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A look back at players and coaches who made Trinity Catholic a success

Scott Ericson | July 18, 2020

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Trinity Catholic's Rashamel Jones announces he will attend UConn on Sept. 26, 1994.
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Trinity Catholic’s Rashamel Jones announces he will attend UConn on Sept. 26, 1994.

John Voorhees / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Stratford_063000_USA v. Brakette's Softball: Former Trinity Catholic star and current member of the Brakettes, Emily Robustelli; produced this defensive gem in a 2-0 loss to Team USA at Deluca Field in Stratford, leaping high to snag a searing line drive in the gap between first and second. by Paul Desmarais: B&W
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Stratford_063000_USA v. Brakette's Softball: Former Trinity Catholic star and current member of the Brakettes, Emily Robustelli; produced this defensive gem in a 2-0 loss to Team USA at Deluca Field in Stratford, leaping high to snag a searing line drive in the gap between first and second. by Paul Desmarais: B&W

Paul Desmarais / STShow MoreShow Less
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1-16-98/ Trinity High v. Westhill Girl's Basketball: The Lady Crusaders' #12, Emily Robustelli puts up the shot over Westhill's #4, Delrita Waytne. by Paul Desmarais: COLOR
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1-16-98/ Trinity High v. Westhill Girl's Basketball: The Lady Crusaders' #12, Emily Robustelli puts up the shot over Westhill's #4, Delrita Waytne. by Paul Desmarais: COLOR

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Stamford_051804_ Emily Robustelli, a former Trinity Catholic softball player, is moving to Italy to play in an Italian pro team. Chris Preovolos/Staff Photo
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Stamford_051804_ Emily Robustelli, a former Trinity Catholic softball player, is moving to Italy to play in an Italian pro team. Chris Preovolos/Staff Photo

CHRIS PREOVOLOS / STShow MoreShow Less
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Stamford_052699_Westhill/Trinity in FCIAC Semifinals: Trintiy Shortstop Emily Robustelli turns a double play, tagging Westhill #2, Courtney Bigda out, then rifling to first for the double play. by Paul Desmarais: COLOR
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Stamford_052699_Westhill/Trinity in FCIAC Semifinals: Trintiy Shortstop Emily Robustelli turns a double play, tagging Westhill #2, Courtney Bigda out, then rifling to first for the double play. by Paul Desmarais: COLOR

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Stratford_081199_Brakettes: Emily Robustelli, works out playing catch with a teammate after the Brakettes' game was cancelled due to weather. by Paul F. Desmarais/ Emily Robustelli's personal photographer: COLOR
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Stratford_081199_Brakettes: Emily Robustelli, works out playing catch with a teammate after the Brakettes' game was cancelled due to weather. by Paul F. Desmarais/ Emily Robustelli's personal photographer: COLOR

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Stratford_081199_Brakettes: Emily Robustelli, works out playing catch with a teammate after the Brakettes' game was cancelled due to weather. by Paul F. Desmarais/ Emily Robustelli's personal photographer: COLOR
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Stratford_081199_Brakettes: Emily Robustelli, works out playing catch with a teammate after the Brakettes' game was cancelled due to weather. by Paul F. Desmarais/ Emily Robustelli's personal photographer: COLOR

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4/6/96. Westhill High School vs Trinity Catholic High School Softball at Trinity Catholic. Westhill #15 Marci Simoneau, and Trinity #12 Emily Robustelli at second base during the game. Staff photo/Lynda Duerk Steuer.
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4/6/96. Westhill High School vs Trinity Catholic High School Softball at Trinity Catholic. Westhill #15 Marci Simoneau, and Trinity #12 Emily Robustelli at second base during the game. Staff photo/Lynda Duerk Steuer.

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Stamford_120108_ Henry DeBlasio, left, Steve Karp, center, and Joe Anzalone, right, during the Stamford Old Timers Annual Dinner at the Italian Center in Stamford, Conn. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Chris Preovolos/Staff photo
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Stamford_120108_ Henry DeBlasio, left, Steve Karp, center, and Joe Anzalone, right, during the Stamford Old Timers Annual Dinner at the Italian Center in Stamford, Conn. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Chris Preovolos/Staff photo

CHRIS PREOVOLOS / STShow MoreShow Less
Larry Byrd was a parrot and the pet of former Trinity Catholic athletic director Tracy Nichols.
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Larry Byrd was a parrot and the pet of former Trinity Catholic athletic director Tracy Nichols.

Contributed Photo / Contributed PhotoShow MoreShow Less
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Larry Byrd was a parrot and the pet of former Trinity Catholic athletic director Tracy Nichols.
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Larry Byrd was a parrot and the pet of former Trinity Catholic athletic director Tracy Nichols.

Contributed Photo / Contributed PhotoShow MoreShow Less
Former New Canaan High School football coach Bob Lynch, left, speaks to Danbury High School football coach Gus Edwards.
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Former New Canaan High School football coach Bob Lynch, left, speaks to Danbury High School football coach Gus Edwards.

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HAMDEN-QUINNIPIAC V SACRED HEART-PHOTO/JEFF HOLT 1/29/04-Sacred Heart's Amanda Pape gets around the defense of Katie Keilty in first half action.JH00105E
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HAMDEN-QUINNIPIAC V SACRED HEART-PHOTO/JEFF HOLT 1/29/04-Sacred Heart's Amanda Pape gets around the defense of Katie Keilty in first half action.JH00105E

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Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame for 2010 inductees Gary Cobb and Amanda Pape chat during the ceremony at the UCONN Stamford building June 29, 2010. Pape's plaque will hang in the James O'Rourke Amateur Wing and Cobb's in the Jackie Robinson Professional Wing. Vito Montelli was also recognized, he will have a plaque in the J. Walter Kennedy Community Service Wing.
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Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame for 2010 inductees Gary Cobb and Amanda Pape chat during the ceremony at the UCONN Stamford building June 29, 2010. Pape's plaque will hang in the James O'Rourke Amateur Wing and Cobb's in the Jackie Robinson Professional Wing. Vito Montelli was also recognized, he will have a plaque in the J. Walter Kennedy Community Service Wing.

