This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
11/04/2016 12:00 AMChristine Lastomirsky may not play for the East Haven football team, but she still plays a big role with the Yellowjackets as their “team mom.” That’s because Christine coordinates all of the team’s fundraising, pasta dinners, postgame food, Senior Night plans, and much more.
“It’s a big list and there’s activity all year long. It’s definitely like a full-time job,” says Christine, who also works full-time as a client service manager and is going to school part-time for a business management degree. “It’s about balance and being well-organized. I also get a lot of support from family and friends.”
Christine and her husband Jason have two children: Nate, who’s a senior on the football team; and Brian, a 13-year-old who plays youth football in the fall and lacrosse in an out-of-town league during the spring. The couple has recognized how important sports are in children’s lives, as well as the importance of being involved in their kids’ activities.
“It’s important for us to stay close as a family and, with our kids in football anyway, this just allows us to provide that level of support, no matter what the kids are doing,” Christine says. “In the age when there are so many scary things out there, sports are such an integral part of their lives. The more they’re involved in, the less time they’ll have to get in trouble. You learn things from playing sports you may not learn elsewhere: being in a team environment, having other people rely on you, and having to work with other people.”
Christine, who went to East Haven High School, has known most of the Yellowjackets’ athletes since they were very young. When her older son was growing up, Christine was involved on the East Haven Youth Football board during a time when his team earned a spot to compete in Florida in his 6th-grade season. Christine has seen the players grow through the years, as well as the impact that Brian Duryea has had as both a youth coach and now an assistant for the high school squad.
“He has helped the entire group succeed and he’s been there since these kids played flag football,” says Christine. “Brian is an icon and a role model for these kids who grew up playing youth and transitioned into high school. I couldn’t be more proud of my son and all the other players, as well.”
Nate went to Notre Dame-West Haven for his freshman year before transferring to East Haven as a sophomore, when Christine took on the role of the team mom. Now a senior, Nate is the Easties’ quarterback and also a starting safety. Although being the team mom adds a lot to her plate, Christine is happy to help and appreciates that Nate helps her take care of some of the tasks.
“He is really helping me out this year,” says Christine. “For me, personally, I feel like you can’t complain about a program or anything if you’re not willing to step up and help. I wanted to make sure the kids are taken care of, so I stepped up. It’s an honor.”
Not only does Christine get help from her family, the coaching staff, and her fellow parents, but local businesses have also stepped up. Capotorto’s Apizza Center hosted the team’s first team pasta dinner this year and the Foxon Subway provides sandwiches for the players after away games.
“Capotorto’s Pizza has been a huge help and Subway in Foxon has been awesome,” says Christine. “The coaching staff has been fantastic. Their goals are very much the same. It’s all about the kids and what they need to do on and off the field and what it means to them to be part of the team.”
Yellowjackets’ Head Coach Melvin Wells knows all about the difference that Christine had made on his team.
“Christine is one of the most resourceful and energetic people I know,” says Wells. “We are blessed to have her with our program.”
One of the goals that East Haven is working toward is for its players to stay involved beyond their high school years. Christine has encouraged former players to come back to support their alma mater, noting that at least 10 graduates from the Class of 2016 attend Yellowjackets’ games. Christine is also looking for alumni to support the program at events throughout the year. Earlier this year, the team hosted the first annual Yellowjacket Open Golf Tournament in honor of legendary East Haven coach Frank Crisafi.
“They’re coming back from college when they can, being there to show support, and talking to our seniors about how football played a factor in their lives,” says Christine. “We are really trying to reshape the whole program to make sure it’s all about the kids and, when you graduate, it’s about your continued support to the program. It’s so important because it helps them kind of shape their future and understand what it looks like after graduation and the impact football has on their lives and on their future.”
It takes up a lot of time being East Haven’s team mom, but Christine wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves helping the Yellowjackets’ athletes strengthen their bonds with each other, while they enjoy their time on the gridiron.
“At the end of the day, being there for one another now and in the future allows them to create bonds and memories they’ll have for the rest of their lives,” Christine says. “It’s not about the coaches or parents. It’s just about these kids. That’s all that matters—the smiles on their faces and that football has helped shape their lives, helped keep them out of trouble, and provided a great framework and memories.”