Drury Football Presents Annual Awards
Photos by Melanie Rancourt
The Drury High Booster Club held its annual banquet on Sunday. Top, players Mike Cantoni, Farren Davis and Mike Tatro hold their awards. |
Michael Cantoni, one of the trio of captains of the Drury High School football team, was presented with the award at the 48th annual Booster Club banquet held Sunday at the Bounti-Fare Restaurant. The award was announced after the game against Hoosac in early November.
It is named for longtime local football coach Francis E. Millard Jr. The retired McCann Technical School principal and Drury coach died in April 2008.
Mike Cantoni's name will be engraved under that of his brother, Jake Cantoni, who was the first recipient of the award last year. The plaque will be displayed in the Drury High trophy case with the winners' names added each year.
The new leadership of head coach William "Bill" Bryce and assistant coaches Rick Cantoni, Al Marceau and Dan Sherman said even though the team may have only been 32 players strong, it was a team that was full of heart and determination.
Expected to have a 2-7 season, the 5-4 winning season for the Blue Devils seemed to be quite an accomplishment.
Players, coaches, guests, family and friends enjoyed a buffet meal prepared by David Nicholas and the Bounti-Fare staff. Handcarved roast beef, stuffed chicken, ziti, salad, roasted red potatoes, corn, and salad was enjoyed by everyone.
After dinner, Bryce took center stage and began the presentations.
"I would like to thank the Booster Club for holding this banquet today and for all the stuff they do behind the scenes," Bryce said. "I and the other coaches would like thank you for all the things you do for us and the kids and we appreciate it.'
The head table at the Bounti-Fare. |
He also thanked Athletic Director John Franzoni "for giving me this job and giving me advice was I needed it," the cheerleaders, assistant coaches and the coaches' wives.
This year's team consisted of eight seniors. Bryce stressed the fact that these young men were all leaders on the team in one way or another and he couldn't have asked for a better group of kids. Some were the loud, some were the silent, but all had one goal in mind — to win. The senior players were tri-captains Cantoni, Farren Davis and John Erdeski, Tyler Davin, Matt Harvey, Mike Picard, Justin Racette and Matt Stimpson.
Junior players were David Baumbach, Arich Erdeski, Scott Ferris, Cody Remillard, Mike Tatro and Cody Wemette.
Three sophomore players were awarded letters for their varsity play: Jesse Boland, Robert Jutras, and Max Quinn. The other sophomore players were Brett Denning, Troy Michalski, Chris Rancourt and James Rancourt.
Freshman players were Nolan Bird, Brandon Decker, Jake DiLego, Dan McDonough, Eugenio Medina, Jose Melendez and Steven Tworig IV.
Only one eighth-grade student, Steven Burdick, successfully finished the season with the varsity team. The closing of Conte Middle School and relocation of the eighth-grade to Drury this fall gave eighth-graders an opportunity to play.
Five awards were given out to deserving players and coaches took turns honoring them.
A hungry team lines up for lunch. Read about last year's banquet here. |
The 60th annual John J. Del Negro Memorial Sportsmanship Award was presented by Bryce, who read a letter sent by Del Negro's son, who was unfortunately not in attendance. The unanimous decision of the coaches gave Farren Davis the award.
Coach Cantoni presented the Offensive Player of the Year Award. This year the award was given to the team's leader, quarterback Mike Tatro, who is a junior and will return next year.
Finally, the Defensive Player of the Year Award was presented by Sherman, the newest member of the coaching staff. He presented the Defensive Player of the Year Award to Mike Cantoni.
Bryce ended the banquet by stating the goal that he hopes to achieve next year — more players.
"We would like to increase our numbers," he said. "Having to get two buses to transport the team to away games is an expense that I am sure Mr. Franzoni would not mind having."
"I encourage players that are not participating in a winter sport to get into the weight room every day for an hour because we need to get strong,” he said. "Starting [Monday] at 2:30, come in, lift weights, work out, and get it done. We will see you all next year."
Melanie Rancourt's son plays on the Drury team.