BARTLETT HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS HALL OF FAME CEREMONY
Nov. 1, 2008
The 2008 inductees are individuals who achieved excellence in athletics while attending Bartlett.
Francis
E. Poblocki, Class of 1939
Francis E. Poblocki attended Bartlett High School from 1935-1939 and graduated
in 1939. He was an impact player for the baseball, football and basketball
teams for each of those years.
Francis played center for the Indian basketball team and was their captain
for the 1939 season. Francis was a force under the boards, on both offense
and defense. On the baseball team, was the starting second baseman for
three years, and played the middle infield position with poise and grit.
His hard play and determined attitude enabled him to be a contributing
member not only in the infield but offensively as well.
For the football team, Francis was the starting left end and a most memorable
play for the Green and White came in the 1938 Thanksgiving Day Classic
against rival Southbridge. With Bartlett holding onto a 7-6 lead, he broke
through the line to block the extra point attempt ultimately securing
a victory for the Indians. At graduation, Francis was awarded the Branch
Medal for being a "Three Letter Man," which was awarded to the
top Bartlett athlete.
Francis went on to attend the University of Alabama and graduated from
Nichols College in Dudley, MA. He continued to be active in athletics
and played semi-pro basketball with the Polish Aces.
Francis and his wife, Wanda, live in Vero Beach, Florida and they have
three children, Carolyn, John and Michael. He worked for over thirty years
for both the Town of Webster Board of Public Welfare and the State of
Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare before retiring in 1983. He
was a long-term member of both the Webster Lodge of Elks and the Webster
Knights of Columbus.
William
Puls, Class of 1940
William Puls was an outstanding two-sport athlete at Bartlett High School.
In the fall, William distinguished himself on the gridiron and, in the
spring, he excelled in the sport of baseball.
A three-year starter on the football squad, William was a big, hard charging
lineman. He was an excellent blocker. When Coach Finnegan needed tough
yardage he would call the running play to follow William's blocking. On
defense, William was a fierce tackler and was relentless in his pursuit
of the running back or quarterback. Attitude and toughness exuded from
William on every play. His spirit and desire overflowed to his teammates
and his encouraging leadership and style enabled his teams to be competitive
with anyone who stepped on the field to oppose them.
Baseball was William's top sport. He was a four-year starter at a period
in time when Bartlett baseball squads dominated Central Mass play. He
was an excellent hitter, with the capability of going long at anytime.
William was a topnotch catcher who received many accolades for his defensive
skills and his ability to communicate and direct his pitchers. When longtime
baseball coach and coaching legend, George Finnegan, named his all-time
baseball squad, William's name appears prominently on the list. William
captained the 1940 team and was also awarded the Herbert C. Branch Athletic
Medal which was awarded to Bartlett's top athlete.
William continued to play after high school. He played semi-pro locally
for several years and then for the Navy in Cuba. William was very proud
of having served his country during World War II with his Naval service.
William studied photo engraving at Effingham in Illinois and used his
education and experience while employed at the Telegram and Gazette.
William married Lorraine Gilbert and had two sons, William and Kenneth.
Rene
Langevin, Class of 1958
Former Bartlett football coach, Frank Kronoff, described Rene as "one
of the hardest working athletes" he had coached, "a kid with
soft hands and an extreme desire to achieve." Rene's athletic accomplishments,
during and after high school, truly do justice to that statement. Rene
was a two-year starter in football, basketball and baseball. On the gridiron,
he played both as a stellar offensive and defensive end, and in a number
of games, he came up with big, game-deciding catches; especially noteworthy
was the game-changing grab on Turkey Day morning in his junior year. In
basketball he played guard, excelling on defense, and, on the diamond
he patrolled the outfield for the Indians. Outside of athletics, he served
as a class officer and belonged to a number of clubs.
Rene's prowess did not stop upon receiving his Bartlett diploma. At Nichols
College, he played both on the football and lacrosse teams for four years.
In his freshman year he received the Outstanding Freshman Athlete Award;
in his senior year he captained the football squad and played a solid
center midfield for the Bisons. During the 1970s, Rene returned to his
alma mater and coached both football and lacrosse, leading both squads
to championships, and was also inducted into the Nichols College Hall
of Fame.
