Hartford Public High School
Athletic Hall of Fame
Inductees - 2014
Marlon "Magic Man" Starling
Lifetime Achievement Award
1976
Marlon Starling never played on any athletic teams at HPHS but there is no doubt he could have made several teams with his athletic ability. As a boxer his training included several miles of running each day and a rigourous physical training regime. At HPHS he was an ardent athletic supporter of the HPHS teams and the manager of the basketball team.
Moochie as everyone knew him was born in 1959 and became a professional boxer in 1979. He won his first 25 pro fights before losing his first fight via a decision to Donald Curry in Atlantic City.
He also lost a 15 round decision to Curry in 1984 attemtping to win the WBA and IBF welterweight titles. In 1987 he became a champ, beating Mark Breland on a TKO in the 11th round to win the WBA welterweight title. His last fight was in 1990, a close decision loss to Maurice Blocker.
Marlon Starling was a Golden Gloves legend from the Bellevue Square Boys Club and went on to be a welterweight champion. He held the WBC, WBA, USA, and NABF titles at various times. His career record is 45-6-1-1 with 27 KO's.
Governors William O'Neil and Thomas Meskill proclaimed Marlon Starling days in the State of Connecticut. Mayor Mike Peters did the same in Hartford. He was elected to the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.
Steve Adams 1976
Track
Steve Adams, class of 1976, will long be remembered as one of the best HPHS sprinters of all time.
He was a CIAC State Champion in both the indoor 60 yard dash and the outdoor 100 yard dash. His personal best performances of 6.2 seconds in the 60 and 9.5 in the 100 put him in an elite class of national caliber sprinters. He won the 60 yard dash in the CIAC Class LL meet in 1975 and the CIAC Open 60 yard dash in 1976. He won the CIAC Class LL 100 dash in 1976. He also won the 100 yard dash (9.8) and the 220 yard dash (22.3) in the Greater Hartford Track and Field Championships.
In 1975 Steve Adams won the prestigious Hartford Public High School Invitational Track Meet 100 yard dash in a time of 9.6 seconds in race that included teams from several states, including New York. His victory in the 1975 HPHS Invitational Indoor Track meet 60 yard dash against highly regarded Mike Curry of Bulkeley was a meet highlight. In 1976 Steve was invited to compete in the Golden West Invitational Track and Field Meet in California, in the 100 yard event. Steve Adams first place finishes contributed to a total of four CIAC team championships in 1975 and 1976.
Career Highlights:
1975 CIAC LL 60 yards, 6.3
1975 Greater Hartford 100 yards, 9.8
1975 Greater Hartford, 220 yards 22.3
1975 HPHS Invitation, 100 yards, 9.6
1975 HPHS Indoor Invitation, 60 yards, 6.4
1975 CIAC Class LL, Indoor Team Championship
1975 CIAC Open Outdoor Team Championship
1976 CIAC LL 100 yards
1976 Golden West Invitational, 100 yards
1976 CIAC Class LL Indoor Team Championship
1976 CIAC Open Outdoor Team Championship
1976 All-State, All-American Track and Field
Bernard Beaver 1986
Football, Wrestling, Track & Gymnastics
Bernard Beaver was a fabulous four sport letterman at HPHS, class of 1986. He lettered in Football, Wrestling, Track, and Gymnastics. In Gymnastics he was team captain. He was a State CIAC champion hurdler in indoor and outdoor track and field. In the 1986 Class L Championship meet, Bernard scored 20 or the teams 24 points, winning both the 55 meter dash and the 55 meter hurdles, which were run back to back. The same year he was invited to the Golden West Invitational Track Meet as one of the top eight 400 meter hurdlers in the country.
Other honors for Bernard include US Marine Corps Leadership Award, 1986, High School All American Hurdles, Sacramento CA 1986, competed in the Junior Olympics Seattle WA 1985, and was the CIAC State Champion Track and Field hurdles and 55 meters, 1984, 1985, and 1986.
He won the Kelvin Anderson award in 1986.
Charles E. Bumpers 1979
Track
Charles E. Bumpers, class of 1979, was a great sprinter in the outstanding tradition of great HPHS sprinters.
Charles was both All-State and All-American in track. He won six CIAC sprint titles during the 1978 and the 1979 seasons. In 1979 he was invited to participate in the prestigious Golden West Invitational Track and Field meet in Sacramento, CA. There he finished sixth in the 100 yard event. His first place finishes helped the Owls win the CIAC Class LL and CIAC State Open team championships in 1978.
Career Highlights:
CIAC Championships
1979 60 yards, 1978 300 yards
1978 and 1979 CIAC Open 220 yards, 1979 Class LL 220
1979 CIAC Open 100 yards
1978 CIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship
Greater Hartford Championships
1979 100 yards, 220 yards, 4X100 relay
Best Performances
100 yards, 9.5, 220 21.5
60 yards, 6.3, 300 yards, 32.5
Charles won many honors in the conference meets (CDC) and also the HPHS Invitation Meets.
