TRUMBULL, CT — Masuk High School alums relived the glory days of their athletic careers, reminiscing about big games and lasting friendships, during the second annual Masuk Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet at Tashua Knolls on Oct. 10.
“Today we are inducting 21 Masuk athletes and coaches into the Hall of Fame, honoring two state championship teams, and recognizing a New England champion for his individual accomplishment,” David Strong, a legendary Masuk girls basketball coach, told dinner guests in opening remarks at the podium.
“I think it is clear that the Masuk athletic experience and friendships formed have been an important part of people’s lives,” said Strong, who is also vice chair of the Hall of Fame committee. “I know it has been for me.”
All 21 inductees are listed at the end of this story, each with a video of their introduction and acceptance speech.
Lacrosse champs
Ann M. Odoy, secretary of the Hall of Fame committee, recognized the 2024 State Champion Masuk lacrosse team, which compiled a 20-3 record under Head Coach Rob Troesser and assistant coaches Megan Clark, Danielle DeSanto and Garrett Picci.
The Panthers finished first in the league in the regular season with a 14-2 record and were the runner up in the SWC tournament.
The team was led by a core group of talented seniors, including Captain Lily Cameron, the team’s leading scorer; Captain Sophie Clark, the standout goalkeeper who was named Player of the Game in the State Championship; Captain Samantha Henry (midfielder), who controlled the pace of every game, and sophomore Bailey Bajda, who scored many key goals during the Panthers’ playoff run.
Masuk entered the State Tournament as the top seed and won out, culminating in a 10-7 victory over Simsbury in the championship game.
The team had five All SWC First Team Players, four CIAC First Team All-State Players and two Second Team All-State Players.
Softball champs
Then Odoy recognized the 2024 Masuk softball team, which was a perfect 27-0 and won both the SWC title and the Class L State Championship. The team was led by Head Coach Leigh Barone and assistant coaches Emily Woznick, Brittany DaMota and Phil Wilhelmy.
The Panthers won the SWC title in dramatic fashion. While trailing Newtown 4-0 in the bottom of the fifth, Julia Bacoulis belted a grand slam to tie the game. The teams were still tied in the bottom of the ninth, when Ava Moretti homered to left field, scoring two runs for the walk off win.
There was less drama in the State Championship, when Bacoulis tossed a one-hit shutout against Ellington for a 4-0 triumph. The offense was keyed by Alyssa Castillo, Ciena Perpetuo, Aubrey Zvovushe-Ramos and Madison Aguirre, who hit a two-run homer.
The Panthers had five All SWC First Team players and four CHSCA Class L All-State players.
The record setter
Odoy also recognized New England shot put champion, Tristan Smith, who is one of only two athletes in Masuk’s history to take first place in the New England Championships.
Smith launched a shot put 61 feet and 5 inches for the win, shattering the previous SWC competitor record of 59 feet 8 inches.
Smith is also Masuk’s new shot put record holder.
Scott Sudora, a member of the Class of 1984, was a football star at Masuk and the previous record holder for the shot put.
“Good job Tristan, it is about time (40 years), records are meant to be broken,” Sudora, now a retired Fairfield police officer, had said while congratulating Smith.
Smith will continue his track and field career at Central Connecticut State University, where he will major in sports marketing.
Masuk track and field coaches Terry Tyler and Sarah Barrett appreciated Smith’s leadership and work ethic. Smith played football, outdoor and indoor track and field at Masuk, was a captain in two sports and committed over 100 hours of community service.
Hall of Fame inductees
Masuk Athletic Hall of Fame President Amanda Forte introduced the 21 inductees. The following are names and videos for each:
Mike Savo
Amy Linderbeck Bailey
Byron Best
Kevin Bresnahan
Tatum Buckley
Gena DePeano Cascio
Jack DaMota
Monty DeMayo
Stephanie Hawley Fedorko
Rachele Fico
Katie Lang
Cindy Fiedler Mayer
Walter J. Melfi
Collin Neaton
Olivia Pruszko
Michelle Martinik Shoop
Ron Topping
Carl Bodnar
Eleanor Brainard
Jacqueline Sheftz
Amy Corchard Goncalves
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