Sports Moments of '23

Well, we've come to the end of another year. 

There are always things happening, so who knows what a normal year is anymore.  Every year has its ups and downs. Some events that happen are more public and others are more private. It depends on the event and the people involved. 

I know people don't like to do rankings/lists. It's easy content and not very rich content. 

Well, I'm still going to list my top local games of 2023. I'm going to try to add some commentary with each game and not just list. As I say ever year, these are only games I was at, and I'm sure I missed some. Also, these are listed in order of date, not by ranking. Every moment and game are different, I didn't feel like I should rank them. 

 Not surprising, I have a lot of baseball listed. 

On to 2024, which will hopefully bring a lot more highlights. 

Here we go. These are my top games of the year. Let me know your thoughts and what I may have missed. 

February 23 - Ludlowe Girls Basketball Wins FCIAC Championship

Following a perfect regular season, the Ludlowe girls' basketball team won the FCIAC Championship, 52-42 over St. Joseph. It was the first girls' basketball championship in school history. 

Ludlowe would finish the season 26-1, with the only loss coming in the state championship. 

Final: Ludlowe 52 St. Joseph 42. Falcons are FCIAC Champions! #ctgb @double5 pic.twitter.com/m1fJDcvKoa

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) February 24, 2023

May 8 - Ludlowe/Warde baseball

Warde 8 Ludlowe 2 in 10 innings. The game was much closer than the score. 

Ludlowe held a 2-1 lead into the seventh before Warde tied it with two outs on a single by Paddy Galvin. Game remained scoreless until Warde look the lead in the tenth on a Carson Swaim three-run double and added three more to break the game open. 

Incredible game. Great game for the town and baseball in a great baseball town. #OneTown 

 As a Ludlowe coach, and working at both schools, a tough loss. 

Thanks as always to Rob Adams for broadcasting this game. I often try to get Rob on Ludlowe games, and especially Ludlowe/Warde games, so I like when we can make it work out. 

May 25 - Warde baseball wins FCIAC Championship for third year in a row

For the third season in a row, the Warde baseball team won the FCIAC Championship. This year, they defeated Westhill 6-1. 

Final: Warde 6 Westhill 1. @WardeBaseball is your 2023 FCIAC Champions. Third conference championship in a row for the Mustangs. #ctbase @WardeAthletics pic.twitter.com/foNaArAqE1

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) May 26, 2023

Will Stellato diving catch strands a runner at third. Mid fourth, Warde and Westhill still scoreless. #ctbase pic.twitter.com/VrUV6pV08N

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) May 25, 2023

You can hear Rob Adams' call of the game below. 

Warde baseball also repeated as state champions on June 10 in an incredible game against Staples, but I was not in attendance, so that is why that game was not included. 

May 31 - Ludlowe/Hamden Baseball

I wrote about this a little bit in my season ending blog post. It was a state playoff first round game, and we (Ludlowe) were trailing Hamden 4-0 in the fourth inning. 

With the bases loaded and one out, Ben Crawford, who had not played all season due to injury, came up to pinch-hit. Crawford drove the first pitch he saw off the wall in right-center field for a bases-clearing double. Awesome moment. And I'm only telling part of the story on purpose. 

3 Run Bases clearing double pic.twitter.com/ZRv8CXOePU

— Ben Crawford (@Ben_Crawford10) May 31, 2023

June 3 - Jimmy Dobbs walk-off hit for Warde baseball in playoffs

With Warde and Southington tied at one in the seventh inning of the state quarterfinals, freshman Jimmy Dobbs came up with the game-winning single to propel the Mustangs into the state semifinals. 

Jimmy Dobbs walk-off single. Warde 2 Southington 1. Mustangs advance to Class LL semifinals #ctbase @GameTimeCT pic.twitter.com/JNQYOWTzkQ

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) June 3, 2023

June 10 - Ludlowe softball wins state championship

Ludlowe softball defeated Southington 5-2 to win the Class LL softball championship. 

The win for Ludlowe snapped Southington's impressive 40-game win streak. 

The last out and the celebration as Ludlowe softball won the Class LL State Championship #ctsb pic.twitter.com/UgbVw1pldS

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) June 11, 2023

Ludlowe softball also won the FCIAC Championship for the third year in a row. Much like Warde baseball's state championship, I was not in attendance so that is the reason it was not included.   

July 8 - Trumbull/Waterford Babe Ruth game

It was another summer of broadcasting Babe Ruth baseball with Rob Adams. We saw so many great games. Whenever Trumbull and Waterford matchup, you know you're getting a great game between two terrific programs. 

July 8 in the CT State Tournament was no different, Matt Shampine and Ryan DeMelo were locked in a pitcher's duel with Trumbull holding a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh before Waterford scored two including the game winning hit by Kian Gordy to lift Waterford to a 2-1 victory. 

Trumbull scored their run in the third when Luke McDermott reached on an error to score DeMelo, who had singled earlier in the inning. 

These two teams would face off later in the tournament, including in the championship, and Trumbull would come out with the victory to head to the New England Regional. Trumbull would end up advancing to the Babe Ruth World Series. Terrific run and a special group. 

July 11 - Waterford/New Milford Babe Ruth no-hitter

A few days later, Waterford would come away with another big win. 

Colby Sheehan threw five no-hit inniings and Thomas Flanagan did not allow a hit over the final two as Waterford came away with a no-hitter in an 8-0 win over New Milford. 

You can hear the final out and the full game below. 

Final out: http://sndup.net/stys

October 28 - Ryan Menozzi game-winning catch vs McMahon

Ludlowe's Ryan Menozzi caught a 22-yard touchdown with thirty-six seconds remaining in the game to give the Falcons a 35-32 lead over Ridgefield and Ludlowe would go on to win by that score. 

It was a hard-fought back and forth game that (at the time) kept Ludlowe in state playoff contention. 

