Sports 03-17-2016

Winthrop sixth grade team takes home North Shore basketball championship

By Cary Shuman

The Winthrop sixth grade girls traveling basketball team, representing the Parks and Recreation Department, won nine of its last ten games in the North Shore Basketball League’s regular season.

But could the kids from the Cummings School keep their momentum going in the NSBL playoffs?

Yes they could and yes they did, ultimately taking home the 2016 playoff title with a sweep of Swampscott in the championship round. Winthrop, receiving contributions at both ends of the court from all players, bested Swampscott by scores of 26-10 and 17-15 last Saturday to complete their march to the championship.

Coaches Bill Forsyth, Dean Galuris, and Angelo Marcoccio saw their team improve from a 3-11 record last year to a stellar 15-4 record this year, capped by four playoff wins over Danvers and Swampscott.

 Mackenzie Acevedo, Mia Martucci (a member of the town’s athletic Martucci family), and Emma Forsyth powered Winthrop’s offense with some key baskets in the finals. Samantha Galuris and Julia Marcoccio also played major roles for the starting five.

Also excelling for the Winthrop contingent were Miya Grein, Megan Goudge, Chelsea Thompson, Caroline Hickey, and Brandi Jo Neil.

“It was an unbelievable team effort,” said Forsyth. “Everyone played incredible defense.”

Forsyth credited coach John Gambale for working with the Winthrop players on their defense and other facets of their game.

“He deserves a lot of credit for inspiring their girls to bring their game up to the next level,” said Forsyth. “Most of these girls are also playing for our new Winthrop AAU basketball team.”

The Winthrop team celebrated its championship season Saturday night at the Winthrop Yacht Club. A breakup banquet is being planned.

The North Shore Girls Basketball League includes several Northeastern Conference communities and other towns.

From the Press Box sponsored by: MSA MORTGAGE

The 1965 Class Advisor

By: Jim Lederman

I drove by the Arthur T. Cummings School last week; the building brought back fond memories of the old Winthrop junior high school on Hermon Street. The building was named in honor of ‘Arky’ Cummings, to honor his legacy and dedication to our community.

He was Mr. Cummings to me in 1956, when he was my teacher. Mr. Cummings began his long teaching career with my class, the WHS class of 1960.

Arky and John Domenico were our class advisors. In September 2014, we celebrated our 55th class reunion. Arky and John Domenico were present, they never missed a class of 1960 reunion.

Arky wrote a long poem he recited to our class; I will always remember how eloquently he spoke about the history of our class.

Arky, Mr. Domenico and the late Richard ‘Doc’ Tacelli were three of my favorite teachers. John became principal of Winthrop high school. ‘Mr. D’ or Coach Domenico is enjoying his retirement in Arizona this winter.

I used to see Arky and John enjoying coffee in town. I would talk with Arky at many high school basketball and football games.

I watched how proud Arky was in October of 2014, watching his granddaughter Sarah playing for the Lady Vikings soccer team in a championship game, with his entire family in the stands at Manning Field in Lynn.

When I would chat with Arky, he would always ask me, “How is the football team going to be this year?”

To Arky Cummings family, community and Winthrop sports were the loves of his life.

We have had many outstanding citizens and teachers in this proud community. The Arthur T. Cummings School was named in honor of one of Winthrop’s finest.

The Winthrop high school Class of 1960 and the town of Winthrop will miss this great man – may he rest in peace.

Letter from Arky at our 50th reunion

Messages from Our Class Advisors

From Arthur Cummings:

It hardly seems possible that it has been nearly 50 years since I was invited to be your Grade 9 class advisor – September 1956!

One of the joys and privileges of teaching is the continued association and friendships with former students over the years; a relationship that has extended to many of your children and even some grandchildren.

You have been most kind to include my wife Barbara and me to share in your reunions and memories. A special acknowledgement to the Reunion Committee for all their work. Great job!

We thank you and wish you good health in the future.

Arthur & Barbara Cummings

Looking ahead to football

By Jim Lederman

Extra Points

The 2016 Viking football team is working out in preparation for a promising season. Will the Vikings win another NEC title? The football schedule will be in next weeks article.

The status of the MIAA football playoffs will be voted by administrators on April 8th.

A ‘Yes’ vote will keep the current system in place. In 2014 the Vikings were undefeated and captured the NEC title. The Vikings played three playoff games at Miller Field with a chance to play in the super bowls at Gillette Stadium. The Vikings lost to Lynnfield in a battle of two undefeated teams.

The 2016 season looks very promising for the Vikings. Let’s hope the athletic directors vote to keep the present ‘playoff system/ in place on April 8th.

Let the Games Begin!

Back at the Garden

The last time coach David Brown was at the TD Garden was in 2011. Coach Brown led his Winthrop Vikings to a state title with a victory over Cohasset.

The St. Mary’s Spartans captured the Division 4 Eastern Mass title, with a thrilling (65-64) victory over Cathedral. David Brown is the head coach of the Spartans.

St. Mary’s (19-5) eighth grade standout, 6-foot-4 inches Matthew Cross converted a lay-up with 2.8 seconds to play. Cross finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

St. Mary’s will play Maynard on Saturday at Springfield for the Division 4 State championship.

Congratulations coach Brown!

Lincoln – Sudbury 3 – Marblehead 2 The Marblehead Magicians dream of an undefeated season (24-1-1) ended with a loss to Lincoln-Sudbury at the Tsongas Centre in Lowell.

The Division 2 North Final ended Marblehead’s goal of the record held by the 1976 Winthrop Vikings (26-0-1).

Let the Games Begin!

Mook is back in Winthrop

By Jim Lederman

I walked into the Winthrop Book Depot and Cafe on Saturday morning. I had a big bear hug from my former neighbor, a legend in Vikings sports history. Mike Brenner – ‘Mook’ to his teammates.

Michael Brenner was an all-scholastic tackle on the 1981 undefeated Viking Super Bowl champions – The greatest team in WHS history (33-game undefeated streak).

The ‘big guy’ was home for a reunion. He was sitting with Gus Martucci, his best friend and the center (NEC all-star) on the Super Bowl champions. Mike was a standout tackle at Rutgers University. He currently lives in Ocean, New Jersey and is the sales manager for Constellation Brands.

Number 77 – the big guy had a reunion with captain John Tiano, Jay ‘big guy’ Petersen and Gus Martucci. I remember a young Mike Brenner growing up in my neighborhood. Thirty-five years ago they were “Super Bowl Champions”