Article from Theday.com

April 23, 2026

Today, we officially name the baseball field, Gerry Rousseau Field. Coach Rousseau was a man who "quietly went about his business, and his business was excellence." To his students, he was the "mad scientist" who handmade every piece of training equipment in the gym, from pitching mounds to batting tees, with the same precision he used to teach his physics classes. On the field, he led his teams to over 500 wins and five state championships, but his true legacy is found in the hundreds of "Lancer" alumni who still quote his lessons on integrity and sportsmanship to this day.

We also name our track the Richard "Dick" Cipriani Track. Known to many,  simply as "Mr. Cip," he was described as an "artist" and a "master carpenter" in the way he built programs and developed young men and women. As both a legendary Track and Football coach and our Athletic Director, he transformed Waterford into a statewide powerhouse. His former athletes remember him as a "powerful motivator" who taught them the power of self-belief and hard work, a man who would truly listen to a teenager and make them want to "play their heart out" for him. 

By placing these names on our facilities, we ensure that every student-athlete who steps onto the field and track knows they are part of a tradition shaped by two men who gave their hearts and souls to this community. 

Thank you to all our speakers for sharing those incredible stories. It is clear that while the wins and championships are etched in the record books, it is the character of these two men that is etched in the hearts of this community.

Coach Cipriani once said that his goal wasn't just to win, but to build a program that the community could be proud of. To the family and friends of 'Mr. Cip' we’re so proud to be doing this today, and even more grateful for everything he gave this school.

It is my privilege to officially name this track the Richard 'Dick' Cipriani Track!

Coach Rousseau was the 'forefather' of our baseball tradition, a man who taught us that excellence is a habit, not an act. He gave his heart to this program, and now we are giving the field his name. 

It is my privilege to officially name this field the Gerry Rousseau Field!

As we conclude today’s ceremony, I want to offer one final thank you to the families of Coach Cipriani and Coach Rousseau. Thank you for sharing these men with us for all those years. We hope that seeing these names here serves as a constant reminder of the impact they had on Waterford.

I also want to thank our Board of Education members, First Selectman Brule, Superintendent Giard, and our High School administration for their support in making this vision a reality. And a final tip of the cap to Jim Cavalieri and Tim Burrows, without your persistence, this day would not have happened.

To our current and future Lancers: when you run on this track or compete on this field, look at these names. Remember that you are playing for something bigger than a game, you are playing for a legacy of integrity, hard work, and Lancer pride.

Chris Landry

Director of Athletics and Student Activities