Dr. Yohuru Williams '89 to appear on C-SPAN
 

Dr. Yohuru Williams '89, professor of history at Fairfield University, will appear on C-SPAN 3 this weekend. A crew from C-SPAN's American History TV came to Fairfield, CT to tape one of Dr. Williams' classes on the Civil Rights Movement in April.

The show will air on Saturday, August 10 at 8 p.m. and 12 a.m., as part of their "Lectures in History" series. You can watch the show at 1 p.m. on Sunday as well. For those who do not get C-SPAN 3, the lecture will be streamed live on C-SPAN's website. The entire program will be available on demand on August 12.

Special Fine Arts Funding Opportunity

Under the direction of Mrs. Megan Hoover, the Fine Arts Department continues to challenge Prep students to expand personal talents and perceptions and explore non- traditional artistic concepts. This year’s production, 30 Neofuturist Plays in 60 Minutes, is no exception.

Scheduled to be performed on November 14 and 15, the production is a theatrical concept created by a group of artists called the Neofuturists, working out of Chicago and New York. As the title indicates, audiences will witness 30 short plays performed in just 60 minutes. Student performers learn to become an ensemble, focusing on creativity, exploration, and collaboration.

Here is how you can help. At the beginning of rehearsals we would like to retain two professional members of this theatrical group to conduct workshops for the cast. These professional artists will engage our student performers in exercises of exploration and ensemble building, as well as improvisational techniques that will uniquely shape each night's performance. While the cost of the production is part of the school budget, the cost for the workshops is not. Please consider helping us underwrite this cost with a small donation. 

Read additional information on Neofuturists. 

We will be accepting gifts through September 6.  We hope you will participate in funding this very special project! To make your gift for this project click here. 

Thank you for your generosity.  

Development and Alumni Office

Earl Lavery selected to Fairfield County Hall of Fame

Source: CT Post, By Rich DePreta, June 27, 2013

STAMFORD -- Appreciation for a life's work well done is something to strive for. For those involved in athletics, the Hall of Fame is the most likely measuring stick for success.

Six more prominent sports figures from the area received their just accolades as the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame unveiled their Class of 2013 inductees Wednesday at their museum wing located at the Stamford UConn campus.

Into the Jackie Robinson Professional Wing went current ATP pro tennis player James Blake of Fairfield along with former major league umpire Mark Hirschbeck of Stratford. Now gracing the James O'Rourke Amateur Wing are former University of New Haven baseball standout Dennis Paglialunga of New Canaan and Raybestos Brakettes softball legend the late Allyson Rioux of Stamford. Inducted into the J. Walter Kennedy Community Service Wing were legendary Fairfield Prep football coach Earl Lavery as well as former Fairfield University, University of Hartford and Sacred Heart University athletic director Don Cook.

"I'm very honored to be selected," said Lavery currently enjoying retirement and golf in Rhode Island. "To look at the plaques of the inductees already on this wall and to be included in their company is very special indeed."

Lavery never had a losing season in his 24 years (1968-1992) coaching Fairfield Prep football. He retired with a record of 230-54-8 and three state football titles. At the time, his 230 victories were ranked No. 1 among Connecticut state high school football coaches. At present, Lavery's total ranks No. 7.

Lavery marvels at the instant video technology available today as opposed to the 8-millimeter game films sent out for next-day exposure during his tenure. But he feels one part of high school football has remained the same. "It is still about team. Kids can do things together that they can't do individually," said Lavery, who was voted into the CT High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1991. "Good relationships with the kids remain the key. Success was always a team thing, not just about me."

Prep Today Magazine is on newstands now!

The latest issue of the Prep Today magazine is online. Download and/or read full magazine pdf copy.

Alvarado '14 wins state boys cross country open

November 1, 2013, by Gametime CT - See CT Post article

MANCHESTER > Fairfield Prep coach Bob Ford Jr. said he’s never seen any of his runners win the State Open. Positioned throughout the course with a better view and vantage point to coach his runners, Ford misses out on the best part. The way Friday afternoon’s ending materialized at Wickham Park, Ford will want to see the replay immediately.

Prep’s Christian Alvarado and Ridgefield’s Trevor Hopper ran neck and neck to the finish as Alvarado managed to edge Hopper by a hair. The pair clocked 15 minutes, 31 seconds, with Alvarado’s lean at the end providing the final margin of victor. The recorded time is a new Open record, besting Glastonbury’s Donn Cabral’s time of 15:32 in 2007.

“I’m hoping someone has a nice video of it so I get to see that,” Ford said with a smile.
Said Alvarado: “That was probably the most exciting race and hardest race I’ve ran. I had to give everything I had to win. And I’m just glad I came out on top.”

Alvarado, who has verbally committed to Georgetown, said the plan was to have already dropped Hopper and Darien’s Alex Ostberg by the end of the 3.1-mile course. But that didn’t work out. The race turned into a photo finish as Hopper and Alvarado found themselves alone down the stretch.

