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Conte Middle School in North Adams will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 3, & Thursday, December 4, as the investigation into a mercury spill continues.
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 (2).jpg) North Adams kicks off the holiday season with its annual treelighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m.
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Field Dedicated to Drury Soccer Standout - October 02, 2007
 | | Michael Boland describes his brother Kevin's love of soccer. |
NORTH ADAMS - Family, friends and dozens of young soccer players gathered at the Alcombright Athletic Complex on Saturday to dedicate one of the playing fields to the late Kevin L. Boland.
The Drury High School graduate and outstanding soccer player died in a car accident at age 39 in Key Largo, Fla., in 2004. His father, William "Bill" Boland, longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority, had considered establishing a scholarship in Kevin's memory but, after talking with Mayor John Barrett III, decided improvements at the new playing field was a more suitable memorial.
"Kevin was really known for his soccer skills," said Barrett. Kevin was involved in soccer in the 1970s, when the sport was just starting to take off among youngsters. "He helped pave the way ... what better way to remember him than leaving this legacy for other young people."
Mayor John Barrett III dedicates Kevin Boland Soccer Field with Kevin's father, William Boland, and brother Michael. |
The improvements will include adding 10 feet to the soccer field to make it regulation; a permanent plaque will be installed with Kevin Boland's name. The soccer field is the latest section of the Alcombright Complex to be completed. Once the concession stand and restrooms are constructed, around $1 million will have been spent on expanding and renovating the youth playing fields along Protection Avenue, said the mayor.
Michael S. Boland recalled how his older brother was a tough competitor, especially against his siblings. The All-Berkshire standout took soccer seriously and expected his brothers to do the same. Michael Boland told how Kevin would chastise him for wearing his cleats home and wearing them down after they finished practice at the very same fields.
But when Michael wanted to learn how to do a backward kick like soccer great Pele, Kevin spent hours patiently showing him how. "I saw a genuine gleam in his eye as he explained how the kick was perfected."
While rough and tumble with his brothers, Kevin took sportsmanship on the field as seriously as his love of the game, said Michael, who lives in North Adams. "Today we dedicate my brother's spirit of competition, sportsmanship, skill and love of the outdoors."
Kevin Boland graduated from Drury in 1983 and worked for the city's Parks and Recreation Department before moving to Key Largo in 2000, where he was a land surveyor. He was co-captain of both the soccer and hockey teams at Drury.
Considering his love of sports and career with the city, the field is a perfect memorial, said Michael Boland.
Brother William M. Boland Jr. of Westport, Conn., agreed, noting that his younger brother was better at athletics than academics.
Also attending the dedication were Kevin's widow, Amy, and mother, Elizabeth, city councilors and other officials, parks and recreation employees, and several youth soccer teams that rushed to the playing field as soon as the ceremony was over. His sister, Mary "Molly" Luczynski, lives in the state of Washington and could not attend.
Bill Boland proudly pointed out the old newspaper photo of his son in soccer action that was overlaid over Ireland's flag on the podium.
"He was a spirit of sportsmanship on the playing field," said Boland as dozens of children chased a soccer ball across Kevin Boland Field. |
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