Keelin Daly / STShow MoreShow Less
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Fairfield_0222207_Amanda Pape: After a brilliant High School career at Trinity Catholic, Amanda Pape has left an indelible mark in college basketball as well. Finishing her senior season at Sacred Heart University as the Pioneers all-time leading scorer; also having led the team to the NCAA tournament last season with aspirations of making it to the tournament again this season. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS Staff Photo Paul Desmarais
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Fairfield_0222207_Amanda Pape: After a brilliant High School career at Trinity Catholic, Amanda Pape has left an indelible mark in college basketball as well. Finishing her senior season at Sacred Heart University as the Pioneers all-time leading scorer; also having led the team to the NCAA tournament last season with aspirations of making it to the tournament again this season. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS Staff Photo Paul Desmarais

Paul Desmarais / STShow MoreShow Less
Stamford natibe and former Sacred Heart University star Amanda Pape stands with retired atheltic director Don Cook an d current AD Bobby Valentine during a ceremony Saturday at the Pitt Center. The Pinoneers honored Paper for her induction into the NEC Hall of Fame.
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Stamford natibe and former Sacred Heart University star Amanda Pape stands with retired atheltic director Don Cook an d current AD Bobby Valentine during a ceremony Saturday at the Pitt Center. The Pinoneers honored Paper for her induction into the NEC Hall of Fame.

Contributed Photo / Sean Elliott/Sacred Heart UniverShow MoreShow Less
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Sacred Heart's Amanda Pape, right, smiles as she and teammate Nicole Rubino, left, speak during a news conference on Saturday, March 18, 2006, in State College, Pa., the day before the First Round play of the 2006 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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Sacred Heart's Amanda Pape, right, smiles as she and teammate Nicole Rubino, left, speak during a news conference on Saturday, March 18, 2006, in State College, Pa., the day before the First Round play of the 2006 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

CAROLYN KASTER / APShow MoreShow Less
Sacred Heart's Amanda Pape drives past Monmouth's Veronica Randolph March 6th, 2007.
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Sacred Heart's Amanda Pape drives past Monmouth's Veronica Randolph March 6th, 2007.

File Photo / STShow MoreShow Less
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Fairfield_021705_Sacred Heart University Women's Basketball: Amanda Pape has a moment of joy as the Pioneers begin a come back runto pull within two points of St. Francis. . by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS
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Fairfield_021705_Sacred Heart University Women's Basketball: Amanda Pape has a moment of joy as the Pioneers begin a come back runto pull within two points of St. Francis. . by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS

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Stamford_032703_Amanda Pape: The high scorer in the City of Stamford's history, Amanda Pape, will be attending Sacred Heart University in the fall. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: METRO
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Stamford_032703_Amanda Pape: The high scorer in the City of Stamford's history, Amanda Pape, will be attending Sacred Heart University in the fall. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: METRO

PAUL DESMARAIS / STShow MoreShow Less
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Stamford_011703_New Canaan @ Trinity Basketball: Amanda Pape. by Paul Desmarais/ staff photo: SPORTS
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Stamford_011703_New Canaan @ Trinity Basketball: Amanda Pape. by Paul Desmarais/ staff photo: SPORTS

PAUL DESMARAIS / STShow MoreShow Less
NewBritian_030902_Trinity Catholic's Amanda Pape celebrates the Crusaders' Class S championship last night in New Britain.
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NewBritian_030902_Trinity Catholic's Amanda Pape celebrates the Crusaders' Class S championship last night in New Britain.

KATHLEEN O'ROURKE / STShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic loses 7-5 to Career in a Class S quarterfinal baseball game in Stamford, Conn. on Friday, June 5, 2015. Randy Polonia (3)
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Trinity Catholic loses 7-5 to Career in a Class S quarterfinal baseball game in Stamford, Conn. on Friday, June 5, 2015. Randy Polonia (3)

Matthew Brown / Matthew BrownShow MoreShow Less
Trinity Catholic High School pitcher Randy Polonia throws during the high school baseball game between Trinity Catholic High School and Danbury High Shcool at Trinity in Stamford, Conn., Friday afternoon, May 8, 2015. Trinity won the game 6-0.
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Trinity Catholic High School pitcher Randy Polonia throws during the high school baseball game between Trinity Catholic High School and Danbury High Shcool at Trinity in Stamford, Conn., Friday afternoon, May 8, 2015. Trinity won the game 6-0.

Bob Luckey / Bob LuckeyShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic High School pitcher Randy Polonia throws during the high school baseball game between Trinity Catholic High School and Danbury High Shcool at Trinity in Stamford, Conn., Friday afternoon, May 8, 2015. Trinity won the game 6-0.
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Trinity Catholic High School pitcher Randy Polonia throws during the high school baseball game between Trinity Catholic High School and Danbury High Shcool at Trinity in Stamford, Conn., Friday afternoon, May 8, 2015. Trinity won the game 6-0.

Bob Luckey / Bob LuckeyShow MoreShow Less
Trinity Catholic shortstop Randy Polonia fields a ball hit to him during the Crusaders' baseball game against Darien at Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford, Conn., on Monday, April 27, 2015. Darien won, 9-0.
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Trinity Catholic shortstop Randy Polonia fields a ball hit to him during the Crusaders' baseball game against Darien at Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford, Conn., on Monday, April 27, 2015. Darien won, 9-0.