Charles served as a U.S. Marine, PFC 1985
He currently resides in the Bronx, N.Y.
Robert Buyak 1958
Swimming and Track
Robert Buyak, class of 1958, was a star swimmer under legendary coach Larry Amann.
He was a CIAC State Champion in the breaststroke in 1956. He won the event swimming at Yale University under the watchful eye of Coach Amann. His time was a CIAC record. Robert was captain of the swim team his senior year and at one time held many HPHS swimming records.
Career Highlights:
From 1956-1961 he worked summers as a life guard for the Hartford Parks and Recreation Department. While employed there he taught swimming, first aid, and water safety courses. He also coached competitive swimming teams.
After graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry he worked for a summer as a Fire Control Aid, fighting forest fires for the U.S. Forest Service in the Pumas National Forest in Northern California. He returned to Connecticut to pursue a career with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection as a Conservation Officer.
While working as a Conservation Officer he recieved various law enforcement supervisory positions. In 1985 he was appointed Chief of Law Enforcement (Colonel) before retiring after a career spanning 27 1/2 years.
Joseph Cabral 1954
Baseball, Football, Swimming & Diving
Joe Cabral, class of 1954, was a star swimmer and three sport letter winner at Hartford Public.
He won the CIAC diving championship in 1952, earning All-State and All-American honors. He earned an astounding 12 letters while participating in three sports at HPHS. He earned four each in baseball, football, and swimming\diving.
Career Highlights
1952 CIAC Diving Champion
All-American 1952-1953
Baseball Letter 1951-1954
Football Letter 1950-1953
Swimming Letter 1951-1954
Awarded Three Letter Sweater
Class Book
Member of the Athletic Club 1,2,3,4
Monogram Club 1,2,3,4
Senior Boys 3,4
Teacher
Joe Cabral died in 1970 at the age of 45.
Maurice Edwards 1987
Track
Maurice Edwards, class of 1987, is another in a long list of great Hartford Public Track stars. His specialty was the long jump. He was one of the best in HPHS history.
He continues to hold the HPHS indoor record of 22'6". His 23'1/2" effort in the Greater Hartford meet was a new record. During his career at HPHS he competed in seven different events and was Captain and team MVP his senior year. He lettered in track all four years. In the 1987 Greater Hartford meet he won both the long jump and the triple jump and was awarded the Best All-Around Athlete. He also played football four years. As an honor roll student, he was senior class president and given a Citizen Scholarship Award.
He attended both the University of Connecticut and Western New England University where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering and made National Deans List. Maurice earned his MBA at Western New England. He also earned his MS at Polytechnic Institute, and is a PHD candidate with the University of Phoenix. He is presently a program manager at United Health.
Career Highlights:
Nutmeg Games gold medalist 100-200 meters
Rhode Island Senior Games Gold medalist 4 events
New Hampshire Masters Champion long jump record
Northeastern Conference Olympics Outstanding athlete
Gayle Allen Greene
Coach
Gayle Allen Greene began coaching girls varsity basketball and softball at HPHS in 1980. Her tenure as a coach lasted for 15 years. The girls coached by Gayle Allen Greene participated in their sport for all four years and graduated on time. Her teams were competitive and respected on the court and on the field. Gayle teaches hard work, perserverance, dedication, and teamwork.
She played basketball, softball, and track and field in high school. She attended Springfield College. Gayle also played semi-pro basketball and softball in the Greater Hartford area for 8 years.
Gayle's involvement in sports as an athlete and coach have helped her teach, coach, and to positively impact the lives of parents, staff, and students. She was assistant principal at HPHS 1995-1997 and also at Bulkeley 1997-2008.
Gayle Allen Greene retired in June of 2017 from the position as principal of Bulkeley High School. She completed an outstanding 37 year career serving the students of the City of Hartford.
Charles Jernigan 1977
Basketball
Charles "Duffy" Jernigan was a 1977 graduate of Hartford Public High School. In his senior year he led the Owls to the LL Semifinals. In a late season must win game against cross town rival Bulkeley he scored 38 points and had 20 rebounds in an overtime win. He then led the Owls in a win at Lee High in New haven and the team made the tournament. In the LL quarterfinals, against undefeated Holy Cross of Waterbury, led by Duffy the Owls upset the 23-0 Crusaders. Duffy was a Class LL first team All Stater and All CDC.
In that Postseason he was the MVP of the East West Tournament as well as the leading scorer. He also led all scorers at the Jewish Community Centers tournament.
He played college at Eastern Connecticut, Portland Community and Linfield College. He was Eastern's leading scorer as a freshman.
