Saugus High, a member of the Northeastern Conference since 1968, is leaving the NEC and joining the Cape Ann League. The next time Winthrop plays Saugus in football (and all other sports next year or 2014 if the Athletic Directors vote to delay Saugus’ departure for one year), it will be a non-league game.
Saugus typically was the first game on the Winthrop football schedule for many years and the Vikings most times prevailed. Saugus has had some great hockey teams and some of the Winthrop-Saugus games were highly memorable.
Saugus officials obviously felt that the Cape Ann League would be a better fit for their athletic program. Winthrop at one time applied to the Cape Ann League for admission, but the league rejected Winthrop’s request. But Saugus is going and we say, “Good luck, and thanks for the memories, until we meet again.”