Fairfield Rivalry Basketball

Sacred Heart vs Fairfield University Men's Basketball

This blog post is not completely what you think it is about by reading the headline. Maybe you figured that out by the photo. 

Yes, we will talk about Ludlowe vs Warde basketball from Friday night. 

However, first we go back to Thursday when Sacred Heart hosted Fairfield University in men's basketball at the William H. Pitt Center on the SHU campus. 

The Pitt Center was renovated prior to the 2024-2025 season. We know I do not like change, and I enjoy nostalgia, but it was cool to see the new arena. Different than the old one, but very nice. 

There were also plenty of Town of Fairfield people there, including Triple Double Basketball, who played at halftime. There were fans of both schools, and students from both Universities at well. It felt like a community event and that's what a town rivalry game, even at the college level, should be. 

Fairfield came away with a 92-87 victory. The Stags had a double-digit lead, but the Pioneers cut into the deficit late in the fourth quarter, but could never get the game tied, or take the lead. 

The game getting completive made for a fun atmosphere. I see a lot of basketball, but mostly at the high school level. It was fun to watch some good local college basketball. 

You can read Chase Coburn's recap of the game here. 

Now we get to Friday. 

The annual Ludlowe vs Warde basketball doubleheader took place at Ludlowe High School. 

The girls' game was first up. Warde came away with a 50-38 victory. Sofia Hardiman led the Mustangs with 13 points. Ivy and Ava Feay had 10 points apiece for Warde as well. (H/T to @WardeGBB on X for the stats.)

Ludlowe and Warde girls' basketball action. 

The boys' game was back and forth and close throughout with Ludlowe coming away with a 60-57 victory. The Falcons were led by 25 points from Carlo Noecker and 13 points from Lorenzo Stabilini. Warde was led by Ryan Tully's 25 points. 

The doubleheader was used as Coaches vs Cancer games to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Players wear Coaches vs Cancer T-Shirts, players and coaches get donations and fill out Coaches vs Cancer cards in honor of who they are playing for. Additionally, funds were raised though other activities during the games. 

It's an important cause that I am happy we recognize and support. 

It was another wild, fun night. In fact, two fun nights of basketball. 

**This blog post, and this blog, is my personal blog and does not represent my job in the Fairfield Schools Athletic Department and do not represent anyone other than myself. 

Holidays and Games

Happy New Year. With the flip of the calendar, changes don't happen automatically. Actions cause change. All the best to everyone in 2026. 

Speaking of change....

I've written before about how traditions change. I lot of that happens during holidays or other special events, as well as everyday life. 

The changes happen as a result of families and life changing. People move, others have families and extended family and unfortunately sometimes family issues or family members passing away change traditions. It's also just a fact that people get older. New traditions get created. 

I've noticed this with holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, to name a few. The groups get smaller, the activities change. The days become more low-key. 

It's still about spending time with family and friends and those who matter. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Every year, while we celebrate great moments of the year, we also look back as tough moments. We think about those going through difficult times, and we remember those who we lost in the past year. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I write about often in regard to my sports life but it's not so much about the wins and losses when it comes to the sports, it's about the relationships both built and strengthened. It's about caring for and supporting one another in good times and bad. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a tradition to do top games of the year. With a few obvious exceptions, I felt like there were less games or moments that stood out to choose from. 

There was a lot of high school basketball and baseball, but there wasn't as much summer baseball as there has been in the past. I hope that changes in 2026. 

Before we get going with the list, please note a couple of things. This is my list and has nothing to do with my work or coaching affiliation and does not represent those entities. In addition, this list only encompasses games I was in attendance for. 

Here we go with my top games or moments of 2025 locally. 

FCIAC Baseball Championship

Ludlowe vs Norwalk. This is an easy one. My favorite moment of the year. A tremendous game in which Ludlowe took a 2-0 lead before Norwalk tied the game in the sixth and then Ludlowe re-took the lead for good in the seventh. 

You can read more here and listen to Rob Adams' broadcast below. 

2025 FCIAC CHAMPIONS! pic.twitter.com/Ws3Z3fU0Y4

— Fairfield Ludlowe Baseball (@LudloweBase) May 30, 2025

Photo Credit: Stacey Scruggs

FCIAC Baseball Quarterfinal - Ludlowe vs Warde

Two games prior to the FCIAC Championship, Ludlowe and Warde squared off for the third time in the season, this time in the FCIAC quarterfinals at Warde. Warde held a 3-1 lead through five innings and a 3-2 lead through six innings. 

In the top of the seventh with two on and two outs, Ian Moore singled down the right field line to bring home two runs and give the Falcons a 4-3 lead. Tyler Geriak got the save, stranding the tying and winning runs on base in the bottom half of the inning. 

Kieran Scruggs Walk-Off Playoff Hit for Barnums

In a Connecticut College Baseball League playoff elimination game, Kieran Scruggs came up with a pinch-hit game winning single. 

Read my game story on the Bridgeport Barnums Blogger site. Also included is video of the hit. 

Ludlowe football win over Norwalk on Miko Marano's PAT in OT

Ludlowe and Norwalk have a tendency to play exciting, close football games over the years, and this year was no exception. 

Ludlowe had to come from behind late to tie the game and send it to overtime, before Miko Marano's PAT following a Ludlowe touchdown in OT tied the game again, gave the Falcons the victory. 

