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The format consisted of the best of five team matches. There were two matches in the 12 and under division. Then there was doubles with one player from each division. Then two matches in the 13 to 16 division. The Clubs consisted of Boys Clubs from New Britian, Forestville, Waterbury, New Haven Pop Lovell, Bridgeport Orcutt, Bridgeport North End, New Haven, Stamford and Shelton. Every year Waterbury would finish first and Shelton second. The reason being was that Waterbury had future Hall of Famer David Sakai who was unbeatable. When he became too old, Shelton would finish first. The league lasted about five or six years. Shelton's table tennis program was probably the most popular sport in the club. With Jack Ribas, our now Executive Director and Pete Schuld, younger players had the opportunity to play them and improve their games. Players included were Aldo Gardella, Louis Salemme, Tim Milne and others. Players slightly younger than them improved the skills also. National ranked Jerry Monopoli and other excellent players like George Dokla, the Pedro triplets Bob, Ronnie and Guido were tremendous. Their one year older brother Phil was better than his brothers. Wayne Rivas, Joey Salemme were great and Tim Milne was still playing. In the late 1970's, Club Director Joe Cardozo from the Orcutt Club in Bridgeport, started up the league again. Pretty much the same clubs participated and the same format. Coach Schuld never played Monopoli or Milne because they were so much better than anyone, however they did play in the CT. Championships and New England Championships. This team went on a tear for the next seven or eight years with an unbelievable record of 156 wins and 0 loses with five State Championships and both New England Championships. The club was a total loss in the fire in 1991 and a new Club called The Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys and Girls Club was built in 2000. Schuld was convinced in returning to the Club in 2005 and with the help of Roman Tinyszin are bringing the Club back to what it was. We are proud to have coached two women in the top 15 in the United States and top 10 over 30 years of age. We have had an 11, 12, 13, and 14 #1 player in New England. Also a 10 year old girl, Nicole Jankura who reached the top 20 in the country, and later Hunter Yocum also reached US top 20. |
