Windsor Locks Athletic Hall Of Fame: 2012 Induction Ceremony

The Windsor Locks Athletic Hall Of Fame held its 8th annual induction ceremony at the Sheraton at Bradley International Airport Friday night, with seven individuals being inducted along with the high school's Class M state championship softball team of 1978.

Longtime Locks resident John Mandirola received a special "Fan of the Games" award and was inducted for his unflagging support of Windsor Locks athletic teams over several generations. Born in 1909, Johnny Mandirola lived in town for 90 years before reluctantly agreeing to move in with his son in Arizona. Former Locks coach and history teacher Brian Mckeown introduced John to the crowd of 160 and read a moving letter from John's son, Bill Mandirola, now living in Arizona. John's nephew, Don Pesci, accepted the award for his beloved uncle.

"Mr. Little League" – a.k.a. Peter Preli - was also inducted for his outstanding contribution to local youth sports. Pete has been District Administrator for Little League for 18 years, equipment manager for 22 years, and president of the local league for 5 years. In addition, Preli helped run the Park and Recreation Girls' Basketball League for several years and has also coached girls' soccer. A 1965 grad of WLHS, Pete has lived in town all of his life. Few can match his level of involvement in youth programs.

Longtime resident Lou LaTorra also has an outstanding record of volunteerism for Windsor Locks sports. A Korean War vet, LaTorra graduated from Hartford Public in 1952, where he was an outstanding athlete. Lou moved to the Locks in 1960 and immediately immersed himself in youth sports both as a baseball and football coach. Lou also coached soccer for several years as well as a woman's slow pitch softball team. The local VFW honored him as Sportsman Of the Year in 1976. Lou was presented by his grandson, Tim LaTorra.

Two outstanding local pro bowlers were also inducted. Sonya West, longtime resident, is one of New England's finest ten pin bowlers. She is a member of the Connecticut Bowling Association Hall Of Fame. Presented by her son Teddy Macierowski, Sonya is also known as a woman of great personal integrity who is a positive role model for others.

Ted Kone's bowling career has spanned three decades. A 1966 grad of WLHS, Ted spent ten years on tour with the PBA. His highest season average was 235. He has bowled an incredible 22 perfect 300 games. Ted was presented by the son of another hall of famer, Larry Lichstein's son, Mike.

Tara Malcolm Phelps was a 1995 grad of WLHS where she was named all-state both in basketball and in track. Tara finished her career with 965 points, averaging 15 ppg in her senior year. She was state champ in the javelin throw in 1995 with a throw of 120 feet 8 inches. Her high school basketball coach, Brian Mckeown, presented Tara to the crowd.

Tom Koren was an outstanding basketball player for WLHS. Named all-state in 1968-69, Tom scored 432 points that year and averaged 15 rebounds and 23 points per game. He scored 44 points in a game versus Ellington that season. In addition, Tom was an outstanding soccer goalie during his senior year, allowing only 2 goals all year for the 12-1 Raiders. He was presented by his coach, Dan Sullivan to whom Tom was most grateful.

Finally, the 1978 Girls' state championship softball team was inducted. The team entered the tourney that year with an 11-7 record against tough regular season competition. They became the first CIAC tournament team to win 5 consecutive tournament games in cruising to the championship. In presenting his team, Coach Jim McKenna described their tournament run as "magical." (Note: a roster of the team did not appear in the program.)

The evening closed with a reminder from emcee Don Pisati to urge residents to nominate people from town who they think are deserving of future induction. Nomination forms can be found at the town's website.