A Letter of Thanks From Coach Buonocore

"The 2011 football season for the Ledyard Colonels was a wonderful ride filled with excitement, hard work, perseverance, big wins, last second wins, and most importantly belief. Our players showed belief in themselves, in their teammates and in their coaches. 

"When the season began in August not many people believed that this team was going to be anything more than average. I heard people say maybe we would win more than we would lose. But a funny thing happened. It turned into the season no one saw coming. Players bought into the process. Players improved weekly. After week 3 the Colonels stood at 2-1 and the streak began. We ran off nine straight wins. 

"That is pretty incredible and very difficult to do. Running back Alex Manwaring was setting school and league records behind a dominating line and the defense was shutting opponents down led by Linebackers Dallas Smith and Matt Daggett. The players showed their attention to detail each week meticulously studying their film and scouting packets, making this group one of my favorites of all time. They were a joy to be with on a daily basis. They were tremendous representatives of our school and community and were a pleasure to root for. That was evident as the crowds soared in numbers for our games on Thanksgiving Day and through the playoffs.

"This team was truly special. The 2011 Colonels will not just be remembered for going 11-2, winning the ECC championship, winning on Thanksgiving Day with 4.7 seconds left, or competing for a state championship at Rentschler Field. I will remember them for the outstanding young men they were and how they rallied a community together and provided a sense of pride to our school and the town of Ledyard. It was a wonderful collection of players and coaches that made this a season to remember.

"A huge thank you to all of our parents and fans who supported us through our great journey. We could not have done it without you. A big thank you to Art Lamoreux and the Coast Guard Academy for providing us with indoor and outdoor practice facilities during our tournament run and also to Evelyn Aquino of STA for always having our transportation on time. Lastly, a big thanks to the Ledyard administration for its continued support of LHS athletics and our student-athletes and coaches."

Coach James Buonocoe