CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor

The CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor was founded in 2015 to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the organization over the course of their careers. The induction event recognizing the honorees will take place at a ceremony each school year. The inaugural induction took place in 2015.

The 2019-20 Hall of Honor ceremony has been rescheduled for May 26, 2022. Tickets are available for purchase through this link: https://gofan.co/app/school/CIAC

The 2019-20 Hall of Honor Inductees are:

  • Earle Bidwell
  • Harold Goldberg (posthumous)
  • Art Kohs (posthumous)
  • Tom Murray
  • Armand Regalbuti
  • George Synnott (posthumous)
  • Margaret Williamson

Click here for the 2019-20 Hall of Honor Announcement


 

Eligibilty Requirements

Honorees must have made contributions in the various categories that make up the CAS-CIAC organization which are:

  • Educational Leadership
  • Athletic Leadership
  • Friend of Education
  • Contribution to Education
  • Contribution to Athletics
  • Service to Education
  • Service to Athletics

Anyone being considered for the CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor must have served the organization for a minimum of 10 years and have been a member of CAS-CIAC.

All candidates must have made a long-term significant contributions to the organization in one of the categories listed above. Accomplishments must be worthy of state recognition. Longevity without meaningful state impact does not constitute appropriate criteria for Hall of Honor consideration. Nominees must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct, moral character, and carry the endorsement of a CAS-CIAC member school representative. (Exceptions of these criteria may be considered in some cases).

Nominations are accepted on a yearly basis and are considered by a committee process that determines the honorees. Nominations can be submitted through the online nomination form found here: http://ciacsports.com/site/?p=12780.

CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor History

Hall of Honor Inductees

Listed alphabetically, with induction year, induction video, and biography. Click the “+” to expand information

Jerry Auclair - 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

Upon receiving a B.S. in mathematics from the University of Massachusetts in 1967, Jerome (Jerry) Auclair began his 52-year career at Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School, (now Nonnewaug High School). He taught, coached, and was athletic director and assistant principal at the school. Jerry was active in the Nonnewaug Teachers Association and served as its’ president. In 1972, he was awarded an M.S. in mathematics education from Western CT State University.

In 1976, Jerry was selected as principal of Somers Jr.-Sr. High School. Active in the Somers Lions Club, Jerry was secretary, vice president, president and three-time Lion of the Year. He also served on the Johnson Memorial Hospital Board of Corporators.

Jerry became principal of Southington High School starting in 1987. In 1993, Southington High School was honored as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education. In 1991, he earned a Ph.D. in education from UConn. In 1999, the UConn School of Education Alumni Association honored Jerry as Outstanding School Administrator.

Jerry ended his administrative career serving as principal of Darien High School from 2002 through 2007. In 2004, Jerry was honored as Connecticut High School Principal of the Year.

Jerry’s 43-year involvement with CAS-CIAC on the Officials Committee began in 1976, serving as

its chair for 21 years. He served on the Five C’s Ad Hoc Committee, the National Federation Rules Committee and the Chemical Abuse Committee. He served on the CIAC Board of Control. Jerry was honored by the National High School Coaches Association with its National Distinguished Service Award in 1993, and by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association with the Joseph J. Fontana Award for Distinguished Service to High School Athletics in 2000. From 2008 to 2016, he worked as a CAS and LEAD executive coach. He served as a clinical supervisor for six, 2-year cohorts of students in the University of Connecticut Administrator Preparation Program (UCAPP).

In 1976, Jerry served on the CAS Legislation Committee and was chair during the 1979-80 school year. Jerry served on the CAS Board of Directors. He was treasurer, vice president and then president from 1989 to 1991. Jerry was the fifth person in the history of CAS-CIAC to be awarded two citations, the organization’s highest honor.

Jerry became active in the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). The CAS Board of Control appointed him as NASSP State Coordinator for ten years. Jerry was involved with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation process. Jerry was honored as the winner of the Richard J. Bradley Award for service to the organization.

In retirement, Jerry’s pastimes are being a sports fan, reading, watching movies and travelling with his wife, Tina. They relish time spent with his three children and their spouses, Jenn and Jeremy White, Nate and Krisiti Auclair and Holly and Brett Fagan, and their seven extraordinary grandchildren, Siobhan, Liam, Aidan, Brady, Katie, Avery and Owen. He has a passion for playing golf, having been a member of Wallingford Country Club for the past twenty years where he has made many great friends.

Bill Baron - 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

Bill Baron is a graduate of East Hartford High School (1960) where he was All-State in cross country. At Manhattan College (1960-1964) he was a member of the IC4A Champion Cross Country team. He continued his education at Central Connecticut State College (1964-1965).

Bill’s first teaching and coaching assignments were at Ridgefield High School as an economics teacher (1965-1967), where he won his first state championship in cross country. From there, he returned to his alma mater and taught at East Hartford High School (1967-2001). Upon retiring, he moved on to coach at East Catholic High School beginning in 2002. He coached cross country, indoor track and outdoor track at each school.

Bill has a very impressive list of accomplishments which includes five state championships, twelve runner-up state meets, thirty-four all-state cross country athletes, one hundred two state track champions, seventeen state records, three New England records, one Eastern States record, and two student-athletes ranked #1 in the nation.

Recognized for his accomplishments and his expertise, Bill has been named the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year in boys track (1977), boys cross country (1980), and boys indoor track (1994). He was the CITCA Coach of the Year for track in 1990, the National High School Coach of the Year for cross country in 1988, given the CHSCA Thomas Monahan Award in 1998, and was elected to the CHSCA “Hall of Fame” in 2001.

Bill has been at East Catholic High School since 2002, coaching with his wife, Marie. Bill is the boys coach and Marie coaches the girls team.

Exhibiting the highest level of leadership, he was the President of the Connecticut Track Coaches Association (1973-1974), Chairman of the CCIL Cross Country (1978-1983), Chairman of the CCC Cross Country (1984-2000), served on the CIAC Committees for Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track (1970 to present), and was coordinator for the Hartford Courant Cross Country poll. He has been the CIAC meet director for indoor track and field since 1975, has been the director of outdoor track since 1984, and cross country since 1992.

Bill continues to coach side-by-side with his wife, Marie, whom he met when they began teaching in East Hartford. They have two children, Linda and Michael.

In a recent article, former runner and Manchester girls’ coach Shelldon Simpson said of Bill, “He treats everyone like they want to be treated, he is honest and fair, and you can’t beat his knowledge of track and field. They don’t make them like him anymore.”

For 50+ years Bill has been the epitome of coaching excellence. It continues to be a great “run”.

Katharine Bishop - 2016-17 [Induction Video & Bio]

Kit began her forty-six years as an educator in Guilford, CT, then spent two years teaching in South Africa, a year in Durham, CT and then returned to Guilford as third grade and special education teacher. She also served as the director of Project Share, a seven town professional development endeavor led by teachers. She was a special education coordinator before starting her twenty-seven years as principal of Daisy Ingraham School in Westbrook CT. A year after retiring in 2014, she served as an interim principal in Guilford for five months.
When Kit became principal of Daisy Ingraham School in 1987, it was the only elementary school in Westbrook. She quickly became involved in The Elementary and Middle School Principals’ Association of CT (EMSPAC) to network with other principals. She served on the board of directors as regional director, vice president, president, and CT State Rep for the NAESP. In 1999, she was an integral participant in the smooth merger of EMSPAC and CAS. She was immediately appointed to the CAS Board of Directors, she continued as NAESP State Representative for six years helping to strengthen CAS’s relationship with NAESP.

Kit was an active member of CAS for the next fifteen years serving on the Elementary and CAS Board of Directors, the CAS Executive Board, the Elementary Program Committee, Elementary By-laws Committee, and Early Childhood Committee. In 2010, she was appointed president of CAS the same year that Executive Director Dr. Karissa Niehoff took over the reins from Michael Savage, who had mentored Kit in her involvement in CAS.

