I traveled north from New Jersey over the Tappan Zee Bridge into New York and up the windy Merritt Parkway to Connecticut,the third state representing the Metro New York “Tri-State” Region and the last to host the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard.
I headed to Ansonia, a smal l“old school” Italian town about 80- miles north of New York City and about 20 miles west of Bridgeport, CT. We were there to celebrate the football team’s championship and national ranking season.
The football community banquet was hosted at the Holy Rosary Church by an older and dedicated booster club. The banquet hall hosted approximately 300 fans, students, players, cheerleaders, and parents. MaxPreps representative and CT high school sports guru, Tom Taylor, and a team of National Guardsmen/women led by Sgt. Toriano Riberio met me at the hall about 30 minute beforehand.
We set up shop at the front end of the stage next to the table reserved for the team coaches. The Guard arranged a table display with Guard premiums, the trophy and literature. We placed MaxPreps lanyards and Guard calendars and information at all the place settings. As the players checked in, the team of Guardsmen/women handed them the commemorative Tour t-shirts.
Once everyone settled into his or her seats, the celebration began. Tom Taylor was introduced and talked about the team and player’s national accomplishments, including Alex Thomas’ national rushing title. Tom thanked Coach Brockett for utilizing the MaxPreps statistical service and commented on how Ansonia has raised the bar in Connecticut high school football. Tom then introduced Sgt.Riberio. The National Guardsmen elaborated on the team’s dedication and commitment to excellence. Afterwards, Sgt Riberio asked Coach Brockett to stand and presented him with the National Ranking Tour of Champions trophy to a thunderous applause.
Coach Brockett thanked MaxPreps and the Guard, and his team,coaches, and fans. Formal pictures were taken and new Guard iPod speakers were disseminated to all the students.
Dinner, including a nice bowl of pasta and meatballs, followed to what some may say an even louder applause.