Final: Ludlowe 35 McMahon 32. Ryan Menozzi with under a minute left the game winner. #cthsfb

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) October 28, 2023

Menozzi 22 yard YD catch and Ludlowe leads 35-32 with :36 to go #cthsfb pic.twitter.com/1CxY3tPnni

— Scott Ericson (@EricsonSports) October 28, 2023

Ryan Menozzi caught the game winning touchdown for Ludlowe in 35-32 win over McMahon #cthsfb pic.twitter.com/SjFZBxJ6Qa

— Scott Ericson (@EricsonSports) October 28, 2023

November 9 - Ludlowe boys' soccer defeats Ridgefield in state playoffs in PK's

Alex Parent came up with some clutch saves in goal as Ludlowe defeated Ridgefield 2-1 in PK's in the second round of the state tournament. Alex missed a cello solo as part of a Veteran's Day concert due to the game running long. 

Final: Ludlowe 1 Ridgefield 1. Falcons win 4-2 in PK #ctbsoc

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) November 10, 2023

Alex Parent with the save and Ludlowe take a 2-1 overtime win over Ridgefield (4-2 PKs). #ctbsoc pic.twitter.com/5MkCpTm04F

— Dave Ruden (@DaveRuden) November 10, 2023

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I've mentioned Rob Adams a bunch of times in this blog post and in many blog posts. He posted a blog post earlier today where he included a highlight package of games, he called this year. Go give the blog a read and listen to the highlights. 

 

2023 Fairfield Holiday Hoops

2023 Prep Holiday Tournament All-Tournament Team 

Winter break means holiday tournament basketball around Fairfield on Wednesday and Thursday. 

There's the varsity girls' tournament, the Todd Burger Holiday Tournament, the boys' varsity tournament, The Fairfield Prep Holiday Classic, as well as a boys' JV tournament, the Walter Fitzgerald Tournament. 

The girls' tournament featured Ludlowe, Warde, Seymour and East Hampton.  

In the first round of Wednesday, East Hampton defeated Ludlowe 61-27 and Warde defeated Seymour 46-33. 

On Thursday in the consolation game, Ludlowe defeated Seymour 60-38. East Hampton took home the championship, defeating Warde 48-33. 

Congrats to Ludlowe's Kate Cimador and Warde's Emmy Carley on being named to the all-tournament team. 

As far as the JV boys' tournament, Prep won the title over Notre Dame. Ludlowe defeated Warde in the consolation game. In the first round, Prep edged Ludlowe and Notre Dame topped Warde. 

To the boys' varsity tournament, which features the four Fairfield high schools, Ludlowe, Warde, Notre Dame and Prep. Notre Dame won the title with a 68-41 victory over Ludlowe. In the consolation game, Warde defeated Prep 59-54. 

The All-Tournament team consisted of Will Kane of Prep, Ryan Moore of Warde, Tate Mahoney of Ludlowe, Nate Charlot of Notre Dame and Kamryn Salters of Notre Dame, who was named tournament most valuable player. 

Great job by everyone who was involved in hosting and running the tournaments. From all the coaches to Matt Narwold and Gina DiGiacomo at Warde and Tom Curran and Graham Nemi at Prep, This extends to everyone who worked the tables and contributed to the success of the tournament in many other ways. 

I was disappointed to see the lack of media covering the games. I know Fairfield Prep's students broadcasted some, but not all, of the boys' varsity tournament, but all these games should have professional coverage. That would be print or broadcast media or both. I get the reasons why, just disappointing.

I also wish we did more surrounding the reason that the girls' tournament is named in honor of Todd Burger and the boys JV tournament is named in honor of Walter Fitzgerald. Both men who lost their battles with cancer. In the past, there were donation efforts for the American Cancer Society. 

Always a great couple of days of basketball to end the calendar year. 

Now on to the rest of the season.  

Traditions Change

Christmas Eve 2023 

Traditions change over the years. 

I am not a fan of change. And I love tradition. But I know change is inevitable and not necessarily a bad thing. I need to get used to those changes. 

Some of those traditions that change are holiday, and specifically Christmas celebrations. 

Even though I am Jewish, we do Christmas with "extended family" in New Jersey. It's too hard to explain. 

For Chrismas Eve, we go to my Aunt Ellen's. When we were growing up, we went to my Uncle Tommy's but then they moved to Florida and Christmas Eve moved to my Aunt Ellen and Uncle David's. 

Christmas Day, since I've been born, has been at my Uncle Gary and Aunt Tina's. They moved towns in NJ a few years ago, but still continue to host. 

More than who is hosting, it's the actual events and the people who have changed. 

As all the "kids" get older, they have their own families that they do the holidays with, so everyone is more spread out. 

In terms of the events of the days, those have even changed. 

It used to be, all the kids would get presents from aunts and uncles on Christmas Eve. We'd change into our pajamas, take a group photo and then open presents. 

It was also part of the tradition that you had to wait for someone (normally the oldest adult present) to say it was okay to open. From what I remember, that was Aunt Shirley for many years, and then sort of was more random years after that. 

Then, a number of years ago, it was decided that rather than everyone get multiple presents everyone, we would do the "White Elephant" gift exchange. This was different. The adults partook rather than just the kids' getting gifts. The gifts varied in types. 

One year, I got a sack of Five Guys potatoes. This was perfect for me as someone who loves potatoes, and I picked it without knowing what was in the gift bag until after I had picked and opened it. 

Another part of Christmas Eves past was watching either a Christmas movie, like Shrek or The Grinch Stole Christmas, or watching home videos. 

There were also Christmas Days where we would play board games, such as Apples to Apples and others. 

Now, both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ends up mostly being just sitting around talking. It's still great to spend time with the family. 

There are other memories throughout the years from specific years, but again, different years make for different experiences. 

Another part of our Christmas, is visiting other family, specifically my dad's sister and her family. 

In terms of other traditions and changes, when my grandmother was living in Jersey City, we would stay there, then, for many years we would stay at an Embassy Suites. Part of this experience was the happy hour and snacks on Christmas Eve and the breakfast on Christmas morning at the hotel. 

Then, this year, and one other, I think during COVID, we stayed at a different hotel. 

As I said in the beginning, all the changes are weird to me, and as much as I may not like it, I understand it. 

Christmas Eve 2005 or 2006

Christmas Eve 2013

Christmas Eve 2016

We have some other photos from over the years, but these are just a few.