Tony Judkins 1985
Basketball
Tony Judkins, class of 1985, was a star basketball player at Hartford Public. As a junior he was 2nd team All-State and as a senior he made first team All-State New Haven Register. He scored 960 career points. He led the 1984-1985 team to a 23-3 record, City Champs, and CCC East Champs. That team lost a hard fought game to Wilbur Crosss in the CIAC Class LL final.
He went to Sacred Heart University where he played four years under Coach Dave Bike. In his freshman season he started and the Pioneers won the Division II NCAA Championship. He scored over 2000 points in college. He made 2nd team All-American in 1989.
Tony does social work with youth in Bridgeport. He is married with two sons, A.J. and Chase.
Tamika Knight 1995
Volleyball and Basketball
Tamika Knight, class of 1995, was an outstanding basketball and volleyball player at Hartford Public.
In 1995, she was selected to play in the 9th Annual Connecticut All-Star basketball festival, an honor bestowed on the best players in the state. Tamika led the basketball and volleyball teams into the CIAC State tournaments. She was the team MVP in both sports, basketball and volleyball.
Tamika was a member of the National Honor Society and recieved a full basketball scholarship to Central Connecticut State University.
Career Highlights
1995 team MVP in basketball and volleyball
1995 All-Star Annual Connecticut Basketball Festival
1995 National Honor Society
Post School Activities
Graduate of CCSU 2000
Teacher at STEM Magnet Elementary School
2012 Awarded Miliken Educator Award
School Governance Council
Girl Scout Leader
Superintendent Search Committee
Robert Lee 1976
Basketball
Robert Lee, a 1976 graduate was a prolific scorer on the basketball team. As a junior he averaged over 20 points a game and made 2nd team All-State. As a senior he averaged 23 and was a first team Class LL All-Stater. In his career he scored 1,100 points. His senior year he scored 38 against Fitch and had many other memorable scoring games.
He continued his career at Cheshire Academy and, on three occasions, scored over 48 points. In one of those games he scored 68 points. He is a graduate of Tennessee State University.
In addition to his All-State honors he is on the Pearl Street Hall of Fame 2012.
Richard Levy 1992
Football and Track
Richard Levy was a dual athlete at Hartford Public, Football and Track and Field.
In football he was an All-State linebacker, captain of the 1992 CCC East winning football team and was All-CCC East at linebacker for two years. The 1992 team finished 8-2.
In Track he was an All-State javelin thrower. He won the CIAC State javelin event in 1992 and was 2nd in the CIAC high hurdles in 1990. He was captain of the 1992 Track team.
Richard went on to Springfield College where he played football and ran track, graduating in 1996. He was captain of the football team his senior season.
Presently he is the head trainer at Temple University.
Willie F. Poole 1976
Football, Basketball, and Track
Willie Poole, a 1976 graduate, was a football star and also played basketball and ran track.
In football he scored 22 touchdowns as a junior. That included 7 td's and an extra point against Wilbur Cross which was a state record at the time (44 points). He rushed for 1,100 yards, the first junior ever to do so at HPHS. Twice that year he had two interceptions in a game. Coach Cirone commented in the Hartford Times "to bad he will be back next year" and the Times noted "not bad for a years work let alone an afternoon".
As a senior he scored 5 touchdowns in the Thanksgiving Day Game against Weaver leading a 42-0 rout of the Beavers. He also had three extra points to go along with 200 yards rushing. He was the game MVP and earned the Syd Conn award.
Willie was also a basketball player on strong HPHS teams and was an honorable mention All-State selection as a senior. In track he was on the 1974 championship team that won their seventh state championship in a row in addition to the City and Greater Hartford Championships.
Willie went to Virginia Union, 1976-1979. He now lives in Decatur, Georgia.
Esteban Rivera 1986
Track and Football
Esteban Rivera, class of 1986, was one of the best middle distance runners in the state. His forte was the 800 meter run.
In 1986 he captured the CIAC Class LL 800 meter championship with a blistering pace and his famous sprint finish. His great kick was demonstrated at the prestigious 1985 HPHS Invitational Track and Field Meet. He ran the 800 meter relay anchor leg in the spring medley to victory beating the best of many out of state schools.
Esteban then continued his track career at Southern Connecticut in New Haven. He competed for Southern in relay meets throughout the U.S., such as the famous Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden, the Penn Relays, and the North Carolina State Invitational. He helped the Southern relay team set a record in the 4X800 race at North Carolina State.
Esteban coached at Wilbur Cross High in New Haven from 1998 to 2009. His girls track teams at Wilbur Cross won CIAC Championships in 2002, 2003, 2004 in CIAC Class L and CIAC Open indoor and outdoor meets.
Career Highlights Include:
1986 CIAC Class LL Outdoor 800 meter champion
1986 CIAC Open Outdoor 800 meters, 3rd place
1986 CIAC Class L Indoor 600 meters, 4th place
1985 Championship Sprint medley HPHS Invitational Meet
2008 Indoor Boys CIAC Class L runnerup
Won numerous coach of the year awards in track, by the New Haven Register.
