Stoneham High School - Wildlife Yearbook (Stoneham, MA)

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A NEW TRADITION A week later, a banged up and tired Spartan team lost to Belmont, then tied for first place with Watertown. As the opinion that the Lexington game may have been a fluke appeared to be spreading, the players set out to prove to the fans, the rest of the league, and themselves that they were winners. In the weeks that followed, all doubt was silenced. The next to fall to Stoneham was the Woburn Tanners, whom the Spartans rolled over, 23 to 12. This victory fueled Stoneham’s fire, and inspired in Spartan Spirit” which spread throughout the high school, as well as the rest of the town. With renewed belief in themselves, the Spartans continued to roll, downing Wakefield 15 to 6, then Winchester, 20 to 8. Much of the offensive success of the team is due to the outstanding play of the offensive line, affection- ately known as the hogs. The tenacity of the defense had also gained the respect of the league. Although the Spartans lost a tough Turkey Day game to a strong Reading team, 13 to 6, they were proud of their success, and the fan support they had inspired for the football program. As sources of leadership, instruction, and individual support, the coaching staff was second to none. They are head coach Tom Kasprzak, defensive coordinator Dick Burnham, line coach and head hog” A1 Lanni, and receiver and strength coach Bob Powers. The 1983 Stoneham High Football Team earned themselves a special place in the history of Stoneham High athletics. As the Boston Globe stated, The last time Stoneham had won a football game Jimmy Carter was still president and Carl Yastrzemski just recorded his 3000th hit. It was November 4, 1979 and 35 games since it won a game.” In their fourth game of the season, however, the Spartans snapped this streak, shutting out Lexington, 14 to 0. And the evening which followed saw a town-wide party previously unequalled. The Spartans were not satisfied with this one victory, though. Their ability to win in the Middlesex League had been realized, and the players had three winless seasons to make up for. After disappoint- ing losses to Concord Carlisle, Watertown, Burlington, and Mel- rose, the players were hungry for a win. The seniors were especially hungry, not only because it was their last year of high school football, but also silenced statements that suggested Stoneham did not belong in the Middlesex League. As freshmen, these seniors were league champions, but as they moved into varsity play, they saw only losing, and they did not like it. After the victory over Lexington, they experienced a feeling of jo y they had not felt since they were freshmen, and they wanted more. 11

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WINNING The Spartans put to rest any doubt that they were the best in the north by trouncing Arlington in three of four games, and seizing the North Sectional Title. In the finals of the Northeast Sectionals. Stoneham faced the 1982 State Champions from Quincy. Though Quincy possessed a reputedly potent offense, the Spartan defense held them in check, anticipating most of Quincy ' s shots. Stoneham took three out of five, and moved on to the State Finals. Because of an M.I.A.A. rule which states that if a school sponsors only one team in a sport, it must allow both boys and girls to play, the Amherst team, Stoneham’s opponent in the State Finals, consisted of more boys than girls. The Spartans played hard, but were simply overpowered, dropping three straight games. Despite all the controversy over this final match, Stoneham is still regarded by most as the finest girls’ volleyball team in Massachusetts. After last year’s finish as co-champs of the North Shore League, the eight returning varsity players could only make improvements on their 1982 season. By strengthening their already impenetrable defense and fine-tuning their offense, the team dominated the league, disposing of their opponents easily. Only Arlington, in the second meeting of the two teams, was able to squeak past Stone- ham. The loss, however, was overshadowed by Stoneham’s com- fortable presence at the top of the league. Now that sole possession of first place was theirs, the Spartans moved on to the State Tournament. Their first real challenge came in the quarter-finals of the North Sectionals against Boston Latin, with 1983 Player of the Year, Ginny Tom. Despite a strong effort by Boston Latin, Stoneham swept the match and moved on to the semi-finals. Stoneham met and defeated Chelmsford, taking three straight games, and advanced to the North Sectional Finals. 10

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THE FINAL SCENE Setting 1 Act I- Activities 13 Act 2-Clubs 25 Act 3-Sports 45 Act 4-Faculty 77 The Cast-Seniors 89 Our Sponsors 129 o STONEHAM HIGH YEARBOOK PRODUCTIONS LIMITED ■ 1984 ■