Avon School Board Honors Fabulous Quartet Of AHS Coaches

AVON, CT — School officials last week honored four Avon High School coaches for piling up the wins and developing student athletes who excel on and off the field, court or mat.

Members of AHS's fabulous quartet each have accumulated 400 career victories in their respective sports.

Those honored were: Terri Ziemnicki — field hockey; James Murray — girls soccer; John McLaughlin — wrestling; and Curt Burns — girls volleyball.

"To achieve 400 victories in high school sports is a tremendous achievement itself," said AHS Athletic Director Tim Filon at the Jan. 17 Avon Board of Education meeting. "To have four active coaches in your district with that many victories is a feat in itself."

"I can say I'm very blessed to have coaches that have experience," Filon said, adding experience is vital given how much students, sports and responsibilities have changed.

"It's not easy. You don't see that many coaches staying around 20 or 30 years anymore," he said.

Avon Board of Education Chairperson Debra Chute echoed those comments.

"I would like to just also add on and applaud you for your victories and your commitment to students in Avon. They appreciate it. We appreciate it. It matters. And we know that it rounds out their experience here as students. So we are grateful for you," Chute said.

The school board had certificates for them commemorating the milestones, with the foursome posing for photos with the school board, as well as several high school students who were there to honor them.

For the minutes of the Jan. 17 Avon Board of Education meeting, click on this link.