Jason Rearick / Jason RearickShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic shortstop Randy Polonia fields a ball hit to him during the Crusaders' baseball game against Greenwich at Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford, Conn., on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. Trinity came from behind in the last inning to beat Greenwich, 6-5.
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Trinity Catholic shortstop Randy Polonia fields a ball hit to him during the Crusaders' baseball game against Greenwich at Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford, Conn., on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. Trinity came from behind in the last inning to beat Greenwich, 6-5.

Jason Rearick / Jason RearickShow MoreShow Less
9/26/94 - Rashamel Jones announces he will attend UCONN next year, during a press conference at Trinity Catholic High School. He is a high school all american in basketball, in his senior year at Trinity. Staff Photo/ John Voorhees.
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9/26/94 - Rashamel Jones announces he will attend UCONN next year, during a press conference at Trinity Catholic High School. He is a high school all american in basketball, in his senior year at Trinity. Staff Photo/ John Voorhees.

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Rashamel Jones, of Stamford, speaks during the ceremony announcing the 2018 inductees to the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame inside UConn Stamford in downtown Stamford, Conn. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Jones was a basketball star at both Trinity Catholic and UConn and still holds the all-time boys Stamford record for career points with 2,301.
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Rashamel Jones, of Stamford, speaks during the ceremony announcing the 2018 inductees to the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame inside UConn Stamford in downtown Stamford, Conn. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Jones was a basketball star at both Trinity Catholic and UConn and still holds the all-time boys Stamford record for career points with 2,301.

Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Rashamel Jones, of Stamford, speaks during the ceremony announcing the 2018 inductees to the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame inside UConn Stamford in downtown Stamford, Conn. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Jones was a basketball star at both Trinity Catholic and UConn and still holds the all-time boys Stamford record for career points with 2,301.
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Rashamel Jones, of Stamford, speaks during the ceremony announcing the 2018 inductees to the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame inside UConn Stamford in downtown Stamford, Conn. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Jones was a basketball star at both Trinity Catholic and UConn and still holds the all-time boys Stamford record for career points with 2,301.

Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Connecticut's Rashamel Jones goes up for two points against St. John's during the Big East Championship game at Madison Square Garden in New York Saturday, March 6, 1999.(AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
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Connecticut's Rashamel Jones goes up for two points against St. John's during the Big East Championship game at Madison Square Garden in New York Saturday, March 6, 1999.(AP Photo/Ron Frehm)

RON FREHM / Associated PressShow MoreShow Less
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Connecticut's Rashamel Jones and Khalid El-Amin, right, celebrate in the closing seconds as they beat Duke 77-74 in the championship game of the NCAA Final Four, Monday, March 29, 1999, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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Connecticut's Rashamel Jones and Khalid El-Amin, right, celebrate in the closing seconds as they beat Duke 77-74 in the championship game of the NCAA Final Four, Monday, March 29, 1999, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara / STShow MoreShow Less
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Stamford_030403_ Amanda Pape is awarded a game ball from former Trinity Catholic star Rashamel Jones for her recent scoring achievements. Pape became the all time leading scorer in Stamford Scholastic history. Kathleen O'Rourke/Staff photo
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Stamford_030403_ Amanda Pape is awarded a game ball from former Trinity Catholic star Rashamel Jones for her recent scoring achievements. Pape became the all time leading scorer in Stamford Scholastic history. Kathleen O'Rourke/Staff photo

KATHLEEN O'ROURKE / STShow MoreShow Less
Trinity Catholic boys basketball coach Mike Walsh, left, presents John Smyth with a basketball after he scored his 1,000th career point.
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Trinity Catholic boys basketball coach Mike Walsh, left, presents John Smyth with a basketball after he scored his 1,000th career point.

Mike Walksh / Contributed Photo / Contributed PhotoShow MoreShow Less
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3/15/07 Da'Shena Stevens All-Area girls basketball player Photo by Mara Lavitt
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3/15/07 Da'Shena Stevens All-Area girls basketball player Photo by Mara Lavitt

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St. John's Da'Shena Stevens, left, receives the NCAA college basketball Big East Conference's Scholar-Athlete of the Year award from associate commissioner Danielle Donehew in Hartford, Conn., Friday, March 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
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St. John's Da'Shena Stevens, left, receives the NCAA college basketball Big East Conference's Scholar-Athlete of the Year award from associate commissioner Danielle Donehew in Hartford, Conn., Friday, March 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Jessica Hill / Associated PressShow MoreShow Less
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Stamford_030104_ Trinity Catholic's Da'Shena Stevens shoots over Hale-Ray High School's Brittany Hepp, during the first round of the CIAC state girls division S basketball tournament at Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford on Tuesday. Chris Preovolos/Staff Photo
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Stamford_030104_ Trinity Catholic's Da'Shena Stevens shoots over Hale-Ray High School's Brittany Hepp, during the first round of the CIAC state girls division S basketball tournament at Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford on Tuesday. Chris Preovolos/Staff Photo

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West Hartford_032209_ St. John's Da'Shena Stevens, of Stamford, looks to make a pass during the second-round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament at the University of Hartford's Chase Family Arena in West Hartford, Conn. on Sunday, March 22, 2009. Chris Preovolos/Staff photo
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West Hartford_032209_ St. John's Da'Shena Stevens, of Stamford, looks to make a pass during the second-round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament at the University of Hartford's Chase Family Arena in West Hartford, Conn. on Sunday, March 22, 2009. Chris Preovolos/Staff photo

Chris Preovolos / STShow MoreShow Less
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Queens_012709_Da'Shena Stevens: St. John's Red Storm freshman Da'Shena Stevens is having a stellar first season of college basketball. Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS Staff Photo Desmarais,Paul
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Queens_012709_Da'Shena Stevens: St. John's Red Storm freshman Da'Shena Stevens is having a stellar first season of college basketball. Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS Staff Photo Desmarais,Paul

Desmarais,Paul / STShow MoreShow Less
St. John's sophomore Da'Shena Stevens.
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St. John's sophomore Da'Shena Stevens.

Contributed Photo / STShow MoreShow Less
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Stamford_020607_St. Joseph's @ Trinity Catholic Basketball: Da'Shena Stevens drives to the basket, putting on an show at both ends ofthe floor, as she blows by St. Joe'ss #2, Brittany Cappoziello as Trinity girls rout the Cadets. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS Staff Photo Paul Desmarais
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Stamford_020607_St. Joseph's @ Trinity Catholic Basketball: Da'Shena Stevens drives to the basket, putting on an show at both ends ofthe floor, as she blows by St. Joe'ss #2, Brittany Cappoziello as Trinity girls rout the Cadets. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS Staff Photo Paul Desmarais

Paul Desmarais / STShow MoreShow Less
Stamford_30600_ Trinity Catholic Girls' Basketball Coach Tom Kriz (cq) puts his team through their final practice before tomorrow's Class S state semi-final game against Kolbe-Cathedral. Photo by Alison Redlich/Staff Photo
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Stamford_30600_ Trinity Catholic Girls' Basketball Coach Tom Kriz (cq) puts his team through their final practice before tomorrow's Class S state semi-final game against Kolbe-Cathedral. Photo by Alison Redlich/Staff Photo

Alison Redlich / STShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic girls varisty basketball coach Tom Kriz yells instructions to his players during the Greenwich High School girls varsity basketball game vs. Trinity Catholic High School of Stamford, at Greenwich High School, Wednesday night, Feb. 16, 2011.
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Trinity Catholic girls varisty basketball coach Tom Kriz yells instructions to his players during the Greenwich High School girls varsity basketball game vs. Trinity Catholic High School of Stamford, at Greenwich High School, Wednesday night, Feb. 16, 2011.

Bob Luckey / STShow MoreShow Less
Crusader head coach Mike Walsh yells to hiS players as The Trinity Catholic High School Crusaders take on the Norwalk High School Bears in FCIAC Girls Basketball Thursiday, January 10, 2019, in Stamford, Conn.
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Crusader head coach Mike Walsh yells to hiS players as The Trinity Catholic High School Crusaders take on the Norwalk High School Bears in FCIAC Girls Basketball Thursiday, January 10, 2019, in Stamford, Conn.

Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Coach Mike Walsh talks to the team as Trinity Catholic hosts St. Joseph as the two top boys basketball teams in the FCIAC face off in Stamford, Conn., January 10, 2012. St. Joseph won the game 65-61.
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Trinity Coach Mike Walsh talks to the team as Trinity Catholic hosts St. Joseph as the two top boys basketball teams in the FCIAC face off in Stamford, Conn., January 10, 2012. St. Joseph won the game 65-61.

Keelin Daly / Keelin DalyShow MoreShow Less
Trinity Catholic coach Mike Walsh reacts during the first half of an FCIAC girls high school basketball game against Danbury in Stamford, Conn. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019. Senior Iyanna Lops, who scored her 1000th career point, helped the Crusaders in their 51-43 win over the Hatters.
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Trinity Catholic coach Mike Walsh reacts during the first half of an FCIAC girls high school basketball game against Danbury in Stamford, Conn. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019. Senior Iyanna Lops, who scored her 1000th career point, helped the Crusaders in their 51-43 win over the Hatters.

Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic high school head coach Mike Walsh tries to calm Tyrell St. John down after the play got rough during the CIAC class L boys basketball semifinal game against Wilbur Cross high school held at Fairfield Warde high school, Fairfield CT on Wednesday March 13th, 2013.
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Trinity Catholic high school head coach Mike Walsh tries to calm Tyrell St. John down after the play got rough during the CIAC class L boys basketball semifinal game against Wilbur Cross high school held at Fairfield Warde high school, Fairfield CT on Wednesday March 13th, 2013.

Mark Conrad / Mark ConradShow MoreShow Less
Trinity Catholic coach Mike Walsh holds up the Championship Plaque after the Crusaders defeated Canton 52-45 in the CIAC 2019 State Girls Basketball Tournament Class S Finals at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
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Trinity Catholic coach Mike Walsh holds up the Championship Plaque after the Crusaders defeated Canton 52-45 in the CIAC 2019 State Girls Basketball Tournament Class S Finals at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. on Saturday, March 16, 2019.

Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic coach Mike Walsh follows the action on the court in the first half against Canton in the CIAC 2019 State Girls Basketball Tournament Class S Finals at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Trinity Catholic defeated Canton 52-45.
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Trinity Catholic coach Mike Walsh follows the action on the court in the first half against Canton in the CIAC 2019 State Girls Basketball Tournament Class S Finals at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Trinity Catholic defeated Canton 52-45.

Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Trinity coach Mike Walsh reacts to play in the CIAC Class S boys basketballl final at The Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. on March 18, 2017. Trinity Catholic defeated Woodstock Academy 61-52.
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Trinity coach Mike Walsh reacts to play in the CIAC Class S boys basketballl final at The Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. on March 18, 2017. Trinity Catholic defeated Woodstock Academy 61-52.

Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic baseball coach Tracy Nichols, right, and assistant coach Mike Walsh at practice April 4, 2010.
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Trinity Catholic baseball coach Tracy Nichols, right, and assistant coach Mike Walsh at practice April 4, 2010.

Keelin Daly / STShow MoreShow Less
Trinity Catholic head baseball coach Tracy Nichols questions a call with an umpire during high school baseball action against Norwalk at City Hall Field, in Norwalk, Conn. Monday, April 9th, 2012
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Trinity Catholic head baseball coach Tracy Nichols questions a call with an umpire during high school baseball action against Norwalk at City Hall Field, in Norwalk, Conn. Monday, April 9th, 2012

Ned Gerard / Ned GerardShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic baseball coach Tracy Nichols smiles after coaching his final baseball game for the Crusaders on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Nichols has been with the program for 40 years, 19 as the head coach. Nichols was the athletic director at Trinity up until last year.
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Trinity Catholic baseball coach Tracy Nichols smiles after coaching his final baseball game for the Crusaders on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Nichols has been with the program for 40 years, 19 as the head coach. Nichols was the athletic director at Trinity up until last year.

