Overtime

The most meaningful compliment I’ve ever received took place years ago, at the retirement dinner for former Staples basketball coach Brian Kelley. During cocktail hour I recognized my former English teacher at the school, Gerry Kuroghlian. I approached him and asked if he remembered me.

“I recognize the face,” he said to me.

“I’m Dave Ruden,” I replied. Gerry put down his drink, hugged me and said, “You are a terrific writer.”

I had no idea Gerry knew what I was doing — I had not seen him since graduating — but he had seen my work when I was the sports editor of a paper in Fairfield, where he lived, and in the New York Times.

In retrospect, it should come as no surprise Gerry knew my career path, because no teacher has ever cared more about his students, in the classroom and out. He was the most influential teacher I’ve ever had, and I have no doubt that without his guidance — I have never taken a journalism class in my life and got in the profession after taking a creative writing course as a junior in college because I knew the professor would give me at least a B+ just for showing up — I would not have found my way to a job I love very much.

Gerry recently announced that he is retiring after 42 years at Staples, and while I hate self-serving writers, I’d appreciate it if you indulge me here for a brief tribute to someone very important to me.

Gerry is known as Dr. K at Staples because of his Ph.D. He is one of the most popular teachers because though he is from the old school, a new generation has not mastered his gift for relating to students.

I suspect students today sign up for his classes for the same reason I did — getting a B with him was worth more than an A from almost anyone else, because you would be challenged and learn. No teacher prepared me better for the difficult transition from high school senior to college freshman.

Gerry has also been an activist at Staples — sometimes to the annoyance of administrators. If he believes in a cause, you will never have a more loyal advocate. Gerry helped improve the environment for every teacher and student during his four decades in Westport.

When it comes to recognizing the importance of extracurricular activities, Gerry has no peers. He attended every big game, production by the drama department and recital, and on the infrequent occasions he was absent, it was probably because he was at a Board of Education meeting making sure a wrong was righted.

Perhaps the thing I’m proudest of is Mr. Kuroghlian became Gerry, an equal and close friend. He remembers every birthday and has been an important source of support in times of need. We often see each other on Saturday mornings at the breakfast spot where we eat, and have a monthly guys night out with a mutual friend to grab dinner, catch up and go see a movie.

Staples has had some big losses on the athletic fields this season, but they will pale to the hit the school will be taking in September, when Gerry is no longer in the classroom. Not surprisingly, he intends to give his services to Mercy Learning in Bridgeport, where he will help underprivileged women earn their high school equivalency degrees.

It is typical of Gerry, because he is a warrior in need of a front to wage the good fight.

I have worked with high school journalism departments and school newspapers for a decade now, and while I love writing, I get a much more meaningful sense of satisfaction after I feel like I have gotten through to a group of students.

I have had a different view of why teachers love their jobs, and the impact they have made on the lives of others.

And few people have loved their job or made a greater impact on others than Gerry Kuroghlian.

For purely selfish reasons, I’m glad that I will be able to spend more time with Gerry starting in the fall, have someone who shares my love of movies to catch some weekday matinees with.

But I feel badly for the incoming class of freshmen at Staples that will never get to sit in Gerry’s classroom and see Dr. K in action.

One of the best acts in Westport history is closing after 42 years.

What a great run it was.

Trinity’s CIAC Class S semifinal game with Stafford has been postponed until tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Quigley Stadium.

In a text message, Trinity coach Tracy Nichols said he will decide tomorrow whether he will start his No. 1 pitcher, Ryan Walsh, who will now have three days’ rest, or stay with his plan to use his No. 2 pitcher, Mike Scaturchio.

As of noon, Trinity Catholic’s CIAC Class S state semifinal game with Stafford is on for tonight at 7 p.m. at Quigley Stadium. The state has cancelled all softball playoff games but not the baseball thus far.

There are two interesting components to whether Trinity plays. First, coach Tracy Nichols is scheduled to get inducted into the FCIAC Hall of Fame tonight. The current plan is for him to be honored right at 5 p.m., during the cocktail hour, so he can make the game.

Obviously Nichols would be able to fully enjoy his honor with a postponement. That would also leave him with an interesting dilemma. Would the coach come back with ace Ryan Walsh, who is 8-3 and would have three days’ rest, if the game is moved until tomorrow, or stay on schedule with his No. 2 pitcher, Mike Scaturchio?

