Stamford Star Inducted Posthumously to Sports Hall of Fame

Six new local standout sports stars were inducted into the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame Wednesday, including three representatives from Fairfield, one from Stratford, one from New Canaan and a Stamford star inducted posthumously. 

Allyson Rioux was the representative from Stamford. She was a triple-threat standout from Westhill High School from 1976 to 1979, playing softball, basketball and field hockey. 

"We lost Allison way too early," said Tom Chiappetta, Executive Director of the Fairfield County Sports Commission. "It was a huge loss for the sports community and the Stamford community. Her name here in Stamford is the equivalent of Bobby Valentine."

Leaving high school, she focused on softball, playing one season at Rhode Island before transferring to the University of Massachusetts, where she achieved second-team All-American shortstop her senior year. She then joined the Raybestos Brakettes where she thrived for 10 years as a second baseman, winning five national championships and finishing runner-up four times. 

Rioux passed away from an inoperable brain tumor in 1989 at the age of 27. She was eighth in career games played and in the Top 20 in hits. Wednesday's induction adds to her list of recognition, which includes the National Softball Hall of Fame, the CT ASA Hall of Fame and the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame. 

"She loved everything about this time," said Rioux's sister, Cheryl Tiscia, accepting the induction for her sister. "She would be beyond honored at this recognition."

Rioux was inducted to the Hall of Fame's James O'Rourke Amateur Wing. Two candidates were selected for each of the three wings, the others being the Jackie Robinson Professional Wing and the J. Walter Kennedy Community Service Wing. 

Inducted to the Jackie Robinson Wing Wednesday were professional tennis player James Blake, of Fairfield, and MLB Umpire Mark Hirschbeck, of Stratford, who joins his brother John to become the first brother tandem in the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame. Don Cook, a 50-year veteran to college athletics, and one of the state's most winningest high-school coaches Earl Lavery, both of Fairfield, were inducted to the J. Walter Kennedy Wing. Three-sport college standout Dennis Paglialunga, of New Canaan, was the second member inducted to the James O'Rourke Wing.