East Granby Boys Soccer Team Honors Fallen Coach in Final Game

The East Granby boys soccer team stood together Saturday despite a defeat in the first round of the state Class S tournament at East Granby High School. After the death of head coach Chris Pettee in a tragic accident less than one week before, the players on the team displayed the strength of character instilled in them by Pettee.

The Crusaders didn’t want for effort, taking many more shots on goal than their opponent, the Stafford Bulldogs, spending more time on the attack and playing especially hard for the entire contest. An early goal by Stafford was the only point scored in a game that saw East Granby frequently in control and on Stafford’s side of the field more often than not.

“They didn’t need to bring a state championship home to be winners in our book,” East Granby coach Brian Glamuzina said, pointing out that Pettee would have said the same of the way the team came together after losing its leader, mentor and friend. “I love these kids.”

The community support was there too, with hundreds of locals making up the largest daytime crowd ever at an East Granby game in attendance, according to athletic director Bob Paskiewicz. East Granby High School principal Dave Peling was one of the many in attendance and was enthusiastic about the way the community came together during a trying time.

“It’s been a tremendous show of support,” he said.

Paskiewicz said East Granby is a close-knit town and the school is the focal point of the community. He was happy to see a large turnout that showed appreciation, empathy and support for the players on the team.

“They’re helping the crusader get back on its horse,” he said.

The sense of solidarity wasn’t limited to East Granby. In an emotional pregame ceremony, the Granby boys soccer team arrived in full uniform and presented Richard and Ann Pettee, Chris’ parents, with a jersey bearing their son’s number.

“It was good sportsmanship and a class act,” Paskiewicz said.

Paskiewicz said one of Chris Pettee’s many contributions was the way he connected Granby and East Granby in a positive manner, despite the strong rivalry between the two towns. Granby Memorial High School is in the process of retiring Pettee’s number, according to the Hartford Courant.

Paskiewicz said the team left their hearts on the field, playing hard and giving their all in honor of Pettee. Both Paskiewicz and Glamuzina were impressed by the team's ability to come together, perform and play hard in the face of such intense adversity, no matter the outcome.

“They left the field with their heads held high,” Paskiewicz said. “Coach Chris would have been proud of them.”