Many people claim Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday. Some prefer this holiday because it brings family together, it is not as commercialized as other holidays, and there is always plenty of great food. Another reason that gridiron fans in Massachusetts love Thanksgiving Day is high school football. The tradition of playing a rival team in the morning before heading home for turkey dinner has many families looking forward to this Thursday.
Haverhill will face its Thanksgiving Day rival Lowell at on the road this year. Kickoff is slated for 10:00 AM at Cawley Stadium. The Hillies fell to the Red Raiders 9-7 last year. WHAV will broadcast all of the action live starting at 9:30 AM.
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks. At Haverhill High School, we are obviously thankful for the success of our teams as well as all of the individual athletic accomplishments of our student-athletes. But more importantly, as Director of Athletics I am grateful for:
- The conduct of our student-athletes both on and off the playing fields. They constantly represent the Haverhill Public Schools in a positive manner.
- The effort and countless hours put in by our coaches. They truly care about our student-athletes.
- The Haverhill School Committee, Mayor James Fiorentini, Superintendent Margaret Marotta and Principal Glenn Burns for making the commitment to maintain lower user fees, improve facilities and provide the athletic program the resources needed to succeed.
- The game day workers. Athletic events would not take place without ball boys and girls, ticket takers, PA announcers, game supervisors, officials, clock operators and concession stand workers.
- The booster clubs, for their tremendous hard work and dedication.
- The support of our fans and the community. They attend our events and consistently cheer on our Hillies. Especially fans like Dave Butler and Jean Ray. Rain or shine, home or away, win or lose Dave and Jean are always there.
- The parents of our student-athletes. The athletic endeavors of their children would not be possible without their encouragement, cooperation, sacrifices and car pools.
- The athletic department staff of Amy-Jo Gallagher, Andy Berube and David Warwick. They go above and beyond and truly care for each and every student-athlete.
- Our equipment manager Brandon Gobbi, who spends countless hours volunteering to make sure our equipment and uniforms get first-class care.
- Marilyn Caradonna, the official photographer of HHS Athletics, for her dedication to capturing special moments that our student-athletes will never forget.
- The Haverhill High School facilities staff led by Heather Forgione - especially staff members Jim Hayes, Joe Gauron, Kevin McAnich, Billy Evans, Brice Russell, Dante Gobbi and Tom Tavera. Their work on the playing fields, gyms, pool, Trinity Stadium and in the buildings provides safe environments for our student-athletes to compete in.
- The HHS security staff, led by Officer Bill Mears. They provide tremendous assistance at sporting events and ensure a safe environment both inside and outside the schools.
Happy Thanksgiving!