By Tim Parry

It’s not easy for Timothy Reece to find a pair of decent shoes for his size 17 feet. But it was a normal head size that helped him get a spot of the Connecticut team that defeated Rhode Island in the Governor’s Cup back on June 27.

Reece, who will play on both the offensive and defensive lines tonight for Fairfield County in the Hall of Fame Classic at West Haven High School, was just in the right place at the right time.

“It’s funny because I went to the practice [in Southington] to see [Central teammates] DeWayne [Guscott] and Trevardo [Williams] play, and they were looking at me. And after the practice they called me over and told me to try this helmet on. They said, ‘if it fits, you’re on the team,,” Reece said.

And as it happened, the helmet was a perfect fit.

“DeWayne and Trevardo were kidding me that it was the easiest tryout ever,” Reece said. “I guess you cold say it was a Cinderella story, but I proved I should have a spot.”

Reece was a first-team All-FCIAC offensivve lineman this season, and was on the second team as a junior. He has started for three seasons under head coach Dave Cadelina.

But it’s the relationship he has with assistant coach Peter Cox that Reece and his teammates talk about just as much.

“We have a great coaching staff all the way from the head coach down to the water boy,” Reece said. “Coach Cox has been a big influence on our lives. He drives us back and forth to the All-Star games, and he helped us get into college. It’s good to have those people on your side.”

Reece will be heading to American International College in Springfield, MA, in a few weeks to continue both his athletic and academic careers. He will be reunited with former Central linemate Terrance Mercer, who will be a junior at AIC.

“AIC was attractive to me because I wanted to be close to home, not to mention they are looking good this year,” Reece said. “Terrance got me interested, so I’ll be chilling with him while we hope to win a title.”

But first, Reece wants to help Fairfield County break its five-game losing streak against the New Haven County all-stars. Even if he didn’t qualify to play because of his helmet size.

“It’s good to be chosen to be a player in the All-Star game,” Reece said. “When you get called upon, it’s your responsibility and duty to your school and your town, and in this case, your county.”