Kris Hrisovulos has quite a resumé as Staples High School boys tennis coach.
In 14 years at the helm, he has won 8 state championships and 5 FCIAC titles.
He was a 2022 finalist for National High School Tennis Coach of the year; the ’22 State Coach of the Year, and ’19 Sportsman of the Year. The winningest coach in Wreckers’ boys tennis history, he is also a Staples High School grad. As a member of the Class of 1999, Hrisovulos starred in both tennis and soccer.
He is respected and admired by generations of players and parents. Now, however, he is fighting a decision by the school to not rehire him.
According to a GoFundMe page for donations to his legal representation, he is also battling to “clear his name from unjust accusations” that led to the administrative decisin.
“The legal expenses to defend himself already amount to almost four times the stipend volunteer coaches like Kris get at the school for their priceless contribution to the community,” the GoFundMe page says.
It adds: “The school has failed to provide any details — including the results of a thorough investigation, or if one ever took place — and it is therefore unclear what information is public and can be shared at this point.
“What we do know is the strength of Coach Kris’ character, professionalism, and love for tennis education …. (T)he outpouring of support from players, parents, and residents speaks volumes about his record, his character and contributions to the Westport community.”
Athletic director VJ Sarullo declined an “06880” request for comment.
Staples boys tennis coach Kris Hrisovulos.
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Christmas is about as traditional as a holiday gets.
But every family’s tradition is different.
Some celebrate ham; some with the Feast of the 7 Fishes, or food from other lands.
Some entertain in a special manner. Others head off to a special spot.
Some open gifts in a certain way. Some open them not on Christmas morning.
Does your family have a Christmas tradition? “06880” wants to know. Email 06880blog@gmail.com. And if you’ve got photos — send them along too!
One tradition: serving Christmas dinner to Homes with Hope clients.
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Speaking of which: The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport invites everyone to a special meditative service in their Lyons Plains Road sanctuary this Friday (December 20, 7 to 8 p.m).
It is “a quiet, reflective time for those of us who need such space in the midst of so much activity.”
The UU church adds: “This time of year, with so many holidays and celebrations, can bring joy and excitement to many. At the same time, it can also bring up memories of friends and family who are gone; of the challenges in our lives we are facing; and of the long nights that bring on the winter blues. This time to come together will help to dispel these blues and bring light into our lives.”
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation also invites residents to the Christmas Eve service (December 24, 9 p.m.).
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Speaking yet again of Christmas: Chabad Lubavitch of Westport is hosting a “Chinese Chanukah Party” at 5:30 p.m. that day.
There’s a good reason for the date: It’s also the first night of Chanukah.
The event includes a menorah lighting, fire show, latkes and donuts — and of course (because this is Christmas) Chinese food. Click here for more information.
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Speaking still of the holidays: Westport’s winter fundraising drive — to send children from our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine to a camp in the mountains, a respite from a third winter of war — continues slowly.
Our goal of $56,000 would enable 200 boys and girls to enjoy time together, with teachers and therapists, at Karabin. The sports, crafts, games and movies — along with schoolwork — takes place in a setting far removed from their hometown, a few miles from the Russian front.
Right now, Lyman’s youngster have been evacuated. The therapeutic camp is a chance to enjoy normalcy, with friends and trusted adults.
It costs about $280 to send one child to Karabin, for 10 days.
How about it, Westport? Can we raise $56,000, to ensure that 200 kids in our sister city enjoy time away from the terrors of the past 3 years?
Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”
Students from Weston’s sister city of Siversk, at the Karabin camp. Westport is raising funds for children from Lyman, our sister city.
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Penfield Collective has closed its Sconset Square store.
The “highly edited collection of must-have apparel and accessories” opened in early 2023.
Penfield Collective is now closed. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meeting set for this Thursday (December 19) has been canceled.
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Jazz at the Post ends the year with a bang!
Guitarist Paul Bollenback headlines this Thursday’s shows (December 19, 7:30 and 8:45 p..; dinner from 7; VFW Post 399; tickets $20, veterans and students $15).
He’ll be joined by bassist Bill Moring, drummer Rudy Royston and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from behind the Senior Center. This sight never gets old:
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … on this date in 1903, the Wright brothers made the first controlled powered, heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
(As noted above, every family has its own holiday tradition. Here’s one all can embrace: a year-end gift in support of “06880.” Please click here to start it off. Thank you!)
Thanks for sharing about Kris, Dan!
Kris was a great coach — he deserves better.
Having been a part of this community since 1989 and played and coached in the Staples Sports system since 1991, there is a big problem here. One which I recently experienced first hand. Coaches with Kris’s resume are once in a generation (if that), tossing him aside because of the story I have heard should frighten every parent in this town who looks forward to their children having a positive sports and educational experience within this school system. I have contributed to Kris’s fund and I encourage everyone I know to do the same.
Dan – is there anyplace we can find out more about the Kris situation? This case sounds peculiar at best, egregious at worst, but is incomplete at present — the gofundme page cites “unjust accusations” but doesn’t say what those accusations are. It’s unfair to both positions to pass judgement without knowing what the facts, or accusations, are. More information please!
What the ?!?! We need even a general explanation!
This is a pretty forgiving town!
As someone who has supported Kris and the Staples Boys Tennis program for nearly 15 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand his care for his players and his tireless efforts to build a strong program. I admire his dedication so much that I’ve continued to help maintain the team website long after leaving Westport. Kris has been a cornerstone of this program, and not bringing him back would be a significant loss for the players and the broader community.
Billy Murray and Ada Jones did the recording of “one Josephine…” Billy Murray was the best selling singer of the acoustic era, where singers had to belt their voice into a horn rather than use a microphone. He also popularised singing in a lighter tone than was then commonly used. He was involved in the founding of the Jones Beach theater and died there of a heart attack while attending a Guy Lombardo performance in 1954.
Ada Jones’s born in Britain, coming to America at a young age. She and Murray were one of the first male-female duos. She died at relatively young age.
Gustave Whitehead is rolling over in his grave!
Absent a word or two about actual accusations against Kris, I fail to see how the “Go Fund Me” can garner enough to help much.
If I had to guess the most popular occupational choice of the typical Staples grad over the past 50 years or so, tort attorney would be right up there with venture capitalist. Perhaps there’s a pro bono opportunity for the right Staples grad to “give back.”