Turkey, life lessons and respect on the menu at annual Rotary luncheon

Published in the November 24, 2015 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

NORTH READING — The annual Thanksgiving Day showdown between the Lynnfield and North Reading football teams has become a rite of passage for the young men and women taking the field and cheering for their respective teams. The 57th annual contest will be no exception to the rule.

The Lynnfield and North Reading Rotary Clubs helped kick off this highly anticipated Thanksgiving Day tradition during the annual pre–Thanksgiving luncheon held at Teresa’s Function Facilities in North Reading. In addition to the football and cheerleading captains from both communities, Rotary Club members from both communities and Lynnfield and North Reading school officials attended the luncheon.

North Reading Rotary Club President Eric Evans served as the master of ceremonies during the luncheon. Centre Congregational Church past Rev. Dr. Dennis Bailey gave the invocation.

Lynnfield Superintendent of Schools Jane Tremblay said the annual Rotary Club football luncheon is one of her favorite events of the year.

“This is a longstanding and great tradition between our two towns,” said Tremblay. “I am grateful to be part of it.”

North Reading Superintendent of Schools Jon Bernard thanked the two Rotary Clubs for sponsoring the annual football luncheon.

“It’s something we look forward to every year,” said Bernard. “It creates a good and healthy rivalry between the two teams and the two towns.”

Bernard also noted he and Tremblay have placed a “friendly wager” on this year’s football game.

The losing superintendent has to take the winner out in that person’s community, said Bernard. “I am hoping North Reading comes out on top because I am not looking forward to treating Jane at Davio’s in Lynnfield.”

Jeff Wall comments

North Reading football coach Jeff Wall thanked the two Rotary Clubs for holding the football luncheon.

“It’s always a nice event for the players and the coaches,” said Wall.

Wall congratulated Lynnfield football coach Neal Weidman and the Pioneers for having a great season. He said he started coaching the same time as Weidman when “both programs were struggling” at the time. He congratulated Weidman for turning Lynnfield’s football program around.

“I always respected Neal a ton for what he has been able to accomplish,” said Wall. “Lynnfield is now a perennial powerhouse and they are in the hunt every year. It’s a credit to the hard work Neal has put in. I have been around football for well over 40 years in various roles and I will say Neal is by far the most talented coach I have come across. If I could go back in time and play, I would love to play for coach Weidman.”

Wall congratulated Lynnfield captains Cam DeGeorge, CJ Finn, Drew Balestrieri, Spencer Balian and Drew McCarthy for a great season.

“You guys have been put in the work,” said Wall. “As you know, games are won in the off season. And they are winning a ton of games.”

Wall said one of his daughters recently asked him why people put “so much pressure on the Thanksgiving Day game” and “isn’t it supposed to be fun?”

Wall, who also teaches science at NRHS, started reflecting on his daughter’s question while raking leaves a couple of weekends ago. He urged North Reading senior captains Nic O’Connell and David Smith, and junior captain John Merullo to listen to his daughter’s wisdom.

“I know the game is important but if you let one game define you as a player, you have missed everything along the way,” said Wall. “I know coach Weidman would agree.”

Wall said both himself and Weidman try to teach life lessons to their respective players every day.

“I am hoping the players are better people for having played for us because I know I am a better person for having them in my life,” said Wall. “They have made an impact on the program, in the classroom and in the community. I hope they understand they have left a tremendous legacy.”

Wall congratulated North Reading cheerleading captains Katie Heffernan and Devyn Dwyer for the legacy they have left behind as well.

“When we go to practice, they are practicing,” said Wall. “And when we come back from practice, they are still practicing. The amount of work you put in is absolutely amazing. They represent North Reading very well.”

Wall encouraged players from both teams to take a moment to reflect on the Thanksgiving Day football game.

“Enjoy the time you have left,” said Wall. “Make the most of it. At one point in time, allow yourself to get caught up in the pageantry in the event. Thanksgiving is a big day and is a tremendous experience. But allow yourself a moment to step back and say I am part of something great because you are. You should be proud of your accomplishments regardless of whether you win or lose.”

