From the Press Box
The Rivalry
By: Jim Lederman
The Swampscott-Winthrop ‘Rivalry’ dates back to the 50s. The ‘Big Blue’ under the tutelage of legendary coach Stan Bondelevitch (Bondy) established their dominance in the NEC.
The Vikings captured their first NEC title in 1964. The undefeated Vikings, led by Steve ‘The Tank’ Adamson defeated Swampscott (8-0) on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Miller Field.
The ‘Tank’ rumbled 65 yards for the only score in this classic. The Vikings and undefeated Revere played on Thanksgiving in Revere before an estimated 10,000 fans. Revere won (8-0) scoring with one minute to play.
Steve Adamson played for the Wyoming ‘Cowboys’ in the Sugar Bowl on New Years Day on national television.
Bob DeFelice started his coaching career in 1970 as Vikings head coach. The ‘Big Blue’ led by legendary player Dick Jauron, captured three NEC titles during the ‘Jauron Era.’ In 1971 the Vikings and Big Blue were both undefeated when they played a ‘classic’ at Blocksidge Field in Swampscott.
The stands were packed and an estimated 3,000 fans watched the two top teams in the NEC, battle for the conference title.
The Vikings led by the ‘Double Dees’ – Mark DeGregorio and Michael DeMarco. Pat DeGregorio was the Vikings quarterback.
The score was tied (6-6) and a controversial play ended when Pat rushed for what looked like a touchdown on the final play of the half.
The ‘Big Blue’ had Larry Moran at quarterback; the halfbacks were Charlie Cardillo and Dan Losano. Jeff Hegan was the bruising fullback.
The late Dick Lynch was the offensive co-coordinator. Dick called the key play of the game on Swampscott’s first offensive series in the third quarter.
Moran threw a long touchdown pass to Chip Fromer to give Swampscott the lead.
The ‘Big Blue’ won the game (26-12) and won the NEC title with an undefeated (9-0) record in 1972 was the first MIAA Super Bowl Swampscott defeated Catholic Memorial to win their first Super Bowl.
Jim Davie was the Vikings captain. Middle linebacker Chuck Flanagan (Number 62) was the standout on defense with 15-tackles for the Vikings. The football team had their first pre-season camp at Camp Nellie Huckins in Freedom, New Hampshire.
The ‘Rivalry’ in basketball was even stronger. The (1971-1972) Vikings led by captain Nick Tsiotos captured the NEC title with a (18-1) record.
The Vikings defeated Swampscott to break a 49-game home-undefeated streak at Swampscott.
The Old Route One
Do you remember traveling to play former NEC rival Newburyport on the ‘old route one’ before they built 95 North?
I had a lot of old memories last week when we visited my daughter Sarah who lives in Newbury. It brought back memories of the old rapid transit green buses. On a Friday night trip out bus broke down just beyond the Topsfield Fair grounds. If you are looking for a great city to visit this summer, the city and waterfront in Newburyport is beautiful.
Three great restaurants, Park Lunch for great seafood, The Grog and Michael’s on the Waterfront are my three favorite places to eat.
I have to fin d out when they built Route 95 North?
Free Agency
Restricted free agency is one of the most uncomfortable elements of the NBA off-season.
A restricted free agent (RFA) is free to seek offers from other clubs but their current team has 48 hours to match that offer and retain that player.
Marcus Smart is seeking a new contract from the Celtics. Marcus proved in the playoffs he is a ‘game changer.’
Restricted free agents usually have to accept the harsh fact that their market valve isn’t as high as they think.
If the Celtics were generous they would just sign Marcus to the $15 million-per-season deal he wants, but they know that it is higher than his market value.
OK Danny, sign Marcus so we can have another strong team. The Celtics signed center Aaron Baynes to a new two-year contract.
Go Celts!
Let the Games Begin!
The Sixth Man
Frank Ramsey is the ‘original sixth man.’ He won seven NBA titles in Boston and was inducted into the basketball ‘Hall of Fame,’ he passed away on Sunday at the age of 86.
The 6-foot-3 guard was selected sixth overall in the first round of the 1953 draft, he played his entire nine-year NBA career with the Celtics.
Frank played alongside Bill /Russell, Bob Cousy and Sam Jones. His number 23 jersey is among those hanging from the Garden rafters.
John Havelicek was the next Celtics ‘Sixth Man.’ “Hondo’ h ad a career that he established as the all-time scorer in Boston Celtics history.
Go Celtics!
Let the Games Begin!