As far as "athlete" in quotation marks, I don't see anyone better than Calvin Murphy. High school and college phenom, NBA all-star and free throw leader. Add being a world class baton twirler, the fact that he took on and beat-up a guy a foot taller than him (Sidney Wicks) and also having at least 14 kids shows all-around athleticism.
I was a huge fan of Hartford's own, former world welterweight champ, "Moochie" Marlon Starling, as a kid and still am. His knock-out of the golden-boy Mark Breland was epic. Also, he would have been champ longer but got knocked out by Molinares with a punch well after the bell and the corrupt Mexican-run WBA refused to overturn the decision. It was one of the worst injustices I've seen in boxing and that's saying something...I even wrote a complaint letter to the WBA.
I got 2 go with Marlon Starling and Micheal Adams, all of us grew up in da old brick house Belleuve Sq, Moochie was one hell of a boxer, and boy could Mike shoot it
Can't omit Julius Boros, (18 PGA wins with 2 U.S. Opens), or Bill Twomey, Decathalon gold medal winner, 68 Olympics.
What about Nick Pietrosante? Grew up in Ansonia, was an all-stater at Notre Dame of West Haven, star fullback for Notre Dame University, drafted in first round by the Detroit Lions, played nine years in the NFL and was an all-pro fullback.
Donn Cabral from Glastonbury should be on this list. 22 year old Princeton grad who is currently in England right now competing in the Olympics for our country. The greatest high school cross country runner ever in the state, arguably the greatest 2 miler (track event) to come out of our state, numerous all american selections his junior and senior year in HS. Then he goes off to Princeton (because hes also a brain) where he wins a D1 National Championship 2 years in a row in the 3k steeplechase (arguably the hardest track event there is) then goes off and finishes second in that event at the Olympic qualifying race. Now hes one of the favorites to take it home for our country. He races Friday morning. Donn Cabral. Sky is the limit for how far this kid can go. Definetely a great athlete from CT.
Should mention Liz Mueller, Waterford Greatest high school Cross Country runner Female 4 CT championships 4 new England and 1 National Cross Championship,, Later won USA Amatuer Boxing Championships and a Professional World Championship... That said I'ld vote for Calvin M or Willie Pep...
I remember Liz Mueller, she was a few classes ahead of me, she would win her races by a couple minutes, best high school runner in the country.
add Steve Young (hall of fame), Dorathy Hammil (olympic gold), Willie Pep & Marlon Starling (world champions), Joan Joyce (best player EVER in her sport, and arguably one of the 5 best american female athletes ever.), Kristine Lilly (4 world cups) , Brian Leetch (hall of fame). Sorry but Bagwell with no world series rings or hall of fame (I think he belongs) doesn't make the top 10 yet. Freeney has a ring, and should make the hall should eventually make the list.
I believe Drury also has a little league world series title. Quick had 2 months of greatness. He just needs 10 more years like that to make the list.
Found this in the Courant archives. "Former UConn forward Corny Thompson of Middletown, the fifth-leading scorer in school history, shakes his head at the task of naming the best guards in state history. ``Calvin Murphy, Rod Foster, Mike Adams, Wes Matthews, John Bagley, Porky Vieira, Chris Smith, John Egan,'' he says. Thompson pauses, knowing he probably has slighted someone. ``Super John Williamson? And that's not all of them, I know.'' So Corny, name your starting backcourt. ``Are you kidding? Who do you leave out?'' If that's tough, what about the judges' overall task."
I know he does. I was a childhood friend of the catcher's brother on that team until they moved out of town to Trumbull. As for Quick, I know what you mean, but he has certainly has the game to succeed for years to come. If he keeps playing as he did in the past year. He did have a VERY good season before the playoffs. A .929 SV% and 1.95 GAA for regular season.
John J Kelley --- 1957 Boston Marathon winner. 1956 & 1960 Olympic Marathon. 8 time USA National Marathon Champion
Have to give a shout out to longtime family friend Bill Tribou. All-American distance runner at UConn in the 1940's who could run circles around most of us well into his 80's.
Wonder if anyone from the Fairfield Cty area remembers a couple of basketball players from awhile back, Walt Luckett from Bridgeport, reinjured his knee with the Pistons. He was a phenom in h.s. (made the cover of SI)and Enoch Gainer from Stamford/Westhill, who I think became somewhat of an urban legend. Both were playing in the 70's
Remember the SI when Luckett was on it.......tremendous scorer who could've gone to UCLA if he wanted and took Ohio and put them on the map..............