To the Editor:

I submit this note in memory of Coach L. Brett White – an early inspiration to area wrestling programs.

Brett died during the recent holidays in North Carolina. In the mid-fifties, when the only high school-level wrestling programs in Connecticut could be found in the prep schools, such as Wooster Prep, or at a few YMCA’s and Boys Clubs, a Bethel native, named Brett White, with Newtown connections through the then Scrabble Game company, announced that the Danbury War Memorial was starting a wres-tling program for high school age boys.

About 15 young men, most of whom were students at Danbury High School, initially took part. He was a true inspiration to each of us, patiently guiding us through the art and sport of wrestling techniques. Brett spent many hours seeking equipment, arranging for matches and assuring our teachers and parents that this would be a good venture for all. Programs throughout and beyond the state borders welcomed our participation, both on a high school and college level, where we wrestled against the freshman teams of Wesleyan and Yale.

On behalf of my teammates during those three years, I invite the very successful wrestling programs of Danbury, Newtown, Bethel, New Fairfield and Bethel high schools, to acknowledge one of those visionaries who started the ball rolling way back then. High school wrestling in Connecticut did not take off for another few years. You were a great influence, Brett, both on and off the mat. Thank you!

(Rev.) Leo McIlrath

13 Sugarloaf Road Sandy Hook         January 10, 2016