A parade honoring the newly-crowned national champion UConn women's basketball team will be held a week from today (Apr. 19) at 3 p.m.

The parade will begin and end at the state Capitol, and run near Bushnell Park, Main Street and Capitol Avenue. A rally will be held after the parade on the north steps of the Capitol.

Expect more details regarding parking and best locations to view the parade in the coming days. No word whether UConn coach Geno Auriemma will promise a repeat as he did in 2000.

UConn finished 39-0 and became the first Division I team during the NCAA era to go an entire season winning every game by at least 10 points.

For those of you who still have UConn withdrawal following the parade, there are two events in the greater New Haven area that might be of interest.

On Apr. 22 former UConn stars Shea Ralph and Meghan (Pattyson) Culmo will be among the seven new inductees into the Connecticut Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. The event will be held at Cascade Banquet Facility on 480 Sherman Avenue in Hamden. Ticket information may be obtained from Ann V. Fariss at (203) 378-6581.

On Apr. 30, Auriemma is expected to be on hand for Branford's "Play for the Cure" at Branford High School featuring four charity basketball games involving teachers from various Branford public schools, a team of Branford High students, another of News Channel 8 personalities and finally, a showdown between Branford firefighters and police. Tickets are $10 with all the proceeds going to Geno's Cancer Team, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Debbie Maloney Memorial Foundation.

As if the chance to raise money for worthwhile charities and see Auriemma isn't enough to draw people out to the event, my sources indicate that Sonia Baghdady of Channel 8 will be in attendance as a cheerleader for her station's team.
For more information, contact Dave Maloney at CIAC headquarters (203-250-1111).