Rene served as Bartlett's head football coach twice, from 1981-1988 accumulating
a 51-25-3 record, and then again from 2003 until 2005. Two of Rene's teams
also won Border Conference Championships in 1984 and 1986. His teams were
always very disciplined and well-prepared. He led the Indians to two Super
Bowl appearances and had an outstanding Thanksgiving record versus Southbridge
winning nine out of eleven years.
In 2004, Rene was named as Bartlett's Athletic Director, a position he
continues to serve today. His leadership skills in heading up the Bartlett
athletic program have been noted by many, and his is considered to be
one of the top athletic directors in the Southern Worcester County League.
Rene resides in Webster with his wife, Karen. He has four children, Matthew,
Jennifer, Kara, and Ann, and six grandchildren, Justin, Spencer, Kyle,
Cameron, Sean, and Annika.
Peter
Olsta, Class of 1965
Peter Olsta was an outstanding three-sport athlete at Bartlett in the
mid-1960s.
In the fall, he was the star quarterback of the highly successful 1964
football squad. He was an excellent passer and decision maker with a complete
command of coach Don Ferrari's complex multiple offenses.
In the winter, Peter captained and played power forward for the basketball
team. His inside presence was a constant for the Indians. He was one of
the team's leading rebounders and scorers, and he was also known for his
tenacious defense.
In the spring, Peter had an opportunity to play his strongest sport -
baseball. He was a three-year starter at shortstop for the Indians and
was named captain in his senior year. He was a terrific defender with
excellent range at shortstop and was very adept at turning the double
play. On offense, he was one of the squad's top hitters on a very strong
District-bound team. His former coach and coaching legend, Ziggy Strzelecki,
described Peter as solid offensively and defensively and could be counted
on to come up with the big play.
At graduation, Peter was presented the Herbert C. Branch Medal. This award
was given to the top Bartlett athlete who epitomized hard work, dedication,
and commitment to Bartlett athletics.
Peter worked hard to achieve success at Bartlett, and he continued his
athletic career at UMass Lowell. Peter played four years of college baseball
earning him the Lester Cushing Award for his outstanding play on the diamond.
During his freshman year he batted .415, an average that put him 15th
in the nation. Peter also was invited to play in the prestigious Cape
Cod League.
Peter and his wife, Carol, reside in Ghent, NY, where he is employed as
marketing manager for Pittsfield Plastic Engineering. They have two daughters,
Lisa and Michelle.
Michael
J. Coyle, 1978
Mike Coyle was one of Bartlett High School's most versatile and well-rounded
three-sport athletes and earned ten varsity letters during his stay with
the Green and White.
In the sport of football, Mike took over the quarterback chores as a sophomore
and was an immediate impact with his strong arm and leadership skills.
It was during his junior and senior years that Mike Coyle truly spearheaded
the Jim Healy coached Indians. Mike led the Green and White to an 8-2
record as a junior filling the airways with footballs on his way to a
1,000 yard season. In his senior year, again he threw for over 1,000 yards
including 195 yards in his last Turkey Day game versus Southbridge. Over
the span of three seasons and 30 starts, Mike threw the pigskin for three
1,000 yard seasons.
Basketball season found the crafty Coyle racing up and down the hardwood
for both Don Cushing and Bob Paranto. Mike was a three-year starter at
point guard on highly successful teams, which recorded a cumulative record
of 50-16; three Clark Tourney appearances; three District Tourney appearances;
and two Border Conference Championships. Mike would end up as one of the
top playmakers and assistmen to ever play basketball for Bartlett High
as he recorded over 850 career assists including a single game record
of 21 assists. He was chosen to three league All-Star teams and two Telegram
and Gazette All-Star teams, including being selected to the prestigious
T & G Super Team, and was nominated to the McDonald's All-American
High School Basketball Team as a senior.
In the springtime, Mike staked his defensive skills to shortstop on the
Green and White baseball diamond where he was a three-year starter. His
defense had great range and he put that football quarterback arm to good
use on the diamond as well.
Michael was a three-sport captain in his senior year. At his graduation
from Bartlett, he was presented with the George Finnegan Award as the
top senior male athlete.
