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Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Note to Y's Men: Check out the many activities and other information about the Y's Men by visiting the website www.ysmenwestportweston.org. There is no requirement to sign in unless you are visiting the Members Only section.

Tomorrow: Amid College Sports Upheaval with NIL,

Fairfield University Leaders Offer Reality Check

College sports are shifting fast. A panel of Fairfield University leaders will break down what’s really happening behind NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), recruiting, and the transfer portal—and what it means right now.


Tomorrow (Thursday, May 14), Y’s Men will hear from:

  • Tyler Nelson, Director of NIL and Player Relations
  • Paul Schlickmann, Director of Athletics
  • Carly Thibault-DuDonis, Women’s Basketball Head Coach
  • Chris Casey, Men’s Basketball Head Coach


Nelson will lead off with a clear, real-world explanation of how NIL and the transfer portal work today—he’s the point person and dealmaker navigating this new landscape. Schlickmann will discuss how and why Fairfield has adapted institutionally, and what that means for athletics. Coaches Thibault-DuDonis and Casey will share first hand examples of how NIL and player movement are affecting recruiting, retention, team culture, and day-to-day program management.


What’s new: The NIL environment continues to evolve rapidly. This group has presented together before and will offer a coordinated, inside look at how these changes are playing out in real time.


What you’ll learn:

  • How NIL actually works day to day
  • How universities are adapting to the new model
  • Why culture and fit still matter
  • How coaches manage constant roster change

The program will include brief presentations, a panel discussion, and audience Q&A.


Y's Men Thursday morning meetings are in Hoskins Hall downstairs in the Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East in Westport. Coffee, donut, and bagel social hour begins at 9:00 am, business meeting at 10:00 am, speaker at 10:30 am.


Come early, bring a guest, and bring your questions.

Y's Man Tom Kretsch Selected for Westport Fine Arts Festival

Cityscape, Fez, Morocco (Photo by Y's Man Tom Kretsch)


Y’s Man Tom Kretsch has been selected to participate in The Westport Fine Arts Festival on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday May 24. The Festival will be on Main Street from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day .


Tom's business, Peaceful Places, takes him many places to photograph. His work covers a wide range of themes such as travel which includes Maine, Vermont, Cape Cod, and Westport.


His booth is Number 25 .