A new era: First-year coaches excited for 60th Thanksgiving clash

Rotary clubs host Thanksgiving rivals at luncheon

Published November 21, 2018

By DAN PAWLOWSKI

WAKEFIELD — The annual pre-Thanksgiving luncheon, hosted by the North Reading and Lynnfield rotary clubs, doesn’t feel as much like an awkward family reunion as you might think.

How would you expect the conversations of lunch tables broken up by roles rather than schools to go? On one end we have Hornet football captains joking around with Pioneer football captains on their way back up to the buffet for seconds. Next door, the band and cheerleading teams sitting together, no doubt reminiscing about how fun it was supporting their teams during last Friday’s monsoon.

At the rotary table, Lynnfield and North Reading community leaders discussing their next big event.

And at the administration table, the superintendents, Lynnfield’s Jane Tremblay and North Reading’s Jon Bernard going over the rules of their annual bet to make sure it’s completely understood: The winner chooses the restaurant in the loser’s community. You already know who treats. (Tremblay hosted Bernard at Davio’s in Lynnfield after NR’s 27-13 win last year. Not a bad deal.)

But for all the goodwill and good-natured ribbing, it was the table in the middle that was most intriguing on Thursday Nov. 15 at the Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield. There sat two first-year head coaches, ready to continue this awesome tradition and write their own chapters.

Lynnfield’s Pat Lamusta and North Reading’s Eddie Blum looked like identical 20-something hires, going over their speeches and laughing, probably about the number of thank you’s they were about to dish out. Lamusta, a Lynnfield native who was attending his second Rotary Luncheon after serving as a captain for LHS in 2007, no doubt helped Blum understand the drill. But the thank you’s from the two coaches were genuine. They were grateful to be a part of this tradition, excited to be leading these two proud programs, and ready to compete against each other during their first Thanksgiving at the helm.

Eddie Blum comments

The Hornet head coach started off with shoutouts to the band and cheer programs at NR.

“This is Ben Owens’ (Band Director) first year as well, its been great to work with him early on here. He’s brought such a great energy and I’m really excited to see the future of the band program, He brought the pep band back this year and brought an awesome atmosphere Friday nights.”

Blum then thanked the cheerleading team for their support.

“This year, working with them and seeing how they work has been great; they’ve been a consistent program year in and year out. Its a testament to Ms. (Kathleen) Roy and her team’s commitment and dedication. I just want to thank them for their support throughout the year.”

“Next I want to acknowledge the football captains here with me. Alex D’Ambrosio, Dylan Cole, Matt Solecki and Mike Sheridan. I’m honored as a coach to have a great collection of captains my first year. Not only are they great players, but they are great individuals off the field, in the classroom and in the community. They’ve really been awesome role models for the younger players. They helped set the tone for the types of individuals we want to represent the football program. For all the seniors, I can never fully express how grateful I am for what they’ve done for us this year.

“Lastly I want to thank the North Reading administration, Mr. (Jon) Bernard, Mr. (A.J.) Loprete and Mr. (David) Johnson I’m grateful for their support and guidance throughout this fall. Just being able to walk in, talk to them and get their support and thoughts. Even Mr. Johnson being my speechwriter here, I greatly appreciate it.

“I am honored and humbled everyday by the opportunity to represent North Reading High School and the community. I joined about three and a half years ago as a coach and teacher and each day I’m impressed with the culture, the adults that work there, but more importantly, the student athletes that are in the building that are always working hard to get better. It’s just an awesome thing to be a part of.

“This season, like most teams we’ve had our highs and lows. We lost some tough games, we dealt with some injuries. At the same time, we beat Masco at their place and earned a share of the Cape Ann League title. It’s through these shared experiences that have molded the identity of this team, especially that fight mentality: don’t give up until the end.

“Bigger than the results of the game, it’s the lessons learned that provide an invaluable impact to the student athletes. Lessons in the importance of teamwork, hard work, mental toughness, dealing with adversity, responsibility, humility, selflessness. It’s these lessons, whether the players realize it in the moment or not, that is the most important role of a coach. It’s these lessons that the players will carry on with them and help shape who they become in the future.

“I want to thank the rotary’s for hosting. Their motto, ‘service over self’ is a great example of a focus on the greater good of a team and community that sets a great example for younger people to see.

“Thanksgiving is a special game. It doesn’t matter how your season went, it’s about tradition. It’s bigger than the individuals playing in it. You’re representing the alumni, you’re representing families, you’re representing communities. As players and as coaches it’s always a great environment and we’re just grateful to be a part of it.

“Pat, I know it’s your first year too. I look forward to competing against you year in and year out. Looking forward to us playing it the right way on Thanksgiving and going after it. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. “

Pat Lamusta comments

“I grew up in Lynnfield. Eleven years ago, I was a senior captain at the Rotary Luncheon, the only difference was we were sitting at the Hillview which is a great place to golf. Time really does fly. What an awesome tradition, so thank you to the Rotary Clubs for hosting this event. This annual tradition sets the tone for the big game and it’s essential for promoting the sport of football in both communities.

“I want to thank my awesome support team of administrators: Superintendent Jane Tremblay, Principal Bob Cleary and Athletic Director Mike Bierwirth for all your help this season. There was never a question unanswered or a stone unturned, so thank you for that.

“Thank you to our cheerleaders. It means so much to the team that you support us no matter how cold or how rainy it is. I went to their CAL meet the other day and their very technical and impressive routine got them a high score and they’re going on to states so nice job ladies, keep it up.

“I want to thank my captains, Cole Moretti, Hunter Allain, Jaret Simpson and Leo Quinn. They’ve been with the team for four years. They worked closely with me during the coaching transition this offseason. Thank you for your patience and resolve during what’s been a difficult season. You’re ability to lead this team through this season’s obstacles speaks volumes about you as people and I know you will be successful in your life pursuits when the shoulder pads and helmets are finally put to the side.

“In thinking back on our season, the difficulties are recognizable when considering the 3-7 record but despite these numbers it is important to note that four of our losses were by a touchdown or less and in some cases came down to the very last snap. These tough, close games against Newburyport, Winthrop, Ipswich and Watertown ended up being the building blocks for our success in the past two games against Wakefield and Salem. We have a tough, resilient group of players and I’m very proud of how far they have come this year and I cannot wait to see them compete next Thursday in our Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Hornets.

“Now about this matchup. This rivalry is a bit historic. It goes back 60 years. Well 61 years if you were to ask our historian Tom Condardo. The first game was played in October. Tom covered these two teams for many years for both newspapers. Him being able to chronicle the rivalry and know all the statistics has been great for both programs. Although Tom is now semi-retired from this, I always want to give him a shoutout.

“On a personal level, the rivalry is always important to me, as I played in four of these games. Although from 2004 to 2007, the program was struggling, you never forget the great moments of Thanksgiving football. It’s you, it’s your teammates, coaches, friends and family all packed into this awesome environment. It’s usually really cold and still, even with the new playoff system, it’s the most important game of the season. As coach Blum pointed out, it can right all wrongs throughout the season.

“I think this year is important in both communities because we need to promote the sport. Registration numbers are down all across the state and in our league especially. Some teams are cutting back their programs or losing it all together. So, although this is a rivalry, I think it’s crucial that both communities continue to work together to promote the sport. It was encouraging to hear how North Reading youth football helped our youth program with equipment for the 2018 season. That shows how even though we compete every year in the sleet, snow and leaves, both our communities are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that football survives in Lynnfield and North Reading.

“I wish coach (Blum), his staff and his players the best of luck this Thursday and hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving, after coming to the game of course.”

And just like that, after a closing “thank you” from Lynnfield Rotary Club President Ron Block, it was over. 

It some ways it signifies the importance of respect. Both administrations are convinced that the Rotary Luncheon has played a big role in turning this rivalry from what used to be, lets just say “contentious,” to what is now a more healthy balance. There is no more vandalizing. No more over-the-top threats. Just a great rivalry. 

The new coaches will help take it one step further. Like most sharing a table at the Luncheon, they might never be best friends. But they’re willing to work together if that means keeping this tradition alive. That is certainly something worth collaborating for.