The Ray Tellier Midget Football League is one of the most well-known and successful youth sports organization in the area. The league now has a new leader.
Adam Gigola has been elected as the new President of the Ray Tellier Midget Football League (West Haven Seahawks).
Former President Michael Last stepped down on February 1, 2023 after being elected as President of the Southern Connecticut Pop Warner Football Conference, which the West Haven Seahawks are a member. Last served the league for 39 years, beginning as an assistant coach in 1983 of the West Haven Fire Department, when the league was inter-city with six teams.
Last served the last 15 years as President of the organization.
Gigola, who has been on the league’s Board of Directors for more than a decade, played for the Seahawks and at West Haven High School.
“I have been part of the Ray Tellier Midget Football League for nearly 40 years and it’s time to turn it over to a new generation,” Last said after Gigola’s election as President. “Adam is a former player of mine with a lot of energy and new ideas. I think the league will grow and prosper under his leadership.”
A loyal and dedicated bunch, most of the Board members and coaches will return to work together for a smooth transition. The RTMFL is a great organization with a rich and proud history going back to its founding in 1966.
“I was fortunate to have known many of the founders of the league and my goal was always to continue the league they started; fundamental football and cheerleading, and the teaching of the important life lessons of teamwork, responsibility, discipline and respect,” Last said. “The league has a bright future. I will definitely miss being at practice on August 1 for the first time since 1983!”
Gigola looks forward to taking over the leadership role and does not plan any big changes, at least at first.
“If it is not broken, don’t fix it,” Gigola said after being elected President. “The league is in good shape, and we saw increased participation in football and cheerleading last year. I don’t plan on many changes this year. The league has been successful for 56 years. I am looking forward to my first year and working with our Board members and coaches.”
Last will take over the Southern Connecticut Conference which has seen many changes over the last several years, including a reduction of football levels and participants in many towns. Youth football and cheerleading programs have more options than ever before.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of growing youth football and cheerleading in Southern Connecticut and across the state,” Last said. “Youth football has had its challenges for more than a decade and is honestly at a crossroads. We have to market football and cheerleading to a youth population that has many more choices than we did growing up. My job will be to market and grow youth football and cheerleading in Southern Connecticut and I look forward to the task.”