Video of Miko Marano’s game-winning extra point. Video via @coachkeyes. #cthsfb https://t.co/31CFwrZktp pic.twitter.com/LZbd2mYrN2

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) October 11, 2025

Ludlowe Basketball FCIAC Quarterfinal OT win over New Canaan

On Super Saturday in the FCIAC Quarterfinals at Fairfield Warde, Ludlowe defeated 61-50 behind 26 points from Ryan Torello and 10 points apiece from Gavin Mertz and Carlo Noecker. 

Ryan Torello breaks the Ludlowe single season scoring record in the FCIAC semifinal game vs Staples

In the latter part of a tremendous season for Ludlowe's Ryan Torello, he broke the school's single season scoring record in the Falcons FCIAC semifinal game vs Staples at Wilton High School. Ryan broke Brian Spring's record of 474 points, which he set in 2006. 

Ryan finished his tremendous senior season with 542 points for the season and 749 points for his career, which puts him second all-time in career points, behind Spring. 

*All this information is public in that it is on the Ludlowe Athletics social media and/or on the record board outside the gym at FLHS for anyone to see when they come to the gym. 

Warde's Jack Cramer scores 1,000th point in FCIAC semifinal game vs Ridgefield 

Like talking about Torello above, I love talking about records and milestones. On the same night that Torello broke the Ludlowe scoring record, Warde's Jack Cramer scored his 1,000th career point in the Mustangs FCIAC semifinal game vs Ridgefield. The accomplishment happened in the fourth quarter of the game and was acknowledged during the next stoppage in play. I always enjoy when these records and milestones are acknowledged. It's important for the people to get the recognition they deserve. 

Ludlowe/Trumbull Football

This one has zero to do with the game. This is a favorite game of the year due to the relationships I have made with people in Trumbull. As I wrote about at the time, it's people like Mike Buswell, Brayden Jagoe, Luke McDermott and their families and many others. It's always fun to watch them play and to talk and support them. 

I wrote more about this when it took place.

Ludlowe/Trumbull Baseball 

This was a big for us at Ludlowe as we unofficially clinched a berth in the FCIAC tournament with the win. It was a crazy game. We built up a 10-4 lead before Trumbull made a comeback and cut the deficit to 10-8 and had a chance to do more. A cool moment in the game was Jagoe, mentioned above, hitting a home run for the Eagles. Obviously mixed emotions for me as it happened as I'm coaching in the Ludlowe dugout. 

----------------------------------------------------------------

On to 2026! 

Games/Moments of 2024 (Local Sports)

Please note, this is my personal blog and has no work affiliation. These are games that I was at as either a fan, coach or worked in some capacity that has nothing to do with my regular job. 

Every year, when we look back on the year, we look at the games and moments that stand out. Here are 10 of MY top games or moments in games from the year. There could be many different reasons that a game makes my list, some may be around the game, some may be more personal reasons. 

Obviously, there is a lot of Ludlowe in here. 

Remember, these are only games I was in attendance for. Also, these are in order by date, no other reason. 

Let's go. 

1) John Dailey's 100th career victory

Ludlowe boys' basketball head coach John Dailey picked up his 100th career victory on January 19 in a 49-29 victory at home vs Westhill. The win was also the eighth of the season for the Falcons, clinching them a state tournament berth. 

2) Tate Mahoney sets the Ludlowe single-game points and three-points record

On February 14 at home vs Darien, Ludlowe's Tate Mahoney set both the Ludlowe record for points in a game and three-pointers made in a game. Mahoney scored 39 points, passing Cooper Dailey, who scored 38 in February of 2022. 

Mahoney also hit eight three-pointers which passed Kevin Bentivegna and Brian Tharp's record of seven, set in 2011 and 2007, respectively.  

3) Ludlowe boys' basketball win over No. 3 Wilby 

After defeating Killingly at home in the first round of the state tournament, the Ludlowe boys' basketball team went on the road and took down Wilby, who was the three seed in Division 3, by a 44-42 score. 

4) Ludlowe/Waterford State boys basketball quarterfinal 

While this was not a great game on the scoreboard, Ludlowe came away with a 70-48 victory, there were a lot of other factors that had this game make my list. 

It's about friendships. Waterford featured Matt Shampine and Colby Sheehan, who Rob Adams and I had seen in prior summers broadcasting Babe Ruth baseball. 

That led Rob to broadcast the game and have Mike Buswell, who coaches Trumbull Babe Ruth, to join Rob for the call. Trumbull and Waterford Babe Ruth have a great relationship and have had many terrific battles over the years. 

Give it a listen here. 

5) Ludlowe Baseball's Ben Crawford HR vs Southington

This one is very similar to when I wrote about the Ludlowe baseball playoff game against Hamden a year ago. 

In this case, Ben Crawford came up in the fifth inning of a second-round state tournament game vs Southington, who was the number one seed in Class LL. There were two men on base, with Ludlowe trailing 2-0. 

Crawford proceeded to hit the first pitch he saw over the left-center field wall for a go-ahead three run home run. 

It was a great moment in the game, and a special moment for so many reasons. 

Unfortunately, Southington would come back and come away with a 7-3 victory. 

But that doesn't take away from what an awesome moment the home run was.  

