2007); Class M, State Open, NE outdoor javelin cham- All-NE indoor LJ (2005); All-State outdoor 200 (2006); All-State indoor LJ (2005); pion (2007); Out/In: 4x All-NVL, 3x All-State; 3 WRHS records; In: NVL SP record 7th-place finish LJ indoor nationals (2005-06); Out/In: 3x All-NVL; In: NVL LJ record F Eric Alfiere ‘08 Athlete of the decade F Ryan Culbertson ‘07 Out: All-NVL (2006-07) F Dan Park ‘10 Out/In: 2x All-State; 6 WRHS records F Mike Harris ‘04 Out: All-State (2003); All-NVL (2003) Dan Park R Bryan Duda ‘09 Out/In: 1x All-State; 2x All-NVL; 3 WRHS records R Joe Ardito ‘06 Athlete of the decade R Zak Favoccia ‘09 Out/In: 2x All-State; 2x All-NVL; 8 WRHS records R Andrew Corridore ‘07 Out/In: 1x All-NE; 1x All-State; 4x All-NVL R Brandon Fowler ‘10 Out/In: 2x All-State; 2x All-NVL; 9 WRHS records R Andrew Harriott ‘07 Out: All-NVL (2007); NVL record 4x400 R Josh Greenawalt ‘04 Out/In: 1x All-NVL; 4 WRHS records R Mohamed Hrezi ‘09 Out/In: 1x All-NE; NVL record 1,000, sprint medley R Jason Kymer ‘04 Out: WRHS records 4x100, 100 R Josh Perry ‘07 Out/In: 1x All-NE; State Open 600 champion (2007) R Tyler Murphy ‘10 Out/In: 2x All-State; 3x All-NVL; 8 WRHS records R Jay Wilson ‘01 Out/In: 1x All-State; 1x All-NVL; NVL record 500 Honorable mentions: BJ Baer, Mike Dionne, Josh Fitzpatrick, Justin Getts, Chris Gimbrone, Jeff Honorable mentions: Pat Barrett, Judson Brown, Ray Campbell, Mike Figueroa, Justin Ganavage, Jones, Mark LaFortune, Eric Moraniec, Steve Paniati, Chris Savvidou, Matt Trzaski, Josh Woodin Bill Gordon, Thomas Mascia, Kyle McLaughlin, Nick Moriello, Ralph Roper III, Mike Spragg

Joe Ardito Woodland Girls’ Track and Field Naugatuck Girls’ Track and Field Team of the decade: 2005 Team of the decade: 2008 4th-place finish at NVL indoor meet; 8 All-NVL picks Out/In NVL champion; 3rd-place finish at Class L indoor meet; 4 All-NVL picks Athlete of the decade: Gina DellaRose Athlete of the decade: Rosa Moriello Out/In: 3x All-State; 4x All-NVL; WRHS records indoor 1,600, indoor 3,200, indoor All-State indoor (2008); NVL Top Outdoor Distance (2007-09), Indoor Distance 4x800, indoor sprint medley, outdoor 1,600, outdoor 3,200 (2008-09); NVL Top Indoor Performer (2009); 15th-place finish national DMR (2009) F Brittany Battis ‘10 Out/In: 6 WRHS records F Jasmine Cribb ‘09 Out/In: 1x All-NE; State Open HJ champion (2009) F Liz Galla ‘08 Out/In: 1x All-State; 3x All-NVL; 6 WRHS records F Krystal Pabey ‘01 Out: NE and State Open javelin champion (2001) R Krista Albright ‘05 In: All-NVL (2005); WRHS records 800, 4x800 Nicole Jones R Natalia Carvalho ‘10 Out/In: 2x top 20 nationals DMR; 3x All-NVL R Maria Brunetti ‘06 Out/In: 1x All-NVL; 3 WRHS records R Martyann Chromik ‘10 Out/In: 4x All-NVL R Gina DellaRose ‘05 Athlete of the decade R Rosa Moriello ‘10 Athlete of the decade R Nicole Jones ‘07 Out/In: 1x All-State; 1x All-NVL; 7 WRHS records R Tori Pisco ‘10 Out/In: 1x All-NE; 6x All-NVL; NVL records 800, 600 R Alysse Lembo ‘05 Out/In: 2x All-NVL; 4 WRHS records R Jenn Rosenblatt ‘00 In: 2x All-State; NVL records sprint medley, 1,000 R Caitlin Witham ‘06 Out/In: 2x All-NVL; 2 WRHS records R Katy Sabal ‘06 In: 2x NVL Top Performer, Hurdler, Sprinter Honorable mentions: Brittany Albright, Heather Chucta, Marie Culik, Christina Dias, Katie Emmons, Honorable mentions: Lisa Basile, Jamie Girolamo, Shelby Hale, Amariliz Jurado, Lydia Looby, Jenn Michelle Jones, Alyssa Marti, Alaina Miele, Liz Ostuno, Chelsea Rich, Rachel Spiwak Tori Pisco McDonnell, Sara Tarsi, Carrie Wilcox, Keyrah Williams Yourwww.mycitizensnews.com Award Winning newspaper is now on the web! Local news, videos, area calendar and more!

