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04/01/2024 01:28 AMThe Casey-O’Brien New Haven County Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will hold their 64th annual Scholar Athlete Banquet on Saturday, April 27 at Woodwinds (29 School Ground Road, Branford). A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the March to the Head Table at 6:30 p.m.
“We are pleased to recognize 30 outstanding young men that played football last fall, excelled in the classroom, and showed leadership and citizenship in their schools and communities,” said Anthony Mortali, president of the chapter.
In addition to the scholar athletes, which include Hand’s John Michael Reh Jr., four other award winners will be honored, including 30-year football official Tom Viola of Hamden, who will be presented with the Official Recognition Award. Selected by the New Haven Football Officials Association, Tom is regarded as a top official who has officiated six CIAC championship games and was on the crew of the 2008 NCAA National DII game.
The chapter Coach of the Year is Oxford coach Joe Stochmal. Stochmal played at Seymour and SCSU and has been the coach at Oxford for 17 years, leading the Wolverines to their first playoff appearance in school history this past fall. He recently decided to retire after 47 years of coaching. The Chapter Award of Merit will be presented to WTNH Sports Team 8 Sports Director John Pierson. Pierson first came to News 8 in 1995 as a Sports Producer and was promoted to Team 8 Sports Director in 2016.
The Chapter Distinguished American Award will be presented to former Major League Baseball pitcher and television analyst Rob Dibble. Between 1988 and 1995, Dibble played for the Reds, White Sox, and Brewers. He was a two-time All Star in 1990 and 1991 and recorded 89 saves during his career. He was named NLCS Most Valuable Player in 1990, when the Reds won the World Series.
For tickets to the dinner, call Donna Limone at 203-481-8375.