Branford Contingent Celebrates Walter Camp Weekend

Branford’s Chloe Lang of the children’s television show ​“Lazy Town” was there. So were Branford residents, Dr. Jim Mendillo and Anthony Mortali. State Sen. Ted Kennedy, Jr., who represents the 12th District, celebrated a special occasion at the Walter Camp event. Other Branford fans were spotted in the crowd as well.

The recent 49th Annual awards activities of the Walter Camp Football Foundation attracted several thousand participants to New Haven, including a strong Branford contingent.

Chloe (pictured), who is 14 and hails from Short Beach, starred in the children’s television show ​“Lazy Town” kicked off the event by singing the National Anthem. 

Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics, received the Distinguished American Award; former SCSU All American New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi was presented the Man of the Year award and Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins was recognized with the Alumni Award. Ted Kennedy, Jr., who is Branford’s state senator, is Tim Shriver’s cousin. (See top photo)

We caught up with Kennedy afterwards. ​“I am so proud of my cousin, Tim Shriver, for receiving the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s Distinguished American Award. As Chairman of Special Olympics, Tim has continued my family’s tradition of public service and significantly expanded the rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. He has redefined what it means to be a ​“winner” in the world of sports and in life.”

The culmination of the weekend was the black tie awards dinner at Yale Commons attending by 980 people. 

The weekend activities began last Thursday morning with the 20th Annual ​“Stay in School” program at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven. WTNH Channel 8 anchor Ann Nyberg (pictured) served as emcee.

More than 2,000 seventh and eighth grade students from greater New Haven heard speakers talk about the importance of staying in school and graduating. 

A Long Weekend Unfolds

On Thursday evening over 500 attended a celebrity dinner and auction at Anthony’s Ocean View. Many All Americans and Walter Camp Alumni sat in the audience, posed for pictures, and signed autographs.

Friday started with an alumni brunch at the Omni at Yale. A Lifetime Membership was presented to Dr. Mendillo. He has been a member of the Walter Camp Foundation since 1977. Mortali presented the plaque to Dr. Mendillo.

Following the brunch, the players visited patients in various hospitals throughout the state. Anthem Blue Cross sponsored the visits and provided small footballs that the visitors signed and gave to the patients.

On Friday afternoon more than 1,800 attended the ​“All American Experience” also at the Floyd Little Athletic Center. Youngsters signed up for a series of clinics or lined up for autographs and pictures with their favorite All-Americans including Tyler Matakevich of Temple University, who was selected as the Connecticut Player of the Year.

Walter Camp VP Anthony Mortali presented the Connecticut Player of the Year award to Matekevich.

Walter Camp members hosted players and other guests at a number of New Haven area restaurants for dinner on Friday evening. Several award winners were at Mory’s restaurant near the Yale campus.

On Saturday morning the Walter Camp Foundation recognized the four high school state championship football teams at the ​“Breakfast of Champions,” which was held at the Omni Hotel and attended by 500. Former Branford resident Dr. Rich Diana welcomed the audience on behalf of Ortho Now, which sponsored the event.

Yale’s Hall of Fame Coach Carmen Cozza meets up with Coach of the Year ​“Dabo” Swinney of Clemson.

Alabama’s Derrick Henry was given the Player of the Year Award and afterward Branford’s Vincent Farricielli took his grandson Rylan Listman, 12, to meet him at the dinner.
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