While she was at Daisy Ingraham, the school received the Blue Ribbon School designation in 1999. Under her leadership, the school implemented a special needs pre-K program, multi-age classrooms, extended day kindergarten, Spanish language program, and collaborated with neighboring towns with some initiatives. Kit was a strong proponent of the China Program and began a partner school relationship that still has exchanges of teachers and students.

Alan Bookman - 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

Alan graduated from Temple University with a B.S. in mathematics education in 1971. He received his M.A. in education from Trinity College in 1974. In 1981, he received a Ph.D. in education administration from the University of Connecticut. He completed the Executive Leadership Program from the University of Connecticut in 2003.

Alan became the math department chair at Talcott Junior High School in West Hartford (1976-1979). In 1979, he became housemaster at William H. Hall High School where he remained until 1984. He became principal at Glastonbury High School from 1984 to 2003. In 2003, he became interim assistant superintendent for the Glastonbury Public School System and became superintendent of schools in 2004, a position which he still holds.

Alan is a leader in Connecticut education. He was named Connecticut High School Principal of the Year (1993-1994); received the Glastonbury PTSO Red Apple Award for extraordinary dedication to school and community (2002); and served on the Connecticut High School Reform Committee (2008).

He has proven to be a dedicated proponent for advancing education. He served on the Standards for Accreditation of International Schools Abroad Committee; represented the United States at the African Headmasters annual meeting in Zimbabwe, Africa (2000); presented at the CAPSS/CABE Conference on “Enhancing Policies, Procedures and Controls in Your School Business Functions”; and presented at the CAPSS/CABE conference on high school reform.

Additionally, Alan has served on the committee to develop Strategic School Profiles for the CT State Department of Education (1990-1996); was a public school administrator representative to Moscow, Russia, in 1992; chaired accreditation committees for NEASC (1992-2010); and served on the committee to develop Common Core of Leadership for the CT State Department of Education.

Alan’s service to CAS-CIAC includes CAS Representative, State Advisory Committee on the Strategic School Profile, member of the CIAC Board of Control, member of the CAS Board of Directors, member of the CIAC Girls’ Gymnastics Committee, member of the CAS Legislation Committee, secretary of CAS, and vice president and treasurer of the CIAC Board of Control.

Alan was chairman of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (1995-1998), president of the Central Connecticut Conference (1999-2001); and a member of the Headmasters Association (2000 to Present).

In a citation from CAS, Thomas F. Galvin, then president of CAS, wrote of Alan, “…your steady and faithful commitment to the work of the association continues unabated. You have risen to higher and higher levels of responsibility within the leadership, willingly accepting any assignment given you. In helping to advance the ideals and mission of the association, you have personified those characteristics of mind and heart which define the educator of the first rank.”

Michael Buckley - 2017-18 [Induction Video & Bio]

“I should have known early on that I was going to work in education and do my professional service with CAS. As a youngster, I accompanied my mother when she refereed girls’ basketball games around the state and coached her Morse College team. In high school, my friends and I were regularly subject to practice run-throughs of her P.E. lessons. With mom at Mercy, my older sister teaching English at Middletown High School, and an all-state athlete for a father who encouraged my own play and loved attending any and all games, what other choice did I have then to wind up at an organization that supports student activities, athletics, and academics.

Graduation from Portland High School in 1958 was followed by four years at Bowdoin, another four and half in the army, and an M.A.T. at Wesleyan before finally gaining my own classroom and beginning my career in education at Glastonbury High School. In retrospect, I was well prepared by my family, my formal education, and even some of the lessons from OCS at Benning (Do something Lieutenant, even if it’s wrong!) and the JFK Unconventional Warfare School at Bragg.

I love teaching. Even though I only had a high school classroom assignment for three years, I had taught regularly in the service and have managed to keep at least one foot in the classroom ever since. As principal of both Coginchaug Regional High School (1977-1985) and Avon High School (1987-2001), I taught courses to seniors; since retiring and while working at CAS (2001-2016), I’ve taught for a decade in the University of Connecticut Principal Preparation Program (UCAPP). Most principals don’t get their own classroom, but the tradeoff for those who do is enormous. And, truth be told, all principals teach, by the actions they take, the values they assert, and the visions they promote for those in their charge. As a principal, I viewed myself as “first teacher” with my classroom defined by the school community.

My involvement at CAS dates to an appointment to the Student Activities Board of Control in the late 1970’s followed by terms on the High School Board, CIAC Board of Control, and CAS Board of Directors. While the latter honored me with a CAS Citation in 1994, my experience during the thirty-one years CAS supported me as a school leader was that I always took away much more than I gave. The CAS belief that leaders foster collaboration, build trust, and strengthen everyone’s professional capacity summarizes what I gained.

I retired as a principal in 2001 and came to CAS. For the next fifteen years I was privileged to be part of initiatives to expand student activities, reduce bullying, provide executive coaches to leaders of high need schools, organize leadership academies in urban districts, support beginning and career administrators, and certify aspiring administrators. I’m proud of the partnerships formed to move this work forward, particularly the expanded CAS role with the State Department of Education and the now twelve-year relationship with the Neag School of Education and UCAPP. For me, however, the true reward from my CAS years was the honor of working day to day with leaders on the line in schools across the state.

Just as my early family experiences influenced the direction my life took, I’ve been blessed throughout my career by the support, encouragement, and influence of my wife, Mary Ann; children, Kate, Jenn, and Chad; and grandchildren, Tyus, Lena, and Echo.”

Rose Marie Carlucci - Posthumous Induction 2015-16 [Induction Video & Bio]

Rose Marie (Ro) Carlucci provided great service to athletics as a coach, an official, and as a tournament director. She served for 35 years as an official and a coach. She was very involved with officials as well Ro helping to train officials every year, and then continued to mentor new officials.
She served on the FCIAC Board of Directors for 25+ years. She was CIAC Gymnastics Chairperson for 20+ years and organized and ran FCIAC championships meets for 25+ years, as well as organizing and running CIAC state gymnastics championship meets for 20+ years.

Ro officiated numerous high school national meets, coached the Connecticut high school team at national meets and was received the Connecticut high school outstanding coach award in 1992 and 2003. She was inducted into the FCIAC Hall of Fame in 2005 as well as the Connecticut Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2014.

Ro was a rules interpreter for gymnastics officials for 25+ years and also officiated field hockey for over 20 years. She has left an enduring mark in Connecticut on several athletic fronts.

Robert Carroll - Posthumous Induction 2015-16 [Induction Video & Bio]

Dr. Bob Carroll worked his entire public school career in Wolcott beginning in 1960 where he served as a high school assistant principal, high school principal and elementary school principal. During his career, Bob generously volunteered his time as a part of numerous CAS-CIAC committees including the ad hoc committee on elementary schools, a founding member of the Elementary Schools Board of Control, vice chair of that board, the Elementary Schools Professional Studies committee, and the Elementary Schools Unified Sports Committee.

Upon his retirement in 1997, he came to CAS as an Assistant Executive Director for Elementary Services. In this role he helped put CAS on the national and international map as his work took him to Russia six times where he acted as a consultant with Soviet educators to modernize the education system of Crimea, and was so appreciative and effective that a school was named in his honor.

Along with his administrative efforts, he spearheaded several humanitarian efforts in his role with CAS. After the catastrophic Tsunami which wrought so much havoc and horror in Asia, he traveled to Sri Lanka to offer assistance and then launched a program through the CAS member schools which quickly raised a quarter of a million dollars to aide relief efforts. He also orchestrated matching funds from a CAS sponsor, and arranged for former President William Jefferson Clinton to come to Connecticut to accept the donated funds. Bob also headed the CAS Katrina Relief Fund which secured funds and services for needy schools in the area hit by the hurricane.

Dr. Carroll was awarded a CAS Letter of Commendation in 1993 and was the recipient of the First Annual Governor’s Award for Distinguished Service to the American Red Cross. His tireless work on behalf of schools, administrators, and the community left a lasting impact on CAS-CIAC.

