top of page

In Farmington: ‘We Believe’ transcends the basketball court

By Ted Glanzer

Staff Writer

Duane Witter talks to his players Dec. 20. Photo by Ted Glanzer

FARMINGTON – In winter 2020, Duane Witter earned his 300th career victory as the coach of the Farmington High boys basketball team.

It may have taken 662 days, but Witter notched career victory No. 301 with a 71-50 home win over East Hartford on Dec. 20.

“It’ nice to get a win,” Witter said. “The last time I coached in this gym was my 300th win. We celebrated and it was great. We had won 20 in a row at home. Then COVID hit and there was no state tournament; then I had to take a year off.”

Indeed, Witter, who had been diagnosed with leukemia in 2019, was in remission in February 2020 when the postseason was canceled due to the pandemic. (Farmington, which won the Division III state title the year before, had just finished the regular season at 15-5 and earned the No. 6 seed in the Division II state tournament.)

Months later, the leukemia returned, forcing Witter to take a year off from teaching and coaching. He returned to the sideline on Dec. 16 in a 63-51 loss to Northwest Catholic.

But the River Hawks, led by senior Nick Duncan (26 points, 15 rebounds), the lone holdover from the state championship team; Jordan Anthony (14 points, 13 in the second half, and seven assists) and Jared Young (15 points in the first half), were able to earn their first win of the year – and first win for Witter in nearly two calendar years – fighting off a scrappy, athletic East Hartford.

Farmington led 34-25 at the half, and clung to an eight-point lead late into the third quarter before Duncan had an emphatic dunk at the buzzer off a feed from Jahkai Veal to put the River Hawks up 10. The play energized Farmington, which piled on in the fourth quarter, giving the team and Witter a satisfying victory.

“Coming back last Thursday it was nice to get reacquainted with everyone,” Witter said. “I called it a reunion. We had the parents, fans and student athletes all together. The students hadn’t been able to come to the games because last year they weren’t allowed to. This is all new and different for them. Tonight, to get a W against a very athletic team and to play so efficiently in the second half, we’re very proud of what we accomplished tonight.”


It was a welcome result for a coach, a team and a school that has adopted the word ‘Believe’ as its mantra – the word is painted on the gym wall for all to see – one of the final things that athletic director Jack Phalen did before he died in 2020.

While Witter was out a second time, Ricky Podgorski, then a senior at FHS, created Project WE BELIEVE, which included students and faculty submitting video of them saying, “We believe,” as well as adorning the school with pieces of tape that said “We believe” written on them by students, according to the FHS Voice.

The support brought Witter a big lift during a particularly difficult time.

“[When the leukemia returned], I had to rehash the whole thing, and everybody in the community did, too,” he said. “They supported me. Everyone was wearing their ‘Believe’ bands and taking pictures at Disney World and all over the country, and that stuff matters when you’re sitting in a hospital bed, trying to get well. It matters that other people Believe and other people are rooting for you and other people want you to come back.”

Witter is also grateful for the support he’s received since he returned.

“It was great back in August when I was able to come back and teach - I love teaching,” he said. “Everybody was so welcoming, and I can’t thank the people in this building enough for helping me come back and teach. The other night, the first game back. [Athletic director Matthew Martorelli] said some nice things before the game, the crowd gave me a nice ovation. It was overwhelming. It was humbling.”

Witter credited his son, Trey, for helping him along - emotionally and physically - through his illness.

“He visited me in the hospital one day and I said, this summer I finally win the state championship and I can’t even enjoy it,” Witter said. “My son’s perspective was, ‘Dad, what if you didn’t win a state championship? Now you have these great memories and you get to appreciate that.’ At least I could think back on what happened a couple of months earlier. It helped. It made me feel good about what we had done during that season.”

Trey also was the bone marrow donor for Duane when he needed the transplant.

Still, Witter doesn’t want to make this season, or even a game, about him. He has a lot to look forward to in this year’s squad, which is resilient and eager.

“A couple years ago, when we thought we were going to win another state championship, we looked at the Division II bracket and we liked our chances,” Witter said. “We thought we could make a run and win another championship. And that got taken away. Last year they had the shortened season and no fans and no state tournament.

“Now they’ve gotten some of this back and I think they’re hungry. … It’s a senior laden group, which is always better to coach. The kids have been in the program for four years. We don’t have transfers. We have a nice mix too, because we have some underclassmen that are contributing as well.”

Regardless of whether there’s a trip to the Mohegan Sun at the end of the horizon for the River Hawks, Witter said he’s going to appreciate every moment.

“Is it good to be back? I’ve been looking forward to this for 600 and something days,” Witter said. “The other night [the Northwest Catholic loss] was fine. Northwest was very gracious. Everyone came out and gave me an ovation, and that was great. But getting a W today in front of our student body, who again showed up to support us, that feels even better.

“Each one I’m going [to savor]. There’s a richness to defeat that motivates you and inspires you to work harder. But winning you feel like you’re being rewarded for all the effort you put in. Me, our staff, our kids, we put in a lot of effort to be good at basketball in Farmington.”


Related Posts

See All

Valley Happenings

Canton Community Health Fund Applications Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton...

VAL_01.jpg
WHL_01.jpg

Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

Have a press release or story idea? Send me a note.

Thanks for submitting!

© 2023 by Train of Thoughts. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page