An awesome moment during Wednesday’s game as Ben Crawford goes deep to give us a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning. #ctbase pic.twitter.com/UlGeLVmp4l

— Fairfield Ludlowe Baseball (@LudloweBase) May 30, 2024

6) Stamford wins the CT 13U Babe Ruth Baseball Championship

What has been an annual tradition, Rob Adama and I broadcasted a Babe Ruth baseball tournament in Trumbull. This year it was the 13U tournament won by Stamford. Stamford defeated Easton in the Championship in a back-and-forth game. Honestly, there were many options of games from this tournament I could have picked, but the championship being a comeback was an easy choice. 

7) Cole Gibson no-hitter for Barnums

Cole Gibson, pitching for the Bridgeport Barnums of the CCBL, threw a no-hitter on July 27 in a 5-0 victory over Wallingford. Gibson walked just one and struck out 10. You can read more here.

8) Warde/Ludlowe Girls Volleyball 

The two teams split the first two sets before Warde took the third. In the third set, Warde's Lalia Henry notched her 1,000th assist of her career and was recognized for that. 

Ludlowe took the fourth set to force a decisive fifth set. 

In the fifth set, Warde came out on top with a 15-11 set and to win the match three sets to two. 

9) Ludlowe Football win over Wilton

In a game that propelled Ludlowe football to their first state tournament berth in school history, Ludlowe defeated Wilton 21-14, including getting a late defensive stop to seal the victory. Ryan Tompkins had two rushing touchdowns, and Ryan Menozzi had a TD catch from Grant Stupak.  

10) Ludlowe girls' basketball edges Warde to win the Todd Burger Memorial Tournament

In a game in which Ludlowe had to come from behind to take the lead, Warde had a chance to tie the game late, but Ludlowe came away with a close 46-43 victory to capture the Todd Burger Tournament. 

I realize I did not include any Ludlowe boys' soccer. A team I watched a lot of that had success. There just did not seem to be any game or moments that truly stood out to me. I could have gone with one of Charlie Jones' hat tricks, I guess. Let's give that an honorable mention. 

I'm sure there are other teams and games I should have included also. Maybe I missed something. But again, it's my thoughts. 

Looking forward to what 2025 has to bring!  

Ludlowe/Warde Football - Thanksgiving 2024

Thanksgiving was once again the annual Ludlowe vs Warde football game. 

The weather forecast was calling for rain so there was much discussion in the days prior about moving the game to Wednesday. 

This was done in 2018 due to freezing temperatures predicted for Thanksgiving, but the game is normally on Thanksgiving Day. 

Normally, I am totally against moving it. I'm a traditionalist and like Thanksgiving football. 

However, this year, I would have been okay with-it being Wednesday. With no disrespect intended to the teams', Thanksgiving football is as much about the game as it is a community event. 

That said, I have no say. 

The game stayed on Thanksgiving Day, and it did in fact rain. In fact, all the games in the FCIAC that were scheduled for Thanksgiving Day stayed on that day. The weather definitely kept the crowd down, which is unfortunate. I am okay with the game staying on Thanksgiving though. 

Okay, I've buried the lede. 

Ludlowe came out with a 38-16 victory. The win clinches Ludlowe a spot in the Class L playoffs, where they will face Darien on Tuesday. Time to be determined. 

It's the first playoff appearance for Ludlowe football in school history in the post Fairfield High School era. 

The Falcons also finish the regular season, with an 8-2 record, the best in program history. 

Liam Bond, who had four rushing touchdowns, was named the Ludlowe MVP. Quinn Russo was the Warde MVP of the game. 

The MVPs are presented with a trophy and receive a scholarship from the Fairfield Rotary Club. Thanks to Bill Llewllyn and Bruce Carter from the Fairfield Rotary Club for recognizing our student-athletes. 

I also have to say, personally, I am a fan of formal post-game ceremonies, which I don't feel like always get done. This year, however, it was done well. 

First, the MVPs were brought together with Carter and a cheerleading from each team. It was Gabby DiGiacomo from Warde and Susana Charron from Ludlowe. The cheerleaders then handed the MVP's their trophy with Carter nearby. Both teams were also surrounding all of them at mid-field.

Then, with both teams still near mid-field, Ludlowe Athletic Director Todd Parness presented the Gallagher-Baynas Trophy to the Ludlowe captains, Cooper Seek, Ryan Menozzi, Ryan Tompkins and Ramzee Atta. 

Now it's on to Tuesday for Ludlowe football and then winter sports will be here soon. 

A #OneTown Football Friday

Warde on the left, McMahon for Ludlowe on the right (low quality SS photo)

It was a #OneTown football Friday, despites the teams not playing each other and the games being played in different towns. 

First, I was at Warde to do tickets for their home game against Darien. I left that game at halftime with Darien on top 35-0. The Blue Wave came away with a 49-7 victory. 

Some people might question when am mentioning the score. It's just stating information and it's still important to report. 

After leading Warde at halftime, I headed down to Brien McMahon in Norwalk for Ludlowe's game with Norwalk High School. 

Norwalk High is playing their home games at McMahon this season, and for the next couple seasons, likely, as the new Norwalk High School is being built on the grounds of the former Sam Testa Field on the current Norwalk HS campus. 

I got down there at the end of the first quarter with Ludlowe already on top 20-7 thanks to three Liam Bond touchdowns. Bond would finish with four touchdowns on the night as Ludlowe came out on top 52-21. 

Justin Toothaker had multiple touchdowns on the evening as well. 

Ludlowe vs Norwalk is also a matchup featuring a former/current Falcon as well as another former Falcon. 

