Pioneer Helmetology Through the Years

By Tom Condardo

Being a uniform junkie, I noticed something Saturday that caught my eye. The helmet worn by captain Jon Knee was different than the rest. Instead of a blank helmet, his had a gold decal on it. I got in for a close up and this is what it was.

I'm not sure if that was a test or not, but it's actually a pretty spiffy look. We'll have to see if that is a sneak preview or not. 

But it got me to thinking about the various styles of helmets the Pioneers have worn over the years. (I know, get a life). Below is my attempt at Lynnfield's headgear timeline.

1958-1982 - At the outset of the program and for more than two decades, the Pioneers had a classic look. White helmets with a solid gold stripe surround by two royal blue stripes down the middle, with a simple number on the side. Think Alabama. As far as I can tell, that remained the helmet of choice until 1983.

Unidentified 1979

1983-1989 - Beginning in 1983, Lynnfield kept the white helmets and the stripes, but a script "Pioneers" replaced the uniform number on the side.

Pete Callahan 1989

1990 - The script disappeared and the uniform numbers reappeared. This season was unique for another unfortunate reason. Instead of traditional blue home and white road jerseys, the Pioneers when with one jersey all year - bright gold. Interesting choice and thankfully lasted only that season. 

Mike Accomando 1990

1991-1992 - For two more seasons, the white helmets were adorned with uniform numbers.

1993 - Number disappeared again this year and Pioneer helmets were simply white with the stripes down the center

1994 - A new style appeared this year. Instead of the stripes down the middle, the helmets had abbreviated straight lines of blue and gold coming out of the front of the helmet - Think Philadelphia's Eagle wings -  finishing with a block "L" on the side. This was the first time an L appeared on the helmet.

Ron Ashley 1994

1995 - The straight wings were gone, the stripes down the middle were back and the block "L" was replaced by an Old English "L." Think initial ring typeface.

Ed "Woody" Unger 1995

1996 - Back to the white with stripes and the script "Pioneers"

1997 - 1999 - For the first time, Lynnfield did not wear white helmets, changing to solid royal blue with a gold stripe down the middle with nothing on the sides. Think Cleveland Browns in Royal Blue.

2000 - same as 97-99 but for one season, white numbers were added to one side (the left).

Sal Gesamondo 2000

2001-2004 - Back to solid royal blue with a stripe and nothing on the side.

2005-2007 - Still solid royal blue, but the stripe disappeared.

2008-2012 - Good bye to the traditional Lynnfield Royal Blue as the Pioneers moved to a Navy Blue and White scheme. The helmets were solid navy with a white "old west" "L" on the side. An interesting point is that the "L" was faintly outlined in gold, which was the only nod to Lynnfield Blue and Gold in the entire uniform.

D. J. DeGeorge 2012

2013 - Up to now, the helmets had always been high gloss. Last year the switch was made to a dull matte finish. They were still Navy Blue, but the "L" was gone, leaving the helmets blank once again.

2014 - ? We'll have to wait and see.

You are now all qualified experts in Pioneer Football Helmetology in case it ever comes up. 

That's it for now. Check back later for more.