Natick High School - Sassamon Yearbook (Natick, MA)

Page 27 text:

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

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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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24 T II E S A S S A M o N BASEBALL Hack Row — Desman-., Breneman, Pelullo, Mahoney, Barnicle, Florio, Mr. Marso. Second Row — (Juarino, Allen, Shea, MacPherson, Shea, Miccile, Arena, Paul. Front Row — Grassey, Young, Grady, Gottwald, Moffatt, Mathews, Raphael. BASEBALL — 1941 When Coach Marso issued the call for baseball candidates over 50 boys responded eagerly, for this year many of the positions arc wide open for competition, and although another great season is expected every boy must hustle to hold down his job. It ' s only natural that the veterans receive first consideration although only about five experienced men returned. These include: Capt. Ralph Raphael and Butch Matthews In the outfield, John Grady and Bill Florio Sit second and third respectively and Bob Lefty McNeil on the mound. Added to this group will be boys who have seen service on different local teams during the summer. Most of these are sophomore.s and juniors around which Coach Marso plans to build • or the future as well as for the coming campaign. For the first time in many years the schedule calls for only 10 games. This is due to lack of money in the Athletic Fund. However, practice games may be played with oiher teams. At the present writing Milford and Fram- ingham loom as serious threats to a success- ful season. They will be hard to stop but if the boys play heads-up ball thev will come out on top. The Bay State League Championship is something for the team to shoot at. They hrve the coach, they have the material; com- bine these with some spirit and luck, give them your support and they can ' t miss coming out as champions.