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Fishermen football team headed to Statehouse

Friday, April, 25 By Matt Langone
Sports editor

The Gloucester High School football team has learned that it's good to have fans in high places.

Thanks in large part to the efforts of State Rep. Tony Verga (D-Gloucester), the members of Gloucester's Division 2A Super Bowl championship team from last fall will be visiting the Statehouse on Tuesday to be recognized for their accomplishment.

Don't be fooled, this is not a typical celebration for a Super Bowl champ in Massachusetts. But Verga, who was born and raised in Gloucester, is a dedicated fan of Gloucester football and pulled some strings to organize this event for his beloved Fishermen.

"The football team had a terrific year and we want to brag about it," said the soon-to-be 73-year-old Verga (his birthday is tomorrow). "I try to get to as many games as I possibly can.

"It's good for the community to recognize accomplishments like this. We did the same thing for the hockey team when they won the state title in 2006."

The Fishermen will get a tour of the Statehouse and enjoy a pizza party for lunch. They will also get a first-hand look at what exactly goes on at the Statehouse.

"We'll be working on the budget next week and they'll get to sit in on the session," said Verga, who was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1994 and serves Gloucester, Rockport and Essex. "There will be a house full of legislators and the team will get to experience the greatest building in Massachusetts."

Since winning the title last December, Gloucester has been through a whirlwind of ceremonies honoring the accomplishment. But Tuesday's events will be among the most special.

"All the kids are excited," said Gloucester head coach Paul Ingram, whose team received their championship rings after school last Friday. "It will be something that they certainly won't forget. We haven't really been together as a team since the end of last season, and back then most of the bus rides were serious. But this will be a fun bus ride.

Ingram also thanked Verga for his efforts.

"I know Mr. Verga follows the team and he feels comfortable organizing this event."

All-Stars

The 30th annual Shriner's High School Football Classic will be played on June 20 at Bentley College in Waltham, and Gloucester High School will be represented.
Fishermen seniors Andrew Fulford and Anthony Enderle were named to the North squad. The pair were the first and second-leading rushers respectively for Gloucester last fall. Fulford gobbled up 1,308 yards and 33 touchdowns, while Enderle rushed for 869 yards and seven touchdowns. Both were also key contributors to the Gloucester defense.
You would think that Gloucester's 13-0 record and Division 2A title would warrant more than just two selections. But that's not how the selection committee thinks when it comes to selecting the teams.
"They don't like to pick more than two kids per team regardless of success," said Ingram. "They want representation from a lot of teams."
Ingram expects several more of his players to get selected to this summer's Agganis All-Star Game.