First let's look at the legacy that these seniors put together.
Rick Berardino, Steve Ullian and Jeff Gannon all garnered All League honors in 2010.
Impressive individual honors to be sure, the but the more impressive accomplishment was the way this group helped turn around the Lynnfield football program, especially the past two years. The 2009 and 2010 seasons turned out to be one of the most successful two year periods in the history of the school.
The two year haul included:
- Most wins (19) surpassing the 1985-86 teams who posted 18
-Second most points scored over a two year period (615) finishing behind the 1960-61 juggernauts who amassed an eye-popping 674 points in two seasons.
- 6th best two year winning percentage (19-4, .826) and best two year winning mark since 1985-86 (18-3, .857). Not surprisingly, the 1960-61 team was best over a two year period with a 16-2 mark good for a .889 winning percentage.
And finally their most impressive achievement, capturing the 2009 CAL Small Championship and playing a post season game for the first time in 24 years.
Pretty head stuff and certainly something that head coach Neal Weidman and his staff can build on as the Lynnfield football program moves forward with a new group of Pioneers looking to establish their own legacy.
The coaches have spoken at length about this group of seniors and you can check out my prior blog on the Unsung Seniors for some of the coaches' comments at the banquet.
So where do they go from here? Many have played their last competitive football game. That is the case for the vast majority of high school football players across the country. A few, though will be moving on and playing at the next level.
Two who will continue their careers are Cohee and Roberto.
According to Cohee's dad Rick, Gino is headed to Pace University in New York City.
"Pace is a Division II college that has brought in an entirely new coaching staff," according to Rick. "The head coach is a fairly young guy who was a QB at Duke University. They have brought in a huge coaching staff including a few ex NFL players. They have funding in place (mostly alumni) who are dedicated to putting Pace Football on the map.
"The head coach is very interested in Gino to be part of his rebuilding process," Rick continued. "They have been 0-9 and 1-8 over the last few years before he was brought in (the whole situation sounds too familiar). They believe in Gino and he wants to have a new try at turning around a program but really wants to finish that process with a championship."
Roberto will also be continuing his football career at the next level, but he will be staying closer to home. According to his mother Laurie, A. J. will be traveling up route 114 to attend Merrimack College. He will be playing for the Warriors, although Laurie is not sure where they will use him.
Interestingly enough, the two former Pioneer captains will be meeting this season on September 17 when Pace travels to North Andover to take on Merrimack. The Pioneers play Amesbury at home at 11 am that day, so if you hustle after the game, you could make the second half with perhaps a chance to see the two former Lynnfield standouts in their rookie college seasons.
Roberto will also be continuing his football career at the next level, but he will be staying closer to home. According to his mother Laurie, A. J. will be traveling up route 114 to attend Merrimack College. He will be playing for the Warriors, although Laurie is not sure where they will use him.
Interestingly enough, the two former Pioneer captains will be meeting this season on September 17 when Pace travels to North Andover to take on Merrimack. The Pioneers play Amesbury at home at 11 am that day, so if you hustle after the game, you could make the second half with perhaps a chance to see the two former Lynnfield standouts in their rookie college seasons.
Jeff Gannon, another Pioneer captain last year, will also continue his playing days at Curry College, where mom Connie says he will be suiting up for the Colonels.
Last year's fourth Pioneer captain, Steve Ullian, appears headed to North Shore Community College, according to his mom Robin. Ullian, the best kicker in the history of Lynnfield football, should be able to help someone with his accurate foot, so this could be a one year hiatus away from football for him.
Rick Berardino is most likely headed to Endicott College, according to dad Steve. "He's met with the football
coaches and believes it should be a good fit for him."
Tim Shannon, the Pioneers Scholar Athlete winner last season, is heading for Northeastern. "No football
coaches and believes it should be a good fit for him."
Tim Shannon, the Pioneers Scholar Athlete winner last season, is heading for Northeastern. "No football
team!" says mom Lisa. "I think he'll be an intramurals guy but will be excited to have the opportunity to follow his friends and teammates."
Evan Panzero, who would have made a huge contribution to the 2010 team had he been healthy, is headed to Framingham State, but according to mom Joanne, will not be playing football "for at least the first year." He wants to settle in at school and take things from there.
Joining him at FSU is Craig Cataldo, who had an outstanding senior season playing high school football for the first time. With no varsity experience, Cataldo stepped in at guard and linebacker and ended up earning All League honorable mention.
Craig was also the Pioneers' starting hockey goalie for five years, but according to mom Patti, he hasn't decided what he is going to do sportswise in college.
Both Panzero and Cataldo will be meeting up with former Pioneer captains Pat Lamusta and George Hennessey, who both play for the Rams. Something tells me there will be some serious recruiting going on this fall for the two freshmen.
Most of the other seniors will not be playing football, but will be heading for campuses this fall. According to head coach Neal Weidman, Nick Burtman is going to Curry to study Criminal Justice. John Bossi, who also had a standout senior year, is headed to North Shore CC according to his mother Dodie.
Pete Foustoukos is leaning toward UConn, and most of his most football playing will be of the flag variety according to mom Claire.
Matt Kelly, who also came out for his senior year and made a significant contribution on special teams and in the defensive backfield, will not be playing football next year. Kelly, a standout for the Pioneer icemen, will be playing junior hockey next year according to Weidman.
To these and the other senior football players who may not have finalized their plans for next fall, good luck. I think I can speak for all Pioneer fans in thanking you all for helping to provide some exciting high school football these past few years. Congratulations to you all!
That's it for now. Check back on July 1 for my next post.
Evan Panzero, who would have made a huge contribution to the 2010 team had he been healthy, is headed to Framingham State, but according to mom Joanne, will not be playing football "for at least the first year." He wants to settle in at school and take things from there.
Joining him at FSU is Craig Cataldo, who had an outstanding senior season playing high school football for the first time. With no varsity experience, Cataldo stepped in at guard and linebacker and ended up earning All League honorable mention.
Craig was also the Pioneers' starting hockey goalie for five years, but according to mom Patti, he hasn't decided what he is going to do sportswise in college.
Both Panzero and Cataldo will be meeting up with former Pioneer captains Pat Lamusta and George Hennessey, who both play for the Rams. Something tells me there will be some serious recruiting going on this fall for the two freshmen.
Most of the other seniors will not be playing football, but will be heading for campuses this fall. According to head coach Neal Weidman, Nick Burtman is going to Curry to study Criminal Justice. John Bossi, who also had a standout senior year, is headed to North Shore CC according to his mother Dodie.
Pete Foustoukos is leaning toward UConn, and most of his most football playing will be of the flag variety according to mom Claire.
Matt Kelly, who also came out for his senior year and made a significant contribution on special teams and in the defensive backfield, will not be playing football next year. Kelly, a standout for the Pioneer icemen, will be playing junior hockey next year according to Weidman.
To these and the other senior football players who may not have finalized their plans for next fall, good luck. I think I can speak for all Pioneer fans in thanking you all for helping to provide some exciting high school football these past few years. Congratulations to you all!
That's it for now. Check back on July 1 for my next post.
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