Hamden Daily News - Your hometown cyberpaper

January 31, 2008

Who's Gonna Win?

By Tony Mentone

Who did you say is playing in the Super Bowl? Giants versus Patriots. Isn't that really the Yankees versus Red Sox? It has been my experience that Mets fans are Jet fans in football; Red Sox fans are Patriot fans; and Yankee fans are Giant fans. It's just the way it is. Don't ask me why. Someday I may do a story on why, but for now I went about asking my friends and colleagues whom they think will win the Super Bowl and why.

My pick is the Giants. Yes, I am a Yankees fan. My second favorite team in sports is the Giants. I saw them play at Yankee Stadium. I watched them practice at their training camp. I saw them play at the Yale Bowl and Giants Stadium.

GIANTS – G-I-A-N-T-S! Giants will win.

Here are the predictions:

Rose Mentone, my wife, Yankees fan. "The Giants will win. It is not right for a team to be perfect.” (The Patriots are going for a perfect 19-0 season.)

Tony Castellon, pool custodian, Red Sox fan. "Pats. Can't go against New England."

Tommy, a bagger at Stop & Shop. “Giants.”

Dave O'Connor, head custodian, Hamden High. "Take the Giants with the points." Last week he had San Diego and the Packers.

Chris Wilson, head coach, cheerleaders. "I have a red, white and blue outfit. Whichever team is red, white and blue should win.” Note to Chris: Both teams wear red, white and blue.

Beth Miller, Hamden High athletic department secretary. "I like the Giants but I think the Pats will win.” She must be running for office.

Mary L. Mentone, my sister. "My father liked the Giants, but I think the Pats will win." Another politician. My own sister is picking against my Giants.

Sharon Bass, editor, Hamden Daily News. "I have NO idea who's playing in the Super Bowl. I have NO idea when it's being played. I have NO idea why these football (right?) players make so much damn money to throw some pigskin to each other." Our hometown newspaper editor is the only one in the free world who doesn’t know about the Super Bowl.

Reggie Higgins, Hamden police commissioner. "Pats -- Eli will go down."

Paul Jacques, former Hamden Councilman. "Pats -- no chance for Giants."

Jim O'Brien, 8th District town committee member. "Obviously the Pats because I am from Rhode Island, right on the Massachusetts state line." This is the same guy who picked Ohio State to beat LSU.

Al Novickus, head groundskeeper at Hamden High, Red Sox fan. "Pats.” Starting to see the pattern with Red Sox fans?

Matt Mentone, my son, Yankee fan. "The Giants." This really is a screwed-up kid. He cheers for the 49ers, the Yankees and the Celtics.

Ned Burt, Hamden attorney and HDN sports writer. "Eli is solid. Giants’ defense does the improbable. Giants, 24-21.”

Trish Sugrue, Hamden high security. "Pats." A woman of few words.

Marvin Mink, head of security at Hamden High School. "The Giants are underrated and have been playing great the past few weeks."

John Scalzo, assistant baseball coach at Hamden High, Red Sox fan. "I'm pulling for an undefeated season. History is riding on this. Brady will find a way to win."

Ron Kittredge, Hamden Board of Ed maintenance, Red Sox fan. "Pats." Here's another one.

Eric Nyquist, drama teacher at Hamden High. "Pats in a close game."

Joe McDonagh, chairman Hamden Democratic Town Committee, Red Sox fan. "The Pats have too much on both sides of the ball."

Mary Giangrande, Hamden High security. "Giants."

Donna Velardi, my sister-in-law, Yankee fan. "The Pats are evil. They cheat. The Giants are good and good will win over evil. Giants."

Anne Ramsey, 8th District Democratic Town Committee chairperson. "Who's playing?" This is like a national holiday and she doesn’t know who’s playing.

Anthony D'Angelo, head baseball coach at Hamden High. "Go Big Blue. The Giants are Destiny’s Darling."