Scott Ericson/Hearst Connecticut Media / Scott Ericson/Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Trinity Catholic's Tracy Nichols coached his final baseball game for the Crusaders on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Nichols has been with the program for 40 years, 19 as the head coach. Nichols was the athletic director at Trinity up until last year.
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Trinity Catholic's Tracy Nichols coached his final baseball game for the Crusaders on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Nichols has been with the program for 40 years, 19 as the head coach. Nichols was the athletic director at Trinity up until last year.

Scott Ericson/Hearst Connecticut Media / Contributed PhotoShow MoreShow Less
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Stamford_060509_Tracy Nichols, the Athletic Director for Trinity Catholic High School, in the boy's locker room outside his office. Kerry Sherck/for the Advocate
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Stamford_060509_Tracy Nichols, the Athletic Director for Trinity Catholic High School, in the boy's locker room outside his office. Kerry Sherck/for the Advocate

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New York City_121804_Duke's Dave McClure, a 2004 Trinity Catholic graduate, keeps the ball away from Oklahoma's Terrell cq Everett cq during the Dreyfus Classic at Madison Square Garden. Andrew Sullivan/Staff photo
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New York City_121804_Duke's Dave McClure, a 2004 Trinity Catholic graduate, keeps the ball away from Oklahoma's Terrell cq Everett cq during the Dreyfus Classic at Madison Square Garden. Andrew Sullivan/Staff photo

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Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.
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Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.
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Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.
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Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Rick Robustelli (9).
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Rick Robustelli (9).

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Rick Robustelli (9).
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Rick Robustelli (9).

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Rick Robustelli (9).
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Rick Robustelli (9).

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Rick Robustelli (9).
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Rick Robustelli (9).

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Rick Robustelli (9).
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Rick Robustelli (9).

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Mary Kay Smith
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Mary Kay Smith

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.
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Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.
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Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.
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Mickey Lione Jr., center, photographed with players of the Trinity Catholic Baseball April 1976.

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Mark Kay Smith
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Mark Kay Smith

TCHS Witness Yearbook 1986 / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
New York City_121804_Duke's Dave McClure cq, center, encourages his team with Reggie Love, cq, left, and Lee Melchionni cq, right. Andrew Sullivan/Staff photo
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New York City_121804_Duke's Dave McClure cq, center, encourages his team with Reggie Love, cq, left, and Lee Melchionni cq, right. Andrew Sullivan/Staff photo

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From left, Trinity principal Joseph Gerics, coach Mike Walsh, co-captains Johnny Somers and Anthony Lombardi, and Earl Johnson during Trinity's pre-game ceremony, where they honored Earl Johnson by retiring his number.
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From left, Trinity principal Joseph Gerics, coach Mike Walsh, co-captains Johnny Somers and Anthony Lombardi, and Earl Johnson during Trinity's pre-game ceremony, where they honored Earl Johnson by retiring his number.

Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Trinity Catholic retired former player Earl Johnson's number before the season opener against Gilbert on Dec. 19, 2015.
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Trinity Catholic retired former player Earl Johnson's number before the season opener against Gilbert on Dec. 19, 2015.

Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Fairfield_030504_FCIAC Boys' Finals: Trinity's #15, Dave McClure stuffs home a bucket for two. He had the game's only three dunks. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS
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Fairfield_030504_FCIAC Boys' Finals: Trinity's #15, Dave McClure stuffs home a bucket for two. He had the game's only three dunks. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS

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Bridgeport_022504_Trinity @ Central Basketball: Trinity's #15, Dave McClure looks incredulous as he's called out of bounds during an attempted steal from Central's #21, Marvin Owens, when he was still in the air. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS
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Bridgeport_022504_Trinity @ Central Basketball: Trinity's #15, Dave McClure looks incredulous as he's called out of bounds during an attempted steal from Central's #21, Marvin Owens, when he was still in the air. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS

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Shelton_031704_CIAC Basketball Semifinals: As time winds down and Trinity locks up another win, (L) Chris Skrelja, (C) Mike Trimboli, and (R) #15, Dave McClure celebrate their trip to the finals to meet another undefeated team Saturday. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS
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Shelton_031704_CIAC Basketball Semifinals: As time winds down and Trinity locks up another win, (L) Chris Skrelja, (C) Mike Trimboli, and (R) #15, Dave McClure celebrate their trip to the finals to meet another undefeated team Saturday. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS

STShow MoreShow Less
Fairfield_030504_FCIAC Boys' Finals: Trinity's #15, Dave McClure stuffs home a bucket for two. He had the game's only three dunks. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS
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Fairfield_030504_FCIAC Boys' Finals: Trinity's #15, Dave McClure stuffs home a bucket for two. He had the game's only three dunks. by Paul Desmarais/ Staff Photo: SPORTS

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Stamford_111203_Trinity Catholic High School basketball player, Dave McClure, center, signs a letter of intent to attend Duke University next year, accompanied by his father Jim, left, and mother Betty. Chris Preovolos/Staff Photo
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Stamford_111203_Trinity Catholic High School basketball player, Dave McClure, center, signs a letter of intent to attend Duke University next year, accompanied by his father Jim, left, and mother Betty. Chris Preovolos/Staff Photo

