Greenwich Historical Society formally announced and congratulated Greenwich scholastic and club coaches who have been nominated to receive awards for excellence in influencing the lives of student athletes at a reception June 7. The Sports Coach Awards will be presented at the Historical Society’s annual History in the Making Award Dinner on October 12th by Olympic Hall of Famer and Greenwich resident Donna de Varona.
“Competitive sports have had a huge influence in shaping the town’s culture, and it has produced many outstanding athletes from Olympic medalists to some of America’s most celebrated professional athletes,” says Historical Society Trustee Cynthia Chang. “Our current exhibition, ‘Sports! More Than Just a Game’ recognizes these athletic achievements. Now we want to honor the coaches whose dedication has had an enormous impact on the success of our athletes, yet who often operate behind the scenes with little public recognition.”
Nominated by their respective Athletic Directors, 8 coaches receiving Career Achievement Awards met strict criteria established by Chang and her committee, including: having a positive impact on the lives of athletes and their sports for 10+ years; currently coaching or retired within 5 years; a record of championships for teams and individual athletes; involvement in college recruitment processes and non-coaching volunteer activities. In addition, the Historical Society Board selected 2 coaches for Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Career Achievement Award Honorees:
• Nick Cavataro / Greenwich YWCA
• Pat Coleman / Greenwich Youth Lacrosse
• Sarah Hill / Sacred Heart Greenwich
• Katie Johnson / Greenwich Academy
• Steve Lapham / Greenwich High School
• Terry Lowe / Greenwich High School
• Bill Smith / Greenwich Youth Water Polo
• Jim Stephens / Brunswick School
Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees:
• Jack Jepson / Greenwich Country Day School
• Angela Tammaro / Greenwich Academy
“I am honored to be a recipient of the Greenwich Historical Society Lifetime Achievement Award,” says Angela Tammaro. “The experience of a career in athletics and working with so many wonderful people has been very rewarding and an experience that I would not trade. With all that athletics and a career in teaching have given me, I have always felt that it was important to give back. Over the years, I have enjoyed my volunteer activities in athletics − administratively, coaching and umpiring.”
“What an honor it has been to coach the boys and girls of the Rocky Point Club for over 40 years and the wonderful young men of the GHS Water Polo and Swimming Teams for over 50 years,” says Terry Lowe. “I cannot imagine a more rewarding experience − an experience that keeps one’s enthusiasm for life and work at such a high level. It is not about the wins, but about the process. It teaches these young athletes how to lead a successful, productive life and to overcome the obstacles that many of them will face. I’m so happy that after over 60 years of coaching, it still feels great to get on the pool deck to work with these dedicated young girls and boys.”
The October 12th History in the Making Dinner will take place at the Belle Haven Club from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