Mike Forget, former Ludlowe football head coach and current FLHS PE teacher is the Bears head coach. Sydney Ciuffo (formerly Judkins) is the former Ludlowe Athletic Trainer, now at Norwalk. 

Ludlowe improves to 7-2, tying the record for most wins in school history. 

While I believe unofficial at this point, tonight's win all but clinches a playoff spot for Ludlowe. 

Next up Warde and Ludlowe will face off on Thanksgiving at 10am at Ludlowe. 

Postseason Soccer Friday

It's another weekend of writing about local high school games I was at. 

Most of you will likely stop reading now. 

Friday was another busy sports afternoon and evening. 

Ludlowe hosted girls' and boys' soccer CIAC (State) Class LL first round games as the higher seeds. 

The girls hosted Warde, so it's always interesting when you get the cross-town matchup in a postseason game, especially a state tournament game. 

It's unfortunate that it was a first-round matchup and not later in the tournament. 

You know that one team's season is coming to an end. We always want to see all out teams make deep postseason runs. 

On the contrary, I know from a work perspective, we will have a team advancing.  

Warde came out on top with a 2-0 victory. Both goals came from senior Paige Shaughnessy. 

The Mustangs advance to the 2nd round where they will play at Manchester at 4pm on Monday. 

Next up was the Ludlowe boys hosting Wilbur Cross. 

It was a matchup of intense physicality and emotion. 

Both teams had opportunities, but neither would put a goal in net in regulation. 

That sent the game to overtime. Again, neither team would score in either of the 10-minute overtime sessions. 

The game would go into penalty kicks. 

There, Wilbur Cross would edge Ludlowe 5-4 in PK's. 

I try to support all our athletes, but as I've stated many times, this boys' soccer team is a special group for me. Led by Charlie Jones, Ian Moore, Kenny Luczaj and Luke Dilillo. But it's more than that, it's Chase McCormack, Chase Mehta, Brendan Walsh and others. I know I shouldn't list people, because then I am leaving people out. 

Additionally, the Ludlowe football team was playing at McMahon. This game was going on at the same time as boys' soccer, so I stayed at Ludlowe for soccer while following football via text and the live stream. 

The Falcons defeated McMahon 27-21 behind four Ryan Tompkins touchdowns. 

Ludlowe improves to 5-2 and will host Wilton on Friday. 

Looking ahead, the fall season is quickly winding down. Winter sports will be here soon. 

Volleyball Friday, Football Saturday and Supporting Important Causes

Ludlowe/Warde girls' volleyball FCIAC quarterfinal action

It's pretty clear what games I was at this weekend, based on the title of this blog post. 

On Friday, Ludlowe and Warde faced off in the FCIAC girls' volleyball quarterfinals.

The two teams met in the regular season on October 5, with Warde coming out victorious in a five-set match at Fairfield University. 

Friday's match was held at Ludlowe as the Falcons were the No. 4 seed, hosting the fifth seeded Mustangs. 

For the second time this season, Warde came out with the victory. This time, it was a three-set sweep. 

All three sets were close, however. 

Warde came away with set victories of 26-24, 25-23, 25-22 to sweep the match. 

The Mustangs advance to the FCIAC semifinals on Monday where they will face the top seed Greenwich at 5pm at Stamford High School. 

Ludlowe will look towards the state tournament. 

It's always exciting and interesting when the two schools meet in the postseason, whether that be the league tournament or state tournament. 

*****

On Saturday, Ludlowe hosted Darien in football in a much-hyped matchup. 

Darien took a 7-0 lead and did not look back on way to a 48-15 victory. 

The Blue Waye improve to 5-1, while Ludlowe falls to 4-2. 

Ludlowe's two scores came on a Justin Toothaker touchdown reception from Grant Stupak late in the first half and a Ryan Menozzi touchdown reception with 10:47 left. Ramzee Atta also hauled in a two-point conversion. 

It was also a pink-out Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the football game. Fans were encouraged to wear pink and the FLHS Athletic Department and The Nest, the student fan club, co-sponsored sales of T-Shirts. The net proceeds will go to the Norma Pfreim Breast Center for Breast Cancer research. 

The shirts were pink with white writing and a white Falcon. The writing said "No One Fights Alone" with the "O" in one being the breast cancer awareness ribbon. 

Below the Falcon it read, "-The Nest." 

Thank you to everyone who purchased a shirt. Students, faculty and staff, parents and just other fans at the game. 

Breast Cancer Awareness is important, and I am happy we do events to support. However, I wish more was done, both locally and globally, around other cancers and other causes in general. 

Other Cancers and causes have "months" where they get recognition, but not to the same degree. 

Please don't take this as I want to take anything away from Breast Cancer Awareness. That is not what I am saying. I just wish there was more support for the others. 

Overall, I would just to see more support for so many important causes. 

Three Sport Saturday

Warde and Ludlowe volleyball action

It was another fun Saturday of local sports. Three games, three different sports, three different locations. 

The results were a mixed bag. 

First up, was Ludlowe boys soccer hosting Stamford. 

The Falcons had a three 3-0 lead into the second half thanks to a hat trick from Charlie Jones. 

Stamford came back with three late goals to tie the game, and the two teams would end in a three all tie. 

I actually left with like 20 minutes or so (maybe a little more) to go in the game with Ludlowe up 3-0. That being said #BlameShawn. Part of this was due to Stamford arriving late due to traffic and therefore the game starting late. 

I left to get over to Fairfield University where Warde and Ludlowe girls' volleyball were playing at the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. 

