Three Yeas for “Coach Paul Lane Field” at Staples; Board of Selectmen Approve and Move Item to RTM

During their Board of Selectmen meeting this morning, First Selectman Jim Marpe, Second Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Third Selectwoman Melissa Kane approved the name “Coach Paul Lane Field” for Staples High School’s football field. The decision now passes to the RTM, who will ultimately be responsible for the final “yea” or “nay”. Lane lead Staples High School to many hard-fought victories during a three decade span as coach and physical education educator, in addition to serving as a mentor to generations of Westporters. The naming comes as bittersweet to the community, as “Coach” passed away last week at the age of 93. Staples Wreckers Gridiron Club officer Jim Adrian spoke at today’s meeting in support of the naming of the field, saying that Lane had a positive affect on all of Westport - and that Lane knew the renaming was a possibility - as over one thousand supporters signed an online petition to push the agenda item. Selectwoman Melissa Kane added “his reputation and his style has stood the test of time for Westporters.”