MONDAY: Musings, international champs, Steve Smith's Spartans

It's Monday! Hope you had a stunning weekend, and hope the next one comes quick for you all. But we have to make it through a few more weekdays first.

Anyway, let's get a look at today's cover. You probably remember the name Teagan Ferguson, an outstanding keeper in lacrosse and soccer for Haddam-Killingworth. Well, her sis (Tevi) seems to be making a name for HERSELF, as she was part of an international win with a New England soccer team. They won their division of the Gothia Cup, the world's biggest football tournament, in Gothenberg, Sweden. Tevi's position? Keeper, duh! Runs in the family.

Jim's taking some time to see baseball parks around the country, but he's still keeping his eyes on local products. Former Xavier linebacker Graham Stewart could have a starting role with the Florida Gators this season, Jim reports.

Steve Smith (not THE Steve Smith), but the Middletown Spartans' Steve Smith seems to be the leader of this team, according to coach Jim Greco. After missing two games (Middletown lost both without him), he led the Spartans to a decisive win over Whaling City on Saturday. Three TD passes for Smith, including a key fourth-down make.

Tragic news from New Haven. Dave Solomon, an absolutely terrific and unparalleled sports journalist for the New Haven Register, died in a car accident Saturday night. I had a chance to intern with the Register, and worked several times with Solomon. He was a no-bones, intelligent and aggressive journalist. And he was good. Read Sports Editor Sean Barker's remembrance here.

OH. Last thing. You probably don't often get a chance to see what the Middletown Press sports desk looks like. Here it is (as of Sunday evening).