CSMA's Gold Key dinner takes place next month | Zanor column

Just thought I’d empty out my reporter’s notebook while circling April 18 on my calendar. That’s when the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs begin. Gold Key Dinner The Connecticut Sports Media Alliance (CSMA) will host its 83rd Gold Key Dinner on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington at 2 p.

m. The Gold Key is presented to athletes, coaches and administrators who have made noteworthy career contributions to Connecticut’s rich athletic heritage . Receiving a Gold Key is comparable to being inducted into a state hall of fame.

This year, the CSMA is honoring five distinguished Gold Key recipients: Rachele Fico, Masuk and Louisiana State softball; Nick Giaquinto, Stratford, UConn football, Washington Super Bowl champion; James Jones, head basketball coach at Yale; Dave Wallace, Sacred Heart-Waterbury graduate and pitching coach of 2004 World Series champion Boston Red Sox; Kara Wolters, UConn All-American, WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist. Other award recipients include: PRESIDENT’S AWARD: Peter King, Enfield, former Sports Illustrated writer; HANK O’DONNELL FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Brooke Strauss, Glastonbury High cross country and track and field; BILL LEE MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Magnus Manley, Ridgefield High cross country and track and field; DOC MCINERNEY HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR (female sport): Anne Burrows, Bloomfield girls track and field; DOC MCINERNEY HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR (male sport): John Reiser, Manchester High boys basketball; JOHN WENTWORTH GOOD SPORT AWARD: Rick Evangelisti and Bill Neller (Litchfield Hills Road Race); Ray DaCosta, (CT Northstars youth basketball founder); Skip Falcone (West Haven Twilight League), Alex Palluzzi (Branford Parks and Recreation, Hall of Fame) and Bruce Wilheim (Enfield and regional youth soccer administrator); HAL LEVY HIGH SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Fred Williams, Northwestern Regional; BOB CASEY COURAGE AWARD: Matt Buckler, long-time sports journalist and auto racing announcer; BO KOLINSKY SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD: Dolores Sawchuk, Colchester; BOB BARTON EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA AWARD: Wayne Norman, WELI; and the BO KOLINSKY MEMORIAL SPORTS MEDIA SCHOLARSHIP: Kyle Clark, Rockville High. Tickets for the 83rd Gold Key dinner are now on sale for $80.

Send your check made payable to the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance and who you are there to see to the following address: CT Sports Media Alliance, P. O. Box 3234, Enfield, CT, 06083.