Southern Connecticut State University Athletics

Robert Szymaszek, ’72, was a stellar defensive back for Coach Harry Shay’s Owls. At 25, he became the youngest head football coach in the history of Meriden, where he has taught since 1974. He recently retired from coaching with a city-best record of 160 wins, 91 losses and 13 ties. His teams won eight league championships and appeared in two semi-final Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference tournaments. He was named the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Football Coach of the Year, and Meriden Sportsman of the Year. Szymaszek won the Nutmeg State Games Inspiration Award, and was selected head coach of the 2002 Connecticut All-Star Football Team. He has been chairman of the National High School Football Convention since 1992.