Robert Cecchini - 2016-17 [Induction Video & Bio]

Bob “Jiggs” Cecchini has been a staple in Connecticut education for over 55 years. Following his graduation from the University of Maine in 1957, Jiggs embarked on a distinguished career as a teacher at Brewer Junior High School in Maine, where he taught physical education for five years. In 1962, he moved to his alma mater and studied as a graduate assistant in the physical education department. The next job brought Jiggs to Suffield, CT, where he remained for the remainder of his career.
At Suffield, Jiggs taught physical education and health at all grade levels and was appointed as director of the physical education department in 1967. Two years later, he became the director of athletics; in 1971, he was named the assistant principal of Suffield High School; and, in 1987, he became the principal of the high school, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.

Jiggs’ coaching career is extensive. He coached football and basketball in Brewer Maine for five years and then he became the varsity football coach at The American School for the Deaf for five years. He coached boys and girls basketball and baseball for a total of 14 years at Suffield High School. Jiggs served as the co-coach of the golf team from 1993-98.

Jiggs is past treasurer of the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and served as its president in 1979. Among his community activities, Jiggs has been a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Board of Selectmen, the Planning and Zoning Board, and has been chairman of the Juvenile Review Board of the town of East Granby. His history of service at CIAC includes membership on the officials committee and past tournament director for both soccer and golf. He’s a consultant to the CIAC Board of Control. He’s also the current tournament director of the CIAC boys basketball committee a job he’s handled since 1996. Jiggs has been a strong supporter of women’s sports throughout the years. Since 1978, he has been a valued member of the CIAC Girls Basketball Committee where his knowledge and counsel have been reflected in the advancement of girls basketball throughout Connecticut and New England, and on the national level, he has been a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations National Basketball Rules Committee.

Jiggs was inducted into the Connecticut Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988. He has been honored for distinguished service by the Connecticut Association of Schools, the Suffield Board of Education, the Suffield Rotary Club, the Suffield Booster Club and the North Central Connecticut Conference.

Jiggs and his wife of 44 years, Beverly, are the proud parents of two daughters, Mari-Jo and Angela Gail.

Alvah Cramer - 2016-17 [Induction Video & Bio]

Alvah R. Cramer, Assistant Executive Director Emeritus started serving CAS-CIAC in 1969. A veteran of thirty years in education, the last nineteen as Principal of Newtown High School, he served as chairman of the CIAC Football Committee for eight years when the first ever State Football Championship was held. He was a founding member of the CIAC Wrestling Committee, an “L” school representative on the CIAC Board of Control, serving as
Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and President of CAS. He was a draftee in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was awarded a Letter of Commendation by the Board of Directors in 1984. He had already received the CAS Citation, its highest honor in 1978. The 72nd CIAC Boys Basketball Tournament and the 47th CIAC Ice Hockey Tournament were dedicated to him in 1994 and 2007.

Upon his appointment to the central office staff in 1984, he quickly became expert in all matters relating to CIAC with full responsibility for twenty-three sport committees and four conference standing committees. In addition he became versed in computer lore and served as resident computer instructor.

His work in increasing student athletic participation and making sports safer is his lasting legacy. He alone developed and gained approval for the cooperative team concept. This has significantly increased the number of student-athletes participating, especially in football and ice hockey. Other sports have gained as well. For ten years he worked hand in hand with fifteen medical doctors on the Connecticut Sports Medicine Committee. Their joint effort resulted in requiring safer athletic equipment and facilities. He was instrumental in having the National Federation adopt a no blocking below the waist rule in the open field. This has saved many, many knees.

The CAS-CIAC central office colleagues said, “He conducted his office with courage and integrity, with objectivity and a single standard of fairness which reflected the highest possible credit on the CIAC, the Association and upon him personally. He gave the work everything it demanded and more and where it would have been extremely easy to make enemies, he made friends while still upholding the best standards and the mission of CIAC. The Connecticut High School Coaches Association upon giving him its highest award said, “He was strict on the rules, but helped all involved to make the necessary transitions.”

He credits two universities with preparing him for life, the State University of New York at Cortland and Columbia University, located in New York City. He met his wonderful wife “Coke” at Cortland and they were married in 1953. They have one son Dr. Jeffrey Cramer and two bright and athletic grandsons Matthew and Andrew. He has said repeatedly “working at CAS-CIAC will always be his most treasured experience.”

John Daly - Posthumous Induction 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

John Daly was born and raised in New York City in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. From early childhood he spent his summers at Fairfield Beach in Fairfield, CT. He went to school in the city and earned a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University. He served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, three of those years on the Essex classic aircraft carrier, Oriskany, as a U.S. Navy photographer. The carrier operated from the west coast and patrolled the waters around Korea and Japan.

In 1956, he began his education career as a teacher of English at Danbury High School. During his three years in Danbury, he earned his master’s and CAS degrees from Fairfield University.

John’s next position was a social studies teacher at Trumbull High School. During his years in Trumbull, John coached swimming, became chairman of the Social Studies Department, and from 1962 through 1967, was the high school’s assistant principal. In 1967, John was appointed principal of Masuk High School in Monroe, CT.

In the spring of 1969, he applied for the newly established position of full-time executive director of the Connecticut Association of Secondary Schools and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. He received this appointment and served from the summer of 1969 through June of 1988.

During these 19 years of service, John organized the activities and implemented the decisions of forty standing committees, five boards of control and boards of directors. Each year he oversaw the management of 22 state interscholastic sports tournaments for boys and girls. He was responsible for the production, publication and distribution of the Association’s publications.

He was responsible for all fiscal matters of the Association, and was the main liaison to many organizations and committees on the state, regional and national levels. The Association sponsored three state professional conferences each year and a fourth when the states secondary school assistant principals formed a state association.

He had many memories from such a busy 19-year tenure, but among the most pleasant for John were the development of the Professional Studies Board of Control as a real professional service to the state’s schools and the initiation and development of the statewide interscholastic tournament program for girls, one of the first in the nation.

John passed away on September 10, 2016. He leaves his wife Jean, sons Thomas and John, daughter Nora, and ten grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Katharine and three sisters.

Jean Kenney Daly - 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

Jean Kenney Daly graduated summa cum laude from Gordon College in 1960. Post graduation, she became a history teacher and a guidance counselor at Richmond High School in Richmond, ME, where she also coached girls basketball and softball.

Jean subsequently received a master’s degree from the University of Maine and a Sixth-Year Certificate from the University of Connecticut. From 1963 to 1968 she was a guidance counselor and guidance director at Wheeler High School in Stonington, CT, where she also coached girls basketball and softball.

In 1968 to 1969 she was the principal of Wheeler High School. During this time she began serving on CAC-CIAC committees. She was an advocate for state tournaments for girls.

From 1969 to 1974 she was a guidance counselor and guidance director at Stonington High School where she continued to coach girls basketball and softball. She is credited with coaching the first Stonington girls basketball team under full court rules and also with starting the softball program. Both teams would win state championships during ensuing seasons. During this time she became a national basketball referee and officiated high school and college basketball games.

Jean was the principal of Stonington High School from 1974 to 1992. While at Stonington, she worked to expand sports offerings especially for girls. She continued to work with CAS-CIAC to promote girls sports in Connecticut. She was elected to Stonington High School Sports Hall of Fame and was honored with the proclamation of Jean Kenney Day in Stonington. During her tenure in Stonington she was named as Connecticut High School Principal of the Year in 1986-1987. Each year the top senior female athlete at Stonington High School, as voted by the coaches, receives the Kenney Cup.

During her leadership at CIAC, Jean worked to plan alternative coaches’ certification and served on several sports committees. She was secretary of the CIAC Board of Control in 1980 to 1981 and chairperson from 1981 to 1985. She became vice president and served as CAS-CIAC president from 1987-1989.