 

Successful Friday

I knew it would be a busy, crazy day. I just hoped things would go smooth. 

For the most part, yes, they did. 

First off, we had the winter Pep Rally at Ludlowe. 

While I wasn't running it, I was more involved from an Athletics and Nest Advisor standpoint, as our Athletic Director, Todd Parness, was at an Athletic Director's Conference. 

There were also a lot of additions from Pep Rally's we have done in the past. It wasn't just sports team, but clubs and other school groups were added. 

This made for more teamwork and planning, but everyone worked together to get all the students' recognition they deserve. Yes, I'm a sports person, but we have so many other great groups at the high school also. 

Big shout out to Head Principal Dr. Greg Hatzis for the overall leadership and oversight. 

Great work by Nick Albano and the drum line. Fun addition to the music that The Nest plays throughout the event. 

Speaking of music, thanks to Jack Bilotta for helping to play the music between groups. 

The Nest Leaders, way to lead the Pep Rally. Scotty, Stuart, Kiera, Katherine and Kayleigh. Tremendous work. 

The Nest Leaders

All the other club advisors, student leaders and captains, good job promoting your clubs, groups and teams. 

I know there was a lot of prep work that was done by Todd and Greg, as well as the student council advisors.

Very pleased with how the Pep Rally went, especially considering there were many changes from the past. Hopefully, we make a few tweaks, and the next ones are even better. 

Then it was on to the season opener for Ludlowe boys' basketball at Bullard Havens. 

This was a matchup against former Ludlowe assistant coach Lawrence Richardson, who is the head coach of the Tigers. That made for some added fun. It was great to catch up with Lawrence before and after the game. 

As for the game, it was a tight first half, with Ludlowe up 32-31 at the break. The Falcons were able to break it open in the second half and came away with a 68-48 victory. 

Ludlowe was led by the Mahoney brothers as Tate had 21 points and Charlie had 19. It was a great team win with contributions from seniors through freshman. 

Good start to the season. Lots of basketball to play. 

A long but successful day. 

 

Supporting Friends

We could call this another edition of "Adventures of Shawn."

All season I said I wanted to try to get to a Newtown game to support my guy Dan Farina, who is in his first year as the head coach there. 

However, due to conflicts with Ludlowe games, there were very few options and I hadn't been able to make it yet. 

Until Sunday. 

I decided I would go to their Class L state semifinal game versus Darien at Newtown High School. 

All week people were trying to get me to come, and I figured I should. I made more of a fuss about reasons not to do than I should have. 

The drive, the rain, buying a ticket, etc. 

Of course I would pick the game where it rained throughout. 

But it was good for me to get out of my comfort zone a bit. 

Driving to Newtown was something new as I was on roads I had never driven myself. Normally I stick to the Fairfield County FCIAC schools to go to, with a few exceptions. 

The drive there and back, while using my GPS, was fine, with the exception of my tire pressure light coming on about five minutes from the school. It was also raining so we had to deal with that for the travel. 

We'll get the tire figured out. Hoping it's just because of the cold. Seems to happen on some of my longer drives in the winter the last couple of years. 

I also had to purchase a ticket, which is fine. 

However, it's not something I am used to. Honestly it might be one of the first times I have ever purchased a ticket for a high school sporting event. Normally, I am either working the game, covering the game, on the comp list, or have access just do to my job and knowing people. Here I was just a fan. 

I'm sure reading this, you are like, why are you telling us this. It's just part of the story. 

As I've said previously, I am not good at being just a fan. I always feel like I need to be doing something and cannot just sit in the stands. If I am just watching, I need to be standing up against a fence and often walking around. 

Thankfully, I was there with Sara Kinley, Mel Sulich, Craig DeAngelis and others so we were able to talk while watching the game. I also Tweeted (Or X'd?) updates, because that's what I do. I just followed their lead and hung out in the end zone with them. 

A different view for me watching a game, but it was also about hanging with friends, while supporting others. 

The rain was constant throughout most of the game. However, heavier at times. 

I was prepared with a rain jacket with a hood, booths and an umbrella, but for some reason, didn't decide to use the umbrella until the second half. By that time, I was soaked. Oh well. It's all part of the fun. 

Basically our view for the game

It was weird for me to be rooting for a non-FCIAC team against an FCIAC team, but I support my friends. 

Ok, I've buried the lede (or lead) of how the game went on the field. Darien came away with a 21-0 lead and will play New Canaan next weekend in the Class L Championship. 

Despite the loss, congrats to Dan and the Nighthawks on a terrific season. Tremendous first season with a lot of exciting times in the future. 

Happy I was able to be there to support, despite the result. 

Also, congrats to Tommy Howell, an assistant at Joel Barlow on their state semifinal win and advancing ot the state championship. 

Basketball Season

New floor this year in the Ludlowe gym

I'm sure I'm unfortunately going to make this post way too much about myself, when that's the exact opposite of what I want. As part of the blog, it seems to happen way too often. 

Seasons change. 

The actual season and sports seasons. 

We have finished the Fall high school sports season and are on to winter. 

Some sports are already underway and others start up tomorrow. 

For me, other than my real work with all the sports, that means being around Ludlowe boys basketball once again. 

Head Coach John Dailey calls me the "Director of Basketball Operations." 

Every year I tell John you can tell me he doesn't want me around, or at least as much, but he always tells me to keep coming around. I love it. 

Great coaches and great kids. I'm excited to watch this group this year. A good mix of upperclassman and younger guys who will be out there competing every day. Lots of great athletes and even better people who I enjoy being around. 

But what do I really do? A lot of different things. 

Helping the coaches, players, team managers and others. Just doing whatever is needed. 

Whether that means running the clock, getting equipment out and set up, or jumping into a drill. Those are just a few of the things I might be doing on a daily basis. 

Then during games, it might be doing the clock or scorebook, during varsity and/or junior varsity and freshman games. Or it could be more of just watching and being around if needed. Sometimes, especially for sub-varsity, it's sitting on the bench and helping out in ways there. Often that is just talking to players, in good time and bad, when they come out of a game. 