Arnie Mann, varsity commissioner, Greater New Haven Umpires Association. "I am a Giants fan, but I feel the Pats are too much this year."

Jared Beck, assistant coach for Hamden High football and basketball. "Close game but the Pats will pull it out in the fourth.”

Rich Alfieri, Hamden High basketball scorekeeper, Mets fan. "Giants."

Tom Armstrong, a neighbor. "It should be a great game."

Enjoy!

Tony Mentone is the former faculty manager and game assistant at Hamden High School. Tony is currently an assigning commissioner for the Greater New Haven Umpires Association and the assistant district administrator of Connecticut District 4 Little League. He also sits on the town's Parks & Recreation Commission. Please send info and announcements about youth sports or Hamden High sports to tonymentone@yahoo.com.

January 25, 2008

Hamden Track Stars Come in 2nd

By Tony Mentone

TRIVIA ANSWER

Dr. Richard Diana wore No. 33 on the Hamden football team.

BEST BASKETBALL OPPONENTS

This team could be an NBA All-Star team:

"Super" John Williamson, Wilbur Cross -- played in the NBA and ABA. Hall of Famer Julius Erving once said that Super John was the best he ever played with.

Sly Williams, Lee High School -- played for the University of Rhode Island and played a couple of stints in the NBA before he ran into some criminal activity.

Dave Hicks, Wilbur Cross -- before "Super John" he was called the best player to come out of New Haven. He played for the Harlem Globetrotters

Marcus Camby, Hartford Public -- he played a scrimmage at Hamden High. He was a tall, thin, gangly kid who went on to star in the NBA.

Billy Rado, Naugatuck -- he did things with a basketball that were unbelievable.

The bench can be any number of players. You will notice it is heavy with New Haven players whom I believe are the best in the world.

From Wilbur Cross: Dom Perno, Phil Ragozzino, Clint Davis, Alex Scott, Mike Gore, Danny Hardy, Jim Williamson, Bruce Campbell, Dom Ferrara and Maurice Williamson.

From Hillhouse: Sal DiNicola, Ken Tullo Charlie Farley, Leon Woods, Steve Swirsky Mike Branch, Zeke Chadys and Cedric Antrum.

Notre Dame of West Haven: Nick Brunetti, Joe Tonelli, Dave Kingsley.

West Haven: Mike McMahon

Hartford Public: John Egan.

Amity Regional High School: Ed Goldstone

PARKS & REC

Public skating at Astorino Rink is today from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hamden community pool is open for family swim today from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., tomorrow from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

BASKETBALL FACTS

A jump ball after every basket was tossed until 1937. The silhouette on the NBA logo is former Laker player Jerry West.

CASTATER CORRECTION

Eric Castater (HHS '96) was a hockey goalie. He received his BA with a major in philosophy/minor in political science from CCSU.

Motivated by the Gore/Bush presidential campaign in 2000, Eric continued on to get his master’s in political science from the University of Tennessee.

Eric resides in Vienna, Austria, where he just completed an MBA from Webster University. He lives with his girlfriend, Katja, an Austrian native. The couple hopes to return to the states this summer.

HAMDEN HIGH HOCKEY

After dropping a 3-1 decision to East Haven, Hamden boys’ hockey has moved to No. 3 in the state rankings.

On Wednesday, Hamden played unranked arch rival West Haven at 6:30 p.m. at the Astorino Rink. On Saturday, the Dragons play a pivotal game against No. 4 ranked Notre Dame of West Haven at 2:30 p.m. at Astorino.

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

The Lady Dragons hockey team keeps rolling along. After losing in overtime to West Hartford, the girls have beaten Ridgefield 4-1 and Notre Dame of Fairfield 10-1.

Kathy Calamita had a hat trick against Notre Dame of Fairfield while Sinead Crotty has been strong in the cage.

The girls played Ridgefield again last night at the Astorino Rink and next Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 4:15 p.m. they play against Guilford at Astorino.

