THE NRHS boys’ soccer alumni game had 30 participants this year. Pictured in the first row from left to right is Gavin Tingley, Mark Tramontozzi, Jack Walsh and Paul Burdett. In the second row from left is Brodie Mann, Brady Miller, Liam Rodger, Landon Phillips, Cody Cannalonga, Nick Rocco, Cory McGrath, Brian O’Neil, Dan Coveney, Will Carpenter, Alex Carpenter and Josh Rocco. In the third row from left is Jason Emerson, Travis Long, Josh Stanieich, Nate Miller, Quinn Riesenberg, Justin Capezzuto, Mikey Tsaparlis, Kilian Daly, Peter Walsh, Anthony Tramontozzi, Mark Bisognano, Mike Finocchiaro, Nick Carpenter and Joe Davis. (Courtesy Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The North Reading High boys’ soccer team had its annual alumni game back on Nov. 25. They have been doing this event every year since 2007 missing only 2020 due to the pandemic.
The game is set up by Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano, who was the oldest participating player, as he graduated back in 1996.
“It is always a fun day and a great group of guys,” said Bisognano. “Most of the players participating were from the last four years.”
This year, 30 alumni participated. They did the odd year gradation against the even -year gradation to make up the team but did move some players to balance both rosters.
They played two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime break.
North Reading resident Ric Beaudoin was the referee and he brought a couple of his other official friends to help him.
In the game, the score was tied at one at the half but the odd-number years ended up winning the game 4-2.
Alex Carpenter was one of three odd-year scorers who moved over to the odd year team despite graduating in an even year as Carpenter graduated in 2022.
2008 graduates Brian O’Neil and Josh Rocco along with 2007 graduate, Jack Walsh, had the three other goals.
For the even-year team, Josh Standeich and Mike Finocchiaro had the two goals. Standeich graduated in 2023 while Finocchiaro graduated in 2016.
Carpenter’s two brothers also played in the game, Nick (2018) and Will (2020). Rocco’s older brother Nick (2007) also played.
Nine North Reading classes were represented at the game with the 2023 class having the most participants with eight.
“We got very lucky with the weather that day as well,” pointed out Bisognano, who is also the Hornets boys’ tennis coach.
It was a good bonding experience for the alumni as several of them went out to lunch after the game to reminisce and catch up.
Bisognano is hoping for more participants next year including the 2024 class.