Some of the same things I did when I was the student manager and some other things as well. I really try not to overstep on the current managers just because I have certain ways of doing things, but I try to teach and help out however I can. 

Then sometimes it's doing things behind the scenes such as making copies, making film reservations, etc. I also end up being the photographer for random group photos when they aren't being taken by parents or professional photographers. 

As I said I was afraid I would, I've made this way too much about me when it's about the players. I just enjoy helping out any way I can. 

Once basketball ends, it will be baseball season. There could even be some overlap. Looking forward to all of it! 

See you in late June! 

Time to get going! 

Thanksgiving 2023

Thanksgiving means family, food and football. 

Football both on the professional level and the high school level. 

In high school football action around here, it's the Battle of Fairfield with Ludlowe and Warde.

On Thursday morning at Warde, the Falcons of Ludlowe came away with a 42-12 victory over the Mustangs. 

The game was close on the first half, with Ludlowe holding a 14-0 lead after one and a 14-6 lead at halftime. 

Ludlowe got touchdowns from John Kleinbeck, Justin Toothaker, Chris Bellantoni and Charlie Mahoney, among others. Not intentionally leaving anyone out, just going off the top of my head as I write. Kleinbeck was named the Ludlowe game MVP. 

Ludlowe has now won three straight matchups. Warde's last win came in 2019. The Mustangs lead the post-Fairfield High School matchup 10-8. 

Ludlowe finishes the season at 7-3, while Warde finishes at 1-9. 

Personally, it's always good to see people from town, as well as Alumni, and many others. I was helping with tickets for the first half of the game so I got to see those who came in at the gate I was at. 

Then, in the second half, I was able to walk around the stadium and see people and then watch the second half while trying (key word, trying) to keep The Nest, the Ludlowe student section, in line.

With that, fall sports are over and it's on to winter. For me, that specifically means basketball.  

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On the NFL side, the Packers got a big win over the Lions. Jordan Love with a strong game and a couple of touchdowns from Christian Watson. 

Green Bay is not having the season we'd like, but the win today over a good Detroit team, keeps them in playoff contention. 

In the other games, the Cowboys defeated the Commanders and the 4ers and Seahawks are playing right now. 

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Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone. Hope all had a great day with friends and family. 

Thankful for the friendships with many different people in my life from different avenues, even though a lot of them have to do with, or at least stem from work. 

Smaller, quiet here than it's been. Only eight of us where most years it's been more and even some years close to 30, if not more. 

Times change. Traditions change. 

I hate change, but that's just the way it is, for a variety of reasons. 

Ludlowe Seniors

Some Ludlowe players and coaches 

John Kleinbeck the Ludlowe game MVP

Ludlowe Juniors 

"The Nest" 

JFK 60

JFK and Jackie 

November 22, 1963 

Sixty years ago today. 

The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 

So many places to find information on the internet about that day. 

From so many different angles too. 

The events of the day before the assassination

The car ride/campaign and the actual assassination. 

The details of what happened in the car and at the hospital. 

The announcement of President Kennedy's death, most notably by Walter Cronkite on CBS News, but many others too. 

The events with Lee Harvey Oswald. 

Then there are the days between the Nov. 22 and Nov. 25, which was the date of the funeral. 

Then the events of the funeral, such as John Jr. saluting his father. 

And so much more. 

Go read and watch about it for yourself. 

I've watched so many things and when I was younger, I read many things on JFK's life and presidency, which include information on his assassination.

There's so much more about what President Kennedy did during his (short) time in office and what he did prior in life in political jobs. 

It's also about the entire Kennedy family. From Jackie to Robert and so many others.

Today is one of those days in US history. One that everyone remembers forever. One, that if you were alive, you know where you were. 

People who were alive then also talk about how that day changed the history of the country. Not just the immediate impact of the President being killed, but so many other things. People who were alive say that America "lost it's innocence" that day. It's also said that both the job of the President and the media were looked at different following that day. 

The media person in me finds the coverage fascinating. Especially how the information was announced on different networks.  

It's been sixty years. But that day is still remembered. He is still remembered. 

That's what a legacy does. That's what a tragedy does. 

It makes us never forget and always remember. 

Busy Week

The captains meeting prior to the FYF game

I thought this past week was going to be a relatively quiet week. 

Most fall sports were done and winter sports have not started yet. 

It was anything besides quiet. 

Let's go through it. All of this is in addition to normal work. 

Honestly, most of you won't care about what I'm rambling about, but sometimes it's just about writing for myself and to talk about experiences. 

Monday was our winter coaches meeting at Ludlowe. 

While I don't have to be at this, I try to go and help and it also makes my life easier when it comes to the work I have to do after the meeting related to what takes place at the meeting. Also, if coaches have questions for me, sometimes it's easier to handle in person. 

Tuesday Warde hosted St. Joseph and Staples girls soccer in the state semifinals and I was at the ticket table. I know some people don't like it, but I love that tickets are only only and we don't need to worry about taking cash. Now, sometimes, technology issues are a problem, but we figure it out. 

As for the game, Staples took a 2-0 lead before St Joe's came from behind to win 4-3. I'm not a huge soccer fan, but that was a terrific soccer game between two great teams. 

Wednesday was more soccer as the Ludlowe boys played Hall in the state semifinals at Waterbury's Municipal Stadium complex. 

We had a fan bus so as the Nest Advisor, and the fact that I said sure, I was the adult chaperone for the fan bus. It was interesting. 

The game did not go in Ludlowe's favor as Hall came away with the 1-0 win, in what was a very well played game by both teams. I wrote about this on Wednesday, so I don't need to say the same thing again. 

Thursday was the coaches meeting at Warde, so it was much like Monday's meeting at Ludlowe. 

Friday was a new experience, in a way. 

After the last Ludlowe home football game on November 3, I thought I was done with the scoreboard for football for the season. Well, not so much. 

I was asked to work the scoreboard for the Fairfield Youth Football 8th grade championship game vs Greenwich, which took place at Ludlowe. 

Fairfield came away with the 44-22 victory. Fun to watch them all but especially the kids I know somewhat like Drew Kane, Dylan Toothaker, Ryan Saja and Matthew Keating, just to name a few. 

