The Connecticut Sun is inviting Connecticut students in grades 4-8 to participate in the Second Annual Women in Sports Essay Contest, sanctioned by the Connecticut Association of Schools, in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).
The Connecticut Sun is inviting Connecticut students in grades 4-8 to participate in the Second Annual Women in Sports Essay Contest, sanctioned by the Connecticut Association of Schools, in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). All Connecticut students that are interested in participating in the project may submit a one-page essay answering the question: Who is your favorite female athlete and why? All essays must be received by the Connecticut Sun front office by Friday, April 9th. Sun players, along with members of the organization, will judge the essays. Entry forms are now available on www.connecticutsun.com.
NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women’s sports. It has evolved into a day that acknowledges the past while recognizing current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
One grand prize winner will receive an exclusive school assembly with Sun mascot Blaze and/or players to recognize the winning student, essay and school. The winner will be recognized at a Sun pre-season game, receive four tickets to a pre-season game and have their essay posted on www.connecticutsun.com. Five runners-up, one from each grade level, will receive four tickets to a Sun pre-season game and their essays posted on www.connecticutsun.com. The first 50 entrants in the contest will receive a special gift from the Connecticut Sun as well as two complimentary tickets to a Sun pre-season game.
The Connecticut Sun tip off its eighth season at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 15th with a 3:30 p.m. game against the Chicago Sky. Season tickets and mini-plans are on sale now and can be reserved by calling a Sun Ticket Representative at 1.877.SUN.TIXX (786-8499) or by visiting www.connecticutsun.com.
(l-r) Softball Olympic Gold Medalists Jessica Mendoza, Jenni Finch, and Crystl Bustos spoke at the 2010 Mohegan Sun World Softball Coaches' Convention. Afterwards, Jenni told the Resident in an exclusive interview, “The secret to my success was I always got to the park early and left later than anyone else. It is hard work, but if you want it enough you can do it.”
story & photo
by Christopher Annino
Several weeks ago both young and old softball enthusiasts had the privilege to see some of the best speak about various ways of training. The event was the 2010 Mohegan Sun World Softball Coaches’ Convention. Organized by America’s Game, the event had the following superstars present: Softball Olympic Champions Jennie Finch and Jessica Mendoza, Crystl Bustos, Legendary UCLA Coach Sue Enquist, Michigan State University Associate Head Coach Kathryn Gleason, Planet Fast Pitch Founder Denise Davis and renowned sports psychology consultant Ken Ravizza among others.
Jessica Mendoza gave a special presentation about the importance of resistance training. “I think resistance training with rubber bands makes a whole lot of difference. It really helps with stamina, speed and certain core strength which is crucial in this sport,” said Jessica.
Crystl Bustos, who runs several programs for inner city kids spoke about the importance of mentoring. She also gave several key mistakes soft ball coaches make when training young female athletes. “Coaches need to remember that a woman’s body is different from a man’s especially when it comes to training the legs. A lot of coaches like to weight train – that is a huge problem because women’s muscles develop a lot differently than men’s. And it can result in serious injury.” Crystl later added, “In regards to Softball being back in the Olympics, I think it will happen again. It’s a fast growing sport and the world is really starting to recognize it.”
Later, in an exclusive Jenni Finch said, “I am a pitcher and the thing to know for anyone who is thinking about being a pitcher is they shouldn’t just focus on one position. They should try to play as many positions as they can. This will help them understand the game better.”
“The secret to my success was, I always got to the park early and left later than anyone else. It is hard work, but if you want it enough you can do it,” said Jenni.
For more information on the World Softball Coaches Convention at the Mohegan Sun visit www.softballcoachesclinic.com.
Lt. Cmdr. Shane Guilford, Submarine Group Two Supply Officer, enlists his wife, Amy, into the Air Force Reserves on January 13th.
Lt. Cmdr. Shane Guilford, Submarine Group Two Supply Officer, enlisted his wife, Amy, into the Air Force Reserves on January 13th. Mrs. Guilford will be attached to the 439th Aerospace Medicine Squadron as a Medical Laboratory Apprentice at Westover Air Force Base (AFB) in Springfield, MA. She will attend school at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX for 17 weeks followed by an internship of about four months at a major Air Force hospital.
“My wife has sacrificed for me for many years while I was away,” said Shane. “It’s my turn to support her. I was very proud and honored to be able to enlist her.”
That pride continued to shine, even though Shane, who has been in the Navy nearly 22 years, tried to convince Amy to chose Navy blue over Air Force blue.
“Of course. That was my first choice,” he said. “However, the education and training benefits the Air Force offered her outweighed her loyalty to the Navy.”
“I would have joined the Navy,” said Amy, “but the need for, and what interested, me was not available. I chose the Air Force because they had the Medical Lab Tech job available and their program worked with my husband’s career. We would love to be dual career-oriented until he retires. I would like to retire from the service and acquire a retirement as well.”
