Norwalk High School Boys Soccer

News

Simonsen and Kasparis Resign, Laughton and Surace’s Term Begins

Kurt Simonsen first took the helm at the Varsity head coaching position in 1999 after serving four years as JV and Freshman coach. His philosophy and style quickly turned an underachieving program into one of the top in the state. A lifelong Norwalk resident, Coach Simonsen completed eight seasons as Varsity head coach, compiling a combined record of 94-41-14. In 2002 Simonsen became the first NHS soccer coach to win the FCIAC title. The 2002 squad also captured the Ralph King Cup for best FCIAC regular season record, and won the FCIAC Central Division title; a title Norwalk earned in 2004 and 2005, as well. His 2004 team will be remembered for making both the FCIAC and Class LL State championship games. A 1990 graduate of Brien McMahon High School, he went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in English from the University of Connecticut at Storrs and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Bridgeport. During the school day Coach Simonsen works as an English teacher at Norwalk High. He will serve as the assistant coach for the varsity baseball team in the spring. Simonsen resides in Norwalk with his wife and two daughters.

A 1994 graduate of Norwalk High School, George Kasparis served as assistant to Simonsen all eight seasons. He earned his Bachelors Degree in History from the University of Connecticut at Storrs and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Bridgeport. While holding a state certification in history education, Coach K teaches History at Norwalk High. During the spring season Kasparis used to serve as the freshman baseball coach. He resides in Norwalk.

Chris Laughton, a 2001 graduate of Norwalk High School, takes over this season as Varsity head coach. As a player at NHS he earned All-FCIAC 1st Team honors and captained the squad his senior year. In 2005 he graduated from the University of Connecticut at Storrs with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He currently is pursuing a Masters of Arts in Teaching at Sacred Heart University. He will be student teaching this school year at NHS as well as coaching.

Joe Surace served as the JV coach for seven years at Norwalk High School, and will now join Laughton as the Varsity assistant coach. While also holding a referee certification, Coach Surace spends much of his time actively coaching in Norwalk Junior Soccer with his travel teams, one of which recently captured the U16 Connecticut Cup title. He resides in Norwalk with his wife and three soccer playing sons.