“I was extremely tired and Hopper found a way to come back and make it a race those last 200 meters, which was really scary for me,” Alvarado said. “I was like, ‘Oh crap.’ When it comes that close you only have a certain amount of time. I really had to put literally everything I had into it. I think it showed, as I collapsed at the end of the race.”

It was nice finish for Alvarado, who is undefeated this fall. A year ago at the State Open, he was coming off an injury and finished fourth.

“Christian has tremendous closing speed,” Ford said. “He’s very confident at the end he can do the job.”
Alvarado will continue his season next Saturday at the New England Championships in Manchester, N.H., at Derryfield Park.

Ridgefield won the team title with 58 points, Darien was second (109) and Danbury was third (147). Hall, Staples and New Milford rounded out the top six and qualified for New Englands. Cheshire took seventh and Amity, Guilford and Prep went 10, 11, 12.

Individually, the top 25 runners advance to New Englands. Cheshire’s Russell Adam was 22nd (16:42) and Xavier’s John O’Hara took 23rd (16:43).

Fairfield Prep launches new Instagram page!

Fairfield Prep has launched a new school Instagram Page. Download the Instagram app for free. Become a follower by choosing the USER NAME:

fairfieldprep

See the new page at instagram.com/fairfieldprep#

Prep seniors Chukwu, Bowtell sign College Letters of Intent

By Reid Walmark, Nov. 13, 2013, Fairfield Citizen News

Two Fairfield Prep seniors signed national letters of intent Wednesday morning at the school, formally committing to continue their athletic careers in college. Paschal Chukwu, of Westport, will play basketball at Providence College and diver Jake Bowtell, of Darien, who won the 2013 State Open, will compete at the University of Virginia.

Paschal Chukwu '14, with from left: Tom Curran, Asst. Athletic Director; Leo Redgate, Head Basketball Coach, Fr. John Hanwell, S.J., Fairfield Prep President; Steve Donahue, Athletic Director

Bowtell repeated his sophomore year when he transferred from Darien High School, and he completed his athletic eligibility last winter. He will compete for his club team, Whirlwind Diving, at the New Canaan YMCA when he isn't watching the Jesuits swim this season.

Chukwu, who is 7-foot-2 inches tall and 220 pounds, is in his fourth year of playing basketball after growing up with soccer in his native Nigeria. He has lived with his guardians in Westport, John and Sheila Featherston, since he attended Trinity Catholic in Stamford for his first two years of high school before transferring to Prep for the 2012-13 school year. Chukwu was a reserve attacker for the Jesuits' Class LL boys soccer state finalists in 2012.

But Providence College was aware of his potential in basketball - particularly his stellar junior year - and Chukwu's relationships with the Friars' head coach Ed Cooley and his staff helped him along in his decision.
"It's a good feeling to get this event done with before the season starts, so I can focus on basketball," Chukwu said at the ceremony in the school's guidance office. "Obviously it's a growing program.

"I'm a shot blocker and I can rebound. My offense is a work in progress."

Chukwu's abilities helped him garner many postseason honors after the Jesuits finished as runners-up to Hillhouse in Class LL last winter. He was named All-State and All-SCC (Quinnipiac Division) as well as a Hearst Super 12 Boys Basketball All-Star. Chukwu, who played sparingly at Trinity Catholic, averaged 13.7 points per game last season for Prep and added 12.1 rebounds and 6.8 blocks per game.

"He worked religiously on getting stronger," John Featherston said, "working out four times a week. And he's worked equally as hard on his academics, if not harder." Chukwu was 7-0 and 188 pounds when he came to live with the Featherstons in 2010.

From left: Tom Curran, Asst. Athletic Director; Joe Somma, Whirlwind Diving; Jeanine Oburchay, Prep Diving Coach; Fr. John Hanwell, S.J., Fairfield Prep President; Rick Hutchinson, Prep Head Swim Coach; Steve Donahue, Athletic Director

Bowtell had considered Georgia and LSU before ultimately choosing Virginia. "I'm really excited about (competing in) the ACC," he said. "It's a great conference to be in. They have a lot of great divers and good teams."

Prep diving coach Jeanine Oburchay is impressed with Bowtell's work ethic and attitude. "He never lets any fear stop him from doing any difficult dives," she said. "He does do a lot of higher-difficulty dives. He does them with courage and determination. Any team would be lucky to have him. "

Bowtell, who is considering a major in business or finance, says it's unfortunate he cannot compete this season for Prep.

Father-Son Sports Night features Mike & Mike!

CLICK ON PHOTO TO VIEW SLIDESHOW.

The 2013 Father-Son Sports Night was a tremendous success! Prep fathers, students, coaches, faculty and administrators gathered in Brissette Gym on November 18 to hear ESPN sports radio hosts, Mike & Mike.

The Fathers' Club is extremely grateful to Mike & Mike and recognized their efforts with a $2,000 donation to Mike Golic's foundation, Camp Courant, in Hartford, CT, and a $2,000 donation to Mike Greenberg's foundation, Heidi's Angels.

Check back for Prep YouTube highlights of Mike & Mike speaking.

