Branford High School Track

Compete Like A Champion Today
Text Box: Hornets Track BOYS OUTDOOR All Time Greats All State 2008 Schedule Text Box: Over the years we have been fortunate to have many great athletes and great people compete and coach in our track program. We are always looking for information, stories, photos and newsclippings from the earliers years of the program. If you would like to contribute to our website or track program in any way, please email us at rbiondi@branford.k12.ct.us; call us at (203) 315-7889 or write to us at Branford High School 185 East Main Street Branford CT 06405 Attention: Rich Biondi. Text Box: We are starting an alumni list of track alumni for our website and we would like to share information such as: Name, Year Of Graduation, Events Competed In, Current Occupation and Contact Information. If you would like to be part of our alumni association, please contact us with your information. Text Box: Branford High School Track and Field Alumni Association (Established 3/2/08-Updated 6/10/10) (88 Enteries) Name-Mike Ailes Year of Graduation-1965 High School-Mike was the former school record holder in the disc. He won the 1965 State Sectionals in that event. He also participated in football and basketball. Post High School-Ailes graduated with a degree in economics from Brown. He currently teaches 7th grade math in Massachusetts. Mike and his wife Melinda have two girls named Linae and Caroline and three grand children. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Jon Barnes Year of Graduation-1963 High School-Jon was a four time All Housy runner in track and he earned All State honors in 1963. Barnes set the school record in the 880 and the Mile. Post High School-Jon ran at Lafayette College. He is a member of the Branford Sports and Lafayette College Hall of Fames. Jon and his wife Patricia live in the Providence area. They have four children. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Tom Bailey Year of Graduation-1972 High School-Tom was two time All Housy and two time All State in track. He finished third in the State Open (Indoor) in the 1000. Post High School-Bailey earned a scholarship to Boston University. He ran a 4:08 Mile. He currently is a well respected high school long distance coach. Professionally, Tom is a lawyer in the Boston area. Tom and his wife have two children. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Rich Biondi Year of Graduation-1984 High School-Rich was a cross country and track captain. The first dual meet of his senior year against Hand he ran 16:19 (5000), 4:25 (1500), 2:07 (800) and 9:45 (3000) and he won all four events. He won the 3000 and 5000 Meters at the Housatonic Meet as a senior. Rich was All State in 1984. Post High School-Rich has coached track and Branford since 1989. He teaches in the Horizons program along with Kevin Connell and Sal Zarra. Rich was named Track Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2008. Rich was inducted into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame on November 21, 2008. Rich and his wife Ramona live in North Haven. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Doug Black Year of Graduation-1970 High School-Doug was a three time All Housy runner in outdoor track. He was All State in the Mile in 1970. For many years, Black held the school record with a time of 4:24. Post High School-In college, Doug ran cross country and track. While living in California, he ran a 2:35 marathon. Black currently lives in New Haven ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Owen Bloomquist Year of Graduation-2008 High School-Owen served as a team captain his senior year for Outdoor Track. He earned All Oronoque honors as a senior in the 4*800. Bloomquist is a member of the team that set the school record in the 4*800 (8:07.93) and he held the Indoor 400 Meters record. Post High School-Owen is attending the University of Hartford. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Mark Borrelli Year of Graduation-1978 High School-While at BHS, Borrelli participated in football, hockey, indoor and outdoor track. He was All Housy and All State and he currently holds the school record in the shot and disc. Post High School-Mark was an All American at Southern Connecticut State University in the hammer throw. He currently lives in Branford with his wife Donna and their children Stephanie, Samantha, and Leah. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Nate Brown Year of Graduation-1994 High School-Nate served as a team captain his senior year for both Indoor and Outdoor Track. He was the school Indoor Track record holder in the shot put (48’9). Nate made All State and All New England. In Outdoor Track, he qualified for the states in the shot, disc, and javelin. Lastly, Nate the Hornets in scoring as a senior. Post High School-Nate graduated from college with a degree in computers. He currently works for a software company in Shelton. Nate and his wife Katie have a daughter named Mareena and the family lives in East Haven. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Jim Burruss Year of Graduation-1963 High School-Jim was a tri-captain his senior year along with his best friend Jon Barnes and Jim Cavallero. Jim participated in the discus, and he set the school record which was broken in 1964 by Tom Lonegan. Jim also ran Cross Country. His brother Melvin (Class of 1964) was a star halfback and point guard and his sister Beverly (Class of 1965) lettered in field hockey Post High School-Jim married his wife Mary who competed in high school gymnastics in North Carolina. Both Jim and Mary work in the same consulting firm. Their daughter Fontaine is studying at the University of San Francisco. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Kenny Byrne Year of Graduation-2010 High School-Kenny participated in soccer, indoor and outdoor track for four years. He earned all division honors in soccer as a senior. In track he was All Oronoque Division 5 times and All State in the 4*800. Kenny also was the Meet Director for the 2nd Annual Alumni Track Meet. Post High School-Kenny is attending Iona College. ————————————————————————————————————- Name-Dan Casey Year of Graduation-2002 High School-Dan was a two time All Division runner and he earned All SCC honors in 2001. He was a captain in cross country, indoor and outdoor track. Dan also had the school indoor record in the 3000 and 3200 Meters. Post High School-Dan graduated from the Air Force Academy. In 2006, Casey married the former Tanya Oppel who was also a track captain. They are both in the military service. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Matt Casey Year of Graduation-2008 High School-Matt ran cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. He was a captain for all three seasons. Casey set six school records and was All State three times. He was also All New England and All SCC. Matt along with Cory Loftis, Zack Owen and Shane Lange led the Hornets to the SCC Championship. Post High School-Matt is studying at Columbia University. He is also running cross country and track. As a freshman he ran a 4:12 Mile. As a sophomore Matt ran a 1:52.2 (8oo) and a 3:53 (1500). —————————————————————————————————————- Name- Joe Cassone Year of Graduation-2006 High School-As a senior, Joe was selected as a captain for both indoor and outdoor track. He participated in the shot, disc, javelin, and the hammer throw. Joe is the older brother of Charlie Cassone (Class of 2008) who also was a thrower. Post High School-Joe is studying natural resources at Uconn. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Lou Chang Year of Graduation-1997 High School-Louie played football and he ran indoor and outdoor track. He was a team captain and he qualified for the states in the 100 Meters. Louie also ran the 4*100 and he triple jumped. Post High School-Louie is married and he lives in West Haven. He works for Federal Express and he is a high school football official. His wife is a basketball and softball coach at Amity High School. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Hunter Church Year of Graduation-2009 High School-Hunter was a three sport star at Branford High School participating in soccer, swimming, and track. On the track team, he was selected as a captain for his senior season. His personal bests were 11.3 (100), 22.1 (200), 52.9 (400), and 3:32.9 (4*400). Hunter earned All Oronoque honors and he set the school record in the 200 meters. Post High School-Hunter is attending Bucknell University and he is ran track for one season. ————————————————————————————————————- Name-Kevin Connell Year of Graduation-1973 High School-Kevin ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track. In 1972, he placed in the Mile at the Housy Meet. The Hornets were Housy Meet Champions defeating North Haven by the score of 48 to 47. Kevin also qualified for the state meet. Post High School-Kevin coached for a few years at North Branford High School. He has been a Head Coach in cross country, indoor and outdoor track for many seasons at BHS. As a coach, he has won many divisional championships in all three sports. A life long runner, Kevin continues to compete in road races. Kevin is a social studies teacher in the Horizons Program. Kevin was inducted into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame on November 19, 2010 Kevin and his wife Ellen have three children and they live in Guilford. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Bryan Curley Year of Graduation-2006 High School-Bryan transferred as a senior to Branford High School from Pennsylvania. He was an All Division, All SCC, and All State vaulter. Bryan finished second at the New England Meet. He currently hold the school record in the pole vault. Post High School-Curley finished sixth in the Big East Meet as a freshman. In 2010, Bryan graduated from the UCONN School of Business. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Ray Dahlin Year of Graduation-1979 High School-Ray ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track at BHS for four years. He earned All Housy honors in cross country as a junior and a senior. His personal bests were 4:28 (mile), 10:28 (two mile), 1:57 (800) and 50.1 (400). Ray’s brother Rich and his sister Linda were also talented runners for the Hornets. Post High School-After high school, Ray ran for Keene State. For twenty years, he served in the Navy. ————————————————————————————————————— Name- Fred D’Ambrose Year of Graduation-1955 High School-Fred graduated from Hamden High School. He was the captain of the SCSU basketball team in 1959. Fred taught in the North Branford system for seven years before becoming an administrator at North Branford Junior High School for twenty-eight years. He was the head coach at Branford from 1962-1965. His field coach was John Gagnon who also taught in North Branford. In 1965, Fred led the Hornets to the State Sectional Championship. D’Ambrose also coached basketball at the University of New Haven. Today, Fred works as an adjunct professor for the Department of Education at Quinnipiac. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Joe D’Amico Year of Graduation-1998 High School-Joe ran both indoor and outdoor track. He qualified for the states in the 55 meters and 300 Meters. Joe was as an indoor track captain along with Brian Vinci and Ian Lesniewski. In 2006, D’Amico served as the “Honorary Starter” for a home track meet. Post High School-Joe served his country in the Marines and he saw action in Iraq. He returned home and he is taking courses at Southern Connecticut ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Kurt Degen Year of Graduation-2006 High School-Kurt broke the school recod in the triple jump that was set by Sal Hicks in 1975. Degen was All SCC and All State in that event. He also qualified for the states in the long jump and high jump. Post High School-Kurts works in New Haven and he resides in Branford. ————————————————————————————————————- Name-Phil DeLise Year of Graduation-1981 High School-Phil lettered in football and track. His senior year, Phil served as a track captain. Phil was the Class L State Champion in the shot put. Post High School-Phil is the Vice President of Massey Plate Glass. Phil and his wife Lois have a son named Philip Jr. and they live in Branford. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Robbie Dextradeur Year of Graduation-2009 High School-Robbie was a captain of the cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams. He earned numerous All Oronoque honors and he was All SCC in cross country and All State in indoor and outdoor track. Robbie holds the indoor and outdoor records in the 3200 meters. He was also a member of the record setting 4*800 relay team. Post High School-Robbie is attending Bentley. As a freshman, he was a varsity member of the cross country and track teams. He posted a time of 15:13 in the 5000 meters. ————————————————————————————————————- Name-Vin DiFonzo Year of Graduation-2003 High School-Vin was a state qualifier in both hurdles and in the 4*400 Relay. He posted personal bests of 15.5 (110HH), 41.2 (300IH), and sub 53.0 in the 4*400. DiFonzo earned All Hammonasett Division honors in 2003 in the 110HH. Vinny was also an avid weight lifter. Post High School-Vinny is currently studying Health Sciences at Quinnipiac University. He still jogs and lifts weights. After graduating in May of 2009 and is attending graduate school at Quinnipiac. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name- Paul Dilella Year of Graduation—2006 High School-“Tall” Paul joined the track team as a senior. He participated in the throwing and sprinting events. Paul along with Bryan Curley, Sean Murphy, and Joe Cassone ran day before meet dinners at Foote Park. Thus he was labeled “Party Captain” by his team. Post High School-Paul is attending Emmanuel College. In 2009, he is studying at sea in countries such as China, India, and Greece ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Bryan D’Orlando Year of Graduation-2004 High School-Bryan was a team captain for both indoor and outdoor track. He qualified for the states in the long jump and 300 Meters. Bryan was one of four D’Orlando brothers to run track at BHS. Post High School-Bryan ran track at the University of Hartford where he was selected as a team captain. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Dan D’Orlando Year of Graduation-2003 High School-Dan earned varsity letters in cross country, indoor and outdoor track. In 2003, he was All Hammonasett Division as a member of the Sprint Medley Relay. Post High School-Danny graduated from John Hopkins University. He is living and working in the Baltimore area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Paul D’Orlando Year of Graduation-1998 High School-Paulie followed his older brother Jason’s footsteps and joined the track program. Paulie also ran cross country and indoor track. D’Orlando once ran in the same heat of the 300 Meters that included future Olympic Gold Medal winner Jerome Young of Prince Tech in Hartford. Post High School-Paul graduated from Tufts University with a degree in engineering. He is currently working in the Washington D.C area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Steve Dudley Year of Graduation-1960 High School-Steve participated in both football and track. In football, Steve was a end on the 1958 state championship team. In track, Steve ran sprints and relays and he was a captain. Post High School-In 1961, Steve attended Marianapolis Prep. He graduated from UCONN and was a sprinter on the indoor and outdoor track teams as a freshman. Steve is currently retired and he lives in Guilford. ————————————————————————————————————— Name-Mark Dusch Year of Graduation-2005 High School-Mark participated in cross country, indoor and outdoor track. He qualified for the states in the Mile and the 4*800 Relay. Dusch earned All Oronoque honors in the 4*800 Relay. Post High School-Mark graduated from Uconn and he is still running. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Joe Fazzino Year of Graduation 1964 (Valley Regional) Joe and Dave Johnson coached the Hornets for fifteen years. In 2006, Fazzino retired from Branford High School as an assistant principal. Currently, he teaches part time and he still helps at practice from time to time. Joe and his wife Michelina have two children named Anthony and Maria and they live in Branford. In 2009, Joe was Elected into the Branford Education Hall of Fame. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Steve Federation Year of Graduation-1961 High School-Steve, along with Ken Frankish, and Ken Kells were captains of the 1961 team under Coach James McKeon. Steve qualified for the States in the javelin and he also threw the shot and disc. Post High School-After high school, Steve worked at Pratt @Whitney in the engineering and drafting departments. He also designed bridges in Maine. In 1998, Steve moved to North Carolina. He has two children named Richard and Dawn Mary. He enjoys fishing and playing tennis. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Paul Ferraro Year of Graduation-1982 High School-Paul lettered in Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor track. He was All Housy in Cross Country. In track he ran one of the fastest times 4:06.4 (1500 Meters) in school history. Post High School-Paul is the Manager of DeMusis Radiator. He lives in Branford with his wife Ellen and their daughters Kaitlynn and Megan. Kaitlynn ran Indoor Track for the Hornets. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Matt Fraenza Year of Graduation-1998 High School-Matt participated in soccer, indoor track and tennis. Fraenza was All State along with Brian Vinci, Orlando Molina, and Ian Lesniewski in the 4*800 Relay. Post High School-Matt graduated from UMASS. He was a middle school teacher for a few years. He currently is a tennis instructor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Ken Frankish Year of Graduation-1961 High School-Ken was a team captain in 1961. He lettered three years in track and he was a standout on the football team. Frankish held the State Class B record in the 440 (49.9). Ken’s brother Scott did the high jump and the pole vault for the Hornets. Ken was the Junior and Senior Class President. Post High School-Ken currently lives in Colorado and he is semi retired. Ken and his wife Kathy have two children named Kevin and Karin and they have two grandchildren. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Scott Frankish Year of Graduation-1964 High School-Scott participated in Cross Country and Track and Field. In Cross Country, the Hornets finished 5th in the State Open. As a member of the track team, Scott held the school records in the pole vault and the high jump. Post High School-Scott married the former Mary Fries who also is a BHS graduate. They have a daughter named Dawn and a grandchild named Olivia. Scott worked as a District Manager for 28 years in Southern New Jersey. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Richard Frink Year of Graduation-1978 High School-Richard was a four year member of the football and track squads. He was All Housy in football and All State in track. He briefly held the discus record (152’0) before his close friend Mark Borrelli surpassed his distance. Post High School-Richard attended Cornell University and the University of Pittsburgh. He has been a doctor since 1992. Richard and his wife Jeanette have three children named Christopher, Gregory and Megan. They all played athletics at Hand High School. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Ed Fryer Year of Graduation-1959 High School-Ed was the Senior Class President and he was the captain of both the Basketball and Track Teams. He was the first track captain in the program’s history. Ed threw the shot, disc, and javelin. He qualified for the states in the javelin. Post High School-Ed graduated from UCONN. For forty years he ran his pharmacy in North Branford. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-John Gustafson Year of Graduation-1965 High School-John and his twin brother Bill were both Housatonic League Champions in the high jump. John also ran the 220 (22.7) and he was the State Sectional, High Jump Champion in 1965. Post High School-After high school, John ran track and played basketball at Ithaca College. He currently works in the banking profession. John and his wife Debi live in Florida. They have two daughters (Keri and Emily) and a grand daughter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Majid Hodzic Year of Graduation-2008 High School-Majid competed in soccer and indoor and outdoor track. He qualified for the states in the long jump (20’0), triple jump (40’1), and high jump (5’10). Hodzic also ran the 400 meters. Post High School-Majid is attending UCONN. He returned in the spring of 2009 to help coach the jumpers. ———————————————————————————————————— Name-Nate Jacobson Year of Graduation-1993 High School-At the 1993 State Open, Nate finished third in the Pole Vault (13’0). His teammate Charles Volpe was State Open Champion in the same event. Nate also played four years of football under Lenny Bonn. Post High School-Nate graduated from Uconn with a degree in Physical Education. While at Uconn, he served as a football manager. He is currently an assistant prinicipal at Morgan High School. Nate and his wife have three children and they reside in Guilford. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Scott Jenkin Year of Graduation-1979 High School-Scott participated in both football and track while at BHS. He threw the shot put and discus under Coach Joe Fazzino. Post High School-Jenkin has coached football, indoor track, and track at Branford High School for close to twenty years. Along with Rich Biondi and Mike Tracy, Jenkin led the Hornets to the Class MM State Championship in 2005 and the SCC Championship in 2008. Scott was inducted into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame on November 19, 2010. Currently, Scott is the ISS Supervisor at BHS. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Graig Judge Year of Graduation-1998 High School-Graig participated in Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor track. He ran distance races anywhere from the 800 Meters to the 5000 Meters. Graig lettered in all three sports. Post High School-Graig works as the Operations Manager of Interstate Battery of Connecticut. He currently is competing in mountain biking races in the Root 66 Race Series. He lives in Killingworth with his wife Sarah. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Scott Kassouf Year of Graduation-1984 High School-Scott was All Housy as a senior in the discus. He served as a team captain his senior year and he qualified for the states in both the shot and discus. Scott briefly served as an assistant track coach at BHS in the late 1980’s. Post High School-Both Scott and his wife Kathy graduated from Southern Connecticut State University. They have two boys and they reside in Milford. Scott is the Assistant Recreation Director for the Town of Stamford. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Russ Keenan Year of Graduation-1971 High School-Russ was All Housy in cross country and in track. In his senior year, he finished second at the State Open in the Mile. Russ also held the indoor school record in the Two Mile. Post High School-Russ ran four years of cross country and track at Bates College. He was the captain in both sports. Russ now coaches track at a private school in Maine. Russ and his wife Donna reside in Maine and they have four children. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Tom Kelly Year of Graduation-1973 High School-Tom was nine times All Housy and four time All State in the sprinting and relay events. Tom set the school record in the 100, 220, 440, and 4*100. Post High School-Kelly ran track at Uconn where he was All New England and he ran a 48.2 (440). Tom works and lives in the Greater Hartford area with his wife and two sons. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Ken Kells Year of Graduation-1961 High School-Along with Ken Frankish and Steve Fedaration, Kells served as the first captains in the team’s history. Kells ran the 880 and Mile. He also ran cross country. Ken made All Housy in 1961 in an relay event. Post High School-Ken works as a civil engineer. He passed away in the fall of 2010 leaving behind his wife Judith and seven children. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Ian Lesniewski Year of Graduation-1998 High School-Ian ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track. He served as a team captain for all three sports. Lesniewski was All State in the 4*800 in the winter of 1997-1998. That team also established the school record in that event. Post High School-After college, Ian moved to Massachusetts. he currently lives and works in the Boston area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Cory Loftis Year of Graduation-2008 High School-Cory ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track. He earned all division, All SCC, and All State honors. He set numerous school records in various distance events. He also played two years of hockey. Post High School-Cory is studying and running at Holy Cross University. As a freshman, he ran 14:56 (5000 Meters) and 30:56 (10,000 Meters). ————————————————————————————————————— Name-James Maraday Year of Graduation-1994 High School-James was a captain his senior year. He participated in the triple jump (39’9), long jump (19’2) and in relays. As a youth, James competed in the Hershey Games from the ages of 12 to 14 in Pennsylvania. Post High School-James currently lives in Stratford with his family which includes his young daughter. James works in management for a wireless cell phone company. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Chris Martens Year of Graduation-2005 High School-Chris was a three time All State pole vaulter. He was the State Open champion in both indoor and outdoor track. He was also a team captain. His father Dave, a professor at SCSU, coached the BHS pole vaulters. Post High School-Martens participated in track for three years at the University of Delaware. He is currently competing in triathlons and he is studying to earn his doctorate degree in human performance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name- John Mason Year of Graduation-1973 High School-John was a thousand yard halfback on the football team. He was the Housatonic League Champion as a senior in the high hurdles. He still holds the school record in that event. Post High School-John attended a trade school. He currently works in Danbury. John and his wife Judy live in North Guilford with their daughter Drew. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-John McGowan Year of Graduation-1986 High School-John was a three time All Housy sprinter. As a senior, he was third at the State Open in the 400 Meters. John still holds the school record in that event. Post High School-McGowan was All Big East while competing at Uconn. He posted a best time of 1:48.74 in the 800 Meters and 47.7 in the 400 Meters. John lives in Branford with his wife Llona and their two children. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Jesse McCray Year of Graduation-1984 High School-Jesse played four years of football and four years of both indoor and outdoor track at Branford High School. He qualified for the states in the shot put (45’1) and in the disc. Post High School-Jesse is currently the Head Girls Track Coach at Staples High School. He works at the school and is a football coach. Jesse and his wife have a son and they live in West Haven. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Mike Montouri Year of Graduation-2007 High School-Mike served as a team captain for both indoor and outdoor track. He qualified for the states in the high hurdles for each season. In his senior season, the Hornets won both divisional championships. Post High School-Mike is attending the University of New Haven. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Chris Norwood Year of Graduation-2009 High School-Chris participated in both indoor and outdoor track as a junior and a senior. He posted personal bests of 19’1 (long jump) and 5’10 (high jump). Chris qualified for the states in both events and he also threw the javelin. Post High School-Chris is currently residing in Branford as he attends school. ———————————————————————————————————— Name-Randy O’Neill Year of Graduation-1972 High School-Randy was two time All Housy and State Open Champion in the pole vault. He held the school record in the pole vault until 2005 when Chris Martens cleared 14’0. Randy also held the school record in the 180 Hurdles. He also set the state pole vault record as a senior. Post High School-O’Neill participated in track at Southern Connecticut. He is currently an IRS Agent and he lives with his family in Virginia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Ricky O’Neill Year of Graduation-1969 High School-Ricky is the older brother of Randy O’Neill. He was a two year track captain. As a junior, Ricky was Housatonic League Champion in the 880. His best time in the Mile was 4:31. Post High School-O’Neill went to Purdue and Uconn. He served in the Navy. He currently lives in Maine with his wife Debroah and their three children. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Zach Owen Year of Graduation-2008 High School-Zach, the younger brother of Luke Owen, participated in soccer, basketball, and track. In track, Zach was All Oronoque, and All SCC. His best throw was 180’0. Post High School-Zach is studying the University of Richmond. He is on the track team and he threw 185’0 as a freshman. ————————————————————————————————————— Name-Adam Paquin Year of Graduation-2004 High School-Adam participated in track for three seasons. He posted bests of 11.2 (100 Meters), 22.9 (200 Meters), and 21’4 (Long Jump). Adam was a team captain in 2004 and he also lettered in football and basketball. Post High School-Adam had a very good college track career at Central Connecticut State University. He participated in the Long Jump (22’5.75), the Triple Jump, 100 Meters, and the 4*100 (42.4). Adam graduated in 2008 and he still resides in Branford. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name Eric Perkins Year of Graduation-2006 High School-Eric joined the track team the spring of his junior year. In the next eighteen months, he broke the indoor and outdoor school records in the long jump. Perkins also earned All Oronoque, All SCC, All State, and All New Engalnd honors. His personal bests were 21’11.75 (lj), 6’2 (hj), and 42’0 (tj) Post High School-Eric is working and residing in Branford. ———————————————————————————————————— Name-Mike Petela Year of Graduation-1998 High School-Mike served as a track captain during the last season running on the cinder track at the middle school. He was a state qualifier in the disc (131’10) and he also threw the shot put. Post High School-Mike and his wife Sarah live in New Haven. Mike works at a law firm and he is attending Quinnipiac Law School. For the past decade, Mike and former track teammates Orlando Molina, Jon Preston, Joe D’Amico, Brian Vinci, Ian Lesniewski, Craig Judge, Matt Fraenza, and Ryan Sullivan have played a post Thanksgiving football game at Foote Park. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Chris Paulsen Year of Graduation-2004 High School-Chris was a versatile athlete who qualified for the states in the triple jump (41’2), long jump (19’9), and the pole vault (11’6).Chris was All Division in 2003 and he was a team captain in 2004. Post High School-Chris graduated with a degree in engineering at Northeastern. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-John Poulton Year of Graduation-1974 High School-John was All Housy his senior year in cross country. For that season, he was a co-captain along with Walter Burrier. In track, John ran a 10:05 Two Mile. Post High School-John was the captain of the cross country squad at the University of New Haven. His senior year, the team went 10-1 and were New England Champions. John works for AT&T. John and his wife Ellen have a son named Taylor who runs cross country and plays tennis at Notre Dame. John is the assistant tennis coach at Norte Dame. _____________________________________________________________________ Name-Sean McLaughlin Year of Graduation-2005 High School-Sean ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track for four seasons and he lettered in all three sports. Post High School-Sean ran for four years at Eastern Connecticut State University. His pr’s were 16:58 (5000), 4:54 (Mile) and 28:40 (8 K). He is currently enrolled at Sacred Heart in the teaching program. ——————————————————————————————————- Name-Eric Raccio Year of Graduation-2009 High School-In indoor track, Eric was a captain his senior season. He holds the school records in the 55 (6.82 E), and the 300 (37.47 E). In the spring, his personal bests were 10.9 (100) and 22.3 (200). Eric’s 100 meter performance set the school record. He also placed in three events at the 2008 SCC Championship. The Hornets captured the team title. Post High School-Raccio is attending college in Boston. ——————————————————————————————————— Name-Bob Reinhold Year of Graduation-1972 High School-Bob was a two time All Housy athlete. In 1972, he was All State in the 4*100. For thirty years, Reinhold, Tom Bailey, Chip Reed, and John Altermatt held the school record in the 4*400. Post High School-Reinhold moved to South Carolina in the 1990’s. Bob and his wife Deborah have two children named Evan and Joanna. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Josh Russo Year of Graduation-2010 High School-Josh was a member of the cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams for four seasons. He lettered in all three sports. In the pole vault, Josh placed at the 2009 Oronoque Divisional Championship. Post High School-Josh is attending college. He hopes to become a social studies teacher and a coach. ————————————————————————————————————— Name-Dave Rutkowski Year of Graduation-1973 High School-Dave played soccer and he ran track for four years. He was All Housy in the high jump and he set the school and Housatonic League record in that event. Post High School-Dave competed in track for a season at Central Connecticut State University. He earned a degree in Business Administration. Dave lives in Milford. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Matt Schell Year of Graduation-2009 High School-Matt was an outstanding student athlete at BHS. He served as a captain of the soccer, and the indoor and outdoor track teams. As a pole vaulter, his personal best was 12’6 and he earned All Oronoque honors in the winter of 2009. Matt also ran the 4*100. Post High School-Matt is studying engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. ———————————————————————————————————— Name-Dave Skelton Year of Graduation-1976 High School-Dave was a two time All Housy runner in cross country. In track, Skelton earned All State honors in the Two Mile. Post High School-Skelton ran cross country for three seasons at Southern Connecticut. Dave lives in Guilford with his wife and four children. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name-Matt Snipes Year of Graduation-2005 High School-Matt ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track. In indoor track, Matt was All Division and All State in the 4*800 relay. Matt also qualified for the states in the 400 Meters. Post High School-Matt graduated from Uconn. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Chris Stonier Year of Graduation-2003 High School-Chris was a member of the school record 4*400 and 4*800 Relay teams. He was All Division three times and indoor All State (4*800). Chris was also a team captain. Post High School-Stonier graduated from Uconn and returned to school to earn a teaching degree. He is the middle school cross country coach and a member of the high school coaching staff. In 2009, Chris became a math teacher at Branford High School. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Marc Stonier Year of Graduation-2003 High School-Marc was a three time captain (twice for outdoor track and once for indoor track). He was All Division three times and All SCC and All State. He was also a member of the school record setting 4*400 and 4*800 Relay teams. Post High School-Marc is studying engineering at Northeastern University. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Steve Swirsky Year of Graduation-2005 High School-Steve was All State in cross country and indoor track. He served as a three sport captain. He also earned All Division honors five times. Lastly, as a senior he was runner up at the Scc Cross Country championship. Post High School-Steve graduated from Uconn and he is still competing. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-James Thompson Year of Graduation-2003 High School-James was All Division and All State in the 4*800 Relay. In 2003, James was a member of the 4*400 and 4*800 Relay teams that established new school records. James is the older brother of Will. Post High School-James is currently taking college courses in education. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Will Thompson Year of Graduation-2006 High School-Will served as a team captain in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. He was a member of the 4*800 Relay team that earned All State honors in 2005. Will also ran the 400, and the Mile. Post High School-Will is attending Cedarville University in Ohio. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Mike Tobey Year of Graduation-2003 High School-Mike participated in Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track. He earned varsity letters in all three sports. In the winter of his senior year, Mike was diagnosed with cancer. Displaying a great attitude and the determination to get well, Mike continued to run while in treatment. Remarkably, Mike ran the 1600 Meters at East Haven High School as the Hornets defeated the Yellow Jackets to win the divisional title. Post High School-Mike is finishing up his B.A in English with a minor in music. He works at Impulse Tee Shirt Company and at Toad’s Place. He continues to run and is a cousin of Kenny Byrne (an All League runner). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Dave Tomasso Year of Graduation-2001 High School-Dave was All SCC in the 4*00 Relay. He also was a team captain as a senior. Dave ran cross country and track at Babson College. Post High School-Dave coached the boys distance runners in the spring of 2007. He returned to school to get his teaching degree and he teaches and coaches at Daniel Hand.. He coached Track and Cross Country at Jonathan Law for 3 years where he produced many state qualifiers in the distance events. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Mike Tracy Year of Graduaton-1993 High School-Mike was an All State defensive back in while at Branford High School. He played three years of baseball and competed in track as a senior. He qualified for the states in the shot put. Post High School-Mike played football at SCSU. He has coached football and track at BHS for over ten years. In 2005, Tracy helped to coach the track and football teams to state championships. Currently, Mike teaches physical education and he is the head football coach. Mike and his wife Tiffany have three children and they live in Branford. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Mike Trocchio Year of Graduation-1998 High School-While at BHS, Mike participated in the long, high, and triple jumps. He qualified for the states in the long and triple. Post High School-Mike currently lives in Branford and he works in sales for Olympic Steel. He is engaged to his fiancee Nakashi. Mike still plays competitive basketball, softball and flag football. Lastly, Mike has a beautiful daughter named Jorja. ————————————————————————————————————— Name-Charles Volpe Year of Graduation-1993 High School-Charles was a state qualifier in the pole vault, triple jump, high jump and hurdles. He earned All State honors twice in the high jump and in the pole vault, where he was State Open Champion. Charles also set the school record in the high jump (6’5-Indoors) his senior year. Post High School-Charles currently lives in Attleboro Massachusetts with his wife Bethany and their children Hannah, Lillian and Dunkin. He works at P&J Keating in Cranston Rhode Island. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Steve Walker Year of Graduation-1982 High School-Steve was two time All Housy in track. He was undefeated in his junior and senior year (dual meets) in the 5000 Meters. Steve still holds the school record in that event. Lastly, Steve was a cross country and track captain. Post High School-Steve ran cross country for three seasons at Roger Williams University. He currently works in the finance department at Sacred Heart University. Steve lives in Monroe with his wife Diane and their three daughters. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Eric Van Winkle Year of Graduation-2003 High School-Eric was both a indoor and outdoor track captain. He earned All Division honors three times. Eric along with James Thompson, Marc and Chris Stonier were Indoor All State in the 4*800. That group also holds the school record. Post high School-Eric graduated from Uconn. In 2010, he completed his graduate studies at Duke University. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Sal Zarra Year of Graduation-1982 (Cheshire) Sal is currently a math teacher in the Horizons Alternative Education Program along with coaches Rich Biondi and Kevin Connell. Sal is the Head Field Judge for all home Hornet track meets and he is a indoor track long jump official. Sal is the designer and webmaster of the Branford Track and Field Website. He is also the Student Council Advisor and he runs the Veterans Appreciation Day at BHS. In 2010, Zarra was named as Branford School System “Teacher of the Year.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Andy Zhang Year of Graduation-2005 High School-Andy played baseball for three years and he ran track as a senior. He qualified for the states in the 55 Meters and 100 Meters. He was All Division in the SMR and he also ran cross country and indoor track. Post High School-Andy graduated from George Washington University. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name-Ivan Zhang Year of Graduation-2007 High School-Ivan followed Andy’s footsteps and he participated in cross country, indoor and outdoor track. He was a captain during both track seasons. He qualified for the states in the 55 Meters and the 400 Meters. Post high School-Ivan ran track at Bowdoin College in Maine.