Natick High School - Sassamon Yearbook (Natick, MA)

Page 26 text:

T HE S A SSAMON BOYS ' BASKETBALL Back Row — G. Barnicle, J. Moffatt, C. Sargent, G. Nims, J. McEvoy, Mr. Andrews. Second Row — A. Anderson, I). Sims, R. Palladino, J. Lefter, I). Pelullo, P. Lane. Front Row — J. Grady, R. Bates, S. Mathews, R. Young, W. Florio. BASKETBALL FOR 1940 AND 1941 June graduation took its toll of stars from last year ' s crack team, in fact as both first squads were made up of practically all sen- iors no captain was chosen for this year. Therefore, Coach Bob Andrews, who took up rbe reins as our new basketball mentor, had to mold together a starting team of boys with very little experience. With the outlook far from bright Mr. Andrews set to work to form a winning combination. He brought to Natick an entirely new system from the one which was implored by Mr. Matfeo. While former ' atick teams had used a zone defense, this year ' s attack was based on a two platoon svstem. That is. two entire teams would alternate with each other throughout the game. When the starting team left the floor five lested players would go in to keep the pres- sure on. In this way more boys had a chance to play while at the same time it ■vore the other team down. When the season, with a total of fifteen games, was completed Natick stood on the win side of the ledger with a total of S won and 7 lost. The first club was built around Butch Mathews, a junior, who was flanked by two seniors, a sophomore and a junior. For his sensational all-around play his teammates elected him as their captain for the coming season. With veterans galore returning Natick should have a banner year as well as winning the Bay State Championship.

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THE SASSAMON 21 FOOTBALL Back Row: Mullen, Smith, Saviano. Fourth Row — Mr. Andrews, Mr. Plausse, Anderson, Gassett, Orcutt, Davis, Breneman, Niles. Lowry, MacPherson, Flvnn, Lane, Gilsenan, Mr. Quackenbush. Third Row — Freedman, Sheridan, Grupposo, Baker, Sargent, Rvan, Lefter, Rooney, Lennon, Carleton, Bates. Second Row — Branagan, Mathews, Morris, Florio. Culcasi, Beale, Parker, Miccile. McNeil, Ma honey. Front Row — Shea, Annaballi, Palladino, Bates, Barnicle, Capt., Moffatt, Gerrity, McEvoy. Feelev. FOOTBALL FOR 1910 The football team that represented Natick High this fall was built up entirely from scratch. Not a single veteran from last year ' s club returned, yet the boys developed rapidly through the hard work of Coach Plausse and his assistants. Led by Capt. George Barnicle, our hust- ling guard, the boys at all times played their hardest with only the thought of victory in their minds. What they lacked in size they made up for in spirit. Their conduct on the playing field earned them the title of sports- men. Although tempers flared at times it was because they were a hustling team that wouldn ' t let anything be put over on them. In the three games lost they played their hearts out until the final whistle blew. The three games that were tied could have gone either way; costly fumbles or the clock run- ning out preventing a Natick victory. The four victories, especially the Barnstable and Framingham ones, were well played and rich- ly deserved. Although the practice sessions were tire- some, the boys learned to play the game the hard way. After all they could get out of them only what they put into them. Their rivals found this out, to their sorrow, when they met. A flock of sophomores and juniors that •-tarred this year will return to pave the way for the greatest season any Red and Blue football team ever had. They will be led bv Co-Captains Parker and Scianna who play the line and backfield respectfully. MORSE INSTITUTE 14 East Central Street Natick, Mass. 01760

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THE SASSAMON 25 HOCKEY Bennett, Stenquist, Devereaux, Hall, Rooney, Ricardi. Row — Green, McPherson, Clancy, Swanson, Vahey, Dolph, Quatrale, W McManus. Front Row — O ' Connell, Casev, Back Ro Second Mr. Stevens, Cole, Marshall, Palmer. HOCKEY The hockey team of 1940-41 will be re- membered in later years as one that greatlv surpassed expectations. While it ' s true their victory column was not long, the spirit, ag- gressiveness and fair play of this year ' s club was most gratifying, both to its coach and the many loyal supporters. Although by far the most inexperienced squad in the Eastern Massachusetts Hockey League, in no game were our boys greatlv outplayed. As representatives of the Natick High School they carried on in a manner that made all that followed them proud to be •issociated with them. The season was one in which Coach Mc- Manus spent much time in the development of future hockey players. Consequently many of the boys who remain have had experience which should enable them to represent Natick capably in the coming years. We have had organized hockev in our school for five years; each year finds interest growing more and more enthusiastically. Soon this sport will take its proper place among our major physical education activities, where its true merits will be recognized by all sports lovers. When that time comes we sincerely hope that adequate practice facilities will be added which will compare favorably with those in neighboring towns. The season ' s record was: Brookline 1-2 Brockton 2-3 Lexington 0-2 Somerville 2-1 Dedham 1-2 Maiden 1-0 Hudson 0-2 2-1 0-5 0-1