The whole night was a cool scene. In addition to the scoreboard, they had the PA system, as well as a DJ. They wanted to make it have a big time feel for the kids, which I am always a fan of. 

I was happy for the opportunity and it's always good to network and make connections. Thanks to Mitch Ross, Brendan Sullivan for their help and for asking. 

Nice to work with Mike Donovan and Rob Kaminsky, who were in the booth doing public address. Great to see former Ludlowe athletic trainer Sydney Ciuffo, who was covering the game. 

In addition to the scoreboard, it was somewhat of a site director role, just in terms of running the booth, as well as cleaning up the pylons and chains from the field after the game 

Saturday I was asked and said I would do the scoreboard for the Ludlowe/Warde JV football game. 

I wanted to be nice and give the kids the scoreboard as part of the experience. Parents asked so why not. The fact that it was Ludlowe/Warde made it more of a reason to do it, not that I wouldn't have done it regardless. With the new scoreboard setup, it's more of a process, but happy we were able to make it work. 

Ludlowe came away with the 36-13 win. 

I mention all these things that went on this week and there were even some things I couldn't be at. Sometimes, just too much going on and too many variables. 

Now it's on to Thanksgiving football and then winter sports. 

Tremendous Run

Soccer field at Municipal Stadium 

The season came to an end for Ludlowe boys soccer on Wednesday night in the Class LL semifinals. The Falcons fell to Hall 1-0 at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury. 

Hall got on the board early in the first half and took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break. Ludlowe had multiple chances in the second half and thought they had tied the game, but a goal was waved off for offsides.  

After a slow start to the season, Ludlowe finished the season strong, making the FCIAC tournament before making this deep run in the state playoffs. 

It's the deepest state tournament run in Ludlowe boys soccer history. 

So much great play all around this season from so many. From guys like Kenny Luczaj and Ian Moore, to Charlie Jones, Shane Praver, Jason Lambert, Zach Weiner and Alex Parent to so many others. 

This seemed to be a group I got to know more than normal. From the baseball and basketball guys to many others as well. From what I see, a really good group of kids, and obviously great soccer players. 

It's also a great coaching staff of Kevin O'Hara and Wayne Schwaeber, along with the sub-varsity coaches. Great coaches and great for me to work with. 

Congrats, boys, on a tremendous season! 

With that, it's just Thanksgiving football left and then on to winter sports. That's at least in terms of things to go to/work, as girls swimming and diving is still going on as well. 

Final Home Game

It was the final home game of the season for Ludlowe football on Friday night. 

That means the final night of me on the scoreboard for the season....So I can't mess up anymore for the time being...I hope. 

Ludlowe came away with a 49-6 victory over Norwalk on senior night to improve to 6-2. 

With Ludlowe playing Norwalk it was the a reunion for a few Bears. Norwalk Head Coach Mike Forget is a current Ludlowe PE teacher and former Ludlowe head coach. Norwalk Athletic Trainer Sydney Ciuffo is the former athletic trainer for the Falcons. 

Lots of contributions tonight including a touchdown reception and INT from Ryan Menozzi and a pick-six from Justin Toothaker. Senior John Kleinbeck also had a touchdown as did freshman Brady Morison. Not trying to forget anyone as there were a lot of points scored. It's tough to track everything while doing the scoreboard. Not enough time to jot scoring down. 

The Falcons have two games remaining as they look to make the playoffs for the first time in school history. Next Friday night, they play at Wilton at 7pm in a matchup of two teams fighting to get in the playoffs. They finish the regular season on Thanksgiving against cross-town rival Warde at 10am. Always a great game and atmosphere. 

In terms of the scoreboard duties for me....it was definitely an eventful time all season. You never want to be a part of the story. Luckily, while some of the ways I did things impacted the score, it never impacted the final outcome of any of the games. 

Good to work with both Paul Piorek and Phil Simpson who both had PA duties on select games this season. Thanks to the Ludlowe students, including Nick, Luca, Luca (yes, two different Luca's) and others for their help as spotters for both myself and the PA while they were doing the film for the team. 

Congrats to all the seniors. A successful senior night leading into next week's big game. 

Exciting times ahead. 

Halloween Memories

Holidays always bring memories. Some good, some bad. Some fun and others more serious. 

I have many Halloween memories from years ago. Are we sure I'm too old to trick-or-treat now? 

I won't bore you with all the memories and details, but definitely have a few thoughts. 

Years ago it was going with family friends across town and walking with them in their neighborhood. 

It was me, my dad and my brother (and I'm sure we did it before my brother was old enough) along with the three kids from our family friends and their dad. I'm pretty sure some years other friends of ours were also in the group with us. 

We'd have our Halloween buckets, and when they would get full, we'd put that candy in a larger bag (often a pillow case) so we'd have room for more.  

After we walked around the houses in their neighborhood, we'd go back to their house and sort, court and probably eat the candy. I remember dumping the candy out of the floor and then sorting it. 

There were many years for school that we had to sort and count our candy and then record the amount of candy and the different types of candy we got. The next day in school we'd have to turn all our information into pie charts, bar graphs, etc to demonstrate how those showed us information. 

They couldn't let us just enjoy the candy! 

Traditions change  and as we got older, my brother, dad and I started trick-or-treating around our neighborhood, sometimes with friends who lived nearby. We'd go around our couple loops and also up the block across the main road, where we knew we'd get the large candy bars. 

Then we'd walk down a block or two and loop back to our house. Some years in varied the path we took. 

People always debate how old kids are to trick-or-treat. I'm pretty sure I trick-or-treated through middle school. Then, freshman year of high school my friend/neighbor  and I hung out on his porch while his mom handed out candy. After that year, I think i realized I was too old to do anything. Other than eating candy, of course. 

I could write more memories, like Halloween in school and more, but I said I wouldn't bore you with all the memories. We all have our our memories. 

On that note, back to eating leftover candy.  

2023 at Warde 

2003 at Riverfield

Two Game Weekend

I know I said I wouldn't write about high school football every week, but here we are again. 

On Friday, I was asked to fill in and  do the scoreboard at Brien McMahon for their game with Warde as their usual scoreboard operator couldn't make it. 