Michael attended Slippery Rock College in Pennsylvania where he started
at quarterback as a freshman. From 1981-86, he proudly served the Marine
Corps and graduated from Emerson College in 1990.
Michael is employed as a Sales Manager for a medical company and is married
and lives on Long Island with his wife Tammy and two daughters, Emily
and Abigail.
Gino
Manzi, Class of 1984
Attaining success in Bartlett High School athletics seemed to come easy
to Gino Manzi, Class of 1984. Although he was a member of the football
squad only in his senior year, Gino's talent was made evident through
his individual achievements and season highlights. A two-way starter for
the entire season, he scored nine touchdowns and had a record setting
eleven interceptions. He was the recipient of the Thanksgiving Day MVP
Sabatinelli Award; a Border Conference All-star; and was named to the
T & G Super Team. Two of his football highlights standout -- the game
changing touchdown punt return versus Shepherd Hill and the game saving
interception at the end of the Turkey Day Classic against Southbridge.
Gino's primary sport was basketball. He was a three-year starter who went
on to accomplish some amazing individual feats and established a number
of season and all-time Bartlett school records. During his sophomore and
junior years, he was the team's leading scorer and assist leader. In addition,
he was the team's MVP for both seasons. In 1982, Gino recorded forty-nine
straight free throws over a seven game period. In his senior year he was
elected captain and led the team both in scoring and steals. His 29.7
scoring ranked second in all of Central Mass. Gino was selected as a Border
Conference All-Star in basketball for all three years and was named as
a Division II All-Star in 1983. In 1984, the T&G named him captain
of their Super Team, and he also received recognition from USA Today as
honorable mention All-American. Gino tallied 1,328 points, thus breaking
the all-time career point total held at the time. He currently holds the
record for Bartlett's all-time highest career scoring average (29.7) and
scored more than 40 points in a game six times.
While attending Nichols College, Gino continued his stellar play averaging
22 points per game, and established a Nichols single game scoring record
of 47 points.
Gino went on to successfully coach Boys Varsity basketball at both Southbridge
and Shepherd Hill high schools winning six conference championships in
the process.
Gino has worked in the insurance industry for the past sixteen years,
and resides in Dudley with his wife Melissa and two daughters, Kayla (15)
and Talia (11).
Tara
Canty Bennett, Class of 1988
Tara Canty Bennett, Class of 1988, truly made a mark on the world of Bartlett
athletics.
Tara was a member of the girls' soccer team her sophomore and junior years,
and was named captain her final year. She attained the honor of being
named Border Conference All-Star, along with Telegram & Gazette All-Star.
Tara was a midfield/striker who currently holds the girls' record for
scoring in soccer -- accomplishing an impressive 31 goals in one season.
Tara was an outstanding guard in basketball and had the ability to shoot,
pass, and play great defense. Tara proved to be no less extraordinary
playing all throughout high school, and captained her teams during her
junior and senior years. She earned the title of Border Conference All-Star
and Most Valuable Player (two years in a row).
Tara was also named Border Conference All-Star and Telegram & Gazette
All-Star for softball, in which she participated throughout her high school
career. Upon graduation in 1988, she received the Sigmond S. Strzelecki
Athletic Award as the top female athlete. Off the court or field, Tara
was a member of the student council in her junior and senior years and
took part in the Who's Who program.
Beyond Bartlett, Tara attended Eastern Connecticut State University, where
in 1992 she earned a Physical Education degree.
Besides possessing extreme talent herself, Tara has chosen to spread her
talents to others. Central Massachusetts awarded her the honor of being
coach of the year in soccer. In 1999 and 2000 she took her Oxford High
School team to districts where they were the runner-up -- and she did
the same for her softball team in 2007.
Tara has spent 15 years coordinating the Jump Rope for Heart program and
is a Worcester County Food Bank Harvester Award winner. She is also a
six-time tri-athlete.
Tara currently resides in New Braintree, MA with her husband, Michael,
and is a physical education teacher for the Town of Oxford.
Marc
Arcieri, Class of 1989
Marc Arcieri made an impact in the sports of football, basketball
and track during his career at Bartlett High School graduating in 1989.
