Carl S. Angelica

Carl graduated from Enfield High School (EHS) in 1933. A three-sport for EHS, he went on to Providence College on an athletic scholarship (1933-37) where he continued playing football and baseball. In 1938, he began his teaching career as a physical education instructor in the Enfield Public School System. From 1948-1967, he was Enfield High’s football, basketball, and baseball coach. After his coaching career, he became Director of Athletics for Enfield Public Schools from 1968-1975. Carl was also a volunteer coach/instructor for many local and community athletic associations. The outdoor athletic complex at Enfield High is named the Carl S. Angelica Memorial Stadium

Phil Blaney

From 1932-1934, Phil was an offensive (center) and defensive (tackle) standout for the Suffield Academy football team. Phil earned an athletic scholarship to Providence College where he played on their varsity football team for one season. From 1935-1942, he was the captain of the Thompsonville Grey’s Semi-Professional football team. One of Phil’s most memorable games was against the Franco-American team from Three Rivers, MA which featured three College of the Holy Cross standouts. Eleven players played the entire game, going both offense and defense. Phil blocked a kick for a safety, the only score in Thompsonville’s 2-0 victory. He finished his career with the Grey’s by coaching the squad for two seasons (1942-44).

Kathleen “Cookie” Bromage

A 1961 graduate of Suffield High School and 1965 graduate of Southern Connecticut State College. Cooke has taught physical education in the Enfield Public School system for over 30 years, and coached field hockey, girls’ basketball, and cheerleading. Her field hockey teams have won five Class M State Championships (1983, 1984, 1992, 1993, and 1994). Cookie was named Connecticut Class M Field Hockey Coach of the Year, while receiving the Connecticut Sports Writer’s Alliance High School Female Coach of the Year Award.

Craig Janney

Craig began his hockey career in 1972 in the Enfield Youth Hockey Association. He led his teams to state championships in 1977, 1978, and 1979. His 1979 team placed fourth in the National Tournament. He went on to lead Enfield High School to back-to-back state hockey titles (Division II – 1982; Division I – 1983). In both championship seasons, he was tournament MVP. For his EHS career, he achieved all-state honors each of his three varsity seasons. An unbelievable all-around athlete, Craig also played on numerous successful town and school baseball, success, and basketball teams. He accepted an athletic scholarship to Boston College where he earned All-America honors. A member of the 1988 United States Olympic Ice Hockey team. Craig was drafted in the NHL’s first round in 1986 by the Boston Bruins. He continues to date with and outstanding professional career. In addition to the Bruins, he has played for the St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, and Phoenix Coyotes.

Angelo D. Lamagna

Angelo’s sports career started at a young age partaking in basketball, baseball, track, and boxing. In the 1930’s, Angelo was the trainer for the Thompsonville Grey’s football team. In the late 1930’s and early 1940’s, he was a featherweight boxer known as “Kid” Lamagna. After returning from WW2, he became Enfield’s Director of Parks and Recreation in 1945, a post he would hold for an incredible 40 years. He originated activities such as crafts, games, field trips, etc. Angelo’s pride and joy was his youth boxing tournament held each spring (1945-89). He coached St. Joseph’s basketball team for 33 years. In 1979, he was awarded the Connecticut Boxing Guild’s Sportsmanship Award. One June 4, 1989, the Neighborhood Center in the center of Enfield was re-named the Angelo Lamagna Activity Center.

Milt Piepul

Milt played running back and linebacker for Enfield High School from 1933-1935 before finishing his career at Cathedral High. He also played basketball at Enfield High, Cathedral High, and one year at Notre Dame. For one season at Notre Dame, he was coached by the Hall of Fame coach, Ray Meyer. From 1937-1941, he played at Notre Dame under head coach, Elmer Layden. During his senior campaign, Milt was captain of the Fighting Irish earning All-America honors. He also played in a senior all-star game before 100,000 fames at Soldier Field in Chicago. Injuries played a major role in his brief career with the Detroit Lions. Milt went on to coach at a number of high schools and colleges, including American International College, where he served as Director of Athletics.

Anthony P. Romano

Tony was a four-year basketball standout at Enfield High (1953-57). He led EHS to Valley Wheel Championships in 1955, 1956, and 1957. He was the league’s second leading scorer, top rebounder, and all-star in 1956. He continued his accomplishments in 1957 as the Valley Wheel’s top scorer, top rebounder, all-star, and third highest scorer in Western MA. Tony went on to play at AIC (1957-1959) and Eastern Connecticut State College (ECSC) from 1961-63. In the 1961 season, he broke ECSC school record for points in a season with 589, making him the leading collegiate scorer in the state of Connecticut. In 1962-1963, he led the nation (NAIA) in rebounding, averaging 23.1 boards per contest. He also averaged 24.5 points per game. Tony’s outstanding season earned him the Associated Press Little All-American honors – the only player ever in ECSC history to achieve such distinction. Tony is a member of the Eastern Connecticut State University Hall of Fame.

Leah Secondo

Leah’s accomplishments have come as both an athlete and broadcast journalist. She is a 1980 graduate of Enrico Fermi High School where she was voted most athletic senior by her peers. A three-sport all-league performer in field hockey, basketball, and softball, Leah also played ice hockey for the Enfield Eagles Girls Ice Hockey team from 1974 – 1984. In 1990, Leah worked as Connecticut’s first female sports anchor on WTNH Channel 8 in New Haven. She is now involved in numerous broadcasting ventures including color commentary for both UCONN & University of Hartford’s Women’s basketball teams. She was also seen on Sportschannel, NESN, and Connecticut Public Television.

William H. Spanswick

Bill was a four-year varsity baseball standout at Enfield High School (1952-56). In 1956, he led EHS to the league championship with a pitching record of 9-1, which included seven one-hitters, one no-hitter, along with a 56-inning scoreless streak. He earned a scholarship to the College of Holy Cross. After his freshman season, he signed with the Boston Red Sox. In 1963, Bill was named the AAA Pitcher of the year while pitching for the Seattle Rainiers. His elevation through the minor leagues took five years before making it to Fenway Park. In addition to his baseball exploits at Enfield High, he co-captained the league championship basketball team as well as playing varsity football in 1955. He has coached a variety of town teams, and served as pitching coach when American International College advanced to the Division II World Series in 1991.

Vito J. Tallarita

Vito came to Enfield in 1929 from Italy at the age of seven. He became recognized throughout the United States as a prominent boxing promoter, matchmaker, and manager. He boxed as a flyweight from 1937 – 1942, and from 1942-1946 in the U.S. Navy as an amateur boxer. His most memorable fights were against the legendary boxer, Willie Pep. Vito went the distance, both times in losing decisions. He organized local boxing matches each week in Enfield. Some of his prominent matchmaking included Marlon Starling’s first 20 professional bouts, five fights for Sugar Ray Leonard, as well as promoting numerous closed-circuit matches in Springfield, MA. Two of his most famous closed-circuit promotions were Ali vs. Frazier, and Ali vs. Foreman. In 1975, Vito was named to the Connecticut Boxing Guild’s Man of the Year.