I’ll post an update as I get information on today’s game.

Anyone wondering how to throw the perfect sports banquet should show up at The Continental Manor in Norwalk on the first or second Sunday in June. That is the site of Staples High School’s annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet.

I attend many of these events each year and without a doubt this is my favorite one.

Full Disclosure No. 1: I am a Staples graduate.

Full Disclosure No. 2: I would feel the same way even if I wasn’t.

What makes this event so special is the format. A senior representing each of the school’s 33 sports is honored for accomplishments on and off the field.

After a few brief opening statements, the awarding of several scholarships and a buffet dinner, emcee Dan Woog brings up each recipient along with his or her coach. The honorees are told beforehand they are not allowed to thank their parents, coaches or anyone else — that is assumed as a given.

Instead, Woog, with some input from the coaches, asks each athlete a question. Alexandra Vornle Von Haagenfels, who was the girls skiing recipient, was not asked about the burden of having to fill out forms with a name that has 28 letters, but rather what was the best and worst part of being the fourth of five siblings.

Boys hockey honoree Adam Liu had to talk about his experience at Middlebury’s Chinese language program last summer, where students were not allowed to speak English, and whether he ever cheated.

Gymnast Ariel Steinglass, who is the school’s all-time record holder for points, was asked which of all the points she accumulated were most important and why.

The athletes are forced to think quickly. It works because Woog, a writer (and the boys soccer coach), is as witty in front of a microphone as he is putting words to paper. Mostly, it is because you get a much different insight into the student-athletes because of the totally original format.

It doesn’t hurt that each year’s group has diverse distinctions: the Class of 2009 is accomplished in the language arts, culinary arts, music, drama, active in groups like Habitat for Humanity and EMS, and find different ways to give back to the community.

And most impressive of all: the whole thing is over in about two hours. Short, sweet, and all the winners are given their proper due.

I’ve been to seven of the eight dinners and each year I leave the hall with the same two thoughts:

I’m proud to be from Westport.

And I’m proud to be a Staples graduate.

This is the latest in a series of entries by guest bloggers throughout the high school spring sports season. Sammi Nemchek is in her fourth-year as a starter on Trinity Catholic’s softball team. Her father, Mike, coached many of the city’s top players in youth leagues, including his daughter. Sammi and Mike explore the topical nature of the parent-athlete dynamic. This is Sammi’s final entry.)

By Sammi Nemchek

“You can learn little from victory. You can learn everything from defeat.”- Christy Matthewson

Today at noon I graduate from Trinity Catholic High School. As I reflect back on the past four years, I could not have had a better experience than I did playing softball for the Crusaders.

As an incoming freshman I was welcomed onto the team, and even though I was much younger than everyone else I felt a part of it and as I belonged.

Throughout the years I played with all different kinds of players with all different abilities. One thing we always shared in common, however, was the love of the game.

Each year it was hard to say goodbye, now I can’t believe I’m the one saying goodbye.

During my career I learned great work ethic and teamwork. Every year I improved, and the team improved together as well. I was taught leadership and was able to use this trait in my senior season. The lessons I’ve learned during softball I will carry with me through life.

This past season we lost a number of great players and the turnout at tryouts was not high. But the ones that wanted to play, really wanted to play, and gave it their absolute all, which made all the difference in the end.

We worked hard and got along great as a team. One lesson we were once given was to all form a circle with our arms around one another. This was to symbolize us as one and to not let anything from the inside or outside break us.

We supported each other through everything, good plays and bad plays, through triples and strikeouts. Whatever happened is what happened, and we carried on. I feel this helped a great deal; for example the team was really able to lift my spirits and confidence up when I was having an off game, and I could not thank them enough for that.

I could also not thank the coaches enough for all the dedication they gave to us, and our fans for their support and encouragement. It’s the little things you overlook until you realize you’re done.

Our biggest accomplishment, I feel, was making both FCIACs and States. As a senior it was nice to go out after our team had such a great season. We had nothing to lose, but everything to gain. And together I believe we gained a lot.

During an interview a reporter once asked how in a 1-1 game our team could play so relaxed in the 7^th inning? But that is exactly what Trinity softball is about. It is all about fun and trying your best.

I’m really going to miss all the fun that came with it, especially the bus rides and good friendships that developed.

