Stoneham High School - Wildlife Yearbook (Stoneham, MA)

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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 ■

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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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ACT I. . . . ACTIVITIES