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Woodland Boys’ Tennis Naugatuck Boys’ Tennis Team of the decade: 2008 Team of the decade: 2007 Joe Rosa 9-9 overall record; 8 players qualified for Class M Tournament (WRHS record) 5 All-NVL picks (tied for most of the decade) Player of the decade: Joe Rosa Player of the decade: Matt Cappello All-NVL (2009); NVL Tournament silver medalist (2009); first WRHS player to All-NVL (2007); NVL singles champion (2007); seeded in Class LL Tournament twice; reach Class M Tournament quarterfinal (2009) Class LL Tournament 3rd round (2007); Class LL Tournament 2nd round (2006) S Joe Rosa ‘09 Player of the decade S Matt Cappello ‘07 Player of the decade Matt Cappello S Ben Smith ‘06 All-NVL (2005); qualified Class S Doubles Tourney (2005) S Eric Petro ‘02 All-NVL (2002); NVL Tournament bronze (2002) S Marcus Tremaglio ‘08 All-NVL (2008); NVL Tournament bronze (2008) S Rob Simons ‘09 All-NVL (2009); NVL singles champion (2009) S Tim Vincens ‘05 All-NVL (2005); qualified Class S Doubles Tourney (2005) S Chris Weckman ‘05 Qualified Class L Tourney 3 times (2nd round 2005) D Anderson/Mach ‘04 All-NVL (2004); Class S Tournament 2nd round (2003) D Trimborn/Weckman ‘08 All-NVL (2007-08) Honorable mentions: Mike Krakowski, Mark Larson, Alex Mach, Sean Montambault, Charlie Honorable mentions: Jeff Bowers, Ken Cappello, Juan Correia, Resat Mursalaglu, Chris Orloske, Ostrander, Jake Uva, Vinny Vadala Will Sherian, Andrew Wanamacher, Bill Weckman, Kyle Wilson Woodland Girls’ Tennis Naugatuck Girls’ Tennis

Team of the decade: 2008 Stephanie Badale Team of the decade: 2006 Best record in school history (19-2); NVL champion; Copper champion Best regular-season record of the decade (15-5); No. 10 seed Class L Tournament Player of the decade: Katelyn Hourigan Player of the decade: Franzi Klug No. 12 seed State Open (2004); only player in WRHS history to reach State Open 2nd NVL singles champion (2006); All-NVL (2006); Qualified State Open (2006), led round (2004); All-NVL (2003-05) team to best regular-season record of the decade S Stephanie Badale ‘10 All-NVL (2007-09); NVL Tournament silver (2009) S Jackie Boesel ‘07 All-NVL (2007) S Katelyn Hourigan ‘05 Player of the decade S Laura Bowers ‘05 Qualified State Open (2004) S Katya Smith ‘08 All-NVL (2007-08); NVL Top Senior (2008) S Franzi Klug ‘06 Player of the decade Laura Bowers S Megan Wester ‘11 All-NVL (2009); NVL Tournament bronze (2009) S Meghan Toth ‘10 All-NVL (2009); qualified State Open (2009) D Pagoni/Trapp ‘06 All-NVL (2006); qualified State Open (2006) D Capatina/Kaura ‘03 All-NVL (2003); qualified State Open (2002-03) Honorable mentions: Samantha Angeloszek, Erika Barnett, Deirdre Burke, Kaitlin Henderson, Honorable mentions: Aravanh Ackharath, Allie Beardsworth, Samantha Beauchemin, Jessica Cheryl Holowienko, Jamie Houle, Michele Houle Boesel, Rachel Donovan, Mary Claire Henion, Jody Kaura, Kelly Lawlor, Sarah Reardon

