BECK’S THE MAN

Win or lose, Hamden just made a great choice in hiring Jared Beck as its head boys basketball coach. Beck is a Hamden High graduate and graduated from Lafayette College. He has coached both football and basketball at Hamden.

He is a skilled technician in both sports and has a wonderful rapport with his players. Although he teaches in New Haven, he bleeds green and gold. Win or lose, Hamden players will benefit from his enthusiasm and skill.

FUN IN THE SUN.

In 1959 I was a freshman at Notre Dame High School, and "dressing" with the varsity football team. That year we played West Haven High at Quigley Field.. Notre Dame won and as we got on the team bus (the Green Hornet) some people from West Haven stoned the bus. We were furious because they wouldn't let us off the bus to confront our attackers. Ever since that day I harbored ill will against anything West Haven.

As a coach at Hamden high, I always used this story to motivate our players. But as I got older, I realized that West Haven was very similar to Hamden and was a tough group of kids, whose athletes and town I have learned to respect

In the last 20 years I have assisted in running the Little League Regional Softball Tournament at the West Haven Little League complex. Besides the softball, the site is pleasant. No matter how hot the weather there is a beautiful breeze which blows off the Sound. The Parks and Recreation Department of West Haven does a wonderful job on field maintenance. I realize the pride they take in hosting an athletic competition. I can't wait to go back next year.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Eileen Flanagan (HHS' 96), played basketball and softball. She graduated from Providence College and settled in Washington DC. She still plays softball in a mixed league in DC.

Her brother Kevin (HHS ‘02) played soccer in Hamden. He still lives in Hamden and is a web designer. He recently received his real estate license