DANBURY—Immaculate High School recognized athletes who have made a remarkable contribution to the school’s athletic program in years past. Long-time broadcaster, sports director, program director for WLAD radio and WSCU Hall of Fame member, Bart Busterna, was the Master of Ceremonies at the Ethan Allen Hotel, Danbury.
After an insightful speech that focused on fostering good sportsmanship and moral character in student-athletes, Busterna introduced the school’s inductees, including the 1995 SWC and CT State girls soccer team champions; four-year all-conference baseball player who held the record for most wins and innings pitched in the early ‘70s and lettered Class M basketball player, Walter “Dusty” Thompson ‘71; captain of the 1986 undefeated WCC league and Class S championship football team, offensive guard and middle linebacker, Jonathan Fenaroli’ 87; starter on the undefeated 1985 freshman basketball team, member of the 1986 championship basketball team, three-time defending WCC All Conference long jump champion, All-State Track and Field and Class M 100M State Championship winner, Alex Ascensio, ‘89; multiple SWC, All New England and MVP championship indoor track, Moira (Kenny) Howly ‘09; three-time All-State running back, defensive back player and record holder of the school’s Most Interceptions in a Career award, Zach Long ‘04; three-sport athlete who set a single season baseball record with 30 stolen bases and leading the team to the school’s first ever state championship, Anthony SImone, ‘01; starting point guard and two-time SWC honors recipient and four-year All SWC singles tennis player with a four-year record of playing in the CT State Open quarterfinals, Lauren (MacKay) Neeley; two-time All-State basketball player, four-time All SWC Conference team, four-time News Times All Area team member named in the “Top 25 Best Athletes of the Decade” and 1,176 point career scorer, Lindsay (Brown) Smith ‘06.
In addition, a Mustang Athletic Appreciation Award was presented to local Danbury resident, Michael Szabocsan, known as Big Mike to the school community. As its #1 fan, Mike, who did not attend Immaculate nor has had any relatives enrolled at Immaculate, has been attending basketball, soccer, football, hockey regular season and postseason championship games for the past thirty years.
Immaculate High School is a private, non-profit Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York. Founded in 1962, Immaculate High School also allows students to focus on academic excellence, spiritual development, service to others, and personal goals. Located in Danbury, Conn., Immaculate High School is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s school system.
