Meriden Player Among All-Area Scholar-Athletes to Be Honored

Twenty-nine high school and prep school athletes from towns all over the Greater New Haven area will be feted at the 59th anniversary of the Casey-O'Brien chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete awards dinner on Friday, March 29th at Fantasia Banquet facility in North Haven.

The award winners are: Colby Anastasio, North Branford; Jake Baker, Platt; Nathaniel Bartone, Derby; Luca Belenchia, Ansonia; Kamron Bell, Notre Dame; Thomas Cherneskie, Cheshire; Caden Cloutier, Sheehan; Nicholas Dodge, North Haven; Ryan Genest, Coginchaug; Kevin Girardi, Daniel Hand; Vincent Graziano, Holy Cross; Nick Hanna, Jonathan Law; Josh Hassan, Woodland; Enasj Jones, Wilbur Cross.

Also, Cade Kalardis-Ditria, Seymour; Peter Kavanaugh, Fairfield Prep; Jacot Lettick; Joe Manning, West Haven; Juan Colberg Martinez, Guilford; Sam Norris, Xavier; Robert Olejarczyk, Branford; Furkan Parcal, Lyman Hall; William Porto, Hamden Hall; Will Qualls, Oxford; Owen Sherman, Hopkins; Devon Smith, Hillhouse; Colin St. Pierre, Shelton; Maxwell Tavitian, Foran; Christopher Wallace, Hamden.

"Once again we will be honoring an outstanding group of young men," said Bill O'Brien, chapter president. "Their accomplishments in the classroom, on the field and in the community bring honor and distinction to their parents, their schools and their community."

In addition, the chapters of Distinguished American Award will be presented to Senate Republican leader Len Fasano of North Haven. Fasano, who has served as state senator since 2003 was a graduate of Hamden Hall in 1977 and was chosen as a scholar athlete by the chapter before entering Yale where he lettered for legendary Hall of Fame coach Carm Cozza.

The chapter Award of Merit will be presented to Southern Connecticut Conference Commissioner Al Carbone as the SCC completes its 25th year. Carbone has served as commissioner for the past 15 years. The SCC has won over 400 state championships since it was founded a quarter-century ago.
Other award winners will include Sheehan of Wallingford coach John Ferrazzi who was chosen chapter Coach of the Year for leading the Titans to a 10-2 record, including a first round tourney victory over Wolcott in the Class M playoffs; and Scott Kelly, and 18 year member of the New Haven Football Officials Association.

Daniel Hand of Madison will be presented a plaque for winning their second consecutive Class L championship, finishing with a record of 13-0 and the #2 ranking in the state.
Tickets can be purchased for $50 by sending a check payable to the "National Football Foundation" - to Donna Limone, 10 Ludlow Court, Branford, CT 06405 or by calling 203-481-8375.
See www.newhavenfootballfoundation... for information on the chapter.