INDOOR TRACK

Both Hamden boys’ and girls’ track teams finished second in the SCC Quinnipiac meet. The girls finished behind Mercy 96-60. Chelsea Harris won the 600, Courtney Dinnan won the 1000 and 3200, and Lauren Zelm won the pole vault.

The boys finished second to Xavier of Middletown. Hamden won the 4x200 relay, led by Stephen Teague, Charlie Gray, Brent Hoyle and Kevin Moyer. Long jump was Brent Hoyle; the 4x800 Tim Alander, Matthew Dinnan, Isaiah Whiting and Patrick Kleidor. Kevin Moye won in the 600 meters.

CATINO RESIGNS

As reported last week, Hamden High head football coach Paul Catino has submitted his letter of resignation, effective immediately. Catino has been on the sidelines for 25 years and was the defensive coordinator for several years. He said after 25 years he just felt it was time.

Hamden Councilman and volunteer assistant coach Jim Pascarella said, “I wish Catino well. He has dedicated 25 years of coaching for Hamden and deserves enormous credit for his time and effort.”

Catino will stay on as a physical education teacher and varsity tennis coach.

Athletic Director Jeannie Cooper also commended Paul for his 25 years and wished him the best of luck.

Cooper said she plans to post the position immediately. The posting will be done internally first in keeping with the teachers’ contract language, then externally if necessary.

January 18, 2008

Boys', Girls' Hockey, Best Around

By Tony Mentone

BREAKING NEWS

Several inside sources have just reported that Hamden High head football coach Paul Catino has resigned, effective immediately.

GREATEST HOCKEY OPPONENTS

Without a doubt in my mind, there are two guys who went on to play in the National Hockey League who rank among the best opponents. They are Chris Drury from Fairfield Prep and Brian Leech from Cheshire.

Leech just retired from the NHL this year. He was an All-Star for many years and is a legitimate contender for the Hall of Fame.

Chris Drury is a superstar in the NHL. He was also a member of the Stamford baseball Little League team that won the LL. International World Series when he was 12 years old.

One problem with Leech is that several people claimed he never really played against Hamden, while others say that his prep school scrimmaged against Hamden several times. Other names that keep coming up for best hockey opponents are Craig Janney from Enfield, who also played in the NHL, and several West Haven players -- Marty Crouse, Jim Fanning and the Hildebrand brothers. Also mentioned were the Vail brothers and Sean Donohue from Notre Dame of West Haven.

Don't forget these are just one man’s opinions. If you have any others, keep sending them in.

PARKS & REC

Public skating is today from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SWIMMING FACTS

Swimming was part of the first modern-era Olympics in Athens in 1896.

In 1908 the backstroke was included as an Olympic event. The butterfly was not accepted until 1952. Prior to that, it was a variant of the breaststroke.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Eric Castater (HHS ’97) was a hockey goalie. Upon graduation, he spent two and a half years studying philosophy at CCSU.

Castater dropped out of school and became very active in Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign.

He later met Katja, a Fulbright scholar studying in Vienna, Austria. He traveled there and attended school at American University Webster, where he got his master’s in political science. He plans to return to the United States in July or August.

BASKETBALL GREATS

Hamden High basketball has a long, proud tradition. It often plays second fiddle to hockey, but has produced several outstanding players.

Starting team:

Scott Burrell -- best that has come out of Hamden; starred for the UConn Huskies and went on to an NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls. He later played in Europe and Japan and is back home as an assistant coach at Quinnipiac University.

Steve Zito -- he could do it all. He shot, passed, rebounded and played defense with a style all his own.

Al Jones -- one of the best ball handlers I have ever seen at the high school level. Great passer. I believe he still holds several assist records at Hamden High.

Paul Massey -- this man could shoot and shoot and shoot. If there was a three-point shot when he played, he would hold many Hamden scoring records. He recently retired as a supervisor from the Hamden Public Schools.

Jerome Goforth -- another player who had the "whole" game.