Woodland Golf Naugatuck Golf Team of the decade: 2006 Team of the decade: 2001 Only team in WRHS history to qualify for State Open; 11th-place finish Division III Only team this decade to qualify for Division I State Open (T-16th); 2 All-NVL picks Player of the decade: Mark Colangelo Player of the decade: Dave Rowe All-NVL (2005-06); led Woodland to first and only State Open appearance and Anthony Mascia All-NVL (2001-02); qualified for State Open (2002); team captain (2001-02); 12- best record in school history (2006) time match medalist; team MVP (2000-02) Mark Colangelo ‘06 Athlete of the decade Bob Butkus ‘01 All-NVL (2001-02); team captain (2000-01); 7-time medalist Joe Commendatore ‘06 Member of first team to qualify for State Open Jay Freeman ‘00 All-NVL (1998-00); qualified State Open (2000) Ryan Keaveney ‘09 All-NVL (2009) Chris Marques ‘08 All-NVL (2007-08); qualified State Open (2008); 8-time medalist Anthony Mascia ‘06 All-NVL (2006) Dave Rowe ‘02 Player of the decade Honorable mentions: Nick Commendatore, Ben Fidanza, Jay Gentile, Kyle Menta, Will Shedway Honorable mentions: Tim Carson, Mike Corbett, Pat Corbett, Jon Kunces, Steve Rimkus, Kellen Dave Rowe Woodfield ED’S HARDWARE 560 RUBBER AVENUE, NAUGATUCK 203-729-8216 • Paint

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Woodland Baseball Naugatuck Baseball Team of the decade: 2007 Team of the decade: 2006 Best record in school history (20-5); NVL champion; Class M semifinalist 18-2 regular-season record; NVL champion; No. 1 seed in Class LL tournament Player of the decade: Ken Graveline Player of the decade: Pat Dean All-State (2006-07); WRHS records for career average (.410), hits (100), home All-State (2006-07); All-NVL (2006-07); career: 29-8, 2.00 ERA, 268 K, 2 no-hitters; runs (12), runs (77), RBI (80), walks (39), slugging (.648); perfect game (2008) perfect game (2007) C Ryan Zsiga ‘05 All-NVL Honorable Mention (2005) C Brant Fox ‘07 All-NVL (2006-07); career: .392 average, 34 RBI, 30 steals 1B Gary Boucher ‘07 Academic All-State (2007); tied WRHS-record 37 hits (2007) 1B Jamie Verab ‘01 All-NVL (2000-01); career: .376 average, 7 HR, 54 RBI 2B Cody Kingsley ‘08 All-NVL (2008); t-4th WRHS career hits (64) 2B Robert Servidas ‘06 All-NVL (2006); career: .367 average, 31 RBI, 30 steals 3B Nick Boucher ‘09 All-NVL HM (2009); 5th WRHS career runs (41), steals (20) Ken Graveline 3B Ricky Cool ‘07 All-NVL (2007); career: .337 average, 6 HR, 52 RBI SS Macky Cianciolo ‘07 All-NVL (2007); 2nd WRHS career slugging (.553) SS Gary Diaz ‘01 All-State (2000-01); career: .483 average, 42 RBI, 22 steals OF Ryan Genua ‘10 WRHS T-5th career RBI (33); .301 career average OF Chris Bisson ‘04 All-NVL (2004); career: .315 average, 32 RBI OF Matt Kane ‘07 All-NVL (2007); 3rd WRHS career hits (65), runs (57) OF Wes Dutton ‘04 3-year starter; career: .372 average, 26 RBI OF Shane Kingsley ‘06 All-State (2005-06); WRHS-record 65 career steals OF Matt Gomes ‘04 All-NVL (2003-04); career: .365 average, 36 RBI, 27 steals P Steve Corbett ‘08 All-NVL HM (2008); 9-0, 1.92 ERA (2007) P Pat Dean ‘07 Player of the decade P Ken Graveline ‘07 Player of the decade P Steve Hiscock ‘06 All-State (2006); All-NVL (2005-06); 6-1 , 1.25 ERA (2006) P Mark McKay ‘08 All-State (2008), 