Two From New Haven Named National Football Foundation Scholar Athletes

From Bill O'Brien, of the Casey-O'Brien New Haven County Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame:

NEW HAVEN, CT —The Casey-O'Brien New Haven County Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will hold their 64th Annual Scholar Athlete banquet on Saturday April 27 at Woodwinds 29 School Ground Road in Branford. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the march to the head table at 6:30 p.m.

"We are pleased to recognize thirty outstanding young men that played football last fall, excelled
in the classroom and showed leadership and citizenship in their schools and communities," said
Anthony Mortali, president of the chapter.

New Haven's honorees are Qayviar Donovan Johnson, who attends Hamden Hall but lives in New Haven and Michael Smith of New Haven, who attends Wilbur Cross High School.

In addition to the scholar athletes, four other award winners will be honored including 30 year football official Tom Viola of Hamden, who will be presented with the Official Recognition Award.

Selected by the New Haven Football Officials Association, Tom is regarded as a top official who has officiated six CIAC championship games and was on the crew of the 2008 NCAA National Championship D 11 game.

The chapter Coach of the Year is Oxford coach Joe Stochmal. Joe played at Seymour and SCSU and has been the coach at Oxford for 17 years leading the Wolverines to their first playoff appearance in school history this past fall. He recently decided to retire after 47 years of coaching. The Chapter Award of Merit will be presented to WTNH Sports Team 8 Sports Director John Pierson. John first came to News 8 in 1995 as a Sports Producer and was promoted to Team 8 Sports Director in 2016.

The Chapter Distinguished American Award will be presented to former Major League baseball
pitcher and television analyst Rob Dibble. Between 1988 and 1995 Rob played for the Reds, White Sox and Brewers. He was a two time All Star in 1990 and 1991 and recorded 89 saves during his career. He was chosen NLCS Most Valuable Player in 1990 when the Reds won the World Series.

For tickets to the dinner, call Donna Limone at 203-481-8375.