Coming off the bench are a number of players like Craig Benson, Michael Grove, Rob Pentino, Dennis O'Keefe, Dennis Jarman and on and on.

Whom did I forget? Who is on the all-opponents list? E-mail me and let me know

HAMDEN HOCKEY CAPITAL OF CONNECTICUT

At the halfway point of the season, both the Hamden High girls’ and boys’ hockey teams are leading the area. The girls’ team, coached by Val Chamberlain, dropped their first game 3-2 against West Hartford in overtime. Then they beat Ridgefield High 4-1. Their current record is now 7-1.

The Lady Dragons are led by high school senior Jessica Morgillo and sophomore goalkeeper Sinead Crotty.

This Saturday, they play ND of Fairfield at the Astorino rink at 2:15 p.m.

For the second week in a row, Hamden boys’ hockey is ranked No. 1 in the state, with a 7-1 record losing only to top-ranked St. John's of Massachusetts.

The boys are coached by Bill Veneris, a former Hamden player. Scoring has been spread out over several players. Leading the scoring parade with nine points is Mike Pierne (HHS, ’09), Pat MacGregor (HHS ’09) and Scott Teulings (HHS ’08).

Goalkeeper Anthony Avitable (HHS ’09) is considered one of the best goalies in the state.

TRIVIA QUESTION

Dr. Richard Diana starred in Hamden High and Yale University football. Before becoming a doctor he played one year for the Miami Dolphins and participated in the Super Bowl.

What number did Dr. Diana wear at Hamden High School?

Answer next week.

January 10, 2008

Hamden High Hockey Rocks the State

By Tony Mentone

PARENTS UNITE

Hamden High has 35 sports teams. It is time for the Board of Ed to consider a fulltime, onsite athletic trainer.

The system now set up is that the athletic trainer is at all football and hockey games and selected other sports games. Freshman and JV games very seldom get a trainer. Are we to presume that there are fewer injuries in a freshman game than a varsity game? The athletic trainer is the “first responder” for injuries at an athletic contest. And while we have not had any tragedies, let's not wait for something to happen before we act.

Besides being the "first responders," athletic trainers help prevent injuries and treat those little nagging injuries all athletes get. Treating injuries right away can help avoid or at least minimize adverse long-term effects.

Parents and booster clubs should unite now and start lobbying their Board of Education members as the budget begins to be prepared.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Open skating at Lou Astorino Rink will be held this Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Family swim at Hamden High community pool is this Friday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

FOOTBALL FACTS

The home team in the National Football League must provide the referee with 24 footballs before the game starts.

ANOTHER LOSS

The Hamden sports community was hit with another loss this week with the passing of former mayoral candidate Richard "Dick" Lupher. Lupher was a founder of the Shepherd Hill Youth Baseball League. The group later merged with Hamden Fathers’ Baseball/Softball Association.

Lupher saw a need in the northern end of town and tried to correct it. As a councilman, he was always sympathetic and generous to the sports community.

Lupher and I were both involved in politics. Although we were involved with different political parties, we remained friends. Lupher was as honest as the day is long and he was a straight talker. The things he believed in, he believed in passionately. You could count on Lupher to tell you what he thought and never deviate from that.

We need more of this kind of politician. Rest in peace, friend.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, major league pitchers and catchers report to training camps.

HOCKEY GREATS

Special thanks to William Regan and George Jerolman Sr. for their help with this article.

This has not been easy. As we all know, high school hockey is Hamden’s thing and there have been many outstanding players.

Here are my picks:

Goal -- Jeff Lombardi

Defense -- Todd Hall, John Glynn, Dom Perotti

Forwards -- Bob DeLauro, Mike Cavallaro, Del Ross, Harry Scoble, Tom Westervelt

Here are other names that keep coming up -- Bob Coutts, Peter Reynolds, John Watson, Kirk Roberts, John Nolan, Bill Ford, Pat McGregor, Otto Maranholz, Phil Scarinci, Anthony Carangelo

OK, gang, let me know whom I forgot or whom you think does not belong in my choices above.

