Connecticut Hurricanes Hall of Fame
The Connecticut Hurricanes Hall of Fame was established in 1994 to honor those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to the corps. Few, dedicated people have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.2008 Inductees
Gene Imperato
Gene Imperato is considered to be the Founder of the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps. The story goes that Gene was involved in the John H. Collins Post fife, drum and bugle corps and in 1955 in a back room meeting (at his Pioneer Auto in Derby, CT) began the marching and maneuvering organization to be named the Connecticut Hurricanes.
The name “Hurricanes” was born out of the infamous Hurricane Diane of 1955 that dev¬asted the Naugatuck Valley.
Gene was the first Director of the corps and designed the first Hurricane uniform (Black with Black sash and Silver lightning bolt). The sashes were hand sewn with the lightning bolt that has perpetuated as the Hurricanes identity some 53 years later!
Gene remained director of the corps until the late 1950’s when the corps stormed onto the senior circuit becoming highly competitive.
Please join us in posthumously welcoming Gene Imperato to the Hurricanes Hall of Fame.
Franklyn (Frank) Ogle
Frank Ogle was a member of the original John H. Collins Post, Derby CT fife and drum corps in the late 1940’s. Franklyn Ogle was a member of the original Connecticut Hurricanes (1955) when the corps was sponsored by John H. Collins American Legion Post in Derby. Frank was joined in the drumline by his brothers Harry and Bud. He played tenor drum as did Harry. A lifelong member of the Hurricane Alumni, Frank would visit practices and take in the Hurcs shows while living in Derby and continued to do so during visits north after moving to Florida.
He was the drill instructor for the Hurricanes’ feeder corps, the Derby Cyclones during the 1960’s. Frank also taught the winter guard for the Cyclones, one of the first winter guard units to compete in Connecticut. Frank’s girls were his pride and joy, winning many contests and representing the Collins Post with the excellence that he demanded.
After his marching days were over in the early 1960’s, Frank became a judge in the Northeastern Circuit. Frank, along with his brothers Bill and Harry, served as judges for many years. Frank rose to the position of Chief Judge of the Northeastern Circuit and remained in that position until his retirement in the late 1970’s.
Beginning in the 1950’s, Frank was a Hurricane throughout. He never lost his love for the drum corps world, but most of all, his love and devotion for the Connecticut Hurricanes.
Please join us in posthumously welcoming Frank to the Hurricanes Hall of Fame.
Rich Yelinek
Rich joined the Hurricanes in 1981, taking the last soprano hole to be filled on the 1st day of drill rehearsal at Hedges stadium in Bridgeport Ct. He quickly became a lead soprano which ended up to be one of the Hurricanes best soprano lines in years. At the time he was only 16 years old, and this year found his way to the Hurricanes 3rd DCA World Champi¬onship.
Rich has had extensive school training since he was in the 4th grade, starting on trum¬pet and following through high school. Finally playing with the concert band, jazz band, orchestra and marching band as Drum Major for 2 years. Taking many classes in music theory and appreciation. He has also learned to play multiple instruments.
Rich has been involved in Drum Corp since his early teens, starting with the Springfield Coachmen as a soloist, and then moving right into DCA. Also teaching as horn instructor for the Silver Nights of Ludlow MA, and horn instructor for the Marksmen Alumni and eventually taking over as Vice-President of the organization for 2 years. Rich has appeared with many other corps during off-season performances. And has helped in the fall band season in the Connecticut area.
Through the years he has been involved in every Hurcs placement from 13th to 1st learning to take the ups with the downs. Rich has helped with the horn line as an assistant to many instructors and liaison to the management... Not to forget being the lead soloist for many years in front of the Hurricanes horn line capturing best soloist trophies.
Becoming a repairman for brass instruments and fixing whatever horns possible while on the road with the Hurricanes, he now develops his own line of brass mouthpieces. Living in Springfield, MA all of his life, he has commuted down “south” for 20 plus years staying loyal to the Hurricanes.
Please join us in congratulating Rich on his Hurricanes Hall Of Fame Induction.