Ledyard High School Honors Hoop Heroes

In January, Ledyard Public Schools will name the high school gymnasium and court after two long time educators and coaches at the high school, according to Athletic Director James Buonocore. The Ledyard High School gymnasium will now be known as Judy Dowe Standish Gymnasium and the playing court will be named in honor of Bob Arsenault.

“I believe it is very important to honor the past teachers and coaches who have played such a vital role in establishing the great tradition at Ledyard High School in education and athletics,” said Buonoroe. “By recognizing the accomplishments of Judy and Bob, we can build a direct link for our current and future students and athletes at Ledyard High School to our storied tradition.”

Standish was a teacher and coach at Ledyard High School from 1963-1997, according to Buonocore who said she was instrumental in the development of the physical education curriculum at the high school and she used innovative ways to create opportunities for students to develop their physical wellbeing.

Standish considered the gym her classroom, said Buonocore, “and it was in this arena that she had such a profound effect on the students of Ledyard who passed through her doors.”

She was an advocate for physical education and athletics and the “backbone” of the development of the gymnastics program and she was also involved in the cheerleading program, and was a long time coach for outdoor track and girls’ basketball at the high school.

Bob Arsenault is a former teacher and coach at Ledyard High School and he’ll be given the honor of having the basketball court named after him.

“This honor is only fitting as he spent his time not only as a coach but a physical educator on the floor that will now bear his name,” said Buonocore.

Arsenault served as the varsity boys’ basketball coach from 1967-1973 and he started the girls’ basketball program for which he coached from 1975-1982. He compiled a record of 99-71 as the girls’ coach and also led one of his teams to a state final appearance, according to Buonocore.

Arsenault also coached the varsity boys’ cross country from 1966-1995 and compiled a record of 235 wins, 157 losses, and 3 ties.

“We are not only honoring Judy, Bob, and their families, but also educating our current and future students on the history of our school and the people who helped make it what it is today,” said Buonocore. “Judy and Bob are perfect examples of how hard work and dedication equate to success in the classroom and in the athletic arena.”

The dedication ceremony will take place on Wednesday Jan. 23 at 5:15 p.m., right before the Ledyard vs. St. Bernard varsity girls’ basketball game.