Next week let's do best hockey opponents and let's also get basketball started.

FOOTBALLERS HONORED

The Hamden High Gridiron Booster Club, under the direction of Gary Prosco, will have its annual dinner on Jan. 27 at Cascades.

All eligible football players receive gifts. Guest speaker will be Jack Sidleki, head football coach at Yale University.

NUMBER ONE

Hamden High boys’ hockey team is ranked No. 1 in the state. Hamden, under coach Bob Verneris, is 6-1 in the early going, having only been beaten by an out-of-state team, St. John’s of Rhode Island.

Junior goalkeeper Anthony Avitable has been outstanding in the nets.

January 3, 2008

Henrici, Council to Honor Cheerleaders

By Tony Mentone

HFB/SA MEETING

The monthly meeting of Hamden Fathers’ Baseball/Softball Association will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Bassett Field house.

LOU ASTORINO RINK

Public skating will be held on Jan. 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Jan. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SOME GOLF FACTS

Just some quick golf notes to keep you going until it warms up.

The maximum weight of a golf ball is 1.62 ounces. There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball. While you are waiting for the weather to clear, try to count them.

The first game of golf for which records exist was played at Bransfield in Edinburg, Scotland, in 1456. (Amazing Fun Facts from www.factsville.com)

HAMDEN HIGH GYM

The Hamden High School basketball court is a great place to watch a game. The modern "spring-loaded" floor is excellent on the legs and reduces shin splints and heel injuries.

The electronic scoreboards are excellent for the fans, although I personally think they should be placed on the ends instead of the sides as they are now.

The only problem is the square port windows, which are on the sidewall. At night, there is no problem, but when events are held during the day, the windows cast weird shadows and glares.

Depending on the time of the year and day, it's hard to see the scoreboards and oftentimes the sun is in the players’ eyes. There should be a way to tint the windows to avoid this problem.

GIRLS’ FRESHMAN BASKETBALL

Later in the season, I will write more about the girls’ freshman basketball team led by coach Jill Feldman. It is one of the best frosh teams I have seen in years.

Admission to the games is free, so check the Dragon Dates and come on and support these future Hamden players.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

George Jerolman Jr. (HHS ’89) was a Hamden High hockey player and played one year in college and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Jerolman did tours in Somalia and Iraq.

He lives in Hamden and is married to Erica Caruso (HHS ’89). Jerolman is an estimator for the New Haven Water Company. He has recently been appointed as an assistant hockey coach at Hamden High.

HOCKEY GREATS

Selecting Hamden’s hockey greats has been challenging, but a lot of fun. This week I have picked players from the 1950s and earlier. A special thanks to Al Sjogren, Rick Gentile and John Carusone for their help with this.

Well, here goes. Hamden sports Hall of Famers Bob McVey, Lou Astorino and Dick Gagliardi, Olympic player Don Geary and Hugh “Red” Young.

The late ’40s to early ’50s gave us a bunch of great players. Paul Festa, the brothers Al and Joe Barile, Ray Batson, Carl Marino, Jack Ferns and Bernie McKinnon.

Many fans and players of that era tell me that the late Butch Ives was the best player they ever saw. I am told he was a great skater, tough as nails and he literally controlled the game.

Next week we will discuss players of the modern era. Let me know your feelings about the people I just picked and the future ones coming up.

Also, who do you think Hamden's greatest opponents were?

CHEERLEADERS TO BE HONORED

Hamden High cheerleaders, under the direction of Chris and Kimmie Wilson, will be honored Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. by the mayor at the Legislative Council meeting at Memorial Town Hall.

Mayor Henrici and the Council are recognizing the team for its "Recognition of Achievements” in community service.

The cheerleaders have been active in a Christmas toy drive, breast cancer awareness, Relay for Life, etc. etc.

The public is welcome to attend the short ceremony.

SPECIAL DAY

Typically, I stick to sports, but on occasion there is something so monumental that I must share it with you. Jan. 4 (tomorrow) is National Spaghetti Day. Please plan accordingly.

December 27, 2007

Burrell’s Back

By Tony Mentone

HAMDEN FATHERS' BASEBALL/ SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION

Registration for all players in all leagues, except boys’ baseball 16-18, will be held at Miller Memorial Library on Saturday, Jan. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fee schedules ranging from $40 to $125 will be available at registration. There will be a $10 late fee for anyone signing up after Feb. 2.

All players require a parental signature, and new players also need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. Baseball ages are as of April 30, 2008. Softball ages are as of Jan. 1, 2008.

WAYNE MELVIN TOLSON

I sat at my desk for a long time trying to think of a description for this man. The more I thought about it the clearer the answer became. Wayne Tolson was just a regular guy, one of the "good people" in this world. Tolson recently passed away after fighting a battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Even as the ravages of this disease started to limit Tolson's mobility, he continued to do the thing he loved best -- coach basketball. Tolson coached youth basketball for over 30 years. Hamden Parks & Rec Director Frank Rizzuti said Tolson was a "community asset. Any time you needed him he was there. He will sorely be missed.”

Longtime Hamden Fathers’ Basketball coach Rich Leonardo said, "Tolson loved basketball. He sat and talked about it for hours and hours."

Tolson's funeral service was a testament of what people thought of him. People of all ages, sizes and color attended. He was definitely a rare breed loved by all and he will be very much missed in the Hamden sports community.

BURRELL BACK HOME

Scott Burrell is back home in Hamden as an assistant basketball coach for the Quinnipiac Bobcats. Burrell is one of the best, if not the best, athlete ever to come out of Hamden High. He's the only person drafted in the first round by both professional baseball and basketball teams. He played several years in the NBA and was on a championship Chicago Bulls team.

At the recent Quinnipiac-UConn basketball game, the TV announcers spent several minutes at the beginning of the game singing Burrell’s praises.

In the stands were Sam and Gert Burrell, Scott’s parents. They have been an integral part of his career since day one. Even now as he coaches, they are lending their support. A famous politician once said it takes "a village to raise a child." I agree with this and add, “It takes a family to build a village.

BABE RUTH BASEBALL ALL FIRST NEW PROGRAM

Hamden Fathers’ Babe Ruth baseball will operate under a new format. All 13- to 15-year-old players will play in a one-division league. There will also be tryouts for U16 and U14 travel teams. Players who make the travel teams will compete in the Greater New Haven Baseball League and will not play in the Babe Ruth League.

The next regular meeting of the HFBSA will be on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Basset Field House.

HOCKEY GREATS

Due to the holiday week I got delayed in researching hockey greats. I will publish them next week but keep sending in your nominees.

Also, let's start naming the best Hamden High hockey opponents.

December 20, 2007

Hamden’s Andrea Tardonato (HHS ’09) has been named the 2007 New Haven Register All-Area Girls’ Soccer Team goalkeeper. This is the second time she has received this honor, along with being named the Quinnipiac Division goalkeeper.

Tardonato posted an unheard of nine shutouts for the Lady Green Dragons. She averaged less than one goal per game for coach Collins’ Green Dragons.

The Astorino Rink will host public skating Friday, Dec. 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hamden High hockey started this past week. Make no mistake about it, “this is the sport that puts Hamden on the map."

They have won many championships over the years. Trying to pick the six greatest players is almost impossible, but give it a shot. It can be fun.

Please e-mail me your picks. To make it a little easier, how about choosing a pre- and post-1950’s team. I will give you my picks in two weeks.

The Hamden girls’ basketball team opened its season against Career Magnet. Let me try to explain what a magnet school is. A magnet school is open to a regional area. If a student is leaning toward a specific career, s/he would qualify to attend that magnet high school. For example, students at Career are leaning toward medical careers.