It was a terrific volleyball match, with Warde winning in five sets. Lots of great rallies and plays by both teams. 

Warde took the first set, 25-22. 

The second set went in Ludlowe's favor, 25-19. 

Just like the first set, Warde came up to take the third, 25-22. 

Ludlowe tied up the match with a 25-19 score in set 4. 

I am sensing a theme here. Or consistency. 

In the fifth and decisive set, Warde took it 15-11. 

Warde sophomore Laila Henry recorded the 1,000th assist of her career in the third set. After she got the assist, Warde head coach Matt Narwold called a timeout to give Henry the recognition. A sign was brought out and it was announced over the PA. 

I love when records are kept and when the accomplishments are recognized. I always say this, but I wish more of it was done across all sports at all schools.  

While it was great to play the game at a venue like the Mahoney Arena, I wish more people came out to support. That is one issue with playing in a bigger venue, versus playing in a high school gym. However, a gym like Warde is much bigger than a gym like Ludlowe. 

That said, it's still cool to play in a college arena. I was impressed that the scoreboard was in use, and there was a public address announcer. This is what all games should have, no matter then venue. I just wasn't sure what Fairfield University would provide or let the teams have access to. 

Great job by everyone who was involved in putting the day and event together. Another great Ludlowe/Warde game and event for the town. 

Congrats to Matt Narwold and the Warde volleyball team on the victory. 

Matt is a great coach and an even better person. Someone I've known in various capacities since he was my camp counselor many years ago. Always happy to root for his success. (Always love watching his intensity as he coaches). 

Finally, it was off to New Canaan as the Rams hosted Ludlowe in football. 

New Canaan, a perennial power in the league and state, came into the game with a 2-1 record. Ludlowe came in with a record of 3-0. With no disrespect to their previous opponents, a lot of people (including those in the media) were talking about this being the first real big test for the Falcons. 

In the end, New Canaan came away with a 30-14 victory. While it's still a loss, Ludlowe hung tough and did a lot of positive things. 

Liam Bond had two touchdown runs for the Falcons. Defensively, Cooper Seek had a big game, with an interception, multiple sacks and tackles for losses. Seek was all over the field making plays for the Ludlowe defense to keep them in the game. 

It was a long, somewhat crazy day. But always fun to get out and watch games and support the athletes, coaches and teams (this seems like a theme. Maybe a separate blog post here soon). 

A new week of games awaits. 

Warde/Ludlowe Soccer: Mustangs Edge Falcons in Girls Game; Boys Play to Scoreless Tie

Tuesday night was the annual Ludlowe/Warde boys and girls soccer doubleheader. 

The games are doubleheaders each year, but the location rotates between the two schools each year and the team who plays first and second rotates in some fashion as well. 

This year, the boys played the first game and the girls the second game. 

The boys game ended in a scoreless draw. Both teams had chances but couldn't convert anything. Solid goaltending from Ludlowe's Chase McCormack and Warde's Gabriel Tiene. 

Warde retains the Swedish Cup, having won in 2023. 

In the girls' game, Warde won 1-0 to retain the FUSA Cup. The two teams tied in 2023 and Warde won the regular season matchup in 2022 (they also faced off in the postseason that year, with Ludlowe coming out victorious). 

The Mustangs goal came early on in the game, as Paige Shaughnessy found the back of the net. Ludlowe had their chances but couldn't push anything across. 

It was another solid night for the town and the two schools. It's always special for the entire town to see what great athletes and people are across town. It's also a community event with the youth players and just casual fans coming out to support. 

Fall Sports Time

Ludlowe/Norwalk football November 3, 2023 (SS Photo)

It's time for another high school sports year, and another school year. 

While school in Fairfield in still almost two weeks away, fall sports are getting underway. 

Boys golf began this past Monday, football begins on Thursday, and the rest of the fall sports begin next Monday. 

I'm excited for sports to be back and people to be back around the schools. It's been too quiet this summer. It was nice to have some more staff back today and even more over the next several days. 

I'm looking forward to watching games and supporting the student-athletes. 

The fall sports season is a long season this year, with fall sports starting at least a week earlier than normal, and Thanksgiving being on the later side. 

Of course, I want success for all our teams. But yes, certain teams I have a soft spot for. Even in the sports I'm not as involved with, I follow the people I know. Often those are baseball and basketball guys, or those who have been a part of those programs at one time or another. 

Those bonds go beyond the specific sport. It's just that certain sports or teams are how the friendships are created. 

Every year is different. It's become about expecting the unexpected and preparing for things not to go as planned. If they do go as planned, that's a bonus. And this is from someone who hates change. 

We will have a few weeks of tryouts and practices before games get going. I can't wait for games to start. 

Good luck to everyone trying out for teams, and to all the players and coaches on the start of the season. 

Let's get it going! 

********

Good luck to all those who graduated last spring and are heading off to college in the next few weeks. I've talked at nauseum about what that class means to me. Best of luck to all! 

Fairfield Graduation Day 2024

The high school graduations in Fairfield were held on Thursday. 

As you can assume, I was at the Ludlowe for their ceremony. (Wouldn't it be great if they weren't at the same exact time. I know that won't happen. The only time that happened were the COVID graduations at the beach.)

With that being said, congratulations to everyone at Warde as well who graduated. This is a class, especially the baseball seniors, who I have gotten to know decently well. I'll never know the Warde students, especially the baseball players, as well as I do the Ludlowe students. It's just the way it is. That's not to take anything away from the Warde people. 

