When Staples High School head football coach Adam Behrends resigned this winter, he took a position far away: on the staff at the University of New Mexico.
Athletic director VJ Sarullo did not look far for his replacement.
Matty Jacowleff — announced as the Wreckers’ new head coach this afternoon — was already on staff.
He’s been an assistant football coach since 2019. He’s also an assistant lacrosse coach — and a special education teacher at the school.
Jacowleff is also a 2015 Staples graduate. He captained the 2014 football squad.
At 27, he is the youngest head football coach in Wrecker history.
Matty Jacowleff (Photo courtesy of Staples Football)
Jacowleff earned a BS degree in business administration from Northeastern University, and an MA in secondary education from Fairfield University.
He joined the Staples football coaching staff right after college. He has served as associate head coach, offensive coordinator, wide receiver and defensive backs coach, and head junior varsity coach.
Sarullo says, “Coach Jacowleff brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and unmatched passion to this new role.
“As a lifelong Wrecker, Coach Matty exhibits great pride for the community, school, program and student-athletes.
“Throughout the interview process, Coach Matty communicated a clear vision for the future of the program, ensuring continued success both on and off the field.”
The Planning & Zoning Commission discussed 2 big items last night: lights on athletic fields, and the first step in the Longshore renovation project.
They deferred a decision on a text amendment that would add lights to more town fields. Much of the discussion centered, however, not on the effect of the lights themselves, but on noise that might accompany expanded practices and games.
A decision could come at the next P&Z meeting (Monday, February 10).
The board voted 4-3 to issue a negative report on an 8-24 (municipal land use change) request to relocate the equipment shed (currently located between the golf course and tennis courts, on the exit road).
The new complex would include 2 structures, with parking, in the middle of the Longshore golf course. It would encompass 35,000 square feet, with no building larger than 10,000 square feet or higher than 1 story.
P&Z commissioners acknowledged the need for a new facility. They questioned the proposed location in a flood zone; its impact on open space and the golf course, and some procedural questions regarding the proposal.
The negative 8-24 report can be appealed to the Representative Town Meeting, which could overturn it by a supermajority.
Alternatively, town officials could propose a new location for the maintenance facility.
Paul Lane Field is the only lighted field at Staples High School. The adjacent baseball, soccer and field hockey/girls lacrosse fields do not have lights. (Photo/Robin Wolfe-Scheffler)
If Saturday’s sneak preview is any indication, it’s a game-changer for Westport’s entertainment scene.
The 5 simulator bays — featuring golf, with 30 sports in all — are versatile, interactive, and tons of fun.
The 2 dart bays are state-of-the-art. Think soccer’s VAR technology, with feathers.
There’s a cool karaoke room, and another with a University of Michigan theme. (Guess where the owners, Emily and Tim Zobl, went to school.)
The large bar and dining area serves excellent pub food and cocktails. The 22-foot video wall there can show just about anything, in a variety of ways. (The simulator bays can be reserved for viewing big games too.)
Sunday’s Super Bowl is already nearly fully booked. A couple of tables and bar stools can still be reserved. (Call 203-292-3169 or email connect@theclubhousewestport.com.)
Bookings are already strong for corporate events, parties and bar and bat mitzvahs.
Oh, yeah: The rooftop opens in April.
Fore!
Staples High School junior Will Briggs drives, at The Clubhouse. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of sports: “06880” reported yesterday that Adam Behrends has stepped down after 6 years as Staples’ head football coach. He’ll be taking a position at the University of New Mexico.
Last night, the state champion-winning coach described his new role as “offensive analyst with quarterbacks and wide receivers.”
He’ll be joining a new staff that includes Luke Schleusner, who was Behrends’ coach at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Schleusner will be New Mexico’s offensive coordinator.
We’re less than 3 months away from renovation of the Compo Beach Playground.
To prepare, the playground will close March 1. It will reopen at the end of May.
A “community build” April 21-26 will include new accessible equipment for children of all abilities; widened walkways; safer surfacing around the swings, and replacement of the weathered fence.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department and the Compo Beach Playground Committee seek volunteers for Build Week.
They also seek donations, to purchase new pickets ($500), replacement pickets ($250).
As you chow down at a Super Bowl party: Remember those who can’t.
This Saturday (February 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stop & Shop), the Westport Police Department and Sunrise Rotary Club host a food drive.
All donations with support the Homes with Hope and Westport Department of Human Services food pantries.
Police officers and volunteers will accept non-perishable food items and cash donations.
Suggested items include breakfast bars, baking goods, BBQ sauce, macaroni & cheese, canned vegetables and fruit, coffee, canned meats, canned stew, noodles, cereals, gluten-free foods, granola and protein bars, grated Parmesan cheese, hamburger and tuna helper, hearty soups, instant mashed potatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, oatmeal, cooking oil, pancake mix and syrup, pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, rice, spices, salad dressing, shelf-stable milk, and snacks. (No glass jars.)
