One of the best-loved events among New Canaan athletes, sports boosters and the wider community—the biennial New Canaan High School Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony—is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 18 at the Country Club of New Canaan (tickets here).
We put some questions to NCHS Athletic Director Jay Egan ahead of the big night.
Here’s our exchange.
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New Canaanite: Please provide some background on the New Canaan Hall of Fame. When was it launched? How are athletic figures selected to be honored?
Jay Egan: In order to preserve our athletic history, the New Canaan High School Athletic Hall of Fame was founded in 1996. The Athletic Hall of Fame is organized for the purpose of recognizing the rich tradition of athletic success at New Canaan High School. It serves as a means of honoring and recognizing the athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters who made significant contributions to the Rams’ tradition of excellence. The Athletic Hall of Fame honors the contributions and accomplishments of these individuals who are worthy of recognition as examples for others to emulate. Induction ceremonies are held bi-annually.
There is a selection committee which consists of 3 permanent members which include the athletic director and the president and past president of the All Sport Booster Club. There are also 2-4 at large members involved in the selection process. Nominations may be made by anyone including the members of the committee.Self or anonymous nominations will not be accepted. Successful candidates must receive a 75% approval from voting members.
What happens on Oct. 18?
On October 18th there will be a dinner at the Country Club of New Canaan beginning with a cocktail hour at 6:00pm to honor the seven inductees in the class of 2024. After they are introduced each inductee will have the opportunity to give remarks. Generally they reflect on how their experiences at New Canaan High School helped shape their lives.
Tell us a little bit about the HOF Class of 2024.
ART BROWN (Coach Girls X-Country -Track from 2009-2024)
Art was a cross country and track coach at New Canaan High School for the past 15 years. Prior to coaching at NCHS, Art had a long and successful career as a teacher and track coach at Stamford High School. He was named CHCAA Track Coach of the year in 2002 and was inducted into the FCIAC Hall of Fame in 2008 in recognition of his work as a track coach at both Stamford and Rippowam High Schools.
Art will be remembered as a dedicated and passionate coach who was loved and respected by all of his athletes. He treated and supported all athletes on his teams like children of his own regardless of their talent or performances.
CURT CASALI (Class of 2007, Multi Sport Athlete at NCHS Football-Basketball-Baseball)
College: Casali played college baseball at Vanderbilt University. During his four years at Vanderbilt, he had a .316 batting average, a .430 on-base percentage, a .502 slugging percentage, 27 home runs, and 167 runs batted in (RBIs).
Major leagues: On July 18, 2014, Casali played his first major league game against the Minnesota Twins.
His professional career includes – Cincinnati Reds (2018–2020), San Francisco Giants(2021–2022), Seattle Mariners (2022), Second stint with Cincinnati Reds (2023), Second stint with San Francisco Giants (2024)
DAVE COCHRAN (Class of 1990, Ice Hockey-Lacrosse)
In Dave’s last game for NCHS, the 1990 State Championship, he scored six goals to help the Rams complete the perfect season.Cochran earned All-American honors, and after graduating became the first NCHS player to play Division I ice hockey and lacrosse in college.
JOE DITOLLA (1979-2017, Teacher-Football Coach for 30 years)
Joe Ditolla has been one of the most respected assistants in the state –He served as the Rams defensive coordinator from 1995-2017 — renowned for his schemes and motivational skills. Exemplifies the teacher/coach.
CARAGH MOYNIHAN LENGLE (Class of 1998, Swimming)
NCHS Varsity Swimming:
- Co-Captain senior year in 1998
- 1998 led team to Undefeated season, FCIAC Championship Title (first time in 20 years) & first CIAC Class M Title and team placed 3rd at CIAC Opens
- 1995 State Open Champion in 100 Free
U.S.S. Swimming (Westport YMCA):
- High School All-American
- Scholastic All-American
- Elected 1 of 2 CT Representatives to USS Swimming, 1996-1998
Georgetown University
- Thomas Francis Graham Award, 2002 – Awarded to Graduating Senior who demonstrates academic and athletic excellence
- Division I Varsity Swim Team, 1998-2002
- Tri-Captain, 2000-2002
- Big East Conference Academic All-Star Team, 1999-2002
- Record holder in the 100 yard butterfly, 100 yard freestyle
- Awarded Most Valuable Swimmer, 2002
Student Athlete Leadership Advisory Committee, Executive board member, 2000-2002
Appointed Georgetown University’s Big East Athlete Representative, 2001-2002
JESSICA MANNETTI (Class of 1997 basketball, volleyball and softball)
Played three sports at New Canaan High and Concordia College, joined the SHU program in 2013 after four years as an assistant coach at Hofstra.She has compiled a 170-157 record during her tenure at SHU.
HARRISON PIERCE (NCHS Football Team Physician since 1978)
Dr. Pierce has been a fixture on the sidelines of NCHS football games for over 40 years..A fixture since 1975 at the East Avenue doctors’ practice known today as the New Canaan Medical Groups, Dr. Pierce has served as primary care physician to generations of local kids, forging bonds with families here and, through his office as well as wider community involvement, leaving an indelible mark on the town. He retired from his practice in 2017 but still serves as medical advisor to the NCPS as well as team physician for the RAMS football team.
Plaques, dinners and ceremonies are not inexpensive. How is the NC Hall of Fame funded?
The New Canaan All Sport Booster Club organizes and funds all the Hall of Fame Activities. The cost of the dinner does not cover the entire cost of this event. This is one of the many events that the ASBC is proud to make happen.
What else, if anything, would you like to tell our readers about the Hall of Fame or this year’s ceremony?
In the 20 years I have been attending the Hall of Fame dinners I am always touched at the reflections of the honorees. They often relate how their experiences at New Canaan HS have helped shape their lives and in many cases provided the foundation for their successful careers. It is also very heartwarming to her about the lasting friendships built while participating in high school athletics. Please purchase your tickets by October 8th: https://www.ncrams.com/home/hall-of-fame/hof-tickets.