Three events planned involving NLHS football program

Duane Maranda, who was named New London High School's football coach on Wednesday, announced three events Saturday that will involve his team and other local high school football programs.

Maranda, the former Bacon Academy head coach who succeeded Jeff Larson, will host a "Meet and Greet Barbecue" for the Whalers on Monday, Aug. 6, in the courtyard near the school cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to all returning players, any newcomers and incoming freshman.

Later in the week (Saturday, Aug. 11), New London will host the Eastern Connecticut Conference Summer Weightlifting competition at 9 a.m., an event that is free and open to the public.

Then on Tuesday, Aug. 14, the Whalers will host the first New London Shootout at Cannamela Field (5 p.m.), a 7-on-7 passing tournament that will serve as a new fundraiser for the Coach Dick Beams Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund.

Beams, a former assistant for Maranda at Bacon, was a popular coach in the region who died in May.

Maranda said scholarships will be awarded annually to a male and female student-athlete in the ECC. In addition, extra funds will be used to help support local high school athletic programs in need of financial support.

There is a registration fee of $100 per team to enter, and Maranda is also looking for sponsors.

For more information on any of these events email maranda at newlondonfootball@gmail.com

- Chuck Banning