Tag Archives: Jesse McCray

Roundup: Westport’s Newest World Record Holder — And More …

Congratulations to Westport’s newest world record holder.

And our oldest.

Yesterday afternoon, Norma Minkowitz set an 85-89-year-old age group mark in the mile.

The longtime Westporter ran a 9:46.55, at the Nutmeg Games in New Britain.

That’s not just a new world record. Norma demolished the old one — by over a minute. The previous fastest mile — 10:55.25 — stood since 2015.

Norma is certainly a great, and inspiring, athlete. But she’s much more — including a world renowned fiber art artist. Click here for a 2019 profile of our remarkable neighbor.

Jeff Mitchell — who filmed Norma’s race (above) — interviewed the world record holder too. Also in the clip below: David Wright (owner of Westport’s Fleet Feet) and Jesse McCray (Nutmeg Games meet director, and also head coach of the Staples High School girls track and field program.

You rock, Norma!

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There’s always something new at the beach.

The latest: this odd yet cool-looking vehicle.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

But it’s got nothing to do with our Parks & Recreation Commission.

As the door says, it belongs to Westport Public Schools.

Maybe it’s a new school bus. It’s exactly the right size for all the students who still take a bus to school.

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Marc Broussard brought his special mix of  rock, blues, R&B, funk-pop and soul to the Levitt Pavilion last night.

Tonight’s show features Aiofe O’Donovan and Hawktail. Click here for tickets, and more information.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Jonathan Alloy sent this “Westport … Naturally” photo yesterday morning.

He notes: “Turns out birds don’t want to get wet any more than we do.”

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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And finally … on this date in 1881, American outlaw and gunfighter Billy the Kid was killed, after allegedly committing 21 murders. He was 21 years old.

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and where you meet remarkable people like Norma Minkowitz. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

This Weekend: The Greatest In Westport Sports History?

How great was it?

Consider these performances at the New Balance Outdoor Track Championships — the national meet — at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro.

  • Today, Staples’ phenomenal senior Henry Wynne won the mile, in 4:07.84.
  • Yesterday, Wynne anchored the 4 x 800 relay team to 3rd in the nation. He and Peter Elkind, Patrick Nolan and Walker Marsh roared to a school record 7:42.11. Wynne’s split was a crazy-fast 1:48.93.
Henry Wynne, earlier this year in an indoor race.  (Photo courtesy of MSG Varsity)

Henry Wynne, earlier this year in an indoor race. (Photo courtesy of MSG Varsity)

  • Staples’ equally phenomenal freshman Hannah DeBalsi finished 3rd in yesterday’s 2-mile. Her 10:16.20 sets a national 9th grade record.
  • Today DeBalsi anchored the distance medley relay team — including Erica Hefnawy, Emily Troelstra and Tyler Scanlin — to a bronze medal (and state record): 11:53.61. DeBalsi’s mile  split was an amazing 4:48.
Hannah DeBalsi, in a meet earlier this spring. (Photo/Bob Luckey)

Hannah DeBalsi, in a meet earlier this spring. (Photo/Bob Luckey)

  • Wynne, DeBalsi and both relay teams earned All-American status. Congratulations to Staples’ fantastic runners, and their coaches Laddie Lawrence and Jesse McCray.

As if that wasn’t enough, Noah Arthurs just set the North American record for solving 16 Rubik’s cubes successfully — while blindfolded!


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