John Stratton and Dave Carpenter to receive Sterling Sportsmanship Awards May 12

May 5, 2006 - Connecticut Brakettes team manager John Stratton and Chairman David Carpenter will receive the Sterling Spirit sportsmanship award at the Sterling House Community Center’s Celebrity Breakfast May 12. The event is being staged at Liedles, 337 Kenyon Street, Stratford, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The Sterling Spirit Award recognizes contributions to the positive spirit of sports in the greater Bridgeport region and the state of Connecticut.

Former Spirit Award winners include Geno Auriemma, head coach of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team; Dianne Nolan, Fairfield University head women’s basketball coach; Bob Dikranian, former Southern Connecticut men’s soccer coach and director of intramurals; Julie Chu, silver medalist at the 2002 Winter Olympics; and Bill McDonald, Connecticut Post writer.

Stratton is in his 29th year with the Brakettes, including 12 as the manager of the amateur Stratford Brakettes. This year he will lead the Connecticut Brakettes into the professional ranks of the National Pro Fastpitch League, which begins its season June 1 at DeLuca Field.

Carpenter, a Westport resident, has been the sponsor and chairman of the Brakettes organization since 1996, when he saved the legendary franchise from folding. Under his tutelage the Brakettes have regained their national prominence and won three straight ASA National Championships from 2002-2004 and finished as runner-up last year.

For ticket information contact Sue Koperwhats at Sterling House Community Center (203) 378-2606.

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