C H A M P I O N S ! ! !
The Staples Wreckers defeated the Blue Wave of Darien Tuesday night in Wilton to bring home the FCIAC Championship trophy and medals in a thrilling overtime victory in the rain. Led by Tourney MVP Sofia Hidalgo Schioppa who scored both the tying goal with seconds left on the clock, and then reached down deep to score the winning goal with just over a minute left in the overtime period. The Wreckers broke a 6 game FCIAC title streak by Darien and the Wreckers team was absolutely joyful!
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.comClick on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The field was dry until about 7:00 when the rain began to fall, first lightly, then harder creating a challenging situation in the intense play. Coach Ian Tapsall told WestportLocalPress, "Staples had their hardest game of the season so far against, as usual, their biggest rival Darien. After surrendering their 1-0 lead in the second half, Darien went ahead with 1:30 left in the game. Taking the ball straight from the half way line Staples managed to earn a penalty corner with 18 seconds left. Sofia Fidalgo scored to tie it up!"
"With 1 minute left in the first OT Sofia then took the ball 45 yards unopposed to slot home a reverse stick shot to win the game ! Stunning turn around and the most exciting game witnessed."
Photos above show Fidalgo’s winning goal pass between the legs of Darien’s goalie and the joyful Staples players mobbing her!
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, left, Staples Principal Stafford Thomas braved the rain, watching the entire game with visible concern as Darien refused to yield. Players on the bench hold hands and cross their fingers for a Staples corner attempt. The dramatic last minute goal by Fidalgo began a frenzied celebration as the team ran to their bench to join Coach Tapsell.
There were hugs all around as the team met mid-field to receive their championship medals, and hoisted the plaque posing for cameras. At right, Principal Thomas took a moment for a pic with MVP Sofia Fidalgo Schioppa and he Mom Lorena making the point that The Wreckers were #1!
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One of the moments the Staples Wreckers had been working for all season. Next stop, CIAC State Tournament.
Staples Sports Saturday Shut-Outs!
Saturday was a great day for the Wreckers, with both football and field hockey teams holding their opponents scoreless.
Left: Wreckers celebrate their third goal in their FCIAC semi-final against Greenwich. Right: Running back Patricio Garcia drives through multiple Stamford defenders.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wreckers Football Back On Track Defeating Stamford 27-0
The Wreckers rebounded from their loss in New Canaan last week with a convincing win over Stamford High School on Saturday in Stamford. QB Nick Weil (jr.) was dominant in the air, completing 15 of 24 passing attempts for an exceptional 232 yards, adding 36 more on 5 carries.
His favorite target was once again Shane Sandrew (sr.) who's nine receptions gained him 165 yards in a very strong performance on offense. As usual, Anthony Armentano's (sr.) number was called ten times in his role as running back gained 59 yards rushing.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Wreckers return to the field after the half to warm up after the break.
Coach Adam Behrends watches every move his team makes like a hawk, communication constantly with his coaching staff.
As usual, the Staples Cheerleaders kept the crowd’s energy up, and began training for an adorable future cheerleader in her custom made sweatshirt.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wreckers Field Hockey On To The Finals With 3-0 Victory Over Greenwich!
Below Left: Junior Mary Stevens’ quick reflexes save her from getting the rock hard ball fired by a Cardinal from slamming into her leg. The next photo shows a Cardinal player who’s hand was not so lucky, as evidenced by the grimace on her face. Far right photo shows a Wrecker girl trying to avoid stepping on an opponent as she gains control of the ball. With nothing other than shin guards to protect them, other than the occasional face mask, field hockey players often go home battered and bruised after a hard fought game.
Stevens would score twice in the match and was joined by junior Alex Hackett for the third goal.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples returns to the pitch on Tuesday night at 6:30 PM facing rival Darien, once again at Wilton High School. The two teams faced each other for the FCIAC crown in 2023, where Darien defeated Staples for their sixth straight FCIAC championship. The team is hoping for Staple’s fans to show up in force, as Darien fans always do.
Wreckers Coach Ian Tapsall told WestportLocalPress to expect "a seriously competitive game against the team we always view as our most intense rival for many years".
Chili Cook-Off For A Cause
Manning the slow cookers serving up some delicious chili are RTM member Sal Liccione, VFW Post 399 Auxiliary Senior Vice-President, former RTM member Harris Falk, two-time Chili Cook-off winner Westport Police Officer Greg Gunter and two young assistants, Blake Schluter and Finn Williams.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Funds are needed to replace flags removed from the grave of veterans at Assumption Cemetery in Westport.
Below left: The VFW hall starts to fill up as the Cook-Off lines open. Second , Virginia Ferrari, 06880's omnipresent Dan Woog and First Selectwoman Jen Tooker stop for a quick photo. Third photo, Steve Jenkins, Post 399 member (right) with his son enjoying the day’s fare, and far right, the chili champion Officer Greg Gunter ready to serve the next guest.
Last Saturday the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 hosted it's 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off, a fundraiser for a very important cause dear to the hearts of Westport area veterans, and veterans everywhere. Each year for more than a century the Post has a tradition, "to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans". Volunteers from the veteran's community each year respectfully place flags of over 450 veterans at Assumption Cemetery in Westport "as a tribute to their service"
This year something very discouraging occurred. The flags placed at the graves of those veterans "were removed without prior notification or consultation with the veteran community" (quotations are from a VFW Letter to the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Cemeteries, LLC, dated July 31, 2024 provided to WestportLocalPress). That letter stated the understanding by the Post that the removal of the flags was related to maintenance and seemed to indicate that the explanation from the Diocese Cemetery office "equates the removal of flags with the removal of Christmas decorations".
The concern by the veteran community is clearly stated at the end of page 1 of the letter, which states, "The removal of the flags without dialogue or alternative arrangements is a concern to veteran community throughout Fairfield County, the third largest veteran population (29,396) in Connecticut".
Post 399 in their letter suggested possible solutions to the issue going forward. VFW Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado told WestportLocalPress that the flags were not returned to the post and the Diocese office provided no information as to what happened to them. The proceeds from the Cook-Off will be used toward the purchase of metal flag holders required by the cemetery which are projected to cost $6,000.
Anyone interested in helping Post 399 in their goal of raising the required funds in order to purchase the flag holders can contact Quartermaster Phil Delgado or Auxiliary Sr Vice President Patty Kondub at: vfw399ct@gmail.com. Securing the holders will allow the flag of The United States Of America to once again decorate in tribute, the graves of the veterans who sacrificed to defend that flag and our nation.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
United Nations Day At The Westport Library Features Congressman Jim Himes
On Thursday night Congressman Jim Himes was the featured speaker for the annual United Nations Day's Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen Memorial Lecture event. Himes serves Connecticut's 4th district which includes Westport and is currently the ranking member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in addition to the House Financial Services Committee.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
United Nations Day celebrates the organization's founding on October 24, 1945. This event is organized by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut (UNASWC.org) in honor of its founder Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen an important figure in the history and operations of the United Nations who was a Westport resident and for whom the the landmark bridge over the Saugatuck River which bisects Westport is named.
President of the United Nations Organization Of Western Connecticut Bill Haas recognized Daw Aye Aye Thant, daughter of U Thant, former Secretary General of the United Nations during the Kennedy administration. Ms. Thant, a board member of the organization had been a Westport Resident for many years but has recently relocated to Boston. UN Secretary General U Thant played a significant but unappreciated role in resolving the Cuban Missile Crisis. As Soviet ships challenged the US-imposed blockade (quarantine) in October 1962, Thant made several important proposals directly to the protagonists, US President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.
Mr. Haas began the event with a moment of silence, as is the custom of the opening of sessions of the UN General Assembly, then spoke of the challenges facing the world including the disaster of the recent storms in the U.S. southeast states. Hass next presented a video message from Secretary General Antonio Guterres who related details of the global mission of the United Nations and spoke about several important solutions upon which they have worked, recently enacting compacts to deal with climate change, digital tech, AI and outer space.
Maggie Mudd, also a member of the organization introduced the congressman, speaking upon his bio, including not only his achievements in office to which he was elected in 2009, defeating Chris Shays, the last republican congressman to serve in New England after serving ten terms in Congress, but his early years living in Peru and Columbia as his father worked for the Ford foundation and UNICEF. HImes currently lives in Greenwich with his wife and two children. Himes was received his undergrad degree at Harvard and received a Rhodes scholarship, gong on to work in the financial sector including Goldman Sachs before jumping into politics in Greenwich.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos above, (L to R) UNASWCT President Bill Haas, Maggie Mudd, Video by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and former UN Secretary General U Thant’s daughter, Daw Aye Aye Thant.
Himes spoke at length, prefacing his remarks by noting the unusual appearance at an event on the Untied Nations 12 days before a and extremely consequential election, adding his multiple years of global experience made for a great fit for this annual event. Himes discussed work the UN has done over the years and his involvement with the organization including his recent work with the IAEA and their efforts to address the threat of nuclear proliferation. He discussed world affairs in the news including the "unprovoked invasion" of a European country by "a member of the security council", "in clear violation of pretty much every tenet of the UN charter", as well as the situations in Israel /Gaza and tensions currently with China and in the South China Sea, as well as other global issues like Hati, stating "the world is a mess".
The Congressman addressed a myriad of other issues including AI, cyber security, especially as it relates to Russia and genetic research, engineering and bio synthesis. Himes spoke about genetic code creation, mentioning Ginkobioworks of Boston which uses the most advanced technology on the planet to grow better products.
The library hosted a lengthy Q & Q session after Himes' address, and questions were only selected if they were relevant to issues of concern to the United Nations.
Questions on topics including Iraq the Middle East and ISIS, Russian and Chinese aims and geopolitical goals and included the very recent events regarding North Korean troop's involvement in the war with Ukraine to which Himes' response included his views on the Biden administration's policy. He opined upon the decades long challenging China/Taiwan situation and the concerns about possible conflict. One question regarding the actions of Israel was posed by a person who claims that 108 members of their family have lost their lives in the conflict. HImes partially responded with a balanced approach stating his support of Israel while clearly expressing concern with the well documented, extensive lost of life in the conflict.
The full event is available on the Westport Library's YouTube channel and can be viewed here: Westport Library UN Day - Jim Himes.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wreckers Football Falls To New Canaan For First Loss This Season
Wreckers QB Nick Weil outrunning half the New Canaan team on his 66 yard touchdown run.
The 4-0 Staples football team traveled to New Canaan on Saturday and found the Rams were ready to play. New Canaan handed the Wreckers their first loss of the season prevailing 23-10, in a hard fought game, bringing Staples record to 4-1.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Wreckers put the first points on the board with a field goal by senior Aidan Stubbs in the first quarter but the Rams responded with a pair of touchdowns in the 2nd quarter.
Staples quarterback Nick Weil, a junior did not match his previous games’ stellar passing, gaining 87 yards in the air. He did however, scramble as is often how he rolls and he scored the Wreckers only touchdown with a 66 yard TD run in the third quarter bringing the Rams lead to only three.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Rams pass coverage held senior Shane Sandrew to only 38 yards on three receptions. Seniors Kody Goldman and Davis Crandall were ferocious on defense, with 13 and 16 total tackles, respectively. Standout Anthony Armentano was held to no receptions but was able to gain 25 yards rushing and ran back a kick-off for an additional 21 yards.
The Wreckers are away next game, traveling to Stamford on Saturday afternoon for a 1:00 PM game.
Super Beautiful Super Moon
Photo and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Tonight and last night we were once again treated to an extraordinary sight in the sky, known as the Super Moon. This happens 3 or 4 times each year, always in consecutive months. This phenomenon is caused when the full moon appears when closest in it's orbit around the Earth. This year, Super Moons occurred last on Monday, August 19th, with a second on Tuesday, September 17th.
We can expect the final one occurring on Friday, November 15th, which will be known as the Beaver Moon and will be at it's brightest around 4:30 PM. When occurring in October it is known as the Hunter's Moon. This sight can continue to be enjoyed through Friday morning.
Wreckers Field Hockey Coasts To Win Over Danbury
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The greatest challenge for Staples Field Hockey on Monday in Danbury was trying to stay warm! Temperature on the filed was 55º degree, with an intense wind making feel more like 45º or colder, which had no effect on this teams performance. The outcome was clear and the girls took a moment before the 4th quarter to show their enthusiasm.
The Hatters were no match for the Wreckers and only avoided handing Staples their 11th shut-out of this stellar season by scoring their only goal with mounts to go in the fourth period. The Wreckers 11-1 victory brings their record to 12-0 and they are first in the FCIAC east division, ahead of 2nd place Ludlowe of Fairfield.
Coach Ian Tapsall described the game this way, "Staples coasted to an 11-1 victory over Danbury managing to rest senior players and try a team structure that should mimic the team for next season." That line-up bodes well for next season, given the lop-sided victory.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wrecker's scoring was pretty balanced with Oakley Wilson leading with 3 goals, followed by Leah Larit with 2 goals.
Six more Wreckers scored one goal each including Emma Larit, Tyla Ozgen, Catherine Cirasuolo , Lucy Hill, Mary Stevens, Ella Ledenko.