She was a member and chairperson of CAS-CIAC Board of Directors, serving as the Class M representative, secretary, vice president, and was the CAS-CIAC president from 1987 to 1989. She was a member of the National Federation of High School Associations Board of Control representing New England, New York and New Jersey.

Jean has played for the Golden Gals softball team, which won the gold medal in the silver division at the 2007 Senior Games in Louisville, KY. We are pleased to honor Jean, a lifelong advocate and leader for sport and education in Connecticut, with this induction into the CIAC Hall of Honor.

Suzi D’annolfo - 2015-16 [Induction Video & Bio]

Since the early 1970’s, Suzi D’Annolfo has positively influenced students, student-athletes, teachers, athletic coaches, and educational leaders throughout Connecticut through her various leadership roles and through her involvement with CAS-CIAC.

Following her successful coaching and teaching career, Suzi served as the first female athletic director for the West Hartford Public Schools and she forged new territory for women in athletics as one of just two female ADs in the state at that time. As an AD she served on a variety of CAS-CIAC committees and was a valuable contributor to the organization, playing a key role in the creation of the first student-athlete handbooks and providing a variety of professional learning offerings for CAS-CIAC coaches as well as training for student-athletes serving in the role of team captain.

Suzi went on to become principal of Litchfield High School where she remained an active and contributing member of the CAS-CIAC, serving on various committees including the board of control. During her tenure in Litchfield that Suzi received the highly prestigious Milken Award for her contribution to education. She went on to serve as a CREC administrator where she examined various ways to bring CIAC athletic programs to the magnet schools. Suzi ended her public service in education as the Director of Curriculum back in the Newington Public Schools.

Throughout much of her public school career, Suzi taught educational leadership courses at Central Connecticut State University and she currently teaches in the educational leadership department at the University of Hartford and still serves on various committees for CAS-CIAC. Currently, she is the higher education representative to the State Department of Education and where she continues her legacy as a trailblazing educator and significant contributor to CAS-CIAC.

Robert Doherty - 2017-18 [Induction Video & Bio]

Robert “Beau” Doherty, Jr., was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, and lived a good portion of his young life in Dighton, Massachusetts, and Bloomington, Minnesota.
Beau went to Unity College, “America’s Environmental College,” in Maine where he earned a bachelor of science degree in applied sciences with a concentration in wildlife management. In the summer of 1976, while still attending college, Beau was heavily recruited by the administration of Paul A. Dever State School for the Mentally Disabled in Taunton, Massachusetts, to run an outdoor recreation program.

In 1979, Beau was the State Department of Mental Retardation’s first recreation specialist from outside of an institution and was assigned the towns of Seekonk, Middleboro, Taunton, Dighton, Rehoboth, Assonet, Lakeville, Berkeley, and Raynham. In the same year, his supervisors made an arrangement with Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) for him to work one day each week at the state office to develop and implement a plan to train all Special Olympics coaches and create integrated sports opportunities for people with and without intellectual disabilities.

In 1982, Beau was hired as the director of training for SOMA before becoming program director in 1984. In 1986, he went to Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) as associate director and in 1993 became its president.

In his work with Special Olympics, Beau has assisted thirty-one states in the U.S. He is probably best known in Special Olympics worldwide as the father of Unified Sports ®. He created and implemented a formal, integrated sports program which pairs people with and without intellectual disabilities on the
same team and sold the idea to Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Mrs. Shriver unveiled the program to the world, aptly naming it Unified Sports®. The program now has 1,200,000 people participating from all over the world.

In Connecticut, Beau oversees twenty-nine staff members that coordinate coaches and officials training with four major games and twenty-seven sports for close to 13,000 athletes and Unified teammates. In 1992, Special Olympics Connecticut was the first U.S. program to partner with a state education association (CAS), which has resulted in a model that has been replicated nationally and internationally through Project Unify and Unified Champion Schools.

Beau’s work in Special Olympics has been recognized by four prominent groups. The Connecticut Sportswriters Association presented him the President’s Award along with former UConn basketball greats Rebecca Lobo and Diana Taurasi. In 2007, he was presented with the Father McGivney Award by the Knights of Columbus. Named after its founder, the award is given to an individual who “throughout his/her life has made significant humanitarian contributions to his/her state, church or country.” In 2014, Beau was presented the Humanitarian Award by Hunger Relief and Development; and, in 2015, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Connecticut.

Beau lives in Portland, Connecticut, with his wife, Holly, daughter, Julia, and sons, Cole and Jack. His hobbies are nature photography, genealogy, Celtic and Native American history and folklore.

Timothy Doyle - Posthumous Induction 2015-16 [Induction Video & Bio]

Tim Doyle was a valuable and significant contributor to CAS-CIAC in a variety of roles, capping a distinguished career as educator. After eight years as a teacher in New York he assumed the role of Principal at John Winthrop Junior High in Deep River, where he worked for 26 years before joining the CAS staff. Upon his retirement from John Winthrop in 1996, he served for four years as the Assistant Executive Director for Middle Level Services at CAS, and then was then appointed as Director of the Connecticut Principal’s Center, a position he held until his death.

While he served with distinction in his elected positions as a principal and his staff position as Assistant Executive Director for Middle Level Services, his longest-lasting contribution to the organization came as a founder of the Principal’s Center. Through Tim’s collaboration with established principals’ centers across the nation, a partnership with educational leadership faculty at UConn, and persistence, the Center became a reality in 1999 and he was appointed as the first director. He also was instrumental in the design and realization of the CAS Conference Center.

His influence was also seen as a co-founder of the South Central Principals, a network of principals that met regularly to share best practices and strategies. With his efforts, (CAS) became the most recognized and influential state in New England and especially in its affiliation with the New England League of Middle Schools. His impact with CAS can be seen throughout the region with other states adopting many similar programs to ones established at CAS, including the Scholar Leader banquets and he was also an active member of the Executive Director’s Association of the National Middle School Association (NMSA). His dedication, influence and commitment to CAS-CIAC is still felt in the organization today.

Robert Duncanson - 2015-16 [Induction Video & Bio]

Robert Duncanson is being recognized for induction into the newly established CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor. During his tenure as athletic director at Daniel Hand High School, Bob Duncanson truly set the standard by which all athletic administrators in Connecticut are measured. In fact, CAAD thinks so highly of “Dunc” that it established an annual award in his name – the Robert Duncanson “Meritorious Service Award” – that is presented at the CAAD Conference each year to an athletic director who exemplifies the highest ideals of integrity, dignity and honor.

Bob Duncanson developed an exemplary all-around athletics program at Daniel Hand High School that provided equal opportunities for all student-athletes and was a pioneer and leader in the growth of girls sports in Madison. Despite his hectic schedule and busy daily regimen organizing and directing the Tiger athletic program, Bob always found time to help and mentor young and aspiring athletic administrators. He was also deeply involved with the CHSCA and CIAC. Bob was the key figure and founding father of the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors and for just that reason alone is the first athletic director that the organization wishes to place in nomination for the Hall of Honor. He was also pivotal in helping that organization begin its long and successful alliance with CASCIAC.

Raymond Faustich - 2016-17 [Induction Video & Bio]

Ray has been an umpire for more than five decades, a high school umpire for forty-six years and an NCAA baseball umpire for thirty-four years. He has umpired the Patriot League championship series, the Ivy League championship series, four NCAA baseball regional tournaments, fourteen CIAC final games, one hundred plus CIAC tournament games and nine Babe Ruth national tournaments. In addition, he has worked the USA-Taiwan series and six New England College Baseball League tournaments.

Ray serves as the Ct state board and CIAC baseball rules interpreter, a position he has held for thirty-five years. He was also the New England baseball rules interpreter for the NCAA and the Eastern College Athletic Conference. A leader in his field, he served as the president of several officials’ organizations, including the Fairfield County Chapter of Approved Baseball Umpires, the Connecticut State Board of Approved Baseball Umpires, the College Baseball Umpires Association and the Connecticut Association of Interscholastic Officials. On the national level, Ray served a four year term as a member of the National Federation of High Schools Baseball Rules Committee, and, in recognition of his vast rules knowledge, the NFHS re-appointed him to chair the rules committee for another full term. He also served as a member of the NFHS National Officials Education Planning Committee and was a national conference moderator, clinician & contributor, giving clinics to the New Mexico Athletic Officials Association and to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League coaches and umpires.

