There was a resounding send off for the Staples varsity baseball team today as members left for the Class LL state championship game against Amity in Middletown. It is the first time Staples has appeared in a baseball state final since 2001 (Class L) and the first time in a Class LL final since .1979 when the Wreckers lost 5-1 to Windsor.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Having a hearty breakfast of bacon, cheese and eggs sandwiches today before setting off for the state championship were Staples varsity baseball players (l-r) jack Baylis, pitcher, Ben Rogers, outfielder, and Danny Ewert, a pitcher. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Scenes from today’s practice and sendoff for the Staples varsity baseball team as it headed for the state Class LL final against Amity in Middletown. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Staples varsity baseball team celebrates today after clobbering Norwalk 11-0 in the state Class LL semifinal at Muzzy Field in Bristol, advancing to the state final for the first time since 2001. The Wreckers got seven runs in the fourth inning and four pitchers contributed to a one-hitter. Staples will face defending champion Amity at noon Saturday at Palmer Field in Middletown for the final. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Chris Greer for WestportNow.com

Staples Lacrosse captain Ted Coogan and Head Coach Paul McNulty address the 400 Westport PAL program participants at Compo Beach closing picnic tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The Staples Girls’ Golf Team were FCIAC runner-Up for the second year in a row to rival Greenwich under sunny skies today at Fairchild Wheeler in Bridgeport. Sophomore Alex McMahon fired a career-low 82 to pace the Wreckers. Pictured (l-r) are McMahon, Co-Captains Marry Bennewitz and Anelise Browne, Emily Lane, Abigail Miller and Head Coach Patty Kondub. Missing from photo are Olivia Wood and Erika MacDonald. Staples is ranked No. 3 in the state and heads to Orange Hills Country Club on Tuesday for the state championship. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Kathie Bennewitz for WestportNow.com

Westporter Sami Jurofksy (holding trophy) as coxswain led the Ohio State women’s rowing team to its third consecutive national title Sunday at the 2015 NCAA Division I Rowing Championships at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center in Gold River, Calif. The Buckeyes claimed an individual national title in the first varsity eight, a runner-up finish in the second varsity eight, and fifth place in the first varsity four. Jurofksy, a 2011 Staples High School graduate, was a member of the Saugatuck Rowing Club and learned her skills on the Saugatuck River. With the win, she became the most decorated woman coxswain in NCAA history with three championship rings. “It was a most amazing experience,’ she said. “Not just winning three straight national championships, but being part of an inspirational team.” Sami graduates in December and says her “dream job” would be as an on air sports anchor.” I am also interested In all aspects of strategic communications in which I am currently completing my degree,” she added. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Westporter Sami Jurofsky celebrates the Ohio State women’s rowing team’s third consecutive national title Sunday at the 2015 NCAA Division I Rowing Championships at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center in Gold River, Calif. The win made the 2011 Staples High School graduate the most decorated woman coxswain in NCAA history with three championship rings. Ohio State University photo

Westort’s Cedar Point Yacht Club completed the 2015 OneDesign Regatta over the weekend, producing winners in the J/109, J/105, Beneteau First and Soverel 33 classes.

Revelation, skippered by George and Alex Wilbanks of Westport, came in second in a tiebreaker in the J/105 class. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Hank Sykes for WestportNow.com

CPYC’s annual OneDesign event for the first time was presented in two parts: the May 30-31 weekend featured races for boats 26 feet and over, following races for J/70s and other sport boats under 26 feet on May 16-17. 

Bill Sweetser, skipper of the J/109 Rush, sailing from Annapolis, Md., won in the J/109 class and accepted the Rex Marine Trophy for Best Overall Performance in the Regatta.

Sailors from throughout the United States and overseas competed in the regatta – more than 40 boats and 300 sailors in the second weekend alone. 

The Westport Winners Challengers team for disabled players today participated in Challenger Recognition Day at Broad River Field in Norwalk. Radio announcers introduced each youngster. There was an all-star medal ceremony, and B.B. from the Bridgeport Bluefish was on hand to greet the players, parents, and officials. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo