Franciscan Life Center, Meriden, CT.

The St. Francis Award Sports Banquet 2000 held June 6 at the Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, CT, honored two local football coaches. Rob Szymaszek, Head Football Coach, Maloney High School in Meriden and Jude Kelly, Head Football Coach, Southington High School received the St. Francis Award from Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Executive Director of the Franciscan Life Center, for their outstanding service to youth and their example of Christian values.

Bowie Kuhn, former Major League Baseball Commissioner, introduced two former members of the Boston Red Sox -- Joe Morgan, Manager, 1988-1991 and Gary Waslewski, Pitcher, 1967-1968. Arnold Dean, well known Connecticut sports announcer, praised the honorees for their achievements. 

Al Terzi of Channel 3 News and Tony Terzi of Fox 61 Sports were the emcees for the event. Uconn Coach Jim Calhoun and his wife Pat attended the banquet and mingled with guests. Pat Calhoun was last year's banquet honoree. The annual Sports Banquet benefits the Franciscan Life Center.

Jude Kelly (left) and Rob Szymaszek talk with Mother Shaun Vergauwen after receiving the St. Francis Award.
 

(Below) Bowie Kuhn and Gary Waslewski.
(Below right) Pat and Jim Calhoun.

Photos courtesy of The Record Journal.