Sports

Teams and competitions

Alexandra Spataro and Eason Jones among Chelsea Piers swimmers to swim in College

These Darien Student Swimmers Will Compete in Colleges This Fall, Chelsea Piers Says

By DARIENITE.COM | February 16, 2022

Six student athletes from Darien are among the 20 swimmers in the Chelsea Piers aquatics program in Stamford who will be swimming competitively in college this fall, the sports and fitness club announced. — an announcement from Chelsea Piers in Stamford

The swim team began in September 2012 and has grown since then. CP-AC was recognized by USA Swimming as a “Gold Medal” club in 2020 and 2021. The student-athletes who will pursue a career in NCAA athletics next fall include:

—Ryan Roberts (Amherst College)
—Kelly Dolce (Brown University)
—Alexandra “Gracie” Spataro (Gettysburg College)
—Max Scalise (Gettysburg College)
—Kaitlyn Holmes (Brown University)
—Eason Jones (Yale University)

“To have such a large percentage of our senior swimmers be recruited to compete at these world-renowned institutions is a testament to their hard work and dedication,” said Kevin Burton, athletic director of Chelsea Piers Connecticut. “They are true student-athletes and the embodiment of the greater Chelsea Piers athletics community.”

The rest of the 20 swimmers are from Greenwich (eight), New Canaan (two), Rye, New York (two), and one each from South Salem, New York and Westport.

Julia Decsi FOR FACEBOOK Darien Gymnastics

DHS Girls Gymnasts Win 6th Place in County With Best Score of the Season

Three-Meet-Long Hot Streak Vaults Darien Gymnasts to Victorious Season

Co-Captain Megan Cutler's beam routine balances DHS Gymnastics Team Jan 2022

Blue Wave Gymnastics Starts Season With a Win Over New Canaan and Wilton

Darien Girls Swim and Dive Team Advances to State Finals on Tuesday

Charity Events and Opportunities

Run with the Saints race St. Luke's Parish St. Luke's Church

These Roads Will Have Delays During ‘Run With the Saints’ 5K Road Race on Sunday

By DARIENITE.COM | November 2, 2021

Several roads on both sides of Rings End Bridge will be closed temporarily Sunday, Nov. 7, for the “Run With The Saints” 5K Road Race, starting at 11:35 a.m. at St. Luke’s Church, 1864 Post Road. — an announcement from Darien police

The race should last about 45 minutes, a police announcement said. Anyone who wants to participate can register by midnight on Friday, but not on race day, itself.

Charity Events and Opportunities

St. Luke's Parish members at the church in Cuba

‘Run With the Saints’ 5K Run and 1K Walk Coming Nov 7, Benefits St Luke’s Work in Cuba

By DARIENITE.COM | October 29, 2021

Saint Luke’s Parish in Darien invites the community to lace up for the 5th annual Run with the Saints. The event benefits St. Luke’s work on behalf of an Episcopal parish in Cuba. The fundraiser, which takes place on Sunday, November 7 beginning at 11:35 a.m. (sharp), offers a choice of a 3-mile run or a 1-mile kids/adult walk, both along a beautiful route by the water. — an announcement from St.

Darien Old Timers Athletic Association 2021

Tickets Now on Sale for Darien Old Timers Athletic Association Annual Sports Dinner, Nov 8

By DARIENITE.COM | October 20, 2021

Darien Old Timers Athletic Association (DOTAA), a local organization founded in 1961 to recognize outstanding athletes in the Darien community, will celebrate its 60th anniversary with its annual dinner on Monday, Nov. 8 at The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s. — an announcement from the Darien Old Timers Athletic Association

The annual dinner will be a time to celebrate past athletic achievements of former Darien athletes and the funds raised will go to providing annual scholarships for Darien High School seniors (not just athletes) and supporting Darien Social Services. This year’s honorees include:

Jeff Bak, DHS ’84 (football) and played for Clemson University
Wes Barton, DHS ’92, receiving James Carlson Award for courage and achievement in the face of adversity, (lacrosse and football)
Tracey Stewart Bird, DHS ’80 (diving), dove for Stanford and currently coaches at Harvard
Michael Koenig, DHS ’80 (football)
Tom O’Malley, DHS ’84 (posthumous) (football)
Jayme Stevenson, receiving the Community Civic Award, Darien first selectman
Mark von Kreuter, DHS ’80 (posthumous) (football)

“We are proud to be celebrating the contributions of Darien athletic achievements for the past sixty years. This year’s honorees are an impressive selection of men and women who have impacted the Darien community and beyond with their athletic and civic accomplishments,” said Bill Peters, president, Darien Old Timers Athletic Association.