51.1 straight innings without ER (2008) P Henry Lee ‘00 ABCA All-Region (2000); NHS-record .583 career average Honorable mentions: Mike Augelli, Eric Battis, Matt Dorosh, Kyle Georgia, Beau Larrow, Tom Little, Honorable mentions: Nick DeBeauvernet, Ricky De La Rosa, Tim Dowling, Zack Dreher, Jeff Farrell, Ryan Matthews, John Merriman, Matt Sherman, Jason Skibek, Jay Spiwak, Eric Turmel Dan Kaminski, Andrew Katrenya, Patrick McGettigan, Arber Mehmedi, Chad Miller, Dom Pucci, Greg Rice, Eric Shulick, Leo Velez, Steve Webb, Darryl White Pat Dean Woodland Softball Naugatuck Softball Team of the decade: 2009 Team of the decade: 2008 Most wins in school history (21-6); Class M semifinalist; NVL finalist; 3 All-NVL picks Best record of the decade (23-4); Class LL finalist; NVL champion; 3 All-NVL picks Player of the decade: Alice Levinsky Player of the decade: Alana Wesche All-State (2004-06); All-NVL (2004-06); led team to Class S semifinal (2003) and All-State (2008-09); New Haven Register All-State and All-Area (2008-09); All- Class S final (2004); WRHS records for career average (.442), runs (90) NVL (2007-09); threw back-to-back no-hitters (2008); 61 career wins C Mikelyn Messina ‘08 All-State (2008); NVL Top Senior (2008) C Jessica Russell ‘08 All-NVL (2008) 1B Kate Falbo ‘04 All-NVL (2003); .330 average (2003) 1B Shannon Mesaros ‘02 Led 19-4 team to Class LL quarterfinal (2002) 2B Courtney Pokora ‘06 All-NVL (2004); .350 career average, 44 career RBI 2B Julia Longo ‘10 All-State (2009); All-NVL (2007-09) 3B Ashley Georgia ‘06 All-NVL (2006); .325 career average, 61 career runs 3B Maria DeBeauvernet ‘00 Led team to 15-5 regular seasons (1999-2000) SS Aubrey Roulanaitis ‘10 All-NVL (2009); .391 average, 28 RBI, 5 HR (2009) Alice Levinsky SS Alicia Hussey ‘04 All-State (2004); All-NVL (2004) OF Danielle Dickman ‘08 All-State (2008); All-NVL (2008) OF Corinna Hussey ‘09 Helped team to NVL title (2008) OF Meghan Graveline ‘05 All-NVL (2003, 2005) OF Skye Stella ‘10 All-NVL (2009) OF Alice Levinsky ‘06 Player of the decade OF Michele Stotz ‘04 All-State (2004); All-NVL (2004) P Kelley Mollor ‘09 Academic All-State (2009); All-NVL (2008-09) P Kim Orvitz ‘02 Led 19-4 team to Class LL quarterfinal (2002) P Tara Shingola ‘04 All-NVL (2004); 31-19 record (2003-04) P Alana Wesche ‘09 Player of the decade Honorable mentions: Katie Alfiere, Jessica Badale, Rachael Crowe, Lauren Gentile, Adrienne Miller, Honorable mentions: Veronica Areias, Maribeth Ford, Kacy Lansing, Necole Morrissey, Alison Rossi, Monique Peterson, Chelsea Rich, Kristine Swingle Alana Wesche Bridget Squires, Christine Wieler

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Woodland Boys’ Swimming Naugatuck Boys’ Swimming Team of the decade: 2005 Team of the decade: 2002 4th-place finish at Class S meet (WRHS best); 6 athletes earned league honors NVL champion; 3rd-place finish at Class LL meet (decade best); 6 All-State picks Athlete of the decade: Greg Cerrato Athlete of the decade: Brian Mariano All-State (2005-06); All-NVL (2005-06); All-America qualifier (2006); 8 WRHS National champion (2002); All-America (2001-02); State Open champion (2001- swim records Chris Wright 02); All-State (1999-2002); All-NVL (1999-2002); holds both NHS diving records D Tom Blinstrubas ‘08 All-NVL 2nd