Drury Coaches, Players Honored at Banquet

By Melanie Rancourt
Special to iBerkshires
12:04PM / Saturday, December 13, 2008

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The 2008 Drury High School football team met together as a team one last time last Sunday afternoon as players, coaches, family and friends enjoyed a family-style roast beef dinner at the American Legion at the Booster Club's 47th annual banquet. 

Head coach John Allen began the presentation of awards by thanking Kathleen Millard, wife of the late Francis Millard, beloved former coach of the Blue Devil's football team. 

"If there ever was a profile in courage it would portray Kathy Millard. I would like to thank Kathy for her continued support of the team," Allen said. "She truly understood her husband's love of the game. I would like to thank her for the wonderful messages she gave us along with the support she gave when she came to the games."

Allen then thanked members of this coaching staff as well as Drury administrators.

"I would also like to thank Mayor John Barrett III for having faith in me to coach the 2008 football team, especially in this trying time," Allen said. "I would also like to thank my assistant coaches Bill Bryce, Rick Cantoni, Jim Freeny, Al Marceau and John Moore. I would like to thank Principal Amy Meehan, athletic director John Franzoni and, lastly, the Booster Club for all they did for the team this year and especially for this dinner. This was the best roast beef dinner I have had in a long time." 

Photos by Melanie Rancourt

Prior to the presentation of awards and certificates, Allen addressed his players one last time. 

"The game of football is a lot like life. There is personal commitment and anything worth wild comes with a price. You have to pay that price if you want to stay playing. The higher you go, the harder it is. Once you determine your goals, you will ignore the small hurts, the pressures and the small setbacks. This is true of life and it is also true in athletics. If you leave knowing this, it will serve you for the rest of your life." 

After a standing ovation and a round of applause for Allen, Thomas Leveque, president of the Booster Club, thanked Allen for a job well done this season.

"On behalf of the Booster Club we would like to thank you for coming up to Drury High School every day and spending time with our kids," Leveque said.

Freeny presented the first award of the afternoon, for Most Improved Player. He said the award went to a deserving junior, Farren Davis, who was the second leading rusher on the team. 

Bryce presented the Unsung Hero award, which was a toss up this year between two players. It was given to both Mike Moody and Nick Leveque. 

"An unsung hero comes to practice every day, does what you ask him to do and these two guys did that for us," Bryce said.

Moore presented the Blue Devil Award to David Button.

"This award is given to the player that exemplifies the spirit of Drury High School," Moore said. "I have seen this man play for three years and he has never missed practice."

Cantoni presented the Top Defenseman Award to Colton Andrews.

"This award is given to a lineman. Linemen are a special breed in football," Cantoni said. "It is one of the toughest positions to play."

Allen presented the Coaches Award to William Bostwick.

"This award goes to an excellent athlete and co-captain of the team," Allen said. "I have never seen this player take the easy way out. The best way to lead is by example and that is what he did."

Allen also presented the Mr. Hustle Award to Jon Erdeski.

"This junior always gave it his all and he always wanted to improve," Allen said. "He was never late for practice except for when he needed extra help in science. He is a well-rounded young man."

Freeny presented the Offensive Award to co-captain Jake Cantoni. 

"This award goes to the leader of our team," Freeny said. "He showed his leadership on the field at practice and at the games. He was our leading rusher and leading passer."

The Jim Kateley award, given to the team's outstanding freshman player, was presented by Marceau and Karen Baumbach to Max Quinn. 

"This year it was an easy choice," Marceau said. "This freshman was the only player that has ever said, 'thank you for coaching us.'"

Quinn helped lead the Drury junior varsity football team to an undefeated 7-0 season.  

The last award of the day was presented by John Del Negro, son of longtime football coach John Del Negro. 

"The 59th annual John Del Negro Memorial Sportsmanship Award is given to the player who exhibits five characteristics: self-discipline, unselfish team play, mature judgment, a desire to excel and respected leadership," Del Negro said. 

The recipient of the award was Josh Racette.

Meehan addressed the players prior to the presentation of varsity pins, letters and certificates.

"To be considered a legend, some say it is a matter of how you live your life during the time you spend on Earth, while others say it is how well you are remembered when you leave this world. I hope that all of the members of the Drury football team realize that you have been coached by your very own legends, Coach Fran Millard and Coach John Allen," Meehan said. "I know that you as young men and as a team will continue to learn from the valuable lessons these two legends have taught you. Good luck to the seniors — and always remember that Drury High School could not have asked for any better coaches, any better team or any better season." 

Senior gifts, personalized footballs, were given to each senior by their parents. Coaches were given plaques and Allen was given a football jersey with his own No. 12 on it. Seniors presented the Drury cheerleaders with gifts for all their hard work throughout the season.

Freeny, who will retire from coaching after 33 years, was given a declaration by the mayor.

"It is with mixed emotion that I retire," Freeny said. "I am sad that I will not be coaching, but happy that I have had the experience coaching these players." 

The 2008 Drury High School football team had a winning season with a record of 7-2. Graduating seniors include Andrews, Bostwick, Button, Cantoni, Cyrus Furtado, Leveque, Racette and Moody.

Melanie Rancourt's son plays football for Drury.

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