Happy to help out McMahon Athletic Director John Cross as he needed someone to work and always good to pick up side gigs. 

Nice to work with cross country head coach Patrick Bradley, who was on the public address. Appreciate Patrick's help. It's always weird to work in a new spot and with new people, so his friendliness was very much appreciated. 

Whether it's Paul Piorek or Phil Simpson at Ludlowe, or Patrick Bradley on Friday, it's always great to work together with the PA announcer so we help each other and are in sync on down-and-distance and ball spot.  

It was a different controller than the one I used for football at Ludlowe, but one I've used for basketball in the past. That was good as I was somewhat familiar with it and just gave myself a quick tutorial before the game. 

Don't worry, I don't think I messed up the clock this week. It made it somewhat easier that the end of the third and all of the fourth quarter was running time, due to the score. 

As for the game, McMahon led from start to finish and came away with a 49-7 victory. 

It was good to see Warde play since I have not seen them yet this season. Often because their games conflict with Ludlowe and the home games specifically, where I am working the Ludlowe games. 

Saturday, I went to Darien to watch the Blue Wave take on Ludlowe. 

I was pretty sure some of "The Nest" (the Ludlowe student section) was going to come, so figured we'd need to watch them. Overall, they were pretty well behaved.  

I also always want to support my guys. Bunch of baseball, basketball and other players on the football team who I'm close with. I'll obviously support them all. 

Ludlowe took an early 7-0 lead on a touchdown catch by John Kleinbeck from Chris Bellentoni but after Darien tied it up and then took a 14-7 lead after one, they did not relinquish the lead. The Blue Wave defeated Ludlowe 34-21. On the defensive side of the ball for the Falcons, Ryan Torello came away with a well-played interception in the loss. 

On the scoreboard, not a great weekend for the two Fairfield teams. 

Warde falls to 0-6 and will host Bridgeport Central on Friday at 6pm. 

Ludlowe falls to 4-2 and will be back in action on Friday at home at 6pm vs McMahon. 

A couple added factors of this weekend were the weather and traffic, due to road work. Fortunately, at least for me, neither were bad at all. I worried all week about the traffic and alternate routes. Like usual, I worried for no reason. 

Another weekend down. Regular season for many fall sports (other than football) wrapping up and playoffs starting soon. We've got football until (at least) Thanksgiving. 

On to a new week. 

Scoreboard (Operator) Difficulties

Who do they say is one of the most yelled at people at an athletic event? The scoreboard operator. 

Let's just say it. Tonight was a rough one for me on the scoreboard for Ludlowe football's 53-44 shootout win over Ridgefield. 

It was a long first half, with a lot of scoring and a lot of passing, but was going fine for most of the first half. 

With under one minute remaining in the half, Ludlowe was leading 40-29 (yes, you read that right). Those 40 points came in large part to three Justin Toothaker touchdowns. 

 Ridgefield drove down the field and with under 10 seconds to go, threw a pass towards the right corner of the end zone that was incomplete with one second left. 

That set up a field goal attempt for Ridgefield's Cole Montanaro. He connected from 24-yards out to cut the deficit to 40-32 at halftime. 

Let me say, I stopped the clock as I believe I should have when the pass before the field goal attempt was incomplete. I know many people thought as the home clock, I should have let the second tick off and go to the half. Yes, I'm sure many other home clocks do that, and maybe I should have  I honestly didn't even look at the time when I was stopping it. Regardless, I have too much integrity and am on edge when I am doing the clock regardless. 

Then, in the fourth quarter, Ridgefield cut the deficit to 46-44, and could have tied it on a two-point try that was no good. Then I got really nervous. Could my scoreboard work impact the outcome of the game? Luckily for me in didn't come back to bite, and Ludlowe, Ryan Tompkins scored with 1:25 left to ice the game. 

In the fourth quarter, I also ran the clock when I was supposed to stop it, and then didn't see or hear the ref telling me the correct time initially. Thanks to Dan Seek for the assistance on that one. I was not to popular with the Ridgefield coaches in the booth on that one. At least that one got corrected and didn't impact anything. 

So no coaches were happy with my scoreboard work tonight. I don't blame them. 

Why did I just write a whole blog post picking on my poor scoreboard skills? Good question! 

Two more home games on the scoreboard this season. Hopefully it goes better than tonight. 

National Coaches Day 2023

October 6 is National Coaches Day. 

The definition of a coach is "a person who teaches and trains the members of a sports team and makes decisions about how the team plays during games." 

A coach is so much more than that though.

From playing sports, to covering sports, to coaching and working in athletic offices, I have dealt and deal with coaches a lot. 

There is a lot that goes that goes into being a coach beyond coaching practices and games. There's preparation, and paperwork and dealing with people and issues and so much more. 

There are many different coaching staff roles and duties to make sure everything runs smoothly. There are variations depending on the age of athletes, level of play and the league that the coach is coaching in. 

A good coach doesn't just care about wins and loses and how the athletes perform of the field, court, etc. A good coach cares about their athletes. They care about them both on the field and off. A good coach not only wants their players to have a good experience with the team, but is there for them in life. 

A coach may make a decision in a game that is the best to help their team win. This doesn't mean they don't like or care about the player as a person. 

The head coach is the leader of the program and he can dictate how he wants to use his assistant coaches. Many coaches have different roles for how their assistants can help them. 

Coaches are teachers even if they are not actual teachers as their full-time job, at any level, but especially at the youth and high school level and that's important. 

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For me, it's being an assistant on the Ludlowe baseball coaching staff. We have a great staff led by Ken Geriak and a tremendous group of kids who it's a pleasure to coach. Everyone has a role and it's about the kids. 

It's also working with all the coaches I do at Ludlowe and Warde. I honestly work more directly with coaches than I do the student-athletes. From coaching permits and paperwork, to rosters, buses and so many other items that come up on a daily basis. 

Some coaches I am friendlier with than others and deal with more. A lot of that depends on the sport and their needs, as well as what coaches are around the office more than others. 