Sports

Ribbon-Cutting Celebrations Saturday for New Cherry Lawn Basketball, Pickleball Courts

By DARIENITE.COM | October 14, 2021

If you’re interested in pickleball or basketball, you can check out the new courts at Cherry Lawn Park on Sunday afternoon, where pickleball product showcases, demonstrations, skill challenges and free instruction from professionals will be offered. For basketball players, “fun and games and raffle prizes” will take place after a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony, Darien Parks & Recreation Department announced. — an announcement from Darien Parks & Recreation Department
The pickleball ribbon-cutting starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17. The ribbon-cutting at the new basketball court is at 2:30 p.m., and the event wraps up at 3:30 p.m.
Here’s the full schedule of what takes place when:
PICKLEBALL COURT
2 p.m. — Ribbon Cutting
2:15 p.m. — Product showcase and demonstrations
2:30 p.m. — Free instruction with the Pros on the court
2:45 p.m. — Fun and games!

Chelsea Piers 2021

Jonathan Engelbrecht new tennis director Chelsea Piers Connecticut

Darienite Jonathan Engelbrecht Named Tennis Director at Chelsea Piers Connecticut

By DARIENITE.COM | August 13, 2021

Jonathan Engelbrecht of Darien, formerly at the Tokeneke Club and Kings Highway Tennis Club, has been promoted to the position of tennis director at Chelsea Piers Connecticut in Stamford. — an announcement from Chelsea Piers Connecticut
Engelbrecht joined the Chelsea Piers coaching staff in 2016 as a lead professional and has consistently grown with the program coaching both adult and youth athletes.
“Jonathan brings to the role an accomplished background as an athlete and teaching professional,” said Kevin Burton, athletic director at Chelsea Piers Connecticut. “Beyond that, he has earned a reputation at Chelsea Piers and throughout Fairfield County as a thoughtful and steady leader who has the respect of his peers. As we began the national search for a director, we quickly concluded that the solution was already within our club.”
Engelbrecht has been teaching in the area for over 15 years. He’s a longtime resident of Darien, where he lives with his wife and twin daughters.

Sports

Poster 1 Knights for Aces Norwalk Grassroots Tennis 2021

‘Knights for Aces’ Tennis Tournament for Kids and Teens, Aug 22 in Darien and Norwalk

By DARIENITE.COM | August 3, 2021

Kids and teenagers of any skill level are invited to play in the Knights for Aces tennis tournament, coming Sunday afternoon, Aug. 22. — an announcement from Grassroots Tennis & Education
The competition, from 1 to 6 p.m., features round robin doubles tennis matches, starting on the courts of four clubs in Darien — Middlesex, Tokeneke, Wee Burn and Woodway. Participants are asked to arrive by 12:45 p.m.

After matches are played, the winning doubles team in each division will play in the finals at Grassroots tennis courts in Norwalk. Players and spectators are invited to enjoy pizza and refreshments, and winners will take home trophies and t-shirts.
Finals and food will be at the William Rippe Tennis Center at Springwood Park, 11 Ingalls Ave.

Charity Events and Opportunities

Save the Date: Annual Darien Road Race Swiftly Approaching on Sept 19

By DARIENITE.COM | July 13, 2021

The Community Fund of Darien’s 41st annual Darien Road Race is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at Pear Tree Point Beach. This year’s race will begin at 9 a.m. for the 1.5-mile Fun Run and 9:45 am for the 5-mile race. — an announcement from the Community Fund of Darien
About the Darien Road Race
The race will feature “The Finish Line” tent with music, games, sponsor booths, raffle items and an awards ceremony. The Community Fund of Darien’s signature event, The Darien Road Race, welcomes Mirador as the “presenting sponsor” for the event.

Outdoors

Darien Land Trust Invites You to a ‘Trails Challenge’ by Going on Three Walking Trails This Summer

By DARIENITE.COM | May 16, 2021

The Darien Land Trust is inviting the town to come participate in two challenges to mark the trust’s 65th anniversary year — walks in three of the trust’s preserves, now through the end of July and a running event in October. — an announcement from the Darien Land Trust
Trails Challenge
First, the Trails Challenge takes visitors to three of its preserves with walking trails: Olson Woods, (at 31-1 Heather Lane) the Trails at Cherry Lawn (at 120 Brookside Ave.) and Dunlap Woods (near the end of Parklands Drive). (This Web page shows where each of the land trust’s preserves are located, although it doesn’t give addresses of the entrances.)

The Trails Challenge, which started this weekend and runs to July 31, is to visit all three sites. Participants must register through a QR code posted at each property to be entered into a prize drawing. Winners will be announced on our website and social media on Aug.

Sports

Chelsea Piers Hires New Swim Coach, an Olympics Competitor With Broad Experience

By DARIENITE.COM | May 15, 2021

Chelsea Piers Connecticut has hired Doug Lennox, a 2008 Beijing Olympian, as head coach of the Chelsea Piers Aquatics Club. — an announcement from Chelsea Piers Connecticut
Lennox comes to Connecticut from Princeton University, where he served his alma mater for the last four years as the men’s assistant swim coach & recruiting coordinator. “After my experiences at Princeton, I feel it is time for me to return to my roots and work with younger athletes” Lennox said. “I am eager to bring my knowledge, experience and passion to age group and senior level student-athletes who are striving to compete at the collegiate & international levels.”