Ray is currently a member of the CIAC Officials Advisory Board and he represents the state umpires on the CIAC Baseball Committee. He has given numerous presentations to CT baseball officials and has conducted countless baseball rules clinics for coaches.

Ray has received numerous honors in his career including the CTAHPERD Physical Education Teacher of the Year, the CHSCA Wrestling Coach of the Year and induction into Trumbull High School Hall of Fame in 1995. Ray and his wife Eileen have three children – Amy who lives in San Francisco, CA; Gary who lives in Hamden, CT; and Kevin who is currently living in Seymour, CT.

Bob Ford - Posthumous Induction 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

Robert (Bob) Ford was a long time coach, basketball official, educator and high school administrator. He graduated in 1951 from Palmer High School where he met his beloved Shirley and they eventually married in 1956. He graduated from Wilbraham & Monson Academy in 1952 and then attended American International College in Springfield, MA, where he graduated with a B.A. in 1956. He received his M.A. in education from the State College at Bridgewater, MA, in 1962. Bob played baseball in college. Upon graduation, he was a scout for the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. He started his career as a teacher at Norton High School in MA, where he also coached both basketball and baseball and served as the Chairman of the Social Science Department.

He started his career in Connecticut as the Assistant Principal at Glastonbury High School, a position he held until his appointment to principal of Ellington High School, where he remained for 17 years until his retirement.

Bob’s involvement with CAS-CIAC spanned more than forty years. During that time, he served and represented the organization in may capacities, including Chair of the CIAC Boys Basketball Committee, CIAC Boys Basketball Tournament Director, Vice Chair and Chair of the CIAC Board of Control, Chairman of the CIAC Eligibility Committee, Region 1 Representative on NFHS Basketball Rules Committee, and President of the Council of the New England Secondary School Principals Association.

After his retirement from Ellington in 1992, Bob joined the CAS-CIAC staff as the first Director of Development. In this capacity he developed corporate partnerships and funding to help support the numerous events and programs that the organization annually provides for its membership. Under Bob’s leadership the CAS Foundation was established and continues to grow today. CAS-CIAC was proud to announce the establishment of the J. Robert Ford Athletic Grant Program in honor of a man who contributed greatly to the success of the organization. Bob truly made a difference and was passionate about fostering education and high school athletics in the state of Connecticut.

In the citation from CAS for his commendation to his years of services it was quoted: “…you have brought renewed vigor to these activities and helped lead the way toward greater financial stability for the Association. We thank you for your loyalty, for your espirit de corps. We wish you many more fruitful years in service to CAS.”

Bob was a long time member of TPC River Highlands where he was an avid golfer, shooting his age multiple times, also winning numerous club championships. He loved to travel and was a passionate reader. Bob passed away on November 19, 2017, leaving his loving wife, Shirley, three children and their families.

CAS-CIAC is greatly pleased to honor Bob with this induction into the Hall of Honor.

George Ford - Posthumous Induction 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

George Ford was an icon in Connecticut High School swimming. He was admired and respected across the state as someone who represented professionalism, commitment to young people and the highest level of integrity.

During his career, he was a founder and president of the Connecticut Swim Officials Association, served for a long time as the state rules interpreter, was a member of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference’s Officials Committee and had been a member of the NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee.

A consummate professional, he was dedicated to making high school swimming and diving positive and fair. He was an outstanding official and has shared his knowledge throughout Connecticut and across the country by way of his involvement on the NFIOA Board of Directors.

George Ford was of outstanding character and was a positive role model for officials, coaches and students. He received a “Distinguished Service Award” from the NIAAA in 2000. This prestigious award is presented to individuals in recognition of the length of service, special accomplishments and contribution to interscholastic athletics at the local, state and national levels.

George’s long and distinguished career includes officiating at the high school, Special Olympic, College, and, for many years, as the Senior Olympics and Masters levels. He was Chairman for the CT Special Olympics Aquatic Program and was a long time consultant to the CIAC. He was a member of the NIAAA, National Federation Swimming Rules Committee, the CIAC Board of Control, the CT Schools Corp., and the CT Swim Coaches Association. He was a strong advocate for athletes who struggled with mental health.

George also served a four-year term on the NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee. He was the Assigning Commissioner of the CT Swimming Officials Association. He became the first swimming official to receive the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association Award. He was the secretary/treasurer of the CT Association of Interscholastic Officials.

George served our nation as a member of the Army and Army Reserve for 37 years. He was a World War II veteran having enlisted at the age of 17. He left the Army with the rank of Division Command Sergeant Major. George was awarded more than 20 service awards for heroic action and service. George Ford’s distinguished military career earned him the prestigious “Legion of Merit Medal”.

For his distinguished service to Connecticut Sports, George is one of the few Connecticut representatives to be named to the National Federation of State High School Associations’ “Hall of Fame”.

John Fontana - 2015-16 [Induction Video & Bio]

Since 1966 John Fontana has provided significant contributions and service to CAS-CIAC through his work as a coach and the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and the collaboration between the organizations. He has assumed leadership roles with numerous coaching associations including president and now executive director of the CHSCA, District Chairman of the National High School Association; National Baseball Chairman of the National High School Baseball Association; originator and Chairman of the CHSCA All-State baseball teams; Chairman of the CHSCA Coaches Annual Recognition Dinner; editor and originator of the CHSCA newsletter, “Connecticut Coach”’ the Executive Director of CHSCA and President of the National High School Coaches Association.

John has served in one way or another in numerous leadership positions with CAS-CIAC since 1966 and presently is significantly involved. John has received numerous awards and honors for his outstanding achievements, service and contributions. Through his efforts, CAS-CIAC and the Connecticut High School Coaches Association have fostered a mutual beneficial relationship and cooperation that has benefitted coaches, schools and student-athletes. That cooperation includes placing coaches on CAS-CIAC committees, offering critical guidance on proposed rule changes, and providing a valuable voice of the coaches to the CAS-CIAC decision-making structure.

John continues to serve as the Executive Director of the Connecticut High School Coaches Association, a position he has held since 1988. He has also served as a history teacher, guidance counselor, and baseball coach at Southington High School where he built one of the most impressive resumes in Connecticut High School coaching. He was the varsity baseball coach for 41 years and had an outstanding record of 669 wins, two state titles, and six runners-up. His teams qualified for the state tournament 40 out of 41 years and 192 of his players received college scholarships. Upon retirement, he was ranked 5th nationally with the highest winning percentage of coaches winning over 600 games. He has a lifetime honorarium for collegiate officiating and has refereed at the scholastic and college levels for 33 years. He made an immeasurable impact on high school athletics in Connecticut with his work as a coach, administrator, and his work with CAS-CIAC.

Joseph Fontana - Posthumous Induction 2017-18 [Induction Video & Bio]

Joe Fontana’s influence on the world of high school sports spanned decades and touched every constituency, from student-athletes to coaches, athletics directors and leadership organizations. He is celebrated as one of the most important figures in the history of Connecticut high school sports.

Joe was a part of the fabric of the town of Southington where he was a teacher, coach and athletic director. After graduating from Trinity College in 1932, he began his tenure as a biology teacher and also assumed the role of baseball, basketball and football coach. He would go on to serve the Southington school district in some capacity for forty-seven years. Joe coached baseball from 1932- 1961 with a record of 190-23 over the final twelve years; he was the football coach at Southington from 1932-1954 with a record of 139-38-14; and he continued to serve as athletics director until 1979. His legacy at Southington can still be seen as current student-athletes competing at the Southington Athletic Complex do so on the “Joseph J. Fontana Athletic Fields.”

