Courtesy of Milton Athletics
The Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association held its annual banquet on Sunday night. Several head coaches, assistant coaches and players were honored at the event which took place at the DoubleTree Westborough.
Six head coaches were inducted into the hall of fame. Jeff Cormier (Auburn), Steve Dembowski (Milton), Shawn Maguire (Burlington), Dave Palazzi (Leominster) Bruce Rich (Chelmsford) and Dave Woods (Bishop Fenwick).
I caught up with Dembowski to get his thoughts on Hall of Fame honor.
“I am truly grateful to the game of football for the opportunities and relationships it has given me. My family and I are thank the Swampscott and Milton communities for always supporting our teams and helping us provide our players a great experience.”
I am honored to have my name listed along with so many Massachusetts legends in the MHSFCA hall of fame.
Several assistant coaches were honored as well. Longtime King Philip defensive coordinator Matt Wassel (King Philip) who has coordinated some of the best defenses in the state along with Don Miller (West Bridgewater), Ryan Dailey (Westborough), Fernand Lavoie (Lynnfield), Melvin Sasser (Chicopee), and Marc Grady (Auburn) were all nominated by their head coaches and honored for their contributions to their respective programs.
King Philip Defensive Coordinator Matt Wassel pictured with members of the KP Staff.
Northbridge legendary head coach Ken LaChappelle was honored for winning his 400th game. He is the charter member of the 400 club.
Courtesy of Northbridge Athletics
Players were honored as well. The Courageous Players awards went to Shane Gilmore of Uxbridge, Madux Iovinelli of Lynnfield and Manual Rivera of Barnstable.
The Media award winner was Hector Longo of the Lawrence Eagle Tribune and the Distinguished Service award winners were Steve Ash and Matt Ross of Gold Athletics. The Cella Lifetime Achievement award went to longtime North Middlesex coach Sandy Ruggles.
It was a great night all around for the coaches association and the recipients.