The Staples High School boys soccer team wrote their name into the program’s storied 67-year history book yesterday.
The Wreckers’ convincing 3-0 victory over Greenwich marks their 13th state championship since 1965. They became only the 7th Staples team to win the coveted double: state and FCIAC (league) crowns.
Gabe Duque knocked in Gabe Hellmann’s corner kick in the 15th minute. Dylan Shackelford’s header finished Adriano Carpi’s long free kick 15 minutes later. Adrian Rossoni added the third strike in the second half, from Noah Rossoni.
The win was accomplished with the trademarks coach Liam Witham’s squad has shown all year: great skill on the ball, a variety of offensive threats, airtight defense, high soccer IQ, speed, physicality, tremendous energy, passion and pride.
Congratulations to Westport’s newest champions! They’ve made generations of alumni proud, and inspired new generations of young fans.
The 2025 “LL” (extra large schools) state champs.
Head coach Liam Witham (right) with the trophy. (Photos/John Walker)
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And speaking of state soccer champions: George Barrett (who won those titles at Staples in 1971 and ’72), Brian Keane and a kick-ass band wowed a full Westport Library crowd yesterday.
The Staples High School Class of 1973 and ’71 graduates (respectively) have intriguing musical careers. Barrett has returned to performing and songwriting — his first love — after a long stint as a healthcare executive. Keane is a Grammy-winning producer.
Barrett shared tunes from his recently released album, along with creative covers of popular tunes. His homecoming was a rousing success.
They were joined by — among others — Barrett’s brother Dan, a classically trained cellist, and angel-voiced Sarah Gross.
They played for over 2 hours, following a Q-and-A with longtime music theater director Ben Frimmer.
Barrett — who performed at the Bitter End prior to his Library appearance — and Keane donated all proceeds to the Westport Library. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)
George Barrett (center), Brian Keane (left) and bandmates, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Brian Claar is perhaps the greatest golfer in Staples High School history.
The 1976 graduate earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 1986. In 2006, he became a PGA Tour Champion rules official. He retired last week.
The tour’s social media feeds were filled with praise. “The definition of integrity and organization,” one commenter wrote.
“One true gentleman,” another said. “The tour won’t be the same without you.”
Congratulations, Brian, on your service to your sport — and on your retirement.
Now you’ll have plenty of time to play golf! (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)
Brian Claar
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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys and girls swimming and diving teams have a new scoreboard.
They say: “We are grateful to the Board of Education, superintendent of schools Tom Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, Westport Publici Schools CFO Elio Longo and director of facilities Ted Hunyadi, and girls swim captain’s parent Jodi Harris for their leadership in securing funding.
“This upgrade will greatly improve the quality and reliability of our meets, and it means a great deal to our athletes and coaches. We appreciate your commitment to our program, and your support for our swimmers and community.”
A message on the new scoreboard.
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Sustainable Westport is all about the environment. As part of their work, they advocate for, educate about, and promote recycling.
In all its forms.
This weekend, in conjunction with the Senior Center, they collected medical equipment. It will be passed on to the Wheel It Forward program.
For 2 hours, donors dropped off wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, commodes and more, at the Westport Woman’s Club.
It was used — but still quite usable.
And — in these days of soaring medical expenses — very, very welcome.
A small selection of donated used medical equipment.
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Christian Rinaldi — the Westport teenager who runs CK Mobile Car Detailings, offering superb, attentive and very professional services (washing, polishing exteriors, scrubbing interiors, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, and more) — has earned raves from customers.
Now he’s offering 25% off, for “06880” readers.
Email ckcardetailings@gmail.com, or text 203-725-4695 — and just mention “06880.”(Click here for the CK Mobile Car Detailings website. Click here for a story on Christian and his business.)
Christian Rinaldi (right) and Kyle Dulak, making another car shine.
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Speaking of cars: Rowene Weems spotted this car at the Post Road West/Wilton Road intersection — and managed to get a great photo of it.
(Photo/Rowene Weems)
I’m not sure if the owner will take care of Christian Rinaldi’s mobile detailing offer (item above).
But if he does, Christian will make it look even spiffier than this.
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Yesterday — for the second time in a week — we enjoyed a rainbow over Westport, without rain.
Michael Mossman spotted this one,
(Photo/Michael Mossman
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We’ve featured plenty of trees, filled with autumn foliage, as recent “Westport … Naturally” photos.
This one zooms in on just a couple of them. John Maloney’s shot shows that New England leaves are as pretty up close, as they are in a panorama.
(Photo/John Maloney)
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And finally … with a nod and a bow to the Staples boys soccer team’s powerful win (story above):
(Another glorious weekend in Westport. As always, you can read all about it — and everything else — here on “06880.” If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
I can’t resist sharing the reality I experienced, along with many, many others, of losing to Brian Claar in the Longshore Men’s Golf Championship. No, it was not in the finals, but at least we got to the 16th hole. I used to watch Brian practicing, shot after shot, all the same, practically perfect.
Don, that is still pretty darn impressive. Good for you!! I watched Brian play a lot of golf, both locally and on the PGA Tour..Happy retirement Brian…..
Sunday with George and Friends
On a blustery Sunday afternoon, the community room of the library was filled with the warm music of George Barrett and friends. His rich soothing voice and musicality was enriched by the fabulous band and added singers he graciously introduced and gave opportunities to shine.
Before the concert there was a short interview with George, Brian Keane and moderator Ben Frimmer where some pretty noteworthy things were mentioned . When asked how Staples impacted his life, George mentioned how he never had to make a choice between sports and music; he was allowed and encouraged to do both perhaps not the case in today’s specialized world. As a three sport athlete he was still able to be a part of the rich music program offered at Staples
He also mentioned how while at Brown, playing soccer a devastating injury ended his playing career. But he was appreciative of the care and concern of his professors who understood his difficulty in not being able to play anymore but encouraged him to pursue his musical talents. That of course had a profound effect on his life as one door closed and another opened.
I was attracted to attend this event not only because of a love of music but also as a former high school soccer referee I had remembered George as a player, captain and gentleman on the field. Some players actions stick with you over all these years so this made this incredible afternoon all the more pleasing.
We are so blessed to have a library with such fabulous acoustics and video possibilities and to have Sunday with George and so many presentations in our town is just the best. They say you should retire in a place where culture is close to your world.
We certainly have it here in this sweet town. Lucky us!
I faithfylly read your virtual newspaper. I wish there were less picture posts and more stories of events like this week. Congratulation to the Soccer Team and their very qualified Coach; and to you for featuring their historic win and pictures. Annick