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November 24, 2007 – The 8th West Haven Hall of Fame Banquet took place on Saturday Night, November 24th at West Woods formerly the Italian-American Club, 85 Chase Lane, West Haven. Our own Mike Madera hosted an exciting hour long talk show . The guests included inductees and family members.
Enjoy the Show
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Listen to an interview with West Haven AD Jon Capone recored prior to the banquet.
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This year’s inductees include
Wally Camp
Joseph A. Rossomando
Cindi Shendel
Rob Thompson
Pasquale “Babe” Amendola
Bill Hurteau, Jr.
Laurie DelGrego
Harold R. Smullen
Frank Berretta
Rufus Cooper
John Blasczyk
Here are the Biography’s of the eleven inductees
WEST HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES – 2007
Cindi Shendell – Multi-sport star played basketball, softball, volleyball, badminton, tennis and track and field. She played collegiately at ECSU and CCSU. Played national and international volleyball as well as coaching men’s and women’s volleyball. Currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida.
Laurie DelGrego – An All-League, All-area and All-State softball player for Coach Frank Biondi, who calls her “one of his very best”. Went on to Assumption College and holds numerous batting records, as well as making the All New England and All Region teams. Currently lives in West Haven and teaches at Morgan School in Clinton.
Joseph A. Rossomando – Class of 1933, is known for his baseball talent. Played 7 seasons in the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Boston Braves and Chicago Cubs organizations. Was a longtime Assistant Baseball Coach at Yale Unifersity. Coached Presidents George H. W. Bus and George W. Bush—with elder Bush’s team playing in the NCAA College World Series. Was a longtime friend of Phil Rizzuto since their days together in New York Yankee system.
Pasquale “Babe” Amendola – Commercial High School graduate class of 1946. Three sport athlete in high school and at New Haven State Teachers College (Southern Connecticut State University). He began teaching and coaching football in West Haven School system in 1955. He coached under three Hall of Fame Inductees: Bill Irons, Joe McHugh, and Tom Hunt. He was an Assistant Coach on the 1968 and 1972 State Championship Teams. He also served as West Haven High School’s golf coach.
John Blasczyk – Class of 1938. Three sport star in football, basketball and baseball for Coach Frank Fitzgerald. Best known for his basketball skills as an outstanding shooter and great ball handler. After graduating he played for the famed West Haven Red Devils. He played ten seasons in the West Haven Twilight League on 4 Championship teams. He was inducted in the New Haven Gridiron Club Hall of Fame in 1994.
Harold R. Smullen – Class of 1938. An outstanding pitcher for the Blue Devil baseball team. He went on to pitch for the University of Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish team. He served as West Haven High School’s hockey coach before taking over as the Athletic Director at Amity Regional High School. Coached hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball and girls volleyball during a very successful career at Amity.
Bill Hurteau, Jr. – Class of 1949. Three sport star for Coach John “Whitey” Piurek. Baseball was his game as he led Westies to District League title his senior year. He signed a contract with Brooklyn Dodgers after high school. Longtime involvement in West Haven Twilight League as a player, manager, President and Commissioner. Retired from the United Illuminating Company.
Wally Camp – Class of 1948. Played soccer and basketball during Westie career. Played at New Haven State Teachers College (SCSU), as well as for the West Haven Red Devils. He went on to teach and coach at Coginchaug High School where his hoopsters won the State title in 1974 and finished as runner-up three times. He ranks third in most victories in Connecticut high school basketball history. He has received a Gold Key Award as well as being inducted in the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
Rufus Cooper, Jr. – Class of 1979. Part of a tandem that led Westies to their first and only District League title. He scored over 1000 points during his high school career. He was selected All-District and 2nd team All-State his senior year. He went onto an impressive college career at Marist College where he joined the 1,000 point club as well as making the All-conference team. He works for Northeast Utilities.
Frank Berretta – Class of 1979. Second part of best 1-2 scoring punch Westie basketball has ever had. He was the leading scorer in Westie hoop history, scoring 1,445 points which earned him second team All-State honors. He went on to a very successful career at Quinnipiac College, finishing as their fourth all time leading scorer. He earned Honorable Mention All-American honors his Senior year. Frank played for the Washington Generals (touring with the Harlem Globetrotters) for two seasons.
Rob Thompson – Class of 1985. Intimidating lineman for Coach Ed McCarthy. He was selected All-district in 1983 and 1984, as well as All-State in his Senior year, as well as receiving Honorable Mention All-American honors. Rob went on to a great career with the University of New Haven Chargers where he was named to the All-East team and the Kodak All-American team. He has worked for the NFL in the Youth Football Division and the Arena Football League. He presently works for the Disney Corporation.
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