The War-Chief Sports Council – a booster club supporting high school athletics at both Conard and Hall – is supporting the financial needs of the teams as well as promoting enthusiasm for the West Hartford teams.

War-Chief Co-President Dennis Swanton (right) presents a check for $8,400 to Athletic Director Betty Remigino-Knapp. Submitted photo

Submitted

Thanks to its sponsors and supporters, the War-Chief Sports Council is pleased to to provide an $8,400 donation to the athletic department at Conard and Hall high schools.

This year’s donation will underwrite and cover the annual purchase price for “HUDL,” – a technology and software program used by numerous team sports to help prepare and train. HUDL is also used as a recruiting tool for those athletes who wish to compete after high school.

According to West Hartford Athletic Director Betty Remigino-Knapp, who is responsible for both high schools, the following sports have been using HUDL: football, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, boys volleyball, and wrestling. She expects that in the near future nearly all of the teams will begin using HUDL.

Remigino-Knapp, who was recently honored as the Connecticut Athletic Director of the Year, was instrumental in the helping foster the growth and success of the young War-Chief Sport Council – an athletic booster club that supports both high schools.

During the 2014-15 school year, the War-Chief Sports Council was able to raise enough money to give the athletic department a $5,200 donation. The $5,200 was enough to fund:

• Padded chairs with logos for both schools – 36 chairs plus a caddy. The cost was $3,458, and the chairs are used by volleyball, basketball, and wrestling teams, as well as for special events
• Both girls and boys cross country teams traveling to a meet in New Hampshire (cost of approximately $1,800)

It’s not just about money. Fundraising is important, but it’s not the only way the Sports Council supports athletics. “We look to build a sense of celebration and enthusiasm for high school athletics,” said War-Chief Co-President Dennis Swanton, who represents Conard.

In association with WHC-TV and Hall/Conard academic leaders, the Sports Council films and produces games for broadcast on Channel 5. The broadcasts are available live via a link on the WHC-TV website where friends and family around the globe can tune in to watch the Hall/Conard game of the week.

“We look forward to growing this initiative and increasing the opportunity for kids to get on the air and be part of the production team. In time we will be a national leader,” said Co-President Paul McConnell, who represents Hall.

According to Swanton, although they may be rivals during certain games, the parents from Hall and Conard have a lot in common. “The parents and their kids are all passionate and enthusiastic about competing in high school athletics,” he said.

“It is an honor and privilege to help celebrate the greatest rivalry in New England,” added McConnell.

Hall and Conard now share a booster club committed to their success, which puts them in direct competition with the best programs in the state.

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