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This year was a very successful
year for our flag football program. We expanded to two age groups and had
over 120 children enrolled as participants, ages 8 through 14. The season
was exciting and competitive, but most of all, it was a lot of fun for
everyone involved. Each weekend, the kids came out to play, and as the
season progressed, the football games evolved into some well-played
contests. The enthusiasm and teamwork displayed by the players, coaches
and fans was a joy to see.
None of this could have been
possible without the hard work and dedication of so many people. From our
partners in the Citiparks department, to our talented group of volunteer
coaches and assistants, we all came together and worked hard at making
this program a positive and memorable experience for the children of the
Brookline community.
First, I'd like to thank our
Citiparks partners for their assistance behind the scenes. Deputy Director
Mike Radley provided much needed logistical support and donated many of
the prizes for the Punt/Pass/Kick Competition. Area Supervisors Jim
Krashna and Jim Robinson helped out with our equipment needs. Center
Director Michelle Underwood was instrumental with her encouragement and
guidance. Mike Russo, Rod Perkins and Tom Paulin of Public Works helped
with our maintenance, permit and lighting needs. On the field, Anthony
Morris from the Arlington Rec Center helped out with the referee duties,
alongside another gridiron specialist, the Brookline Rec's own Dr. Dale
Key.
It is difficult to underestimate
the value of a good instructor, and we had several. Our volunteer coaches
did a fantastic job working with their teams. The transformation in
talent and execution from the first week to the last was astounding, and
much of this is due to the hard work of these fine individuals:
Steve Maiorano, Joe Mitchell, Jim King, Mike Miller, J.R. Cirigliano, Todd
Kaduke, Demond Sublett, Milan Tyler, Dean Haskins, Jenn Haskins, Josh
Haskins, James Perry, Dale Fink, Dan Reinheimer, Chuck Bonner, Russell
Gettings, Big John DeMarco and Matt McGraw.
It is probably more difficult to
be a referee. Control is often an illusion, and keeping it isn't always
as easy as it seems. So much rides on a referee's perception and the
sound of their whistle. It's a hard job, but someone had to do it. Our
hats off to:
James Perry, Matt McGraw, Tom Holbrooke, Dr. Dale Key, Milan Tyler, Anthony
Morris, Bobby Mazzeo, J.R. Cirigliano and Todd Kaduke.
Several parents and kids came
out to help with the Punt/Pass/Kick Competition, and many others assisted
with the daily chores, like keeping score or sticking around to help clean
up. Well deserved thanks to these individuals for being in the right place
at the right time and helping to make our job a little easier (my apologies
if I missed someone):
Tom Feeney, Marge Beyers, Marty Beyers, Rich Semian, Dennis Logan, Leslie
Maiorano, Kirk Neal, Mark Wright, Karen White, Rege Mandarino, Matthew
Newman, Josh Cashman, Sean McGinnis, Cody Barnhart, Matthew Molinaro, Sam
Camarco, Jerry Coulehan, Devin Newman, Dylan DiRenna, Regis Mandarino and
Brian "Beezer" Hall.
Special thanks go out to Joe and
Lisa Nicholas of the Brookline Knights for their generous donation of
materials for the program, to Robert Smith of the Brookline Little League
for his help with field availability, and to Mike Bayens for his donation of
Steeler photos for the Punt/Pass/Kick Competition.
Last, but not least, our sincerest
thanks to the parents and fans for their continued support throughout the
season. It was really nice to see all the people in attendance at the games.
I know it meant a lot to the kids to see so many friends and relatives
coming to see them play. We can only hope that you had as much fun watching
as we did.
Thanks Again Everyone!
Clint Burton
Program Coordinator |