Marc played three years for the varsity football team playing middle linebacker,
guard and tight end. Using his strength, size and athleticism, Marc helped
guide the Indians to seven wins and a thrilling 9-6 victory over Southbridge
on Thanksgiving Day his senior year.
In basketball, Marc was known for his excellent hustle on defense, and
was also one of the team's top rebounders. He was described as being "tough
and athletic" by his former coach Don Cushing.
However, it was on the track that Marc really showed his athletic abilities.
He was a member of the track team for six years. In his junior year, the
team had a record of 9 and 4. Marc was entered in 36 events; he finished
first in 20 of them for a winning percentage of 55. He competed in the
long jump, 100, 200 and in the javelin he was undefeated.
His senior year was nothing short of remarkable. The team went 12-1. Marc
competed in the long jump, high jump, 100, 200 and 400 meter relay. Marc
competed in 51 events his senior year, finishing first in 49 of them for
a 96% winning percentage. Thirteen times he finished first in the long
jump, 200 meters, and in his specialty, the javelin. He set the school
record of 177' 3" in the javelin, a mark that still exists today.
He also finished first in the 4 events he was entered in at the League
meet. He placed third in the javelin at the District State Qualifying
Meet and placed 15th in the State. During his last two years of high school,
Marc was entered in 86 track and field events; he placed first in 69 of
them for an 80.2% winning percentage.
Marc works in the steel industry and currently resides in Rhode Island
with his wife Patricia and their son Oliver.
Karen
Bergstrom, Class of 1992
Karen Bergstrom proved herself to be a highly regarded member of the Bartlett
athletic program, making her mark in the varsity sports of soccer, basketball
and softball during her six years at Bartlett High Junior/Senior High
School.
Earning a position on the varsity soccer team in the eighth grade, Karen
went on to become a Worcester Telegram & Gazette, as well as Border
Conference, All-Star for the next four years. She very well would have
made those same all-star teams for a fifth year, however, she suffered
a soccer career ending knee injury at the start of her senior year.
In soccer, she was a tremendous talent. She was an outstanding scorer
on the forward line and was moved to defense on many occasions to bolster
that phase of the game as needed.
When it came to basketball, perhaps her strongest sport, Karen did not
hesitate to make an everlasting impact. She began her varsity basketball
experience in the seventh grade. Throughout her next six years, Karen
was a Worcester Telegram & Gazette All-Star three years and was a
Border Conference on four occasions. She was an outstanding point guard
and passer and was very exciting with her ball handling and dribbling
skills. In addition, she was a scoring machine from all angles of the
floor.
She recorded her 1,000th pont in her career as a junior and concluded
her career with 1,616 points and became the leading scorer in the history
of Bartlett basketball.
Karen was also a significant member of the varsity softball team for three
years. Karen was one of the team's leading hitters as well as performing
as a standout catcher with a strong throwing arm.
Upon graduation, Karen had earned thirteen varsity letters.
Karen faced many obstacles and challenges, whether it was on the soccer
pitch, court, diamond, etc. However, ultimately, she overcame those roadblocks
and went on to make her family and friends extremely proud.
Colleen
Nasis, Class of 1993
Colleen Nasis, a 1993 Bartlett graduate, played three sports for the Indians.
She was a tenacious and dedicated member of the soccer, basketball, and
softball teams.
Colleen was a four-year defensive starter for the girls' soccer team and
was known for her toughness and constant hustle. In her senior year, she
was named captain and was also named a Border Conference All-Star.
Colleen continued through the winters as a member of the varsity basketball
team for three years, playing both point and shooting guard. On defense,
she was a tenacious defender. In her senior year, she was named one of
the tri-captains.
Once spring rolled around, Colleen would dust off her glove and gear and
head out to the softball diamond. She was a four-year starter for Coach
Jack Joyce, playing both outfield and catcher. Colleen was a captain her
senior year and was awarded the Unsung Hero Award for both her sophomore
and senior years, three Border Conference All-Star awards and earned the
BHS Sportsmanship Award. Particularly noteworthy was the fact that she
only committed one error over the year period.
Colleen attended Nichols College where she continued to play soccer and
softball for the Bison. She was named to the Northeast Women's Athletic
Conference Athletic All-Star team her freshman year and was a three time
member of the Commonwealth Coast Conference All-Star team. In softball,
she made the CCC All-Star team for three years as well, and was recognized
with the Nichols College Outstanding Junior Athlete Award.