This is a new beginning for Amy, who said she “felt honored to have the man who I love and who is so accomplished to be able to help me on my journey to start my career again.”
Shane and Amy were not alone in this decision. The couple, who will celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary in June, have two girls: Sydney, 16; and, Michaela, 12.
“They are a little worried about it, as they should be,” said Shane. “Amy is taking a big step. That said, the girls are also very proud of her for taking this on ‘at her age.’ Their words, not mine,” laughed Shane.
Mitchell Etess, President and CEO, Mohegan Sun, said, “Comedy is interactive with the audience. The Cabaret is the perfect venue for these shows because of its size.”
by Don Church and TonySchillaci
The intimate and comfortable Cabaret Theater at the Mohegan Sun Casino is reopening with a comedy night – headlining the country’s hottest comics – in three-acts for audiences 21 and older every Saturday. The premiere at 9:00 p. m., Saturday, February 13, stars Kevin Meaney with special guests Billy Winn and Jim Dailaskis. Kevin has guest starred on “Saturday Night Live,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” and the film “Big.” His other TV and movie credits over the past twenty-five years include the hit musical “Hairspray” and TV’s “30 Rock.”
In an exclusive interview with The Resident, Mitchell Etess, President and CEO, and Tom Cantone, VP of Sports and Entertainment, talked about the casino’s partnership with Connecticut-based Treehouse Comedy Productions, which began in Westport in 1983. The original club featured then up-and-comers Rosie O’Donnell, Denis Leary and Jon Stewart.
When we asked Tom Cantone, who’s been in the entertainment business for 25 years – three of those years with the Mohegan Sun – how long the comedy series will go on, he said, “Treehouse at the Cabaret Theater will be doing Saturday comedy for least for the next six months, probably longer. There will be over 40 comics – most of them from the late-night circuit. These are headliners – top names.”
Tom added, “We’re committed to Treehouse, and we think the Cabaret is the perfect venue for comedy. This kind of adult entertainment is the next big thing … and we’re always looking for the next big thing!”
Mitchell said, “Comedy is interactive with the audience. The Cabaret is the perfect venue for these shows because of its size. The comedians connect with the audience, it’s an intimate space, and the performers get energy and excitement from the crowd.”
Tom Cantone, VP of Sports and Entertainment, Mohegan Sun, says, “This kind of adult entertainment is the next big thing ... and we’re always looking for the next big thing!”
Speaking about crowds, we segued into talking about the Mohegan Sun Arena, considered by Mitchell and Tom to be ‘’the center for entertainment in the Northeast.” In fact, continued Mitchell, “We look at the arena as one of the calling cards for attendance at Mohegan Sun. In the last decade, for a venue of 10,000 seats or less, the Mohegan Sun Arena is number five in the world for attendance! The reaction all over the country to the arena is exciting – every major name plays here.”
In the six years that Mitchell has been CEO, he’s very proud of the way the Sun has managed through some difficult times. He’s proud of successfully avoiding layoffs, and feels that Mohegan Sun employees are well treated, and they remain loyal to the Sun’s mission of excellent customer service.
The excitement of visiting the arena and comedy at the cabaret is also responsible for encouraging attendees to visit the gaming areas, specialty shopping, the many distinctive restaurants, the resort hotel, Wolf Den entertainment, sports and other special events at the Sun.
Everyone benefits from the entertainment experience. For more details on, go to www.mohegansun.com.
BB Smith 2009-2010 President, Southeastern CT Women’s Network, Realtor, Prudential CT Realty, East Lyme
Membership in groups and service organizations is one way to meet and work with people who are actively involved in the day to day involvement of a community. These are people who are going a little beyond the usual focus and demands of their chosen profession to expand their horizons. Founded over thirty years ago by Millie Devine, one such organization is the Southeastern CT Women’s Network. The purpose of “The Network” is to provide its members, which now also include men, the opportunity to:
• meet business and professional people in the community
• communicate and exchange general and career information
• promote personal visibility
• develop a constituency for the purpose of examining and speaking out on issues of concern to the membership.
In addition to awarding scholarships to three deserving women every year who are furthering their education, The Network recognizes its own through the prestegious Woman of the Year Award. Its outreach to the community is largely through the Womens Center of Southeastern CT partnering for a better environment for women and families who are working through life alterning circumstances.
The Mastermind component of The Network is a chance to work in smaller more intimate groups for the purpose of building success by setting wealth and business intentions through in-depth group support.
The Network meets the third Wednesday of every month at 11:30 at the Groton Inn and Suites. I encourage you to come and see what we are all about. Also visit us at www.southeasternctwomensnetwork.com.
Sincerely,
BB Smith
2009-2010 President,
Southeastern CT Women’s Network
Realtor,
Prudential CT Realty, East Lyme