As for the ceremony at Ludlowe, it went well, in my opinion. 

It was different because of the setup of the stage and the field. The stage was closer to the parents and families and the staff and faculty were faced in the opposite direction as we have been in the past. 

I've made it very clear on social media and on previous blog posts how special this Ludlowe class is for me. It's the baseball seniors, the basketball seniors and so many others. Obviously, mostly athletes, but even some non-athletes. 

I know I've used the word "special" to describe other classes throughout the years. Each one is special in a different way. 

I realize I am saying a lot of what I have said and am saying I said in my posts about the Ludlowe basketball and baseball seasons, but it extends beyond just those guys. 

It's just so many great kids. Respectful, caring young men and women. 

A lot of the students who I have gotten to know just from their high school time, but many I have known before they were in high school. With the number of years I was a camp counselor, there are so many kids every year who I had as campers when they were younger. It's awesome to watch them grow as people. 

Even those who I have only known in high school, friendships and bonds developed that will last a lifetime. 

As much as I want to give shoutouts, there are just too many people to name, and I don't want to leave anyone out. 

It's also the parents and families. We get to know so many of the parents and siblings and they are terrific. Some of them help out with events, and others we just talk to at games and other events. 

Then it's The Nest leaders, Scotty, Stuart, Freddy, Kiera, Katherine and Kayleigh. They had to not only lead the student section but deal with me asking them to post things and get information out about games, fan buses and things like that all year long. 

To this group as a whole, you have been through a lot. Coming in as freshman in the fall of 2020 having to wear masks as we were still in a pandemic, changes and losses of teachers and coaches, personal issues, some more documented than others and so much more. 

As was mentioned in one of the speeches at graduation, everyone's path isn't always a straight line. There are ups and downs. It's not about how you got to the finish line, it's that you persevered and got there. 

You are a resilient, caring group of individuals. 

Because of this, and so much more, you will go on and do great things in life. 

I probably rambled a little too much here, but I felt like I needed to note this class. 

Such special individuals that make up a special group. 

Baseball and Lacrosse Saturday

Warde/Enfield baseball quarterfinal action

The Ludlowe baseball season ended earlier this week. I will have more on that soon in a separate post of its own. 

Once the Ludlowe baseball season ends, I often think my sports year for high school sports is over. I say this every year. And it never is. I find games and events to go to. It's just different. 

With that said, I turned Saturday into a doubleheader of Warde and Ludlowe sports. 

First, it was over to Warde to watch their baseball state quarterfinal game. The Mustangs, the number two seed in Class LL, hosted the seven seed Enfield. 

It was a terrific ballgame. A pitcher's duel between Warde's Austin Howard and Enfield's Jake Lubanski. 

The game was scoreless through four and a half innings before Warde got on the board in the bottom of the fifth. 

The Mustangs did what the Mustangs do. They used their speed and smarts as they scored three runs on only one hit. They took advantage of Enfield's mistakes while also being aggressive on the bases to put the pressure on Enfield and make thing happen. 

Howard and Hayden Lee did the rest for Warde on the mound. Enfield did put two on in the sixth, but Howard got out of it thanks to a diving catch by Carson Swaim in right field. 

Howard threw six innings allowing four hits and two walks, while striking out seven and walking just two. Lee came on to throw a perfect seventh to get the save. 

Warde advances to the state semifinals for the third year in a row. They will face Staples on Tuesday at a location and time to be determined. 

After that game ended, I headed to Ludlowe for their boys' lacrosse state quarterfinal game with Guilford. 

The Falcons came out with a 15-7 victory. 

Ludlowe took a 3-1 lead after one quarter, then broke the game open in the second, outscoring Guilford 6-0 in the quarter to take a 9-1 halftime lead. 

The Falcons won the third quarter, 4-3 before Guilford won the final quarter, 4-2, but it wasn't enough as Ludlowe came away with the victory. 

Ludlowe advances to the Class L semifinals where they will face St. Joe's on Wednesday. Time and location are to be determined. 

This is the first state semifinal appearance in school history. 

So yeah, I am definitely not done with high school sports for the year. In addition to these two teams, Ludlowe softball won their state quarterfinal game on Friday and advance to the state semifinals this week. 

Busy week ahead. Plus, the Barnums season is underway. We will see what games I end up at. 

Let's keep the sports going. 

Fairfield Baseball Showdown 2024 (One Town Classic)

This is rivalry week in the FCIAC for a lot of sports, including baseball. 

Well, Warde and Ludlowe faced off on Wednesday afternoon at Warde in their annual rivalry game. 

This rivalry has seen some great games the last couple of years and both teams came into the game in the midst of strong seasons. 

Warde came in with a record of 11-2, 6-2 in the FCIAC. Ludlowe was at 10-3, 5-3 in the league. 

Warde came away with a 4-0 victory in a game that was closer than that. 

Solid pitching from Austin Howard (6 1/3 shoutout innings with 10 strikeouts) and Grady Schopps (2/3 of an inning) for the Mustangs. The Ludlowe pitching was strong as well with Luke Stasko allowing four runs, but only two earned, over 5.1 and Joe Calabro coming in for the final 2/3 of the sixth. 

Offensively for Warde, Schopps and Carson Swaim had RBI singles while Carson Dodder and Kyle Justo had RBI doubles. 

