Football
Wildcats football team "giving thanks" at season's end
By Stan Ross
The 2006 York High School Wildcats Football Team
Photo courtesy of Don Twombly
The York High School Wildcats football team had much to celebrate on Sunday, Nov. 19, after a very strong season. The evening was one filled with thanks from players and coaches alike. Pictured is Alex Blomquist receiving an Honorable Mention award from Head Coach Randy Small while Coach Stacy Bradburn looks on.
Photo by Sherry DaBiere
YORK - Last Sunday, Nov. 19, upwards of 200 players, parents, coaches and friends gathered at Foster's Clambake to honor this year's York High School Wildcats football team.
Head Coach Randy Small set the tone of the day when he served as emcee and opened by thanking Kent and Lucy Kilgore for offering their restaurant facilities for this record turnout.
Small continued the theme of "thanks" when he presented flowers to Mrs. Quinn of the parents' committee not only for coordinating this banquet but also for arranging those pasta feeds on Thursday nights before home games and meals to go for the bus trips to all the away games. Small also thanked Sal Sala for doing the video of all the games and acknowledged Mark Wheeler for his commentary on the Time Warner "Game of the Week" telecasts.
While the 24 graduating seniors were the main event, JV Coach Josh Reed proudly noted that his team was undefeated (8-0) while outscoring their opponents 280 to 56. Reed presented certificates to all 22 of his players and singled out Josh Rennie as his MVP and called out Jared Pruger as his Most Valuable Freshman.
Small singled out seven underclassmen who made significant contributions this year, including sophomore QB Evan Wallace (8 TD passes and only two interceptions) and sophomore Dan Sheehan who, he said, "is good in basketball but could be great in football."
Small is expecting big things next year from juniors Sonny Sala, Scott Langenheim, Greg Lipton, Nick Mercurio and Dan Petruzella. Small noted that captains had not yet been selected for next year's team and strongly suggested that all potential players could spend more quality time in the weight room.
All seven assistant coaches were present and invited to speak, but veteran Coach Stacy Bradburn spoke for most when he said, "As Wildcats you have been members of a private fraternity and may think that we have pushed you hard to be competitive, but in the real life you will find even more competition from the rest of the world."
Small finally regained the microphone and continued by acknowledging individually the efforts of each of his 24 graduating seniors. Some of the highlights were the presentation of the game ball to kicker Ryan MacGlashing for his first-ever winning field goal in the last two second for a win over Greely (30-29).
Five Wildcats were selected as League All Stars, including center Tim Jones, linemen Eugene Jones and Ryan Vokey, and backs Zach Pruger and Jon Jiminez. Alex Blomquist received Honorable Mention status on the All Star team.
Small also recognized first-year senior Peter Corey as the Rookie of the Year.
Tom Ross, Alex Quinn and Nathan Willette all received the Coaches Award.
Zach Wheeler who returned to play with "a broken thumb" was given the STP (spirit, toughness, pride) Award.
Jon Jiminez was given the award for most improved.
Small also noted that four-year starter Tony Romano should have been "player of the year" but missed four games to injury and was not eligible.
All the seniors were given their turn on the microphone and were invited to say anything they wanted about their coaches or the season. Most were full of thanks - some were not "fit to print in a family newspaper" - but graduating senior Co-Captain Zach Pruger said to his kid brother Jared, "Remember, you have got three more years with these guys."
Small concluded by adding, "After our playoff loss to Cape, and I was home alone with my own kids, I realized how quiet it was. No fire engine parade! Then it sunk in. It was not just about football. It was about family. Have you given your kid a hug today?"
