The "X" as it's known at Waterford High School — the Francis X. Sweeney Fieldhouse — has been home to many memorable scenes in the last decade. Yet after all the celebrations and court-stormings, there used to be two people tucked away in a corner, even with others milling about.

Don Connors would be working on his daughter Kelli's pitching form. It wasn't long until Kelli, the youngest of Don's four daughters, was leading the Lancers to state championships — and earned the honor of Gatorade Player of the Year in Connecticut.

"Sports have been a family affair for the Connors crew for as long as I can remember," Kelli said. "My dad has been very involved in all of the sports my three sisters and I have played throughout our lives. Most of my fondest sports memories with my dad come from the many years he was my softball coach.

"He coached my Little League team, all-star teams and my travel softball team for several years. My dad always seemed to manage the perfect balance of a coach to work the team hard while finding time to laugh with us and simply enjoy our time together."

The Connors girls have even followed their dad into coaching.

"When my sisters and I began to take an interest in pitching, dad never hesitated to spend hours in the backyard sitting on a bucket catching for us, one at a time," Kelli said. "He was such an important factor in my continued love for the game of softball. My sister, Brittany (the head softball coach at Ledyard High) and I have been involved in giving pitching lessons, and coaching softball teams ever since our own playing days have come to an end. Sure enough, our dad is still by our sides, coaching us through our very own coaching careers."

Don Connors played baseball at Waterford High and Bryant University. He's back at the "X" during basketball season, too, as the official scorer.

"I just want to thank him for all of the times he worked hard behind the scenes to let my sisters, teammates, and myself have our time to shine," Kelli said. "Today, we celebrate him."