Chris Preovolos / STShow MoreShow Less
Trinity Catholic High School played basketball at Darien High School wednesday evening. Trinity's #12 Earl Johnson shoots over Darien #30 Brian Smith and #21 Kyle Szymanczyk. Jan 10, 96 Tom Ryan/Staff Photo
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Trinity Catholic High School played basketball at Darien High School wednesday evening. Trinity's #12 Earl Johnson shoots over Darien #30 Brian Smith and #21 Kyle Szymanczyk. Jan 10, 96 Tom Ryan/Staff Photo

Tom Ryan / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity's #12 Earl Johnson takes a shot assisted by #30 Chris Burdman. Noralk #31 is Charles Miller and #32 Kareem McClendon. In a game at Trinity Catholic. 1/22/96 Staff Photo/Steven Daniel
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Trinity's #12 Earl Johnson takes a shot assisted by #30 Chris Burdman. Noralk #31 is Charles Miller and #32 Kareem McClendon. In a game at Trinity Catholic. 1/22/96 Staff Photo/Steven Daniel

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New Canaan high school played at Trinity Catholic high school in Stamford friday night. Before the game started Trinity coach Mike Walsh presented a game ball to Earl Johnson for his 1000 point game earlier in the week. Jan 26, 96 Tom Ryan/Staff Photo
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New Canaan high school played at Trinity Catholic high school in Stamford friday night. Before the game started Trinity coach Mike Walsh presented a game ball to Earl Johnson for his 1000 point game earlier in the week. Jan 26, 96 Tom Ryan/Staff Photo

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Trinity Catholic high school head coach Tom Kriz during a girls basketball game against Westhill high school played at Westhill high school, Stamford, CT on Friday, December, 13th, 2013.
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Trinity Catholic high school head coach Tom Kriz during a girls basketball game against Westhill high school played at Westhill high school, Stamford, CT on Friday, December, 13th, 2013.

Mark Conrad / Mark ConradShow MoreShow Less
Coach Tom Kriz lead the Trinity Catholic girls basketball team to three state championships.
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Coach Tom Kriz lead the Trinity Catholic girls basketball team to three state championships.

Paul Desmarais / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic girls basketball head coach Tom Kriz speaks to his team during the girls basketball game against Staples at Staples High School on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011.
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Trinity Catholic girls basketball head coach Tom Kriz speaks to his team during the girls basketball game against Staples at Staples High School on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011.

Amy Mortensen / Amy MortensenShow MoreShow Less
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Trinity Catholic was a winning sports program on and off the field not because of the name on the front of the jersey. It became a respected and successful school because of the boys and girls who wore those jerseys and the men and women who coached them.

We take a look back at some of the players and coaches who helped shape Trinity into one of the most successful sports programs in the history of the FCIAC.

JOE ANZALONE

The man who hired legendary coaches is a legend in his own right.

In his time as athletic director at Stamford Catholic (1961-76), Joe Anzalone hired Hall of Famers Mike Walsh and Mickey Lione Jr., along with other talented coaches.

“I feel proud to have appointed so many great coaches,” Anzalone said. “Stamford Catholic was a great place to be and we had some great kids come through. It was never like going to work, it was always a great atmosphere back in those days. I did love that place.”

Anzalone even coached Walsh on the JV basketball team in his early days at the school.

Anzalone coached the football team as an assistant from 1961-63 and then as head coach from 1967-84, leading the Crusaders to three state finals appearances (1977, ’78 and ’83) and winning Class S in 1978.

Among the players he coached was Pete Stokes, who later became the head coach of the football team himself in 2009.

LARRY BYRD

His name did not go on a banner, but every coach, teacher and student at Trinity knew Larry Byrd.

Byrd was a parrot and the pet of former athletic director Tracy Nichols, who kept Larry in the small athletic director’s office at the school and often walked the halls of the school with Byrd on his shoulder.

Byrd died this past spring at the age of 33, fittingly the jersey number as Larry Bird, the NBA legend for whom he was named.

Basketball officials throughout the years got to know Byrd as they would use Nichols’ office during games.

“That bird hated (longtime basketball official and baseball umpire) Nick Koules. I don’t know why, but he would go crazy when Nick would come in the office,” Nichols said about the late official. “He would also attack the feet of (former Trinity girls basketball coach Tom) Kriz anytime he came into the office, too. He was a great pet and gave my mother a lot of comfort over the last few years.”

On another occasion, Byrd pulled an official’s shirt out of his gym bag and ate the buttons off it while the official was on the court.

ART DEFILIPPIS

Stamford Catholic won the first two FCIAC baseball championships and reached the 1970 CIAC Class L State Championship game, largely riding the arm of Art DeFilippis.

“I played left field on that team and I had maybe two balls hit to me all season because Artie struck everybody out,” former teammate Jim Moriarty said of DeFilippis. “Artie was as good of a baseball player to ever come out of Stamford and that includes Bobby Valentine, who was tremendous.”

DeFilippis was a big lefty with a sidearm motion who was 35-2 in his time a Stamford Catholic, striking out 451 batters in 248 innings pitched.

The Sporting News ranked him as one of the top 12 prospects in the country and he was drafted in the second round by the Washington Senators with the 38th overall pick in the 1970 amateur draft.

EARL JOHNSON

Earl Johnson led Trinity to its first FCIAC title as a freshman in 1993 and to Mike Walsh’s first state championship his senior season in 1996.

Johnson scored 38 points as Trinity beat Northwest Catholic for the 1996 CIAC Class M State Championship.

He left Trinity sixth on the all-time school scoring list with 1,362 points over his four years.

He was the 1996 New Haven Register MVP and a two-time New Haven Register All-State and All-FCIAC selection.

He went on to play in college at Rutgers before transferring to Iona where he helped guide the Gaels to the NCAA Tournament in 2001.

RASHAMEL JONES

Everything changed when Rashamel Jones got to Stamford Catholic in the fall of 1991.