Then there's also my heavy involvement in Ludlowe basketball and dealing with John Dailey and his staff even more than I do the other coaches I work with for my actual job. 

It's the coaches I've covered as a media member. Always so gracious and helpful. 

It's also those I played youth sports for. So many great parents who were the coaches who knew I wasn't a great athlete but was passionate and cared. 

There are way too many coaches to name them who have had an impact on me. Especially with the fact that I don't want to forget or slight someone. Everyone important in one way or another. 

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There are so many great coaches professionally. Everyone has their opinions. 

From Vince Lombardi to Phil Jackson to Connie Mack, to Mike Krzyzewski to Geno Auriemma and so many others. And that's just head coaches, not even making any assistants. 

Everyone doesn't like their teams coach when things aren't going well and loved them when they are. That's the reality of sports and the position they are in. 

Rainy Football Friday

Don't worry. I'm (most likely) not going to write about every week's football game. 

Today was an insane day. 

With bad rain, flooding and thunder and lightning happening/in the forecast, there were decisions to be made about the games. 

Personally, my feeling was it's football and it's on turf, the games should be played, but I understand it was more about the people getting there and home, people coming to the game, etc.

Ludlowe's game got moved from 6pm to 3:45pm and Warde's game got moved from 6pm to 5pm. Other games in the state got postponed, while others played at the regularly scheduled times. 

Football is a lot more more and has a lot more involved than most other sports. A lot more moving parts when changes are made. This made for a busy and crazy work day. 

Once decisions were made on moving the games, a lot of people had to be notified and things had to be changed. This means officials, game workers, police, ambulance and others. This doesn't include families, media and just other fans. 

Of course, I was at Ludlowe so then it became "game mode."

Once all the "office work" was done, it was helping to get everything set up out on the field and around the stadium for the game, while getting wet and working to keep equipment and other important items dry. 

As I always am, I was on the scoreboard for the game. I actually felt guilty being in the press box and being mostly warm and dry, at least compared to those out in the elements. We weren't totally dry as some windows had to be open and the hatch to the roof of the press box was open as the Ludlowe coaches were on top of the press box coaching and Ludlowe players were filming next to me. 

In was fun to work with Phil Simpson, who was back on the public address tonight, after working with Phil all last season. 

Well, the game did not go in Ludlowe's favor and did not last long. Lightning was seen at 5:04pm with 1:54 left in the first half with New Canaan on top 43-0. 

Due to this, the stadium had to be cleared and the teams were sent to the school. Before the teams even got off the field there was word that the game was called. Shortly, word came down that we were indeed done. The game would be final. 

I get it. Be safe, especially with the score. Now can they actually have a game be official before halftime? I'm not really sure, but that's what happened. It sounds like it might have been a similar situation in the Warde/Wilton game. 

Then it was cleaning up afterwards. The normal post-football game cleanup, plus tents that were put up to try to try to keep people dry, and other items that were left out as the teams ran for cover when the game was stopped. 

A wet, crazy, stressful, frustrating (and kind of fun, though I think few others would agree) day. 

Falcons Soar to Huge Victory In Home Opener

Sometimes we rank games and wins bigger than they really are. Maybe I am doing that, but maybe not.

Ludlowe football defeated Hamden on Friday night 35-14 in the Falcons home opener. Hamden was definitely favored coming into the game. 

I think this is the biggest win the Ludlowe football history. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has different thoughts. I've seen a lot of the games (and most of the wins) since 2009. While there were other wins that were a lot of fun, none of those compare to this. Hamden was ranked top five in Class LL. 

Those previous teams were different than this one. As if every team. Things change over time. 

Ludlowe is currently 3-0 after beating Simsbury, Bridgeport Central and now Hamden to open the season. Big game versus New Canaan next Friday at home at 6pm. 

Big games from many, including the entire defense. I will shout out Jackson Frame, who had three interceptions and a touchdown catch and Justin Toothaker who had a touchdown catch. 

Tremendous job by all the players and coaches. Total team win. 

I was back on the scoreboard, as I will be for all the games this year, just as I was a season ago. Nice to work with Paul Piorek, who is back as the voice of Ludlowe football on the PA this season. 

The Nest, the Ludlowe student section, was awesome tonight. Not only were they out in numbers in a USA theme, but they were loud and into the game all night. 

Back at it next week. Lots of other sports between now and then. 

Basketball and Music

Chuck's In London playing at PorchFest Black Rock 2023

Another summer of coaching Ludlowe JV summer league basketball came to an end on Friday night. 

We made it to the championship game, before falling to Stratford. 

The details of the game aren't relevant. It's summer league. 

It's a great group of kids who play really hard. Lots of talented athletes too.

I was beating myself up for some of my coaching moves (and non-moves) but the wins and loses don't really matter. I'm just extremely competitive and always want to win. 

It's about the kids getting to play together and hopefully they are getting better for tryouts and the season. 

Fall league is up next. 

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Went over to Black Rock's PorchFest this afternoon. Per their Facebook page, PorchFests are the next big thing in summer festivals. Across the country, fun-loving communities are hosting PorchFests, grassroots music festivals in which residents hosts performers on their front porches for a fun-filled afternoon of music. 

We (me and my parents) went in large part because I knew that my friend (and fellow Ludlowe baseball coach) Tommy Howell and his band, Chucks in London, were playing. 

I wanted to go support Tommy and it was great to hear him play. It was also great to see so many people I know who were there to watch. Some who I haven't seen in years, and others I've seen recently. From guys my own age, and around my age, to parents of Ludlowe and Warde students, to others I know from many different parts of life. 

It's no surprise that I'm not a huge music person but it was a fun community event and even made me feel like I had somewhat of a life (outside of sports) for an hour or so. 

Maybe I need to get out from either my house or Ludlowe//Warde and other high school/youth sports more often. Not to say I don't have fun with Ludlowe/Warde and youth sports, but there can be more of a balance and not make my entire life work as much. 

I always say I know too many people and today was a good example of that. It was good to do something that wasn't sports related too. 

Baseball, Radio and Work

The original look of the offices when I started. Many changes since then. 

The Yankees are bad. 

There is no other way to put it. 