Wall said all three North Reading captains should be proud of their accomplishments on the field.

“The amount of character, heart, courage and honor they bring to the game is unparalleled and unmatched,” said Wall. “We are not the biggest, strongest and fastest team but I can guarantee you that we bring heart and play hard. That is a credit to their leadership. They way they lead this team is amazing to watch. The way they lead in the classroom and in the community is amazing to watch. I couldn’t be more proud of the three guys I brought with me. They have made a huge difference in my life and I hope at some point in time, I made a difference in theirs.”

Neil Weidman comments

Weidman thanked the two Rotary Clubs for hosting the luncheon once again.

“This is a great opportunity for all us, especially our student-athletes to not only get out class and have some turkey dinner but also to meet student-athletes from another town which is supposedly their rival town,” said Weidman. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our student-athletes to meet each other and realize that even though you live in different towns, you really are not that different.”

Weidman echoed Wall’s comments that the players from both teams shouldn’t let the Thanksgiving Day showdown define their football careers.

“You shouldn’t put all of one season’s effort on one game,” said Weidman.

Weidman thanked Tremblay, Lynnfield High School Principal Bob Cleary and LHS Athletic Director Michael Bierwirth for giving him the opportunity to coach the Pioneers.

“I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to work with these student-athletes,” said Weidman.

Weidman thanked the Lynnfield cheerleaders for their support, including captain Alexa Distefano.

“The cheerleading program has improved a ton the last year or two in a lot of different ways,” said Weidman.

Weidman congratulated the Hornets on a terrific season.

“Watching you guys on film is truly impressive,” said Weidman. “They have great players, are well coached and play hard. The last part is a tribute to Jeff and his staff. And you can tell the kids have a passion for the game because they get after it on every play.”

Weidman said he has a “ton of respect” for the North Reading school community, the Hornets and Wall.

“I know how much time and effort Jeff puts into coaching,” said Weidman. “But what I really respect him for is he coaches for all of the right reasons.”

Weidman said the Thanksgiving Day game is “a great opportunity to bring two wonderful communities together.”

“I hope you guys get to know each other and realize that it’s not about where you live,” said Weidman. “It’s about having respect for each other and competing against one another.”

Weidman said, “Having the opportunity to work with young men in Lynnfield has truly been a blessing.”

“These young men who sit here are a representation of all of the young men that Jeff and I have had the pleasure to work with,” said Weidman.

Weidman said he hopes the captains and the rest of the players from both teams take away four life lessons from playing high school football. He said the first life lesson pertains to practice.

“The value of practice has a direct correlation on developing a work ethic, which will be the basis of their success as adults,” said Weidman. “No doubt about it. If anyone has had any success in their profession, work ethic is the base for it.”

The second piece of advice Weidman offered pertained to the value of teamwork.

“Understanding your role is critical,” said Weidman. “Not everyone can play the same role. No matter the arena you are in, one person can’t do it alone.”

The third piece of advice Weidman offered was related to discipline.

“You have to discipline yourself to work hard,” said Weidman. “There are a lot of life lessons to be learned in the evaluation of football. There is some value in life for someone to point out what you did wrong because you have to able to take constructive criticism.”

The last piece of advice Weidman offered pertained to perseverance, which he said is “the most important thing” he hopes players from both teams will learn from playing high school football.

“Football provides you a variety of challenges that will test you as a human being such as losing a big game,” said Weidman. “Both of us lost to the same team this year (Watertown) that was the biggest game of the year, which stinks. Both of us were capable of beating them but that is the way life is. It’s necessary for you guys to go through that in life because without it, you will never learn to pick yourself up when you are down.”

Weidman encouraged players from both teams to keep his wisdom in mind when they take the field.

“I hope Thursday is about developing these four qualities and not just about the Thanksgiving Day game and who won it and lost it,” said Weidman. “Happy Thanksgiving.”