The course of Trinity Catholic, FCIAC and CIAC basketball would never be the same

Jones was the first of many top-flight players brought in by Mike Walsh in the 1990s, sparking an unprecedented era of success on the basketball court at the school.

Jones was named All-State three times, leading the Crusaders to the 1992-93 FCIAC championship, Walsh’s first title as a coach.

“That win was excitement for the whole school,” Jones said. “I can say that was our coming out party. After we won that game, the state took us seriously. There was no more, ‘Well, Stamford or Trinity Catholic is OK,’ now they looked at us like a top-10 team in the state. It was a big win and it set up the program infinitely.”

As a senior in 1995, he was the Gatorade Player of the Year and named the top player in New England

His 2,301 career points make him the leading boys scorer in the city of Stamford and the fifth overall in the state.

At UConn, Jones was a part of three Big East championships and helped the Huskies win the NCAA national championship in 1999 with an upset victory over Duke.

EMILY (Robustelli) KAUFMAN

In the proud tradition of softball at the school, Emily Robustelli is considered the best to ever take the field.

“Without a doubt, she was the best softball player we ever had at Trinity,” former softball coach Tom Kriz said. “She also played basketball and was just a tremendous athlete. If she wanted to, she could have taken up any sport and within a year she would have been all-state. She was that good at everything she did.”

Robustelli led the Crusaders to a runner-up finish in the CIAC Class S tournament her senior season of 1999, a 3-2 loss to Coginchaug in Class S.

She was a freshman on the 1996 FCIAC championship team.

Robustelli was named Gatorade Softball New England Player of the Year in both 1998 and 1999.

She went on to play softball at UMass and later as a standout player for the Stratford Brakettes.

TOM KRIZ

Up until 2016, Trinity Catholic had only two softball head coaches: the late Mary Kay Smith and Tom Kriz.

Kriz joined Smith’s staff as JV coach and assistant varsity softball coach from 1987-99, becoming the head softball head coach in 1999 after Smith’s death.

The softball team reached the 1999 Class S state final, losing 3-2 to Coginchaug.

On the basketball court, Kriz elevated Trinity to a perennial power in the FCIAC and the state.

His teams appeared in four CIAC state finals, winning titles in 2002, 2003 and 2006 and coming in second in 2004.

The Crusaders won the FCIAC girls basketball championship for the first time in 2002 and then won three straight from 2006-08 under Kriz.

MICKEY LIONE JR.

Mickey Lione Jr. was the link connecting the old days of Stamford Catholic to the modern days of Trinity Catholic.

He was the first name mentioned by nearly everyone connected to the school’s athletic programs prior to 2000.

Lione, who died in 1999 at the age of 59, coached for 30 years at the school.

He was the head baseball coach from 1971-98 and hockey coach from 1979-98, winning a combined 731 games in the two sports.

His career accomplishments included four state titles (1982, ’91, ’93 and ’94) and two FCIAC crowns (1990 and ’94) in baseball, two state championships (1991, ’98) and three FCIAC titles (1990, ’93 and ’95) in hockey.

In addition, he was an assistant football coach at Trinity Catholic and later at New Canaan.

The Mickey Lione Foundation was created in his honor following his death and since its inception has awarded over a half-million dollars in scholarships.

The Stamford Old Timers Athletic Association also presents the Mickey Lione Coach of the Year to a Stamford coach each year, and several baseball fields and leagues throughout Stamford are named after him.

BOB LYNCH

The Stamford Catholic football program began in 1959 with 34 players being coached by Bob Lynch.

In the first five years, the Crusaders were 23-16-1 after putting together a team from scratch.

Two freshmen from Lynch’s first Stamford Catholic team went on to play professional football, Dick Swatland (Houston Oilers) and Bo Hickey (Denver Broncos).

“Bob was ahead of his time as a coach,” Hickey said after Lynch’s death in 2011. “He was able to take an athlete and make him a football player. Everyone wanted to play for him. He was innovative and unlike many coaches he was willing to adjust his offense and defense to the players he had. But more important, he was a teacher on and off the field. Lessons I learned in life came from my father and Bob Lynch.”

DAVE MCCLURE

McClure helped lead the boys basketball team to an eye-popping 101-7 record over his four years, including his senior year when the Crusaders went 27-0 and won the CIAC Class 1 State Championship.

McClure closed his high school career as part of a team that won 52 consecutive games and was the MVP of both the 2003 and 2004 state championship games.

Trinity won three FCIAC titles with McClure.

As a senior, he earned the Gatorade Connecticut, Connecticut High School Coaches Association, Coca-Cola, New Haven Register and Hartford Courant State Player of the Year awards.

He was named All-FCIAC and All-State three times.

He is fifth all-time on the Trinity scoring list with 1,367 career points and second all-time in rebounds with 1,186.

He is currently an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA.

TRACY NICHOLS

Nichols was athletic director at Trinity Catholic High for 34 years, touching countless lives along the way as the ambassador of all things Trinity Catholic sports.

During his tenure as athletic director, the Crusaders collected 31 state championships in 10 different sports and had 12 individual state championships along with 27 FCIAC titles.

“Having Tracy as AD, all you had to do was coach the kids, he took care of everything else,” longtime basketball and baseball assistant coach Mike Walsh said. “We couldn’t have had the success we had without Tracy Nichols supporting us. You always knew as a coach that Tracy had your back. Some of my best memories are of coaching baseball with him. We had some great times.”

Nichols coached Stamford/Trinity Catholic baseball for 40 years, starting out on the staff of the legendary Mickey Lione Jr. as an assistant.

Nichols was the Crusaders’ head baseball coach for 19 years before retiring from that position in 2017.

Nichols amassed 207 career victories, including a Class S state title in 2000 and FCIAC championships in 1999 and 2000.

AMANDA PAPE

Few athletes in school history left as decorated as Amanda Pape on the basketball court.

