Cameron Murphy

‘I Forgot How Much I Missed Coaching’: Palmer Returns to Lead NCHS Girls Basketball in 2021

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Just when Kim Palmer thought she was out, they pulled her back in. Absent from the New Canaan High School girls basketball sidelines since stepping down in 2017, Palmer is back at the helm of the Rams. 

Palmer—a Phys Ed teacher at NCHS and two-time FCIAC Coach of the Year—takes over for John Winchester, who departed last month after leading New Canaan to two consecutive CIAC playoff appearances in three seasons as head coach. “I was actually in the gym teaching PE,” Palmer said. “We had a half-day, so classes were shortened and kids were just shooting baskets and I was shooting with them. Jay Egan came in and said ‘I think you should be coaching again’ as I was shooting a basket.

Brian Granskog

With Town’s Approval, New Canaan Softball Plants Apple Trees by ‘Orchard Field’ at Waveny

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Local softball families seeking to replace an iconic tree recently felled at their showcase field have planted several apple trees there, after beating their fundraising goal for the project twice over. New Canaan Softball rapidly raised $10,250 for the estimated $5,000 project that includes not just three Norway maples behind the backstop at Waveny’s Orchard Field, but also two honey crisp apple, two traditional, one yellow delicious and one Granny Smith apple tree, according to town resident Jeff Fortmann, a parent who serves on the organization’s board. Asked for his reaction to the strong response from local families involved in the sport, Fortmann said, “I’m just astonished.”

“It was an absolute thrill to get this support from the softball community,” he said. The Parks & Recreation Commission in October approved New Canaan Softball’s proposal to fund and help loan for the tree plantings. The area had been the site of an orchard, maintained by the Lapham family, owners of Waveny prior to the town’s acquisition of the property in 1967.

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Nine NCHS Student-Athletes Sign Letters of Intent To Play Sports in College

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Nine New Canaan High School seniors on Monday signed early Letters of Intent to play sports in college starting next year. The photos below are from socially distanced signing ceremonies overseen by NCHS Athletic Director Jay Egan, held throughout the morning and early afternoon at Waveny House. 

“When I attend these ceremonies I am always struck by how emotional this moment in time is for our athletes and their families,” Egan said. “In many instances these college commitments represent the  culmination of many years of sacrifice and dedication. It is very gratifying to watch our athletes realize their lifelong dreams.”

We asked the student-athletes why they chose their future schools, and put their responses next to photos where provided. 

Henry Benton

University of Wisconsin
Crew (coxswain)
NCHS coach: Sharon Kriz
Also recruited by: Bucknell, Cornell
“I chose Wisconsin because of the academic prestige of the university, partnered with the supportive alumni community, it provides a great launch pad for a career. In addition the university provides extensive resources and support for its student athletes.

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Letter from NCHS Athletic Director: ‘Our Student-Athletes Made Life-Long Memories’

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The New Canaan High School Fall Sports Season concluded on November 14th with over 650 New Canaan High School students participating in our programs.

As we reflect upon the season, I want to thank the NCHS Fall Coaching staff, our student athletes, and their families for helping to make this Fall season extremely successful. Even though the season was far from “normal,” our athletes and coaches focused on the positives, such as the joy of playing, the confidence that comes from improvement through committed practice, and the excitement being together to experience the challenges and successes of competitions. We began the season with uncertainty due to the COVID pandemic, and are concluding it with feelings of pride and gratitude. There were many highlights during the Fall Season. 

Boys and Girls Cross Country competed extremely well in the Divisional Meet in Waveny Park on November 4th. The girls team had many fast times and placed 2nd overall.

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Parks Officials Vote 11-0 To Support New Canaan Softball’s Proposal To Plant Trees by ‘Orchard Field’ at Waveny

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Parks officials last week voted unanimously in favor of a youth sports organization’s proposal to fund and help plan for the planting of trees by a softball field in Waveny. An iconic tree located behind the backstop at the “Orchard Field” at Waveny recently came down, prompting New Canaan Softball parents to plan for its replacement, according to Jeff Fortmann, a town resident and father of two children who serves on the organization’s board and who swam short-distance events in the early-1990s for the New Canaan Y team. “That tree was beloved,” Fortmann told members of the Parks & Recreation Commission at their regular meeting, held Oct. 14 via videoconference. Softball parents consulted with Recreation Director Steve Benko and Parks Superintendent John Howe, and have developed a plan to raise $5,000 toward purchase of trees.