Seven losses in a row and three games under .500. As I type this, they are down 5-2 to the RedSox in the seventh inning so, barring a comeback, those numbers get worse. Ok, now they tied the game on an Anthony Volpe home-run. 

And now they are losing again in the ninth as Clay Homes gives up a run in the ninth inning of a tie game. 

And now they have lost. 

Make it eight in a row and four under .500. 

There are games where they don't pitch, games where they don't hit, games where they make mistakes, both physical and mental. Then there are games where multiple issues happen. Just not a good baseball team. 

I think there needs to be changes in the offseason. Management changes are likely needed because that is the only way you get a change in philosophy for the organization. 

We will see how the rest of the season plays out and then see what the off-season brings. 

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Happy National Radio Day! I enjoy dabbling in the little radio I do, both on and off the air. I really enjoy listening to the radio I do, whether that be sports talk, games, or other items. 

A lot of that is with Rob Adams. Whether it's joining him on air, hanging with him as he calls games, or listening to him call games. I enjoy it all. It's also listening to him on his sports talk show, Doubleheader, and occasionally coming on with him. 

Beyond that, it's listening to WFAN, both talk shows, and games. 

There's the occasional other broadcasts I will listen to as well, often to listen to the broadcasters more than the actual game. 

So many people want video, but there is something great about radio broadcasts, whether that be terrestrial or online radio. 

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I'm way late on this and I've already wrote multiple times about it, but congratulations to Trumbull Babe Ruth 14U on an amazing run to the Babe Ruth World Series quarterfinals. 

It's a tremendous group of players, coaches and families. That's led by Mike Buswell, who is not only the 14U coach, but also is the managing director of Trumbull Travel Baseball, which covers, Trumbull Little League, Trumbull Babe Ruth and Trumbull American Legion. Trumbull Travel is truly something special. 

I am excited to see what these kids do going forward, especially in high school, both on and off the field. 

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On this date in 2018 was my first day working in the Athletic Departments at Ludlowe and Warde. It's been a wild ride. Many great moments, other not so great moments. Some changes. Often chaos. 

I guess that means technically year six begins. It's been crazy already. 

Excited for the high school sports year. I'm excited about all the improvements that have been made/are being made to the facilities this summer. It's what the student-athletes deserve. 

Good luck to all the athletes, coaches and teams as another year begins. 

Murcer/Munson Game

I've written about this a couple of times over the last few years, and obviously nothing has changed. However, as a Bobby Murcer fan, always a day I try to recognize. I also realize you can find this information other places on the internet, like I have over the years. 

August 6, 1979 is known around the Yankees and the baseball world as either "The Bobby Murcer game" or "The Thurman Munson Game." 

The Yankees defeated the Orioles 5-4. That score doesn't tell the story at all. 

This was after the Yankees' team attended the funeral for their captain, Thurman Munson, earlier in the day. Munson was tragically killed in a plane crash on August 2. 

Bobby Murcer was a eulogist, along with Lou Pinella, at Munson's funeral. 

A famous excerpt from Murcer's eulogy was "Thurman Munson wore the pinstripes as number 15, but in living, loving, and legend, history will forever remember my friend as number one." (2:25 of clip)

In the game on August 6, Murcer drove in all five runs, with a three-run home run in the seventh inning and a walk-off two-run single in the ninth. 

Side note: I like Howard Cosell for certain reasons but he says way too much here. Let it breath. 

Yankees Manager Billy Martin had told Murcer to take the game off, but Murcer told Martin he felt like he had to play. Sometimes, that's what people need. Murcer didn't just play. He honored his friend and teammate so well. 

Bobby had some special moments over his career, but this may have been the most special, as it was about more than baseball. 

The bat that Murcer used that game, he never used it again. He gave it to Diana Munson. 

This is a date that will live in Yankees' history forever, and as a Murcer fan, a date I always think about. 

Boys Of Summer 2023

Barnums Team Photo (Missing some)

Summer's over. 

Ok, it's not actually over. 

Just summer baseball coverage for me. As far as I am concerned though, that means summer is over. Get me to Fall and Fall sports. Or even better, get me to basketball and baseball season, selfishly. 

The baseball coverage consisted of The Bridgeport Barnums, Fairfield Legion and Babe Ruth. I wish there was more and I am always open to any opportunities (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @ShawnSailer). 

The Barnums were my main coverage, as they were the actual "job" for the summer. That's not to say I cared about any less of the others, it's just when there were conflicts, the Barnums took priority. 

The Barnums were in their inaugural season and are part of the Connecticut College Baseball League (CCBL). Members of the team (and league) are those who are playing baseball in college or recent high school graduates who are planning to play in college. 

My work with the Barnums consisted of GameChanger scorekeeping during games, Instagram and writing game stories after, along with whatever else was needed. I enjoyed doing post-game video interviews with the players, as they got to have some fun and even more promotion. 

The Bridgeport team consists of players from Fairfield, Bridgeport and other surrounding Fairfield County towns including Darien, Trumbull and Easton.  Fun to watch the guys I already knew from Ludlowe, Warde and Prep and get to know others. 

The Barnums had a strong season, making it to the CCBL semifinals in year one. Terrific job by the coaching staff of manager Chris Bugyi and coaches Jim Chaves and Mark Keeney and everyone involved. 

I was also able to get to watch some of the Fairfield Legion team. Not as much as I wanted due to conflicts, but tried to get to as much as possible. It was mostly just watching and not too much coverage, but coverage where I could. Wish it could have been more. The kids deserve the coverage. Lots of current Ludlowe and Warde players on the team. Great group who played hard, despite the results not being what they wanted. Great job by the coaches and staff involved here. 

I've already written about the Babe Ruth broadcasting Rob Adams and I did in Trumbull. Rob went on to broadcast the New England Regional in North Providence, Rhode Island, which Trumbull won. Good luck to them in the World Series. 

It seems sort of odd that it's all over before August, but that's the way it is. 

It was a fun summer. Love covering the athletes, coaches and teams. Getting to know and talk with the families is also something that makes it enjoyable. 

We will see what next summer brings. 

On to high school sports. 

But first....

Enjoy the rest of the summer!