Team (2007); both WRHS diving records D Brian Mariano ‘02 Athlete of the decade S Greg Cerrato ‘06 Athlete of the decade S Nick Belgrave ‘06 All-State (2005-06); All-NVL (2003-06) S Kevin Kent ‘05 All-NVL (2005); WRHS record 400 free relay S Trevor Heller ‘10 All-State (2009); All-NVL (2008-09) S Brian Pagoni ‘07 All-NVL (2006-07); 3 WRHS relay records S Jon Kunces ‘02 All-State (2000-02); All-NVL (2000-02) S Chris Wright ‘09 All-State (2008-09); 5 WRHS records (3 individual) S Paul Trapp ‘03 All-State (2002); All-NVL (2001-03) Honorable mentions: Joe Commendatore, Will Gerard, Brendan Maggiore, Patrick O'Dell, Charlie Honorable mentions: Adam Bolton, Chris Dessureau, Kyle Doy, B.J. Kochis, Kyle Pustola, Eric Ostrander, Ean Smith, Adam Trumbley Shulick, Andrew Straznitskas

Woodland Girls’ Swimming Naugatuck Girls’ Swimming Team of the decade: 2009 Team of the decade: 2004 Best record in school history (9-3); 3rd-place finish at NVL meet; 3 All-NVL picks NVL champion; 9th-place finish at Class LL meet; 6 All-NVL picks Athlete of the decade: Heather Chucta Trevor Heller Athlete of the decade: Sarah Thomas All-State (2008); All-NVL (2007-08); 2-time NVL diving champion; holds both All-State (2006-07); All-NVL (2004-07); 2nd-place Class L 100 butterfly (2006); school diving records 4th-place Class L 100 butterfly (2007); 7th-place Class L 50 free (2007) D Heather Chucta ‘09 Athlete of the decade D Katrina Orsini ‘09 All-NVL (2008) S Deirdre Burke ‘08 All-State (2006); 3 WRHS free records Heather Chucta S Laura Kunces ‘04 All-NVL (2000-03); NHS records 200 IM, 100 free S Katie-Jean Hinckley ‘12 All-NVL (2009); 4 WRHS records (2 individual) S Katie Smegielski ‘01 All-State (1997-2000); All-NVL (1997-2000) S Stephanie O'Donnell ‘06 All-NVL (2003-05); 3 WRHS individual records S Sarah Thomas ‘08 Athlete of the decade S Jill Pagoni ‘10 All-NVL (2008-09); 3 WRHS relay records S Abbey Tooker ‘07 All-State (2006); All-NVL (2003-06) Honorable mentions: Samantha Angeloszek, Rachael Battis, Chelsea Germer, Alyssa Maggiore, Honorable mentions: Maribeth Ford, Kimberly Gambino, Ashley Gesseck, Jennifer Herbert, Kara Sarah Thomas Monica Tavares Macharelli, Lindsey Madden, Tania Whitley

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Mariano won the high school one-meter springboard diving national championship in 2002, only months after Soccer was DellaRose’s first love, and she went on to play the sport masterfully at Southern Connecticut State his famous flipping throw-in secured a Class LL state title for the NHS boys’ soccer team. University, twice earning all-New England honors. Now, she’s returning to the track as a senior. MARIANO followed by the honors of being the Big Ten Diver of the DELLAROSE career, DellaRose is also finishing up a degree in marketing. From page 7 Championships and Co-Diver of the Year in 2006. He still From page 10 She says she will soon begin to look for summer internships ranks among the top six in school history in three different and also wants to start coaching and training soccer. Not only tell them we didn’t have YouTube back then.” events. two sports in college.” does she want to coach the sport she loves, but also she has We’re working on that, by the way. The highlight of his career, Mariano says, was partici- Soccer