Austin Sims and Anthony Johnson commit to play College Lacrosse

Austin Sims (front left) and Anthony Johnson (front right) pictured with (back row from left): Varsity Coach Chris Smalkais; Rev. John Hanwell, S.J., President; and Steve Donahue, Athletic Director.

Fairfield Prep proudly announces that by their strong character, academic success, and athletic efforts, seniors Austin Sims and Andrew Johnson have earned the opportunity to compete in the sport of lacrosse while achieving their college degrees.

Austin Sims, Fairfield, CT

Austin has earned the distinction of playing both soccer and lacrosse at varsity level for all of his four years at Prep and has chosen to continue his lacrosse career at Princeton University beginning in the fall of 2014. Having played soccer for a number of years, Austin was a standout varsity soccer athlete as a freshman, yet he took to the sport of lacrosse at Prep, and rose quickly to play at the varsity level beginning in freshman year. He has been a part of Prep's highly successful lacrosse program and stood out in his junior year while playing with an extraordinarily talented group of seniors who went on to win their second state championship in a row. Austin was recognized for his contribution to the team’s success by being named First Team All-State and First Team All-SCC.

Austin has matched his outstanding athletic career at Prep with an equally strong academic career, achieving consistently at the honors level and qualifying for National Honor Society distinction. Austin has risen well to the challenges of honors and Advanced Placement classes while offering his academic and athletic gifts for the betterment of the Prep community as a Peer Tutor, and for the local community through the Wakeman Boys and Girls Club tutoring program. Austin's development into an outstanding student and standout lacrosse athlete has earned him the opportunity to continue his growth at Princeton.

Anthony Johnson, Fairfield, CT

Anthony Johnson signed his National Letter of Intent on November 18 at Fairfield Prep. He will be playing lacrosse for the Bryant University Bulldogs in Rhode Island. Anthony will be joining a Bryant Lacrosse program that finished last season ranked #20 in Division I after earning its first NCAA Tournament bid.

Anthony is a determined and intense competitor on the lacrosse field. He was a varsity starter on defense last season as the Jesuits claimed their second consecutive Class L State Championship. His outstanding performance last year earned him First Team All-SCC and Second Team All-State honors. In school, Anthony has been a strong student who has managed Prep’s college preparatory course of studies well. and who is a leader within the school. He has played football for four years, and was named Varsity Football Captain on the highly ranked Prep Football team this fall. Anthony serves the community by volunteering weekly with the Kennedy Center bowling program for developmentally delayed adults. Anthony is looking forward to studying business and continuing his lacrosse career at the Division I level.

Shawn Blake and Dean Lockery commit to play College Baseball

Dean Lockery (front left) and Shawn Blake (front right) pictured with (back row from left): Varsity Coach Rudy Mauritz; Rev. John Hanwell, S.J., President; and Steve Donahue, Athletic Director.

Fairfield Prep proudly announces that by their strong character, academic success, and athletic efforts, seniors Shawn Blake and Dean Lockery have earned the opportunity to compete in the sport of baseball while achieving their college degrees.

Shawn Blake, Stratford, CT

Fairfield Prep senior Shawn Blake of Stratford signed a National Athletic Letter of Intent on November 18 at the school. Shawn signed to play Division I baseball at the University of Albany. Shawn was the starting first baseman for the Fairfield Prep Varsity Baseball team last season. He was a top power hitter helping lead the team to the Class LL State semi-finals for the first time in 20 years. The 2013 team was the winningest Prep baseball team since 1985, and the team played to the Class LL semifinals for the first time since 1993. He received numerous accolades including All-SCC Quinnipiac Division and New Haven Register All-Area Team honors. He was also selected to play in the C.H.S.C.A. (Connecticut High School Coaches Association) Junior All-Star Game.

In addition to baseball, Shawn also played Freshman and JV Basketball. As a disciplined athlete, Shawn has exhibited the same dedication as a successful student who has managed Prep’s rigorous college preparatory course of studies. Additionally, he has contributed service in the local community by volunteering weekly at the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield. Shawn is a respected, active student in the Prep community, and a talented athlete who is looking forward to playing Division I baseball next year at the University of Albany.

Dean Lockery, New Haven, CT

A standout athlete in two sports at Fairfield Prep, senior Dean Lockery of New Haven has chosen to pursue a baseball career in college and has committed to play Division I baseball at Central Connecticut State University. In his athletic life at Prep, Dean has been a member of the Varsity Hockey Team which won the SCC Championship and State Championship in 2013. Dean earned Player of the Game honors in the SCC Championship game. In the spring of 2013, Dean was a key player on the Varsity Baseball Team where he started as middle infielder since sophomore year. The 2013 team was the winningest Prep baseball team since 1985, and the team played to the Class LL semifinals for the first time in 20 years.

Dean has shown dedication in his academic life as a successful student who has managed Prep’s challenging college preparatory course of studies. He has also contributed service to the local community in assisting at a local shelter. Dean volunteered at Prep’s freshman orientation, and also chose to take on the challenge of Prep’s Urban Plunge immersion program. His sense of responsibility, citizenship and respect for others is evident in all that he does as a student-athlete, and he looks forward to playing Division I collegiate baseball at CCSU.