However, Joe Fontana’s influence extended well beyond those he coached and mentored at Southington High, through his work and leadership with the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA). He was one of a handful of coaches that helped form the coaching leadership organization in 1951, and then was elected as the CHSCA President in 1956. The following year he was appointed as the first executive secretary and would hold that leadership position from 1957 to 1987. He also was a key figure in the formation of the National High School Coaches Association. He was a hugely influential mentor for coaches throughout Connecticut and the nation.

Joe believed strongly in the value of a cooperative relationship between the CHSCA and CAS-CIAC, and worked hard to ensure that the two organizations maintained a mutually beneficial partnership. Along with his longtime friend and fellow CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor inductee Tom Monahan, he served as co-tournament director of the CIAC boys basketball tournament from 1965-1993 and also served as tournament director for the CIAC baseball tournament. He held a position as a consultant for the CIAC Board of Control for decades and his tremendous contributions to CAS-CIAC earned him a prestigious CAS Citation in 1973.

Given Joe’s remarkable career, he not surprisingly earned numerous honors and accolades throughout his life. He received the 1949 Southington UNICO Gold Medal Award; the 1966 State Coaches President’s Award; the 1968 Gold Key Award from the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance; and the 1982 Dwight Keith Award, the national coaches association’s highest honor. Joe was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1978 and, in 1984, the state coaches voted to present their Distinguished Service Award in his name.

Joe was married to his wife Ann for fifty-seven years and the couple had a daughter Joanne Fontana Kini and five grandchildren. Joe Fontana passed away in 1995 at the age of 87, but his incredible legacy of selfless leadership and his impact on athletics and education in Connecticut are recognized with his induction into the CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor.

Don Gates - 2015-16 [Induction Video & Bio]

Don Gates is one of Connecticut’s finest principals and one who has also had a long association with and made multiple contributions to CAS-CIAC. Don Gates has served the Connecticut Association of Schools and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference for many years in multiple roles. He has served as chair of the CAS Board of Directors and in many capacities leading up to that crucial leadership role.

When other educators think of Don they naturally associate him with the National Honor Society. He has led the statewide organization for many years and continues to energize their efforts. Don has been honored for his work with the NHS by the NASSP and was presented the award at the National Conference in Dallas.

Don served Portland High School for 40 years, most of those as principal. After his retirement, Don went on to serve many other districts in an interim capacity. Don has served as the interim principal at Putnam, Woodrow Wilson, East Hampton, Valley Reg., Coginchaug, and most recently Bacon Academy. Don’s impressive (if not record-breaking) tenure at Portland is likely worthy of recognition on its own but what is truly impressive is his commitment to CAS-CIAC despite the fact that he was the only administrator at his school.

We often hear from other principals that they are too busy to take on more responsibility outside their school. This is certainly understandable but we never heard that from Don and we still don’t. Don did an excellent job leading his school and fulfilled his many commitments to CAS-CIAC with equal effectiveness and dedication. Don has gained a reputation for being Connecticut’s premier interim principal, at least at the secondary level. What is most impressive is his commitment to moving those schools forward while they were under his leadership. Many just work to keep the ship afloat during an interim assignment, but Don has worked to make significant improvements and provide transformative leadership for those schools.

Paul Hoey - 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

Paul graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield with a bachelor’s degree in history, completed a master’s degree in special education from Central Connecticut State University and a sixth-year in educational leadership from the University of Connecticut.

He began his career in education as a history teacher at Granby Memorial Jr.-Sr. High School. After twelve years as a teacher and assistant principal in Granby, Paul became principal of East Granby Middle and High School. He then served as principal of Rocky Hill High School for six years before assuming the principalship of Newington High School, where he worked until his retirement in 2004. Paul was recognized as the Connecticut High School Principal of the Year in 1998.

Paul has served CAS-CIAC in some capacity for decades. During his years as a high school principal, Paul was an active and influential member of CAS-CIAC. He served as chair for some of the associations most important and challenging boards and committees, including the CIAC Board of Control, the Financial Development Committee, the Girls Swimming Committee, and the Cooperative Team Committee. He also served on the Gymnastics Committee, the Boys Tennis Committee, the Boys Swimming Committee, the CAS Nomination Committee, the High School Program Committee, the Student Activities Board of Control, the High School Board of Control and the CAS Board of Directors. He served as the president of the Council of New England Secondary School Principals Association.

Paul joined the CIAC Central Office staff in 2004 as Associate Executive Director for the CIAC after a thirty-five year career as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal.

Paul was the liaison to the CIAC Eligibility Committee and the CIAC Eligibility Review Board. As such, he was responsible for processing and monitoring all appeals of Eligibility Committee decisions. He also served as a consultant and recording secretary to the CIAC Board of Control, and the general CIAC committees including the Season Limitation, Eligibility Revision, Rules Modification, and By- Laws Revision committees.

Among other responsibilities, Paul oversaw the drafting and execution of game officials’ contracts, administered the CIAC Cooperative Team Program; was responsible for the annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet; coordinated CIAC citizenship and sportsmanship activities; and designed and oversaw the CIAC Athletic Program Evaluation. He was the CIAC liaison for the sports of soccer, football, basketball, baseball and golf.

As a result of his work with the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors, he was selected for their Distinguished Service Award in 2009 and the Connecticut High School Coaches Association has chosen Paul to receive the Joseph J. Fontana Distinguished Service Award.

Paul and his wife, Nancy, have two married daughters, Alyson and Alicia, who have chosen to follow in their parents’ footsteps; both are public school teachers.

David Leete - 2017-18 [Induction Video & Bio]

Dave’s introduction to lacrosse began in 1960 when he took a skills class at Springfield College. After graduation in 1963, Dave coached JV Lacrosse at the Hun School in Princeton, NJ, for four years while also playing attack for the NJ Lacrosse Club. He began officiating in 1970 in New Jersey and worked high school, prep and state tournament games until he moved to Connecticut in 1980. Dave continued to officiate at the high school level as well as enjoy a twenty-year career as a college official. He was fortunate to officiate two NCAA tournament games. He retired as an active official in 2007 but continued as the assignor for the CT Lacrosse Officials Association, a position he has held since 1989.
Lacrosse wasn’t Dave’s only sport. He played three sports at Williamstown High School and was the starting quarterback for three years at Springfield College. At the Hun School, he was a math teacher for seventeen years, boys’ head basketball coach (15 years), head football coach (11 years), and
Athletic Director (11 years) After his move to Connecticut, Dave began teaching math and coaching basketball at Bolton High School. In 1984, he became the athletic director and eventually retired from Bolton High School in 2001.

Dave’s affiliations with CAS/CIAC include president of the Charter Oak Conference (1992-2002); CAAD representative to the CIAC Boys’ Lacrosse Committee (1995-2004); boys’ lacrosse tournament director and assigner (2004-present); and lacrosse representative to the CIAC Officials’ Advisory Board. Dave has been instrumental in the growth of the boys’ lacrosse tournament and in the success it has known for the past thirteen years. He also represents Section I (New England, NY and NJ) on the NFHS Boys’ Lacrosse Rules Committee.

Dave has received numerous honors and awards for his achievements as an athlete, an athletic administrator and an official. He was inducted into the Hun School Athletic Hall of Fame (1998); received the CT Lacrosse Officials Association Joseph J. Oliva Friend of Lacrosse Award (2007); was inducted into the CT Chapter of US Lacrosse Hall of Fame (2011); and received the NIAAA 25 Years of Service Award. When Dave is not working on lacrosse assignments he enjoys spending time with his family – his children and their spouses, Tracy (Jake), Kathy (Eric) and Randy (Sarah); and his grandchildren, Shanise, Stephanie, Christopher, Maya and Molly. He especially enjoys watching his grandchildren participate in sporting events and will travel near and far to see them play.

Pat Llodra - 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

Pat Llodra earned a B.S. in psychology from the University of Bridgeport, an M.S. in math education from Western Connecticut State University, certification in supervision and administration from Fairfield University, and a sixth-year diploma and ADB from the University of Bridgeport.