The 11 goal victory was facilitated with assists by Emma Larit, Leah Larit and Daisy Hackett
Watching the game from the sidelines, players were bundled up, including one player who wrapped herself in a blanket to fight the wind chill.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Danbury Hatter goalie had a rough day, but still manged multiple saves. At right, the JV squad ran a few laps prior to their match-up. They did in fact achieve a shut-out and also scoring 11 goals.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wreckers Football On A Roll, Routing Westhill 47-0
The Staples Wreckers, defending state champions are clearly on a roll. Whether it is passing or running the football or their stifling defense, evidenced by the QB sack by the defense, the Wreckers are fire! They are undefeated, 4-0 in the early season and are fresh off of a resounding defeat of Stamford’s Westhill High, with a 47 point shutout in their last game on October 4th. They had a bye last Friday and will face New Canaan in a day game on Saturday, October 19th.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples receiver Shane Sandrew, (sr.) grabs another pass from quarterback Nick Weil, (jr.) despite what looks like pass interference. Sandrew posted 75 yards on receptions including a 41 yard completion. QB Weil completed 10 of 14 attempts for gains of 163 yards. His scrambling ability continues to keep pressure on the opposing defense with 3 carries for 27 yards.
Weil finds wide receiver Nathan Smith for one of two TD receptions, which were the result of his 88 yards on receptions. Head coach Adam Behrends and his staff are laser focused, constantly directing efforts during the game.
Pink Out!
Staples fans support their annual Pink Out, wearing the color in support of breast Cancer Awareness.Players participated as well with pink wristbands, towels, t-shirts and even some socks. Not to be left out Westport PD officer Batlin work the pink emblem uniform shirt he wore last year as well. Some younger Wrecker fans made sure their support was clear.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples & PAL Cheerleaders Pumped Up The Crowd
The hard-working Staples cheerleaders give it their all, as usual, at the half-time performance.
Westport PAL cheerleaders came to perform with their Staples "big sisters" and received their own cheers from the crowd.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Both the Staples squad and PAL Cheerleaders gathered mid-field for this group photo.
Wreckers Football Tailgate Party - Westport Style
A scene from Friday night's tailgate party before the home game against Westhill High of Stamford.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Before last Friday’s game against Westhill of Stamford, parents of Wrecker’s team Captain Charley Leahy, Raleigh and Pat took the traditional home game up a notch. The parents of the five team captains are asked to organize the tailgate parties for the home games. This year, it's been a mix of food trucks, parents stepping up and manning the grill and people bringing food to share with others.
This particular party had, as the photos clearly show, a pink theme as part of the Pink Aid night celebrated by the fans and the Wreckers football team to support the cause of breast cancer awareness and research. Many of those at this tailgate party are Staples alums who were happy to contribute to the celebration and the worthy cause.
Chef and restaurateur Matt Storch flanked by Sous chefs Sawyer Nessel and Bowen Redgate.
Charley’s parents Raleigh and Pat Leahy have always been huge fans of Saugatuck Provisions and the Match family of restaurants. They are loyal customers who get all of their meats and other speciality items at the store. Pat told WestportLocalPress, “Matt Storch and his staff are awesome and I always look forward to making a visit because of that.”
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Tailgaters were offered delicious house made sausages, Korean BBQ drums and Big Match Burgers.
Pat reached out to Matt a few weeks ago to see if he'd consider serving the tailgate for the game against Westhill. Pat said, “He gave us a very fair deal and brought his two rock star Sous Chefs, Sawyer Nessel and Bowen Redgate to prepare and serve the food. It was a huge hit and I hope shined a big spotlight on Saugatuck Provisions and how lucky we are to have a place like that in town. Matt grew up in Westport and is a Staples graduate, which made it even cooler.”
After devouring the delicious BBQ and sausages and burgers, the desert table was particularly inviting with lots of gourmet and even some homemade treats.
Staples and Pink Aid were clearly the themes of the evening, after which the Wreckers treated the hometown crowd to an overwhelming victory over Westhill.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Wreckers get ready for the night's action.
Pink Aid Night At Staples To Fight Breast Cancer
This Pink Aid Awareness club is a Staples High School club owned by co-presidents Alex Hackett and Riley Sklar. In the photo above are (L-R) Alexa Falik, Riley Appel and Payton Dolnier.
On Friday before the Staples - Westhill football game the club set up at the entrance to the field to raise money for Pink Aid. Staples students Georgia Allen, Cami Barger, Riley Appel, Alexa Falik and Payton Dolnier gave out bracelets, receiving donations to Pink Aid to help support the battle against breast cancer.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.