To anyone who’s ever on the fence about playing, play. Get involved and have some school spirit. You’ll be missing out on a lot and will definitely regret passing up the opportunity.

Nothing is better than playing in front of your family, with all your closest friends, in the Stamford community.

Congratulations and good luck to the class of 2009!

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who lives in Darien, has always been a class act, and he showed it again today.

Cashman read in the Advocate about the Westhill softball team having its season ended after its successful protest was overruled and its 4-3 loss to Norwich Free Academy in the second round of the CIAC Class LL Tournament upheld.

Cashman has invited the team to be the guest of the Yankees for their June 18th afternoon game against the Nationals, though that date is subject to change. Each Westhill player will get to accompany a Yankee player onto the field for the National Anthem.

It was a terrific gesture by Cashman to a group of girls who became role models for young softball players with the noble way they handled a difficult situation.

I am working on a Westhill softball column for tomorrow’s paper — and I am happy to say it is on pitcher Jen Joseph, whose outstanding season has gone somewhat overlooked, not the events of this week.

Before closing the book on what I will call, for lack of a better term, “Westhill-gate,” I want to address what I find to be the most troubling part of this entire episode.

First a little background: Michael Savage, the executive director of the CIAC, called me yesterday to comment on the incident, but first wanted to know if I was the writer who said in the paper that “the CIAC had no brains.” I let him know that I had written that “I didn’t believe that anyone in the CIAC had an IQ above single digits” for its many ridiculous policies, in this case the decision to have the first two rounds of the state baseball tournament on consecutive days. Savage then asked for the name and phone number of my editor.

When I asked Savage about the CIAC’s policy of not allowing protests in the state baseball and softball tournaments, this is what he said, ”A lot of times there is not enough time to handle protests, or back up tournaments because of specific dates and times for sites. We don’t feel we have the resources.”

This is just another of the many reasons why I consider the CIAC the General Motors of high school sports.

The state feels it is more important to stick to a schedule than it is to correct errors that are not judgment calls. It is more important, in this case, that Westhill not have a chance to fairly finish its game with Norwich Free Academy after an umpire’s mistake put it in a disadvantageous position because it might throw the Class LL Tournament off schedule.

This is wrong on so many levels it is mindboggling. Savage made it sound like the protestors would be lining up at the CIAC’s front door. How many protests did you hear of this season? It is not like you could contest an umpire’s call on, say, a play at the plate.

The two-week tournaments would provide plenty of time to properly hear and rule on a protest, and many of them could be decided either after a game or the following day. Protests can be made during the regular season. Why not the postseason, when seasons hang in the balance?

An argument that Savage did not bring up, but an area athletic director who I greatly respect did, is that it would end up creating a possible financial burden for schools. NFA would have had to pay several hundred dollars to bus its players back to Stamford.

I still think the bottom line is the most important consideration is to make the right call. And before you accuse me of being biased toward Westhill, I would make the same argument if the roles were reversed. It is about an absurd policy that should not be in the rule book to begin with.

I have a reputation for being one of the most outspoken critics of the CIAC, which seems to make the wrong call at every crossroad. Let’s just say this the state’s rule on protests is not going to silence me anytime soon.

It seems like we have been in a never-ending cycle of controversy in high school sports the last two weeks.

Finally, we have someone doing something right, and not surprisingly it is the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference. Executive secretary John Kuczo just told me that the conference baseball tournament will be going to a Monday-Tuesday-Thursday format next year.

This year the league scheduled its final for Saturday, but because of rain the semifinals were played on Saturday and the final on Sunday. With the CIAC playing the first two rounds of the state tournament on Monday and Tuesday, the two teams that reached the league final, Staples and Westhill, were forced to play three games in three days. Not surprisingly, both were bounced in the first round of the CIAC Tournament after having to use their No. 3 starters.

Kuczo admitted that the use of Harbor Yard had been the tail wagging the dog, taking priority over giving its member schools the best chance to succeed.

Many other leagues end their conference tournaments on Thursday to ensure teams are rested for the CIAC playoffs.

The FCIAC Tournament will have to use back to back days in the first two rounds, but teams that get to the finals will be able to get away with using their top two starting pitchers to try and win the title.

In what has seemed like a period of insanity the last fortnight, credit the FCIAC for recognizing an error and correcting it.