-------------------------------

I have a love/hate relationship with this game. I can't wait for it, but when it's here, I can't wait for it to be over. Every Ludlowe/Warde game is tough working at both schools. Baseball is different than any other sport for me (including boys' basketball) since I'm part of the Ludlowe coaching staff and I always consider baseball my number one sport. Lots of great kids on both sides and that's the most important thing. 

Credit to Warde on the win. Proud of how our guys battled. Lots of great baseball in the town. 

Maybe we see each other again (possibly more than once) in the playoffs. 

I'll always bleed Ludlowe and everyone knows where my heart is, but I work at Warde too and have tons of respect for that program and what they have done these past few years. 

-------------------------------

Nice job by Warde baseball honoring the 10-year anniversary of 2014 FCIAC Championship team prior to the game. Having those players and coaches come back and be recognized is very cool. I love it when teams honor their past and I wish more did. 

-------------------------------

Ludlowe and Warde also faced each other in softball this afternoon. Ludlowe came away with the 4-3 victory at Dougiello Field.

The two schools play in lacrosse on Saturday at Ludlowe. The girls' game is set for 3:30pm and the boys' game for 5:30pm 

-------------------------------

It was also the spring pep rally at Ludlowe today. Nice work by all the teams and a great job by the Nest leaders running/organizing another event. Their final big event as Nest leaders with the school year winding down. Still many games to go, but the last big non-game event for The Nest. 

They have done a very good job this year with different events. 

Buses, Battle and Baseball

I don't write about specific work items much, even though it is so much of my life, because there is a lot I can't write about. I write about the games that are work-related. 

However, it's pretty well known that there are bus problems. That being said, I think I am okay writing about this. It's definitely an issue in Fairfield County and Connecticut. I've heard of many towns having difficulties. 

It's also supposedly a national issue. The problem is that there are not enough drivers. 

This has been an issue since COVID, at least. 

The week, however, was really rough. 

That being said, great job by the transportation office working with the bus company. This is not a knock on either of those groups. I'm just talking about what we deal with. Great people working at both those places doing their best. 

This ends up being a large part of my workday. Figuring out what buses we can combine, what time buses can pick up, what games we have to postpone and more. 

We normally get most of it figured out, it's just not as simple as it may seem. It depends on what other routes for the schools the bus drivers have to do, the locations of the events, the number of people going, and so much more. 

The spring is also always the worst of the seasons because we have the most sports, there are a lot less programs who share buses (JV and varsity) and the weather moves games which impacts the number of buses on certain days. 

Hopefully next week will be better. Every week gets closer to the end of the season and the end of the school year. 

While dealing with buses today, it was Battle of the Houses at Warde. 

Each of the three houses at Warde, Pequot, Towsend and Fitts, compete against each other in a number of activities. 

I was asked to be a judge. This just means as they go through the events, make sure there is no cheating and for some events, keeping track of scores. 

The games/events range from sports like knockout and handball, to non-sporting events like relay races that include eating Jello and so much more. 

So, as I was helping judge Battle, I was also dealing with the bus issues. Multitasking at its finest. 

Congrats to Pequot House, which I guess I am technically a part of since that's where my office is located, even though we are considered part of the main office sometimes, on winning this years Battle of the Houses. 

Great job by Jeff Seganos, Matt Narwold, Joe Saad, Duncan Dellavolpe and everyone else who was involved in making it happen. 

After all that was done, for the most part, it was on to baseball. 

I had to fill in and coach the JV game. I did this once last year as well. 

Ironically, both games I coached were against Norwalk High School. 

I got over to Owen Fish and knew there were things I had to figure out and get myself settled to coach. That all went well.... for the most part. 

Although in the first inning, someone from Norwalk comes up to me and says there is a car that is going to be boxed in by the ground crew's truck. You guessed it...Mine. So, as the bottom of the first is happening, I run to the parking lot to move my car and ended up having to park in a tough spot on the edge of the lot/driveway.

It all worked out fine. Just another thing to have to deal with. Oh well. It's all part of the story. 

The game was a good one, as we got out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and ended up winning 5-2. 

It's definitely about the kids and they were great. Made my job easy. I will say, I think I improved as last year I got someone thrown out on the plate. That did not happen today. 

Once our game ended, I headed over to the varsity game at Kiwanis against Norwalk which was in extra innings, tied at one. I got their by the top of the tenth and we were trailing 3-1. Norwalk ended up coming away with a 5-1 victory in 10 innings. 

Long, crazy day to end a long, crazy week. 

Super Saturday - FCIAC Boys Basketball Style

During intros before Ludlowe/Ridgefield

One of the best, if not the best, days of the high school sports year is the FCIAC boys' basketball quarterfinals. That was this Saturday, also known as Super Saturday. 

Eight teams, four games. All at Fairfield Warde. 

Lots of great players and coaches. 

Tremendous job by those running and working the day. From Dave Schulz and Matt Narwold to Jack Kelly, Franey Donavan, Art Cockerham, and so many others. A total team effort for a long day. 

On the court, the first game saw an upset, with the six-seed Danbury, knocking off the three-seed Stamford, 50-46. 

In game two, Trumbull got out to a 15-3 lead over Warde after a quarter and came away with a 57-38 victory, despite Warde cutting the deficit to four in the fourth quarter. 

The third game, much like the previous one, saw a team jump out to a convicting first quarter lead. Staples led Wilton 19-5 after one period, in route to a 60-43 win. 

