In Memory

Milt Word

"Sad news for the New Canaan Football family as Milt Word has passed away. Milt was a great RB for the Rams in the 1960's gaining 1,452 career yards and a key member of the '65 State Championship team. More importantly he was one of the best guys I've ever met."   From Terry Dinan via Twitter



 
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07/28/21 08:10 PM #1    

Lauren Holt

It was delightful to have "Uncle Milt" at our 50th reunion. Thanks to Chris Koloskus and Mark Rearick, Milt was able to be with us for both nights and to catch up with numerous friends and classmates. I'm sure it was a meaningful night for him, it certainly was for us! He was able to speak to former teammates, his "fans" and others in the class who shared many sports memories, and moments of glory with him.

Seeing the photo above reminded me of the particularly disastrous football game between New Canaan and our arch-rival Darien in the fall of 1963. It was our freshman year and it was played in a downpour that had all the players so covered in mud that numbers and uniforms were completely indistinguishable from one another. It was a wonder that the game was completed (I know many observed from beneath the bleachers and hung in there, drenched and freezing, until the bitter, and I do mean bitter, end.) The final score was 70-0 and NCHS was not the winner.

Uncle Milt wasn't on the varsity at that point. He hadn't shown his talent to its fullest extent then. I do know that NCHS never again suffered such an indignity on the gridiron while we were there. I like to think that Milt was so distraught by that result that he determined that if he had to save the team by himself, he would. There were some fine football players in those days, and Milt was one of a team. He knew that ,and behaved accordingly. His tremendous talent and big heart allowed him not only to shine, but to be respected for doing so. He was a great guy, and a talented athlete. One more of our classmates, that we that remain, will never forget.                                        

Thank you "Uncle MIlt" for restoring NCHS pride, and for being an inspiration to us all. 

 


07/29/21 02:26 PM #2    

Nancy Drinkwater (Padjen)

Lauren, beautifully said.  He had the smile, ability and enthusiasm to light up a room...even the football locker room!  GO RAMS


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