Westport honors a sporting great

He never scored a point. But amidst a roaring stadium filled with fans, Bob St. Pierre was honored Friday as one of the most beloved, well-known and faithful members of the Westport athletics world over the past 60 years.

St. Pierre is 96 now and has long since retired. But from 1962 to 2019, the Westport science teacher served as the official time keeper for the Westport Wildcats. He seldom missed a game — three, to be exact — and those who played during his 57-year tenure at the scoring table remember him as a steady, friendly and positive presence.

“If you played winter sports, you knew him,” said Mike Friar, an attorney and 1984 WHS grad. “He was omnipresent — when my kids went through the system, they knew him as well. He was always there.”

Though St. Pierre was inducted into the Westport Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997, members fo the board and district athletic staff decided recently to single him out for recognition once again.

“He was so loved over the years,” athletic director Shelly Morris said. “Everybody who came through the program at that time knew how he was — he was just kind and generous.”

St. Pierre’s family members appeared with him at Friday’s game, and the scoring table was brought out onto the court so he could sit behind it once again. After being given a plaque marking his years of service, he gave a brief speech thanking everyone who came out for the honor.

“I’m overwhelmed,” he said. “It makes me very happy. Thank you.”

Former players, fans and friends also had a chance to sign a banner wishing him well. Among the comments:

“Thanks for your dedication!”

“Thank you for all you did for Westport High!”

“Thank you for being fantastic”

“Best fan ever!”

Friar also said a few words at the event:

“My name is Michael Friar. I am here tonight on behalf of the Westport High Athletic Hall of Fame as we recognize our greatest fan, volunteer and game technician.

In 1962 JFK was the president and John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth. That same year, Bob took over as the clock and scoreboard operator.

Over the next 57 years, Bob dutifully served both the boys’ and the girls’ programs faithfully, manning the clock and scoreboard.

During these 57 years, Bob was far and away the greatest of Wildcat fans! And was witness to the highest highs and a few character-building lows.

Bob was there to support many coaches such as Skip Karam, college Hall of Famer Jim Calhoun, Joan Albanese, Mike Roy, Glenn Lincoln and Tim Plante.

Bob was there to follow 70s greats, Hall of Famer Mitch Petty and Gus Cariglia, to follow Hall of Famer Sue Medeiros and the Albanese sisters, Jen and Jill and their great teams of the’80s.

Bob was on the clock for Mike Roy’s ’84 boys’ team led by Pete DeFusco, Garth Patterson and Dave Collins, the first team in years to win 70 percent of its games and what most consider the team that turned Westport from a farm town into a basketball town.

Bob was there to support Kristin Gizzi and the Farias sisters, Kate and Jen, and see them claw out win after win.

From the power game of Alan Levrault to the silky smooth scoring of Kyle Fernandes and the wizardry of Mike Noonan and his sectional champion team under Tim Plante, Bob saw the gym rain with three pointers for Matt Medeiros, Jake Friar and Kayla Vincelette.

And during moments of profound and subtle greatness as well as moments of tear-jerking heartbreak, the one constant was Bob St. Pierre. Ever present, always kind and unassuming, a true gentleman and great representative of Westport athletics.

So tonight, please rise and join me. Join me in breaking in this new gym! Let’s raise the roof with the loudest possible ovation for our friend, Bob St. Pierre.