Trumbull Officials into the Swim

Wednesday's Swim Across the Sound annual fundraising breakfast inspired State Rep. Tony Hwang, R-Trumbull, in more ways than one.

He helped raise money for cancer research and got to see a football coach he knew from his days in Syracuse, N.Y.: new University of Connecticut football Coach Paul Pasqualoni.

"He's someone I'm very proud to have as a coach for the state of Connecticut," he said.

Hwang noted that under Pasqualoni, players excelled in the classroom and on the field.

The coach strikes a "perfect balance" of academics and athletics, he said. "The guy conducts himself with grace."

The event, at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport, raised $100,000 from among the 420 attendees, and Trumbull resident Chester Szulimowski won a 2011 GMC Terrain in a rifle, said Paula Marker, of St. Vincent's Medical Center/Foundation. The money supports cancer research.

But the big draw was Pasqualoni, who boosted the team for the capacity crowd.

Pasqualoni coached at Syracuse University from 1991 to 2004 and was defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins and defensive line coach of and interim defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys.

Pasqualoni praised all of the state's football coaches.

"There's no group of coaches who make a greater commitment to their communities than the coaches in the state of Connecticut," he said, adding that the state is really his home.

He was born in the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven and later moved to Cheshire.

He added that he was especially happy to be back supporting the Swim Across the Sound because his younger sister had cancer five years ago. "This disease touches everybody," he said.

He likened fighting cancer to running a football team. "You need a plan: a medical plan, a support plan. You give them hope, and you give them a chance," he said.

Pasqualoni said he values the players. "This is the time to pick up the energy, work harder that we've ever worked," he said. "When you have the right people, you're going to continue to attract the best people you can attract. It's players, not plays."

Spring practice starts in five weeks, and he invited the audience to the open house April 16.

Among the audience were First Selectman Tim Herbst, Board of Finance Member Ken Martin Jr., former First Selectman Ray Baldwin Jr. and Schools Supt. Ralph Iassogna.

Martin, who co-owns a restaurant, and Baldwin, president and chief executive officer of St. Vincent's Special Needs Services, both waited tables.

Iassogna said he follows UConn football. "I think he's very impressive," Iassogna said. "I was very impressed with his character and his demeanor. I think he's the type of coach we need for Connecticut."

Herbst said his first reason to attend was his mother, Deborah Herbst, who survived breast cancer. The second was UConn football.

"I think the coach is going to do a good job," the first selectman said.