still reigns supreme for DellaRose, both for the advice for the young boy or girl who wants to be the next Mariano’s soccer career only begins to scratch the sur- pating in the 2004 U.S. Olympic trials, where he placed fact that she loves the team aspect on the pitch and for the Woodland athlete of the decade. face of his athletic accomplishments. He was an All-America among the top six in two synchronized diving events. fact that she never lost her lunch over a game. Track on the “Don’t think about awards and banners,” she says. honorable mention as a sophomore, and followed that up “When I was watching the 2000 Olympic trials, I other hand … “Do what you love and train like you love it, and I think they with a pair of State Open titles and All-America honors as a thought about how cool it would be to go,” Mariano says. “With soccer I never used to get nervous because it’s a will come naturally.” junior and senior. The greatest thrill of his Naugy career, “When I learned I had enough points to go, I was so excited. team sport and other girls could always pick me up if I made Despite everything she accomplished on the fields and though, remains his national championship in 2002. There were thousands and thousands of people there. It was a mistake,” DellaRose explains. “I never got nervous with tracks at Woodland and Southern, DellaRose still isn’t sure “I was ecstatic when I found out,” Mariano recalls of absolutely ridiculous.” relay races because we’re on a team. But with an individual she’s worthy of being the Hawks’ athlete of the decade. the moment when he learned his videotape was judged best Now, in addition to teaching at City Hill, Mariano is an race, it’s all on me. I would actually get sick sometimes.” Instead, she would choose our best male for the honor. in the country. “I thought I was pretty good in Connecticut, assistant coach for Naugatuck boys’ soccer and is the diving DellaRose didn’t get sick last week, though, when she “Definitely Shane [Kingsley],” she says. “He’s an over- but then I would go to a national meet and get my butt coach at Woodland—neither of which he planned to do. And set a personal best in the mile with a time of 5 minutes, 12 all great athlete. I know he loves his sports as much as I do. I kicked. When I go over my parents’ house for dinner, I see the while it may be a long time before we see a local athlete the seconds—“a lot better than I ran in high school … some- saw him play a lot, and he was incredible.” plaque and remember how cool that was.” caliber of Mariano, he says success is waiting for anyone who how,” DellaRose says. What makes that feat even more DellaRose isn’t going to just hand over the honor, Next for Mariano was the University of Indiana, where wants to work for it. impressive is the fact that it was just her second meet since though. But will the ever-amiable athlete hold this over he continued to build his impressive résumé. The 5-7, 160- “You have to be a hard worker,” Mariano says. “You graduating from Woodland in 2005. Kingsley’s head for the foreseeable future? pounder was named to the All-Big Ten second team in 2005, have to find your niche. Don’t be the next Brian Mariano.” While competing in the final athletic seasons of her “Yes,” she jokes. “He will always remember this.”