John Sielicki 1969
Baseball
John Sielicki was a star pitcher for the Owls from 1967 through 1969. As a sophomore his record was 8-1. He struckout 17 in a win against Norwich. He led the Owls to the City and CDC championships. As a junior the team made the State Tournament and finished 13-4, John was 6-3 as a starter. In a 16 inning 2-2 tie at New London he struckout 26 batters, believed to be a state record. His last game at HPHS was in 1969 and it was a no hitter with 20 K's against rival Weaver.
John was drafted in the 12th round of the 1969 draft by the San Francisco Giants. He was in the minors eight years compiling a 59-56 record. His last three he was in AAA but never quite made it to the Majors. His career ended with an arm injury in the Yankees Camp in 1978. In the minors some accolades included 1969 Pioneer ERA crown, 1.15. In 1970 was on the Fresno Giants Class A League champs. He was a Texas League All-Star in 1973. And was on the Syracuse Chiefs, the Yankees AAA farm club, that won the Minor League World Series.
Edward F. "Jiggers" Sitarz
Baseball, Basketball, & Football
Edward "Jiggers" Sitarz, class of 1937, was one of the best all around athletes at HPHS under legendary coach Johnny Newell. He played three sports at HPHS, football, basketball, and baseball. Local writers described Jiggs Sitarz as "the finest fielding first baseman in these parts ever". His HPHS baseball team was the first ever to compete in the CIAC baseball tournament. He recieved an H and sweater in baseball and a special medal award in baseball. That team went 10-4.
Jiggs served in the military from 1940 through 1945. He then attended Trinity College graduating in 1948. While in the army he toured the country playing for the Drew Field Bombers. At Trinity, under legendary coach Dan Jesse, he played first base on the baseball team. Dan Jesse selected Ed "Jiggs" Sitarz as the first baseman on his All-Time Trinity College baseball team.
After College, Jiggs played for the Travelers and Aetna basketball teams. He also played semi-pro basketball for the Hartford Hurricanes. He played baseball in the Northern League and the Greater Hartford Twilight League. He coached youth sports in West Hartford, baseball, basketball, and football in town leagues and CYO for ten years. He recieved a National Award in 1969 from Archbishop Whealon for his exemplary service as a lay person for his many years of service to CYO youth.
Career Highlights
U.S. Army 1940-1945
Trinity College Baseball 1946-1948 under Coach Dan Jesse
Selected to Dan Jesse's All-Star Trinity baseball team as a first baseman
Dean's List at Northeastern University
Medusa Honor Society at Trinity College (The Oldest Honor Society)
Medusa Society is for Character, Leadership, and Service
U.S. Army Drew Field Bombers Basketball team
Lenise Smith 1998
Soccer, Basketball, and Track
Lenise Smith was one of Hartford Public great all around athletes, class of 1998.
She competed in soccer, basketball, and track and field. In soccer she was the lady Owls leading goal scorer. She was the point guard on the basketball team and made the All-CCC East team. Lenise finished 4th in the CIAC Class LL Outdoor Track and Field Championship triple jump. She won the City Track and Field Triple Jump and was runner up in the Greater Hartford Track and Field championship triple jump. She also excelled as a sprinter and ran anchor on the 4x100 meeter relay team.
Lenise graded Magna Cum Laude from Howard University. She is an accomplished Publisher, Spoken Word Artist, Actress, and Therapist.
Juan Vazquez 1982
Track and Cross Country
Esteban Rivera, class of 1986, was one of the best 800 meter runners in the state.
In 1986 he captured the Class LL 800 meters with a blistering pace and his famous finishing kick. His devastating kick was shown during the prestigious 1985 HPHS Invitational Track and Field Meet. He ran the 800 meter anchor on the sprint medley relay to victory beating the best of many out of state schools.
Esteban continued his track career at Southern Connecticut University in New Haven. He competed in the 4X800 relay meets throughout the country, such as the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden, the Penn Relays, and the North Carolina invite. He helped Souther set a record during the 4X800 meter win at the North Carolina State Invitation.
Esteban coached at Wilbur Cross High in New Haven, 1998-2009. His girls teams won the CIAC championships in 2002, 2003, 2004, in CIAC L and CIAC Open (indoor and outdoor meets).
Career Highlights:
1986 Champion CIAC LL Outdoors 800 meters
1986 3rd, CIAC Open, Outdoors, 800 meters
1986, 4th, CIAC LL, Indoors, 800 meters
1985 Champion, HPHS invitational, Sprint Medley Relay
2001 - 2004 Named Girls Track Coach of the Year by the New Haven Register
2008 - Named Boys Track Coach of the Year by the New Haven Register