CIAC Glory Days
CIAC Glory Days
Glenn Lungarini
The CIAC Glory Days podcast immerses listeners into the world of high athletics. Explore the purpose and impact of interscholastic athletics on student-athletes as administrators, coaches, players, officials, parents, and State Athletic Association staff take on a journey from tryouts to championships.
Dribbling Through Divisions: Unraveling the High School Basketball Season and The Power of Education-Based Athletics
Host Jada Mirabelle is joined by Gregg Simon (CIAC Associate Executive Director), Dave Schulz (FCIAC Commissioner and CIAC Boys Basketball Tournament Director), and Dan Scavone (CIAC Assistant Director and Directors CIAC Officials Association) to discuss rules changes for the upcoming season, and how the formula works to determine divisional placements for boys basketball.Rule changes for the 2023-2024 season include the addition of a 35-second shot clock and the elimination of the one-and-one foul shooting scenario.
Nov 27, 2023
20 min
Shot Clock and Sportsmanship: Emotional Intelligence in High School Basketball
Get ready to gain valuable insights into the world of high school basketball on the CIAC Glory Days podcast. We're talking shot clock implementation and the art of managing emotions in the heat of the game. Together with Gary Franklin, Chair of the CIAC Boys Basketball Committee, and Catrina Hawley-Stewart, head girls basketball coach, we’re discussing everything from coaching strategies to the impact of emotions on player performance. Ever wonder how high-stakes competition and passion can sway decision-making and sportsmanship? We're diving headfirst into this topic, discussing a new rule that helps players regain composure after receiving a technical foul. Hear from our guests about the challenges and rewards of managing emotions and expectations in sports, the important role of leadership in promoting sportsmanship, and implementing a shot clock. 
Nov 27, 2023
26 min
Changing the Game: The Process Behind CIAC Bylaw Changes
Ever wondered how rules and bylaws in high school sports are changed? Join us on a fascinating journey as we unravel the process, focusing on a proposal to change the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) out-of-season coaching bylaw. We have the privilege of hosting Fred Balsamo, the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors' Executive Director, and Amanda Forcucci, an educator and head girl's basketball coach at Hamden High School, to share their insights on this subject.We will examine a three-part proposal primarily aimed at allowing contact between school coaches and their athletes over the summer on a restrictive basis. Fred and Amanda take us through the other parts of the proposal that are designed to clarify the club and camp rules, making it a level playing field and giving students the chance to attend camps. We'll look at how these changes could affect school districts' costs and implementation and, importantly, the potential benefits to the students. The discussion will also delve into the impact of year-round conditioning and how this rule change could facilitate quicker team identity and dynamic development.As we wrap up, we'll dig into the vetting process for change proposals, spotlighting how these are filtered through CIAC, sent out for votes, and finally approved by schools. We'll also explore the purpose and value of high school sports, considering their role in fostering teamwork, promoting physical health, and developing social and emotional skills. This episode will underline the importance of sports in creating a sense of school pride and helping students develop life-long skills. Tune in for this riveting discussion!
Oct 24, 2023
30 min
Kickoff: Developing Leaders Through High School Football
In our latest episode, you'll hear from the inspiring Kevin Fredericks, head football coach of Maloney High School, who has been instrumental in shaping his program's success both on and off the field. His philosophy? To build a winning team, you have to do a lot more than focus on the game. Kevin's commitment to education, weight training, and fostering meaningful relationships between students and coaches has not only seen his program blossom but has also served to influence the lives of his students positively.If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving sports program, Kevin's insights are invaluable. His steadfast belief in maintaining a high academic standard, demonstrated by his team's impressive cumulative GPA of 3.6, is a testament to how integrating education with sports can drive success. He also shares the unique tradition of honoring teachers who've made a significant impact on students by presenting them with a jersey on game days - a practice that fosters a stronger home-school relationship. But the lessons Kevin imparts to his players extend far beyond the classroom and the football field. He believes in molding good citizens and, to that end, emphasizes the importance of empathy, respect, and positive societal contribution. His players are even setting the tone for the entire student body by promoting kindness and equality within the school. So, join us for this enlightening conversation with Kevin Fredericks and discover how sports can be an effective tool for teaching essential life lessons. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the profound impact a sports program can have on a community.
Oct 5, 2023
25 min