The search for a new coach identified candidates from across the country, Chelsea Piers Connecticut Athletic Director Kevin Burton said. Lennox is the first coach Burton has recruited.

Sports

Jacquelyn Coppola Darien YMCA gymnastics

Darien YMCA Gymnastics Ranks High at State Championship

By DARIENITE.COM | April 16, 2021

Darien YMCA Gymnastics had a strong presence at the 2021 Level 4-6 State Championship on April 9 in Plainville. — an announcement from Darien YMCA

Heres how Darien gymnasts from three different levels performed:
Level 4
Tori Brupbacher and Juliet DeStefano were vault champions and earned 2nd place all-around. Madison Ruggieri had a strong 3rd place finish on beam and 5th all-around, while teammate Reese Jefferson placed 4th on floor and finished 7th all-around. Great job! Level 5
Sabina Molnar placed 3rd on floor with a beautiful routine and finished 7th place all-around.

Running

‘Demystifying the World of Running’ — Webinar With Owner of Darien Running Shop

By DARIENITE.COM | April 12, 2021

Over the past year, we have seen more people running than ever before. People of all skill levels took up running to stay active, get out of the house or replace their gym regimen. This online webinar, “Demistifying the World of Running” takes place from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 14. — an announcement from Performance Optimal Health

After choosing running shoes, finding new trails and building up your stamina, you may now be thinking, “where do I go from here?” Maybe you want to build up your confidence, or you want to find a community to run or walk with. Join Britt Gunsser, DPT, CSCS, and Darien Running Company owner Megan Searfoss as they discuss the recent spike in new runners, how apps like Strava brought people together when they were apart, and how to find your place in the world of running.

Books & Authors

Legendary NHL Hockey Announcer Mike Emrick Interviewed Live Online Tuesday About His New Book

By DARIENITE.COM | March 27, 2021

We’re talking hockey with legendary announcer Mike Emrick! Join co-author Kevin Allen online as he sits down with Mike from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 30, for a conversation about Allen’s and Emrick’s new book, Off Mike, and his life in hockey.

— an announcement from Westport Library

Please note: This is a virtual event. REGISTER HERE

After nearly 50 years behind the microphone, the voice of hockey in America opens up in a must-read memoir. Mike “Doc” Emrick has seen everything there is to see in a hockey game. Sizzling slap shots. Commitment, courage, and camaraderie.

Boating 2020

USS America Regatta Coming Saturday to Old Greenwich Yacht Club

By DARIENITE.COM | September 10, 2020

The Old Greenwich Yacht Club (OGYC) will host its 49th USS America Regatta in Captain Harbor on Saturday, Sept. 12. — This article is from GreenwichFreePress.com. The annual sailing competition was established when officers from the USS America (CV-66) donated the trophy to OGYC in 1971. A skipper from the aircraft carrier reportedly won an OGYC race, and his crew was so pleased with the victory that they gifted the trophy to the yacht club.

Business

Darien Running Company announcement it's opening in Darien

Running Supply and Events Store ‘Darien Running Company’ to Open Downtown in July

By DARIENITE.COM | June 4, 2020

A store offering running supplies and events, Darien Running Company, will open this July at 14 Brook St., next door to the Sugar Bowl, in downtown Darien, its owner announced Thursday morning. Megan Searfoss, who cofounded an associated store, the Ridgefield Running Company, in 2014, announced the new location in the RRC’s newsletter. The RRC had plans to expand before the COVID-19 epidemic, which forced a lot of changes on the business. Despite the pandemic, Searfoss said, she decided to go forward with plans for the new store, which she abbreviates as “DRC.” “DRC will offer the same services as Ridgefield Running Company, now retooled to provide a safe and trusted environment,” Searfoss said.

Outdoors

Tri-State Govs Agree on Allowing Marinas Open During COVID-19 Epidemic (With Regulations)

By DARIENITE.COM | April 18, 2020

Marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers in the tristate area will be allowed to open for personal use as long as strict social distancing and sanitization protocols are followed, Gov. Ned Lamont, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in an announcement on Saturday. — an announcement from Governor Ned Lamont’s Office

Chartered watercraft services or rentals will not be allowed, and restaurant activity at these sites must be limited to take-out or delivery only, like anywhere else in the three states. This announcement aligns the policies of the three states on this particular service. Governor Lamont explained that in Connecticut, this multi-state alignment is an affirmation of the state’s current policy, and marinas and marina repair remain on the essential business list. Governor Lamont said, “Our states share workforces, resources, public transit, and we all have share a connection on the water.