She began her career as an educator in 1978 teaching math at John Read Middle School in Redding, CT. In 1982, she went to Nonnewaug High School and continued as a math teacher. She moved to Region 14 (Woodbury/Bethlehem) in 1983 and served as the district’s computer coordinator.

In 1986, she became an assistant principal at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, CT. From 1989 to 2004 she was principal of Northwestern Regional School in Winsted, CT. She was then the interim principal at Newtown High School for the 2004-05 school year.

Among her honors, Pat was awarded a Scholars Recognition for original study in applied psychology (1976); the National Science Foundation grant (1982); the Distinguished Service award and recognized as Outstanding Young Woman by the Newtown Jaycees (1976); Special Tribute Award for contributions to the development of youth soccer program for girls (1984); PIMMS Fellow (1985) sponsored by Wesleyan University, the CT State Dept. of Education and CT Academy of Science and Engineering; PIMMS Fellow (1986) Master Teacher of computer science from Choate Rosemary Hall sponsored by the CT Association of Urban Superintendents; Excellence in Education award (1986) from Region 14; awarded federal DEP grant for Peers to Peers youth leadership program (1995- 1998); the Apple Award for significant curriculum and leadership accomplishments (1997) in Region 7; CAS Citations in 2000, 2003 and commendation in 1998; and she was selected as Connecticut High School Principal of the Year for the 2001-02 school year.

Pat demonstrated her commitment to education by serving on the Newtown Board of Education (1976-1982); serving as a member of the state writing group for Computers in Education (1986- 1988); was a member of Standards Board for Teaching Certification in Mathematics for the development of assessment tools and content exams in mathematics (1987-88); appointed to Principals Academy (1995); NEASC accreditation committee member and chair (1996-present); mentor and presenter for the University of Connecticut Administrator Preparation Program; a member of the CSDE study group for Wallace Grant in educational leadership; and a CSDE BEST Assessor (1993-1996).

Pat served the CIAC as the Girls Tennis Committee chairman (1997-2004). She was a member of the Board of Control from 1996-1998. She was the Board of Control Vice Chair from 1998-2002. She was the Board of Control Chairperson from 2002-2004. Pat joined the CAS-CIAC staff in 2006 and served for three years as an Assistant Executive Director and the first ever Director of Executive Coaching.

Pat married her husband Robert in 1963 and they are the parents of three children and have six grandchildren.

Ann Malafronte - 2015-16 [Induction Video & Bio]

Prior to Ann taking over at the helm of Unified Sports for CAS in 1995, Ann worked in education for more than twenty years as a teacher, coach, athletic director and administrator.
A sports enthusiast at an early age, Ann began her career as a physical education teacher and coach within the state’s vocational technical school system. Always passionate about the advancement of women in the world of sports, Ann embraced Title IX, and immediately created softball, volleyball and basketball programs at Eli Whitney and Wright Technical high schools. Ann was committed to gaining support and recognition and respect for each one of her women’s programs.

In 2007, due to Ann’s strong advocacy and fierce determination, she was honored at a Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame gala celebrating the 35th anniversary of Title IX. Ann was one of forty female athletes participating in the first “Walk of Fame,” designed to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to women’s sports.

Ann was also an active and loyal member of CAS-CIAC for nearly 10 years, serving on a number of sports committees, as well as, the CIAC Board of Control. Ann accepted the position as Director of Unified Sports because of her strong passion and belief that “our special children will prosper greatly with more opportunities to be successful.”

In 1995, accepting the position of Director of Unified Sports Ann took on a new battle. For the next thirteen years she led the battle for the rights of disabled athletes to enjoy the benefits of participation in sports programs, focusing on awareness and acceptance, keenly aware that we are all more the same than we are different.

Under Ann’s leadership the program grew from a couple hundred participants in two tournaments in 1995 to over 1,500 participants in over 30 tournaments upon her retirement. Ann was a tireless, passionate and dedicated leader. The truest testament to her commitment lies within the wave of change that she helped to create within the school climate. The change, that through greater acceptance, significantly affected the quality of life for so many children with special needs, not to mention the impact on their partners as well.

Thomas Monahan - Posthumous Induction 2016-17 [Induction Video & Bio]

Thomas R. Monahan was born in Bristol in 1918 and graduated Bristol High School in 1936 as a multi-sport athlete. He went on to Columbia University and served in the Army during World War II. He returned to Bristol in 1948 to teach biology. He received his sixth-year certificate from the University of Hartford in 1961.
After the sudden death of his father in 1952, Tom was selected to take over his responsibilities as the school’s athletic director while coaching football and, later, baseball and basketball.

Just prior to 1959 when Bristol split into two high schools, Tom was given the title of director of physical education for Bristol schools. One of the projects he took on in this position was organizing the annual Thanksgiving Day football game between Central and Eastern. Recently, an award was created in his name that is given to a player from each team.

Tom was active in the start up of both the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, serving as president of each organization while also being inducted into their respective halls of fame.

In 1979, Tom retired as Bristol’s athletic director, thus ending 30 years of coaching and administrative work for the Bristol school system. Even after retirement, he remained active in the CHSCA.

Tom was a consultant to the CIAC for more than 20 years. He served as assistant director of the basketball and baseball tournaments, selecting sites and assigning officials. In 1971 he received a special Citation from the CIAC for his work.

In 1983, Tom received the prestigious Gold Key Award from the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance, an honor his father had received during the 1940s.

Thomas R. Monahan passed away on July 2, 2003.

Larry McHugh - 2017-18 [Induction Video & Bio]

Larry McHugh’s career has been defined by success and achievement in every venue; and, thankfully for the students of Connecticut, many of those venues have involved education.

A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University his athletics exploits earned him a contract with the New York Titans of the American Football League. Injuries put an end to his professional football career sending him back to Connecticut where he found his new direction as a teacher and coach.

Larry’s career in public education began in Durham where he worked at the high school and also served briefly as a coach in multiple sports at the middle school. He then moved to Xavier High School in Middletown and became the first head coach of its’ football program. This began a highly successful
coaching career where he guided the Falcons to a varsity record of 152-36-6 over twenty years including a then state-record 34-game winning streak and his teams produced a trio of undefeated seasons. The Falcons’ successes earned him Connecticut Coaches Association Coach of the Year honors in 1971 and 1974 and he was recognized as the National Coach of the Year by two organizations in 1973.

His leadership and successes were also not restricted to the playing fields or classrooms. Larry became prominently involved in both the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) and the National High School Coaches Association. His leadership and influence at the state level were exemplified by his role in working with a group of coaches to establish the CIAC Football Championships, a multi-year venture culminating in the first-ever on-field state football title in 1976. His efforts provided postseason opportunities that have benefitted students and the sport of football in Connecticut for decades. He was elected president of both the CHSCA and the National Coaches Association during his career, and his impact on both organizations is reflected in his selection for the Connecticut and National Coaches Halls of Fame.

Larry concluded his coaching career in 1983 but remained a prominent figure in the world of high school athletics, serving as an advisor and contributor for several leadership organizations. Following coaching he moved to the business community, becoming president of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce in 1983. Under his leadership, the organization has achieved unprecedented growth and now has the distinction of being the largest chamber of commerce in Connecticut.

He has since channeled his passion for education towards the higher education system in Connecticut. He served on the Connecticut State University Board of Trustees for more than twenty-five years and then was appointed chairman of the Board of Trustees for the University of Connecticut. With his leadership and efforts, he has been a tireless champion for education at all levels in the state.

His achievements in athletics, education and business have earned him innumerable honors throughout his career. And his induction into the CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor is another acknowledgement of his positive impact on the world of high school sports and education and, by extension, the students, coaches, and schools of our state.