After graduating, Colleen moved on to coach the soccer and softball teams
at Nichols College. She now resides in Dudley and is a teacher and varsity
softball coach for the Green and White of Bartlett High School.
Kelly
Neff, Class of 1997
Kelly Neff, Class of 1997, was a true three-sport star in her years at
Bartlett High School. She earned an impressive twelve varsity letters
during her time. She took part in soccer, basketball, and track and field,
and became a reliable athletic leader throughout her high school years.
She was a member of the Lady Indian's soccer team and basketball team
when she was still in junior high. She was named captain of both teams
during her senior year. In soccer, she was an outstanding stopper who
played a major role in propelling the Lady Indians into the State finals.
Kelly was also named soccer Border Conference All-Star. In her sophomore
year, Kelly joined the track and field team and was their captain in her
junior and senior years.
Kelly's greatest accomplishments took place on the basketball court where
1,000 seemed to be her magic number. Kelly became a 1,000-point scorer
and was responsible for over 1,000 rebounds by the end of her basketball
career at Bartlett High. Kelly's team captured the District title two
years in a row and competed in the State Tournament as well. She is a
member of the 1994-95 Girls' Basketball Team, which is also being inducted
with this year's Hall of Fame class. Her achievements were not limited
to the court or field, but to the classroom as well. In addition, she
was a member of the National Honor Society during her senior year.
At Assumption College, Kelly continued to play basketball throughout her
four years there. She was a four-year varsity player for the Greyhounds
and was named the most coachable student-athlete during her sophomore
year.
Kelly is now an account executive for the Staples Corporation and lives
in Millis with her family.
Paul
Lango, Coach
Paul Lango was a coach at Bartlett for 34 years. He coached the cross
country, track and golf teams where he compiled an outstanding record
of 410 wins. His knowledge, ability and style enabled him to be an influential
coach and teacher who impacted thousands of lives.
He was the 200 meter and long jump champion at Bridgewater State College.
Coach Lango began coaching the Indians in 1973. The cross country team
began a run of victories for Paul that today seem untouchable. Paul and
his teams had 254 victories and, in 1979 and 1992, his teams were undefeated.
In 1980, Paul took over the Bartlett track team and continued with his
winning ways and attitude. He turned average athletes into great ones.
Many young men achieved personal successes and accomplishments because
of Coach Lango's contribution to the sport. Paul guided the track team
to 149 wins in the 27 years, including four undefeated seasons and two
District Class Meet Championships.
Paul's hard work and dedication to his teams and the BHS athletic family
has been remarkable. The amount of success he has attained is coveted
and may never be duplicated.
Paul taught students and athletes numerous life lessons. The enthusiasm
and support that he put into each meet and season encouraged other coaches
around him to be better and was no doubt a factor in his completion of
two Boston Marathons. Paul's coaching technique and style can never be
duplicated. What each athlete has taken from Paul is a sense of pride
and a great deal of honor. The legacy he has left at Bartlett will be
unmatched.
Paul retired from Bartlett in 2007 and is now teaching and coaching at
Marianapolis Prep in Connecticut.
John
Katori, Class of 1949, Contributor
John Katori seems to have changed each community in which he has been
a member. His dedication and commitment to the local, educational, and
athletic communities are unparalleled. A 1949 graduate of Bartlett High
School, John's roots and loyalty have been expressed through his contributions
spanning almost sixty years.
In high school, John played football, basketball and baseball. His success
may not have been put up in stats or numbers, but was equally as valuable
and evident with being awarded the American Legion Good Citizen Award
in 1949.
Upon graduation, John enlisted in the US Army where he enjoyed success
on both their basketball and baseball teams. In 1955, John found himself
earning his first of many degrees from Nichols College in Dudley. In 1958,
the professional contributions to his local community began. For over
thirty years, he served on the Nichols College Hall of Fame Committee
and is responsible for championing and ultimately beginning the Bartlett
Athletic Hall of Fame. John saw an overdue need for Bartlett athletes
to be recognized and celebrated for their athletic contributions. Due
to John's extensive legwork and thorough research, past and future Indian
athletes can be honored and remembered.
