Litchfield County Board of Referee's hold banquet, hand out awards.
 | POSTED April 01, 2016 |
HARWINTON: You see these guys every time you step into a local gym for a high school basketball game.
If you walk out not remembering they were there, they have done their jobs the way they want to.
On Thursday night, the Litchfield County IAABO Board #7 (the local referee board) held their yearly banquet at Fairview Farms and distributed awards to local schools, athletes and to each other for the great work contributed by each group.
It was my first time at a banquet for the guys and gals who look to keep order on the hardwood and the camaraderie and sense of family was evident.
Heck, refs have to stick together.
These folks take an awful lot of abuse from coaches, parents and players at times but without them, how do we have games?
Seeing these folks off the court and not in stripes is something those folks who go hoarse screaming at them ought to see. They are human, they can see and they don’t have it out for your kid or player.
The dinner, prepared by the mighty Fairview Farms staff, led by Chef Keith Lamanna was stellar as usual. Can’t tell you a time I was disappointed by a meal fixed by these folks.
Sat at a table that included the owner of Fairview, Bob Ferraarotti, Board 7 President Aaron Lefkowski, Charley Harbach amongst others.
Great conversation with guys who know their crafts and take them very seriously.
On the court, their job is to keep the action flowing cleanly. At their dinner, things also run smooth. Dinner at six, awards over by seven. That’s some efficiency!
Thanks to Mr. Lefkowski for the invite. Here are the awards given out on Thursday night.
Congrats to all.
George Ganem Sportsmanship Award
Pomperaug H.S. – Dave Yachtis – Coach
James Haddick Sportsmanship Award
Millbrook School – Michelle Moylan - Coach
James Logan Sportsmanship Award
Kent School - Jason Coulombe - Coach
Board #7 Sportsmanship Award
New Milford H.S. – Bill Kersten - Coach
Edward Sadlon Award: Outstanding Berkshire League Player& Exemplary Sportsmanship
Ryan LaMay, Shepaug Valley Regional High School
Board #7 Award: Outstanding Berkshire League Player& Exemplary Sportsmanship
Courtney Carlson, Nonnewaug High School
Paul Bourdeau Scholarships
Shelby Griffin, Waterbury Area Magnet School
Jessica Hobbs, Kent School
Lindsey Mathieu, Torrington High School
Stephanie Speaker, St. Paul High School
Litchfield County Board #7 Letters of Commendation
Jon Russillo, The Gunnery School Athletic Director & Coach
David Wilson, Canterbury School Athletic Director
Litchfield County Board #7 Twenty Year Service Award
Chris Fracasso
Rob Hibbard
Aaron Lefkowski
Tom McLaughlin
Litchfield County Board #7 Thirty-Five Year Service Award
Art Hamm