In her four years, she scored 2,429 points, becoming Stamford’s all-time leading scorer and second in scoring in state history for girls basketball.

She was named All-State and All-FCIAC all four years and was a three-time member of the CT Post Super 15, a two-time member of the Hartford Courant’s Best of the Best selections from 2001 and 2002 and an ESPN/Starter All-State Team selection in 2002.

Pape was the Connecticut Gatorade Female Player of the Year in 2003 and was nominated to the McDonald’s All-American High School Basketball Team.

Pape guided Trinity Catholic to consecutive state championships in 2002 and 2003, as well as an FCIAC championship in 2002 where she was awarded the MVP.

In college at Sacred Heart, she set a number of school records including most career points (2,045) and steals (362). The two-time Northeast Conference scoring champ was the Player of the Year in 2006 when she led the Pioneers to a school-record 26 wins and their first NEC crown and NCAA Division I tournament berth.

This past winter, Pape was named to the CIAC All-Century team.

RANDY POLONIA

Randy Polonia was the last great baseball player to take the field for the Crusaders.

“I don’t think I have ever had someone who could do all the things he could do,” Former baseball coach Tracy Nichols said. “He can throw, run, catch, hit and pitch. He does everything and he does everything very well. We have had some very good players, players who got drafted, but none could do all those things at this level.”

His senior year, Polonia was arguably the best high school pitcher, shortstop and hitter in the state.

He batted .443 with 70 at-bats, scoring 27 runs, walking 23 times (13 intentionally), while going 11 for 11 in stolen-base attempts as a senior.

On the mound, he sported a 0.66 ERA with a .160 batting average against. Polonia was 12-1 with one save and 11 complete games, striking out 92 over 84 1/3 innings of work.

He was named All-State three times and was the FCIAC MVP his final two seasons in the league before continuing his career at UConn.

Polonia was also an All-FCIAC football player at the school.

MARY KAY SMITH

Mary Kay Smith meant everything to girls sports at Stamford/Trinity Catholic.

At the school nearly since it began, Smith began every sports team for girls at the school while also working as a physical education teacher.

“Mary Kay was a pioneer, not just at Stamford Catholic but for girls sports in Fairfield County,” said former girls basketball and softball coach, Tom Kriz, who was an assistant to Smith for years. “She had a great way about her. He legacy is of someone who understood being a young woman and knew how to connect with kids and get them to be the best they could be.”

Smith, a survivor of the 1944 Hartford circus fire, started the programs and coached field hockey, softball and basketball in her time at the school.

She led the softball team to two FCIAC titles (1992, ’96) and the 1982 and 1996 CIAC Class S softball championships, making four appearances in state finals.

The Crusaders were FCIAC runners-up in 1991, 1993 and 1998.

After her death, Stamford began awarding the Mary Kay Smith Trophy in 1999 to the Stamford City Softball Champion.

The softball field at Trinity was named in her honor after her death with a monument placed at the field.

JOHN SMYTH

Before the influx of talent brought in from other communities, the Stamford Catholic Boys Basketball team had John Smyth.

When he graduated in 1982, Smyth was the all-time leading scorer for the city of Stamford with 1,882 points.

That record would stand until Rashamel Jones surpassed it about a decade later, but Smyth is still second on Trinity’s scoring list to Jones.

Smyth was a two-time New Haven Register All-State and two-time All-FCIAC selection before going to play in college at Princeton.

In the 1983-84 college season, Smyth helped Princeton reach the NCAA Tournament where it beat San Diego in a preliminary game, with Smyth playing 40 minutes and scoring 13 points.

He later returned to help Mike Walsh as an assistant on the boys basketball team.

DA’SHENA STEVENS

Da’Shena Stevens followed in the footsteps of Amanda Pape and nearly eclipsed her accomplishments on the court.

Stevens was named All-State three times and All-FCIAC four times, scoring 2,182 career points, placing her seventh in the state in all-time scoring.

Stevens was a part of the 2006 CIAC Class S state championship team.

Trinity was 63-0 in the FCIAC during Stevens’ final three seasons, winning the FCIAC Championship three straight years from 2006-08.

In college at St. John’s, Stevens scored 1,515 points during her career, the sixth-highest total in program history. She also pulled down 815 rebounds during her career in college, making her one of only three St. John’s players to get more than 800 career rebounds.

This past winter, she was named to the CIAC All-Century Team.

MIKE WALSH

Mike Walsh is Trinity Catholic.

He graduated from the school in 1965 followed by over 40 years coaching at the school, watching it change from Stamford to Trinity Catholic and eventually closing its doors.

Though he retired as head coach, Walsh was an assistant on the 2019-20 boys basketball team, which was the last team from the school to win a game before the closing.

His 633 wins make him as the fourth winningest coach in Connecticut boys basketball history,

Trinity teams under Walsh won seven CIAC state championships and six FCIAC titles as the Crusaders reached the state final 13 times and the FCIAC championship game 11 times, beginning with Walsh’s first FCIAC title in 1993.

His teams appeared in eight of nine FCIAC championship games, winning five, including a record-tying three straight from 2003-05.

Walsh sent numerous players on to NCAA Division I basketball, including John Smyth (Princeton), Rashamel Jones (UConn), Earl Johnson (Rutgers, Iona), Torey Thomas (Holy Cross), Dave McClure (Duke), Craig Austrie (UConn) and Schadrac Casimir (Iona, Florida Gulf Coast).

Walsh was also the longtime assistant baseball coach under Tracy Nichols.

In 2019, Walsh was called upon to take over the girls basketball team after the coach left in the middle of the season.

Walsh guided that team to a CIAC Class S State Championship, giving the coach one last moment in the sun and giving the school one last state championship.

About Scott Ericson

Scott Ericson is a sports reporter for GameTimeCT based in Stamford. Email him at Sericson@stamfordadvocate.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @ericsonsports.

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