Students fill out applications and are selected through a lottery. In last week’s basketball game against Career, there were three players on the floor for Career who live in Hamden. It just seems unbelievable that students from Hamden who are interested in the medical field are also top-notch basketball players and they were all selected by lottery to attend Career.

Several years ago another local school had an agricultural magnet. Several of Hamden's top-notch players opted to play there. No one I know of in this group has a career in agriculture.

Cindy Tobin Walsh is an ocean -- or marathon -- swimmer. Obviously an ocean swimmer swims in the ocean, and to be considered marathon, the swimmer must swim 10 miles or more.

In August 2007, she swam the Catalina Straits in California. There are 22 miles between Catalina Island and Point Vicente, Calif., the end point of the swim. Tobin Walsh was in the choppy waters without a wetsuit for close to 14 hours, making her the 136th person to swim the Straits.

She began her career in the early ’80s as a member of the Hamden Heronettes, a synchronized swimming team. Tobin Walsh was on the team that came in second in the senior national synchronized swimming championship in Long Beach, Calif.

Hamden recreation supervisor Laura Florio Luzzi, an All-American synchronized swimmer for five years, remembers Tobin Walsh well. "Cindy was a hard worker and when she got in the pool, it was hard to get her out," said Luzzi.

Nina Lujack, head Hamden girls’ swimming coach, also remembers Tobin Walsh, a member of the Hamden swim team.

“She not only was a great swimmer, but she was a kind and personable young lady who always tried to help her team members,” noted Lujack.

Tobin Walsh stopped swimming when she went to DeSales University in Pennsylvania, got a degree in nursing and went on to specialize in cardiology. She works at San Diego University Hospital. She also lectures at San Diego State and Phoenix University.

For 13 years Tobin Walsh stayed away from the water. Then she joined a master’s program near the hospital. She's resumed swimming with traditional meets and has quickly gotten into open swimming. She has participated in the Escape from Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge swims, as well as others.

Tobin Walsh is preparing to compete in the 28.5-mile Manhattan Islands swim on July 5, 2008. She will help raise funds for the Manhattan Island Foundation and for ARTS, A Reason To Survive, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to help children in crisis survive through the power of the arts. Her brother Rob Tobin is the "artist in residence" for this program.

Tonight, the New Haven Gridiron Club will honor its annual Levi Jackson team and the Floyd Little scholarship winner at Racebrook Country Club in Orange. Little, a former Hillhouse running back who went on to a Hall of Fame career with the Denver Broncos, will be present.

The Jackson team is named in memory of former Hillhouse High and Yale running back Levi Jackson. It honors the top players in the Southern Connecticut Conference and the New Haven area.

Hamden players being honored are defensive lineman Aaron Baser and linebacker Kenny Keen.

I spent most of Saturday and Sunday watching the CIAC state football championships on CPTV. I wasn't expecting too much as far as coverage. I go back to when CPTV first started broadcasting Connecticut Huskies basketball. There were two cameras at the game and they seemed like they were filming from an airplane because they were so far away. The cameraman had trouble following the play.

On the contrary, their first crack at high school football was very professional -- from the filming to the announcers, it was great.

If you enjoyed it as much as I did, call CPTV and let them know. Plans are being worked out to create a 24/7 all-Connecticut sports station, and high school sports would be a big part of it.

The Astorino Rink on Mix Avenue will host public skating on Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Soccer is the world's most popular sport. It is played by more than 20 million people in more than 140 countries. (www.Jacksonville.com)

I really appreciate John Carusone adding players to the All-Hamden football team. The former mayor has a couple of years on me. He was a great athlete himself and has a fantastic memory when it comes to Hamden sports and politics. His input added another dimension to the team.

One of the most interesting players the former mayor mentioned was John Jetmar. Jetmar was the first Hamden football player named to the New Haven Register All-State team. He was named two years in a row, in 1942 and 1943. Not only did he play football, but he was a star in baseball and basketball.

Jetmar is deceased but I would like to know what he did after high school. Anyone who has information on this, please contact me.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a Hamden high athlete of the week, please contact me.