John Katori was a professor emeritus and coach at Nichols College for
over forty years. He served on various committees, began numerous successful
organizations, and gave his time, effort, and support to his community
for over sixty years. He has impacted thousands and will continue to do
so. His contribution to BHS is unmatched and his spirit and pride seems
to be in those current Indian teams who wear the Green and White.
John retired from Nichols a few years ago and lives in Charlton with his
wife Barbara. They have two children Kevin (36) and Kristina (31).
1994-1995 Girls Varsity Basketball
Team
Bartlett High School Girls Basketball has a very proud tradition, which
was redefined by the 1994-1995 Girls Basketball Team. It is general consensus,
especially among the fans, that the 1994-1995 team was the best ever.
The Indians were 16-1 in the regular season, capturing the Border Conference
title for two consecutive years, winning their second consecutive District
Championship and finishing the year with an overall record of 20-2, losing
in the State Championship game.
The team was composed of outstanding student-athletes who were not only
teammates but also friends. These girls were tough! Their defense was
suffocating! Coach Tony Paranto, a 2006 BHS Hall of Fame member, was quoted,
"we will run and hopefully take 90 shots a game." The 1994-1995
team averaged 72 points per game while holding their opponents to an average
of 42 points per game. The team's average margin of victory was 30 points.
The 1994-1995 Lady Indians were led by senior tri-captains Courtney Halloran,
Jennifer Chauvin and Sara Hilton along with the sophomore trio of Kathy
Neff, Kelly Neff and Abby Charbonneau.
Besides averaging 72 points a game, this team was also known for it's
stifling defense, running, and outright hustle all over the floor. Every
loose ball seemed to be theirs! The defensive pressure exerted by the
'94-'95 team was relentless and led by Amy Ostrowski, Danielle Cabral,
Mara Lounsbury, Laurel Downey, Lisa Surozenski, Lisa Melendez and Maurissa
McGeary. Pulling down rebounds for the Indian squad were specialists Shelby
Saad and Erin Halloran. Making sure that the girls received everything
they needed from ice to tape was Trainer/Manager Christine Martin.
Assistant coaches Dick Chauvin and John Daniel gave the girls the knowledge,
basics and introduction that helped Coach Paranto pull their tenacious
attitudes out of them and throw it on the court. Coach Paranto could substitute
at will and this team could just keep running!
The team's overall record from the 1993-1994 and 1994-1995 seasons is
an astonishing 40 wins and 5 losses. The entire community felt the electricity
that they brought to each practice and game. Their accomplishments are
deserving of Hall of Fame recognition!
2008 Sports Hall of Fame Committee
John Mrazik, Chairman
Don Cushing, Past Chairman
Kathleen Lipski, Secretary
Rene Langevin, Treasurer
Philip A. Charbonneau
Jack Joyce
Paul Lango
Mike Majewski
Gerry Nadeau
Chris Nasis
Colleen Nasis
Anthony Paranto
Bob Pepka
Kristy Fisher (program assistance)
The athletic department seeks the input of all graduates
of Bartlett High School to ensure that the Hall of Fame, established in
2001 by a vote of the Webster School Committee, is successful.
Requirements for selection to the Hall of Fame include:
1. Individual athletes must be a graduate of Bartlett High School.
2. Eligibility is based upon recipients having graduated a minimum of
seven years before receiving the award.
3. Anyone who has made an outstanding contribution to Bartlett High School
athletics in any capacity, shall be eligible.
4. Eligibility shall not be based primarily on the athletic prowess of
the individual in a varsity sport.
5. Selection shall be made on the basis of playing ability, integrity,
sportsmanship, character, and the athlete's contribution to the team or
teams on which he or she played, and to Bartlett High School in general.
6. Selection shall not be made on one athletic event or one spectacular
play.
7. Selection shall not be made on the basis of sentiment or popularity
in order to protect the validity and exclusiveness of the Hall of Fame.
Contact the Bartlett High School Athletic Director (52 Lake Parkway, Webster,
MA 01570; 508-943-8552) with information pertaining to the candidacy of
an individual, or individuals, for future consideration for the Bartlett
High School Sports Hall of Fame.