Michael Savage - 2015-16 [Induction Video & Bio]

Mike Savage has a long and distinguished record of service to education and to high school athletics in Connecticut. He began his career in 1960 as a teacher of mathematics and science at Litchfield Jr.-Sr. High School. There he coached three sports – track, basketball, and soccer – and was an active interscholastic soccer and basketball official. Following his appointment as a school administrator, Mike was required to retire from coaching. In 1970, Mike was appointed principal of the senior high school. While serving as a high school principal, Mike was an active and energetic member of CAS-CIAC, serving as Chairman of various committees.
During his years of service to CAS-CIAC, Mike swiftly and steadily gained the respect of his colleagues. In 1980, in recognition of his leadership abilities and his commitment to high school athletics, he was awarded a CAS Citation, the association’s highest honor. In the same year, he was appointed to the position of Assistant Executive Director of CIAC. In 1988, Mike was named Executive Director of CAS-CIAC.

Under Mike’s leadership, CAS-CIAC flourished. The association grew from an operation concerned mainly with the governance of interscholastic athletics to an organization that is a recognized and respected force in Connecticut education. Under Mike’s direction, membership in CAS-CIAC was extended to elementary schools, the CIAC Endowment Fund was created to ensure the future financial security of the association; the renowned Scholar-Athlete banquet was established to recognize the academic and athletic achievement of Connecticut’s students; the Center for Early Adolescent Education was founded to provide professional development programs to middle level educators; the CIAC/Special Olympics Unified Sports Program was created to extend athletic opportunities to students with disabilities; the CIAC earned sanction from the State Department of Education as an authorized coaching certification agency and, a corporate merger with the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors and the Connecticut Association of Interscholastic Officials brought two powerful groups under the CAS-CIAC umbrella. This 1993 merger was a significant step toward achieving an all-inclusive, statewide athletic structure in which member schools, athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, and game officials shared responsibility for the governance of interscholastic athletics in Connecticut.

Mike’s influence has reached far beyond the borders of Connecticut. He has served on a number of national committees and boards. Mike’s impressive career is colored with honors and awards too numerous to mention. In 2001, Mike was inducted into the Litchfield Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mike’s service to high school athletics spans over thirty years. In that time, his efforts have been directed toward one goal: to provide a safe and equitable, yet competitive interscholastic athletic environment which will prepare each and every student-athlete to be an honest, responsible, educated, and contributing member of society.

Charles Sharos - Posthumous Induction 2016-17 [Induction Video & Bio]

Charlie was a graduate of Fitchburg High School and Springfield College. His love of athletics and passion for bettering the lives of youth were evident in his thirty five years of service as a teacher, coach, mentor, and athletic director at South Windsor High School. On April 10, 2014, the town memorialized his efforts by renaming the high school gymnasium the “Hugh Greer-Charlie Sharos Gymnasium” in his honor.
Charlie coached varsity basketball (30 years), soccer (32 years) and baseball (10 years). He coached two state championship boys basketball teams, Class M (1969-1970) and Class L (1970-1971).

His teams were the first in the state to win in two different division championships in consecutive years. He also coached a Class L state champion soccer team in 1979.

Throughout his distinguished career in high school athletics, Charlie received recognition from many organizations. Among his honors were: National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) District 1 National Coach of the Year Award in both soccer and basketball; NHSACA National Athletic Director of the Year Award, NHSACA Hall of Fame induction; Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) Hall of Fame induction; CHSCA Athletic Director of the Year Award; CHSCA Coach of the Year Award in both soccer and basketball; and the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance Coach of the Year and Gold Key Awards. The town of South Windsor awarded him four individual and three team proclamations; and the Connecticut basketball officials presented him with the Commissioner’s Award as well as the Sportsmanship, Service and Appreciation Awards.

Charlie was the former President of the Connecticut High School Coaches Association, the North Central Connecticut Conference and the Central Valley Conference. He was also a member of various CHSCA committees and was active in the CIAC serving as a consultant to the CIAC Board of Control as boys and girls soccer tournament director.

Charlie settled in Windsor, Connecticut, with his wife Sheila, where they raised their children, Penni and Tom.

Barbara Startup - 2018-19 [Induction Video & Bio]

During her tenure as athletic director in Enfield, Avon and Glastonbury, Barbara was one of the most respected athletic administrators in Connecticut whose contributions to high school athletics reached every corner of the state. Barbara’s accomplishments as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator were significant and extensive at the local, league and state levels.

Barbara made incredible contributions to CAS-CIAC. During the years that Barbara was an athletic director, she was someone that the CIAC knew it could count on as she graciously hosted numerous CIAC events. The first CIAC committee she served on was the Girls Basketball Committee (1983- 1985). She has been a member of the CIAC Girls Volleyball Committee and served as tournament director. She served as the CIAC Girls Volleyball Officials Coordinator. She was a member of the CIAC Girls Tennis Committee (1996-2007). She was on the CIAC Boys Volleyball Committee (2002- 2016). She was the CIAC Softball Tournament Director and has been a member of the CIAC Softball Committee. During her term as CAAD President (1996-1998), she was CAAD Representative to the CIAC Board of Control. In addition, Barbara was an exceptional volleyball official at the high school and collegiate level, and was a member of the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee.

Barbara has also impacted educators and coaches at the state and national levels through the many workshops and seminars she has attended and participated in as a conference presenter. She has been a presenter at statewide conferences for “Advancing Young Women in Sports” and has served on that organization’s committee to promote careers for women in coaching, officiating and administration. She has been a presenter at conferences for physical educators sponsored by the State Department of Education. She has been a presenter at CAAD conferences and attended many NIAAA/NFHS athletic director conferences.

Upon her gradation for CCSU in 1972, Barbara began her teaching career in physical education in Newburgh, NY. She returned to Connecticut and was hired in Avon, where she taught physical education and coached varsity girls volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis, where her teams had great success and garnered numerous conference titles.

After a short stay as assistant principal at Vernon Middle School, she was hired as the Coordinator of Physical Education, Intramurals and Athletics for the Enfield Public Schools in 1989. In 1995, she returned to Avon High School as the Director of Student Activities, and, in 1998, she was hired as the Director of Athletics for Glastonbury High School, a position she held until her retirement in 2007.

During Barbara’s tenure she was named the CHSCA Athletic Director of the Year in 2006 and was inducted into the CHSCA Hall of Fame in 2012.

Ivan Wood - Posthumous Induction 2016-17 [Induction Video & Bio]

A native Vermonter and Springfield College graduate, Ivan began his career in 1937 at Plainville High School, where he taught biology and physical education and coached baseball, basketball and football.
In 1946, after service in the US Navy he returned to Plainville, resuming his teaching and coaching duties and becoming Director of Athletics and Physical Education at P.H.S. He added golf, swimming, and gymnastics to his list of coaching responsibilities, and served for two years as assistant principal.

In 1955, Ivan became principal of Plainville High, holding that position until his retirement in 1976.

During his tenure as principal, he was very active in the Connecticut Association of Schools and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. He served as president of the then CT Association of Secondary Schools (CASS) (1972), as chairman of the CIAC basketball and baseball committees and the CIAC Officials and Eligibility committees. He was a consultant to the CIAC basketball, football and baseball committees and was the football and baseball tournament director in 1976 and 1977. Ivan contributed his service, counsel and support to CAS/CIAC for his entire career and, through his efforts, girls’ basketball grew to become one of the finest athletic programs in the state.

Woody’s service to the Plainville community was noteworthy. He had leadership roles in numerous civic organizations including six years on the Plainville Board of Education. Ivan received the CIAC Citation in 1971, The National High School Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award in 1974, Plainville High School dedicated it’s gymnasium in his name in 1974, he received The CHSCA Distinguished Service Award, 1984, The Gold Key award from Connecticut Sports Writers in 1987 . He was inducted into The Connecticut Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988, he received the Connecticut High Schools’ Athletic Directors Award in 1992, he was named Plainville’s Volunteer of the Year, in 1998 and he was inducted into the Plainville High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.

Ivan passed away on January 26, 2005.