WolfNotes
BLSA Varsity Club eNewsletter

September 2004

Since 1985, a group of committed alumni have supported the BLS Varsity Club with the purpose to maintain, improve and promote athletics for all of Latin School’s students. For more information on how to help the Varsity Club, please contact Bruce McKinnon at (781) 318-2201or Alumni Relations Director Lynn Flaherty at blsa@blsa.org, or call (617) 450-0004 x127.

IN THIS ISSUE
(click the links below for the full story)

* New BLSA Varsity Club Webpage
* Message from the Coach
* BLS and the Dual County League
* Student Athlete profiles
* BLS Win/Loss Record
* The Wish List
* Fall Sports Schedule
* Personal Best: A Profile of Coach John McDonough
* Events
* Varsity Club Membership

A Brief History of Boston Latin School and the DCL

Boston Latin School withdrew from Boston City League competition in football in 1976 due to the declining level of competition in the city. Rather than play a dominant role in a weakened athletic environment, the Latin School chose to embark on an era of play as an independent in football. Scheduling in the other sports involved the inclusion of more common suburban opponents. For several years, BLS teams traveled the state taking on all comers, and they did well. Longtime athletic director and head football coach Paul Costello, however, had a vision.

Without a league affiliation, there would be no league championships for the teams and no accolades for the athletes. With this in mind, Coach Costello surveyed the landscape and looked to the future. Hence, teams, from the Dual County League (DCL) were booked in many sports. As the years rolled along, more DCL teams were added to the schedules. The competition was good and strong relationships were forged.

The association with the Dual County League seemed to be a "good fit" in a number of ways. Beyond athletics, member schools set high standards for their students, striving for academic excellence and the development of the whole student. Being a good citizen and a contributing member of the community was also expected. The time was right and, in 1981, Boston Latin School petitioned for membership into the DCL. Acceptance as a bona fide member was granted and BLS began league play that year, serving as the start of a wonderful union.


Since 1982, BLS sports teams have won 39 league championships, and seven state titles. The school has had hundreds of SCL all stars and many all-scholastic athletes, and the just completed 2003-04 school year produced three DCL championship teams, one city championship (cheerleading), 44 DCL all stars, and three scholastic athletes.
I began my coaching career at Latin School in 1982, thus allowing me to watch our development in the DCL since infancy to the present. In the era of the 1980s, we were as good as anybody and better than most. In the 1990s, we were part of the mix and won our fair share. The first portion of the millennium has seen a perceived decline in some of our sports. While some teams continue to thrive, others do not. Why? Here are some thoughts:

1. Geography: Our DCL competitors are all their communities' high schools. As their young athletes are growing up, they compete with and against each other. They play on travel teams together, and eventually, they all funnel up to the high school. When they arrive, they already have experience playing together, and have been exposed to some of the high school's language, strategies and drills.
2. Opportunities: Some of these teams are afforded opportunities that we are not. Some examples are soccer and football teams going away to pre-season camps. Some baseball teams travel to Florida (parent-, not school-sponsored programs) during April vacation and play exhibitions.
3. Facilities: As you know, we are land locked in a concrete canyon, if you will. With the exception of basketball and volleyball, BLS must travel to our practice and home game sites. Oftentimes, our opponents get to our home games before we do.
4. Location: All DCL member schools are in rural or residential area. All are surrounded by acres of practice and playing fields. Their athletes are more likely to be involved in strength and conditioning programs than ours, thus helping to develop athletic skills.
5. Equipment: In brief, our competitors have more "toys" than we do. Many "gadgets" to enhance athletic training are more readily available to them, a direct reflection on the size of their overall athletic budget.

Despite the obstacles, our athletic teams do quite well. They work just as hard and are just as dedicated as ever, and the indomitable Latin School spirit is alive and well. Athletic participation is at an all-time high and our Dual County League rivals have raised the bar and we will respond. Sumus Primi!

Submitted by Coach and BLS Athletic Director John McDonough

The Wish List

The BLS Athletic Department seeks funding for the following identified needs. Sports-minded supporters are encouraged to contact Alumni Relations Director Lynn Flaherty blsa@blsa.org, or call (617) 450-0004 x127.

Sports
Cross Country
* 40 uniforms: $1,200

Boys' Hockey
* jerseys: $800
* shells: $600
* extra ice time: $200 per hour

Girls' Hockey
* jerseys: $800
* shells: $600
* extra ice time: $200 per hour

Golf
* green fees at Franklin Park: $2,000;
* golf balls: $300

Football
* four pop-up dummies: $1,360
* six stand-up dummies: $660
* six half dummies: $340
* six hand shields: $360

Boys' Soccer
*20 game balls: $1,000

Girls' Soccer
* 20 game balls: $1,000

Girls' Basketball
* warm-ups: $900

Boys' Basketball
* warm-ups: $900

Indoor/Outdoor Track
* two stopwatches with printer: $640

Boys' and Girls' Swimming
* starting system: $1000
* kickboards: $200
* flippers: $250
* paddle boards: $200
* swim caps: $600

Wrestling
* singlets: $1,200
* head gear: $750

The Wish List continues...


For more information, contact Varsity Club President Bruce McKinnon '74 or Alumni Relations Director Lynn Flaherty at blsa@blsa.org, or call (617) 450-0004 x127.

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