Suggested personal care and household items include
body wash, Clorox wipes, deodorant, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, razors, shampoo and oothpaste.
To volunteer, or offer a large pickup, call Anna Rycenga at 203-763-9656.
Last November, Alan Bartus was a last-minute pianist substitute, for Jazz at the Post.
He sight-read the music, and blew everyone away.
Jazz at the Post founder Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” saw Bartus in a duo concert with Dave Brubeck’s long time saxophonist (and Wall’s early mentor) Jerry Bergonzi at the Dave Brubeck Room of the Wilton Library.
The audience — including Brubeck’s son Chris — was floored. Bartus’ compositions were “sophisticated, emotional, and quite worthy of sharing the program with the venue’s namesake,” Wall says.
This Thursday (February 6, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service begins at 7; VFW Post 399), Bartus takes center stage at Jazz at the Post.
Along with Wall, bassist Raul Reyes Bueno, trumpeter Michael Cruse and drummer Antonio Cerfeda, he’ll play his own music, and Brubeck’s.
Tickets for the 7:30 show are $20; $15. All tickets for the late show are $10. Click here to purchase, and for moreo information.
And finally … on this date in 1846, the first Mormon pioneers left Nauvoo, Illinois, on their way to the Salt Lake Valley.
(Whether it’s a new Clubhouse, an annual food drive, or a weekly jazz concert, “06880” is where you read about it all. But we can’t do it without readers’ help. Please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Adam Behrends — the inspirational head coach who took a moribund Staples High School football program to a state championship in just 5 years — is leaving Westport.
Behrends told his players earlier this afternoon that he has accepted a college assistant coaching position.
In 6 years, the Iowa native — who came to North Avenue following 9 years at IMG in Florida, where he helped launch the football program — compiled a 40-16 record. In 2023, the Wreckers captured the “LL” (extra large schools) state championship.
Adam Behrends
Athletic director VJ Sarullo says, “Even more impressive than the on-field results were the lessons and values that Coach Behrends taught to all that participated in the football program. These will stay with our student-athletes long after their time here has concluded.”
Sarullo adds, “As good a football coach as he is, he’s an even better person. I’ll miss him, but I know this is a great opportunity for him.”
A search committee will be formed, to find Behrends’ successor.
Head coach Adam Behrends (far left), with players and coaches after the 2023 state championship win.
Posted onMarch 18, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: March Madness, Irish Dancing, BMS Science Olympiad …
March Madness begins tomorrow.
There are many ways to follow the action.
One of the best is with Dave Briggs.
The veteran sports broadcaster — and longtime Westporter — hosts “Fast Break” for Turner Sports.
It’s essentially Red Zone for the NCAA tournament, with live game action, analysis, post-game reaction and social media moments.
Briggs’ co-hosts are Kentucky and Wake Forest legends Tony Delk and Randolph Childress, and former Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner.
The show is available at MarchMadness.com, and the “March Madness Live” app.
An hour-long pre-game show — “Max Bracket Breakdown” will be streamed via HBO Max from 11 a.m. to noon EDT Thursday and Friday, and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
So who does Briggs like to win it all?
The University of Connecticut.
And he’s not just saying that out of home state pride.
“Like most people, I believe UConn is the best team in the country,” he says.
Clients at Homes with Hope’s food pantry got a special St. Patrick’s Day meal yesterday: corned beef, cabbage, and green cupcakes.
Then they enjoyed an extra-special treat: a performance from the Lenihan School of Irish Dance.
Five young dancers wowed the crowd with their talent, agility and energy. (And it was on the Gillespie Center floor — not an easy place to kick up your heels.)
Emma Rogers of Christ & Holy Trinity Church — who studied voice at Carnegie Mellon University — followed, with a stirring rendition of favorites like “Danny Boy.”
Church members — including Rev. Dylan Mello — helped serve and clean up.
It was a special day for the clients, and CEO Helen McAlinden: She’s a native of Ireland.
And her daughter was an Irish dance champion, back in the day and back in the old country.
Lenihan School of Dance performers. (Photo/Helen McAlinden)
Irish dancers Homes with Hope volunteers, staff and clients; CEO Helen McAlinden (yellow scarf) and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (green sweater), outside the Gillespie Center. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of champions (though off the playing field): Bedford Middle School students earned first place — and individual medals galore too — in Saturday’s Science Olympiad state competition in Coventry.
Dr. Daniel Cortright led 28 students, in 25 events.
BMS will now represent Connecticut at the national Science Olympiad competition at Michigan State University, May 24-25.
It’s familiar territory. BMS has been Connecticut’s state champ every year since 2018. They’ve been to national tournaments around the country. The team travels to competitions throughout the Northeast during the school year.
