Knights Suffer Terrible Loss

The 2011-2012 Ellington/Somers Knights Football team was the undefeated and undisputed conference and area champion. So many local boys were standouts on that squad; some are among the most accomplished in Ellington’s history.

In every season there is a moment, a moment that defines the year and points a team toward victory or defeat. Such a moment happened late in the contest against longtime rival Stafford. Ellington was having an off night. Stafford was proving tougher than anticipated. With seconds, in the game on 4th down, 17 yards to go for a 1st down and down by 1, quarterback Brian Ryder was being chased around by Stafford defenders. Perilously close to being sacked, Ryder heaved a pass down field toward a group of players from both teams.

Junior wide receiver Austin Tautkus, standing six foot three inches tall, leaped with arms extended above the crowd catching the pass and then fighting for extra yards as he landed beyond the first down marker. Moments later Mitch Cobb would kick an improbable field goal to preserve victory and allow the knights to go undefeated that year, their greatest year.

That undefeated team suffered its first loss last evening when word came of the death of Austin Tautkus. Austin died of injuries sustained in an accident on the family farm. He was 19 years old and a student at Western Ct. State University, a member of the school’s football team. He was a son, a grandson, a friend, a student and an athlete in many sports.

I am consumed today with thoughts of this young man. I will always remember how polite and friendly he was. But for now and until we meet again I will forever see him streaking down the sideline for a thanksgiving touchdown,  performing the hook and ladderal to take the lead in the Road Runners Championship game and his last second leaping touchdown catch just before the half in the Youth state championship victory.

It has been said that “all men die”. “It’s how they lived that makes them special”. Austin Tautkus was a great kid. He brought happiness to sports fans, friends, and classmates and of course his family. He left us too soon, but he left us a template to live by, he showed by example. The son of two educators taught us a valuable lesson. Life is short, live it to the fullest and do so with class. Ellington/Somers has suffered yet another horrible loss. We mourn for Austin and we share his families’ pain. Rest in peace # 2.

There will be a candle vigil held at EHS football field tonight at 8pm