"The Rock"

In Memory of Coach Laskowski 

In building the football program at Wolcott High School, Coach Russo has worked diligently at creating an environment of pride and passion to surround the young men involved in the program.  The Rock is a part of that environment.

The Rock is symbolic of Wolcott’s pride, passion, determination and sense of family and community.  Mined for the Eagles by the Wolcott Town Crew at a location near Nichols Road, The Rock is truly and literally a part of Wolcott.

Boasting the highest elevation in the State of Connecticut for any Connecticut based mountain, Wolcott’s location atop Southington Mountain stood as a significant challenge for any settler.  Only the heartiest of settlers could make a living on Wolcott’s rocky terrain and imposing geography.  Through their hard work, persistence and determination – a thriving community of people exists today.  Our early settlers could not survive without their passion to survive and the assistance of their own strong family ties and a community of support.  "Believe or Leave" was true for our early settlers.  These traditions live on today in what is known as one of the most giving and supportive communities.

“We are a part of Wolcott’s history.  I expect that all of my players will appreciate that they need to approach their life with a passion and desire for what they do and an understanding that hard work and determination will bring them what they need in life.  Having a strong sense of family and community is critically important to their success.  No task is overwhelming when you have the support of your family and a strong desire to succeed.  Our founding football Coach, Joe Laskowski, was a shining example this.  His passion, commitment and dedication to the Wolcott community led him to do many great things for the young men in the football program.  I thought that it would be a fitting monument for us to remember our roots and to remember that Coach Laskowski was the first to bring these things to our program.”

See the clip from WFSB Channel 3 about putting more pride in the Wolcott Football Program (click here)