They’ll announce fundraising plans soon, to help with the costs of travel for the coaches, and subsidize team expenses.
Congratulations, BMS!
Bedford Middle School Science Olympiad team: state champs!
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Speaking (again of) sports: Congratulations to Caleb Smith and Adam Behrends.
They are the Walter Camp Football Foundation state Player and Coach of the Year, respectively. The duo — who helped Staples High School win the LL state championship in December — were honored Saturday, in New Haven.
Smith and Behrends earned the same honors earlier, from the New Haven Register.
Smith — who just ended his basketball season, and is getting ready for lacrosse — will continue his football career at the University of Connecticut. Next up is UConn, as a preferred walk-on player.
Adam Behrends and Caleb Smith, at the Walter Camp Foundation breakfast. (Photo/Dave Stewart for Hearst Connecticut Media)
Speaking (still) of sports: Congratulations too to the Staples boys lacrosse team.
The defending state champion Wreckers are ranked #1 in the nation, in Inside Lacrosse’s pre-season public schools poll. That puts them ahead of powerhouses like New York’s Manhasset and Garden City High Schools — and archrival and fellow FCIAC foe Darien.
Inside Lacrosse rates Staples #18 nationally in the poll that includes both public and private schools.
Click here for the public school-only story. Click here for the public and private school story.
The first game is April 4, vs. Archbishop Stepinac High School of White Plains (5:30 p.m., Paul Lane Field).
The 2023 state champion Staples boys lacrosse team. (Photo collage/Jada Mirabelle for CIAC Sports)
Speaking of (it doesn’t end) sports: The 15th annual “Kicking + Screening” festival was held in New York.
But plenty of Westporters were involved in the event, which featured 11 film features and shorts, plus panels, special guests and more.
The venue was Football Cafe, the Lower East Side “soccer cultural center” founded by Kyle Martino.
He’s the 1999 Staples graduate — and former Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team player and NBC Sports Premier League broadcaster. Kyle is now a soccer analyst with Warner Brothers Discovery Sports.
“Kicking + Screening” was co-founded by Rachel Markus, a Westport resident. Since 2009, she’s grown it into a huge event, with films and speakers from around the world.
She and co-founder Greg Lalas have hosted festivals in London, Liverpool, Rio de Janeiro, Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi, Kerala (India).
Several Westporters were at the very cool Football Cafe space, including Greg Guido and Julie Blume, and others who read about the event on “06880” and wanted to see the films, and Westport’s most famous soccer star.
From left: Kyle Martino, Julie Blume, Rachel Markus and Greg Guido, at Football Cafe.
Yesterday’s “Roundup” said that the Staples Tuition Grants Fun Run is for youngsters in grades 3 through 5.
In fact, it’s for kids ages 3 through grade 5.
The event is April 6 (8 to 10 a.m., Paul Lane Field at Staples). Registration is just $25. All proceeds benefit STG.
The morning includes races, a bounce house, face painting, temporary tattoos, a bake sale and raffle.
Medals will be awarded to winners at each age level. Pre-K is a 25-yard dash; kindergartners and 1st graders run a 50-yard dash; 2nd through 5th graders race 100 yards.
Click here to register for the run. Everyone who signs up by Thursday gets a free t-shirt. Information can be found on Instagram (@stgfunrun).
Adam Behrends was announced moments ago as the new head varsity football coach at Staples High School.
He replaces Phil Treglia. He resigned earlier this month to pursue opportunities closer to White Plains, where he lives and works as a guidance counselor.
Behrends joins Staples High School from IMG Academy in Florida. He has served as an assistant coach with the IMG Academy football program since 2010.
Adam Behrends
As an assistant coach with the IMG Academy national football team he coached all the skill position groups, and helped guide the development of dozens of top NCAA prospects and Division 1 All-American athletes.
Behrends has also made an impact with the IMG Academy pre-combine/draft training program, working with players like Seattle Seahawks and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson, Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Josh Dobbs, Tennessee Titans’ Ryan Tannehill, New Orleans Saints’ Teddy Bridgewater and New York Giants Kyle Lauletta.
“I am excited for the opportunity to coach at Staples,” Behrends says. “This community has a rare combination of academic and athletic excellence K-12, with a football program steeped in tradition.
“It has always been a goal of mine to lead a program where I could impact the lives of young men on and off the field. This includes collaborating with school educators and administrators, town officials, athletes and their families to advance the complimentary core values inherent in sports, academics and community. I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead the next chapter of Staples football. Go Wreckers!”
Staples High School athletic director Marty Lisevick adds, “Coach Behrends brings a wealth of football knowledge and experience to our football program. Coach Behrends’ passion and enthusiasm for the game of football is contagious. Our student-athletes, and entire community, are fortunate to have him as their head coach.”
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