The nightcap saw the number-eight seed Ludlowe get out to a strong 12-6 lead after the first quarter, before the top seed Ridgefield outscored the Falcons 20-9 in the second quarter to take a halftime lead. The Tigers would eventually go on to win by a score of 55-37. 

Trumbull will meet Danbury in the first semifinal on Tuesday at 5:30pm at Wilton High School. Staples and Ridgefield will face off in the nightcap at 7:15pm. The winners head to Thursday's championship. 

Listen to the semifinals and championship on Robcasting Radio with Rob Adams on the call. 

FCIAC Girls Basketball Quarterfinals and some wrestling notes

Stamford and New Canaan FCIAC quarterfinal action

It was FCIAC girls' basketball quarterfinal Saturday. 

Eight teams, four games. All at Staples High School in Westport. 

Both Ludlowe and Warde were represented in the tournament. 

Ludlowe, the number six seed, opened the day versus the three-seed Ridgefield. 

It was a close game throughout, but Ridgefield was able to come away with a 10-point win, 45-35. 

For Ludlowe, Kate Cimador finished with 19 points and Hayden McBean finished nine points. 

The next game was number two Stamford and number seven New Canaan. The Rams were able to come up with the upset victory, 47-42. 

Then it was Warde's turn. 

In the second quarter, Trumbull opened up a 16-9 lead before Warde went on a run to take a 18-16 lead with 1:28 left in the half. 

At halftime, the Mustangs held a one-point advantage, 20-19. 

The third quarter was extremely tight and low scoring. Emmy Carley hit a fadeaway buzzer beating jump shot to knot the score at 26 after three quarters. 

Trumbull got a lead as large as five with two minutes to play but Warde would come back to tie the game at 33 with under one minute left. Both teams had chances to win with under 20 seconds left but couldn't convert and the game would go to overtime. 

In the extra session, Warde would take a three-point lead with under one minute to play and the Mustangs would hold on for the three-point victory. 

Ryanne Gulbin led the Mustangs with 19 points. 

Warde advances to the FCIAC semifinals, where they will play the top-seed, St. Joseph, who defeated Wilton in the nightcap, on Tuesday at 6pm at Trumbull High School.  

********

In other playoff action, congrats to Warde Wrestling on winning the Class LL State Championship. 

In addition, congrats to Ludlowe's Dylan Sherman who won the Class L Wrestling Championship at 144 pounds. 

Ludlowe/Warde Basketball 2024 Edition

The crowd at one point in the night. It would get bigger than this. 

Friday night was the annual Ludlowe vs Warde girls' and boys' basketball doubleheader. 

This year, the games took place at Ludlowe as they rotate ever year. 

This was a big discussion, as Ludlowe is a lot smaller than Warde and with online tickets, the game was a sellout. Now, it's often been a sellout when at Ludlowe, but it sold out earlier in the week due to the pre-sale of tickets. 

It made for a crazy packed gymnasium but overall, I thought everything went very smooth. 

As for the games, it was a split decision. 

Ludlowe won the girls game, coming away with a close, hard fought 29-26 victory. 

In the boys' game, Warde came out on top, 50-36. 

The crowd was terrific for both games. From the Nest (Ludlowe student section) to the Stampede (Warde Student Section), to the youth basketball players, parents and other Fairfield community basketball fans.

The games are also Coaches vs Cancer fundraiser games as money is raised in a variety of ways including but not limited to the players raising money in advance, the concession stand at the game and a 50/50 raffle. I've heard a lot of money was raised for cancer research, which is phenomenal. 

Great job by everyone. From Athletic Director's Todd Parness and Gina DiGiacomo to the rest of the staff, parents who were involved, players, coaches, fans and all of the other support staff. It was a crazy day and week, but happy to get it over with and move on with the rest of the season. 

A great night of basketball and a great night for the Town of Fairfield. 

Warde Basketball Saturday

It was a Saturday of Warde basketball. 

The Mustangs hosted Ridgefield in a girls and boys basketball doubleheader. Games were played at all three levels. Freshman, JV and varsity. 

On the girls' side, the teams came into today 1/2 game apart (Ridgefield has played one more game) overall and the same FCIAC record. The Tigers were 10-3, 6-2 in the conference. The Mustangs were 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the conference. 

For the boys, both teams were unbeaten in league play at 6-0 and Ridgefield again 1/2 game better than Warde at 10-1 vs 9-1. 

I went over to Warde to watch both varsity games. 

Both games were very good games with Ridgefield coming away with wins in both games. 

It took overtime and a late three in regulation for the Tigers to come away with a 52-47 victory. 

Ridgefield three ties the game with 1.6 left in regulation. #ctgb pic.twitter.com/X0Hv1FNJRl

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) January 27, 2024

In the boys' game, Ridgefield led from start to finish, coming away with a 59-56 victory. 

It was good to get to watch both of Warde's basketball teams play. I don't often get to see them play as most games conflict with Ludlowe games. I see the Warde boys a couple times a year, but rarely ever get to see the Warde girls, other than when they play Ludlowe or in the holiday tournament. 

It's always different for me at a Warde game than a Ludlowe game but good to see and talk to many people at Warde. From people I see more often at work, to people I don't see as much. 

Looking forward to another exciting week of basketball with the Ludlowe/Warde doubleheader on Friday at Ludlowe. Girls game at 5pm, boys game at 6:30pm. 

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.