Coaches, parents, and players gathered tonight in the Melrose Middle School auditorium for the annual Red Raider award ceremony. The long red line was in attendance while the senior class was honored for their dedication to the program, the 2021 player awards and 2022 captains were announced.
"There are things that we constantly say in the program, said Head Football Coach Tim Morris. "Act like you've been there, hand the ball to the ref, play with class, you're a gentleman off the field...treat people with respect." Morris went on to tell the team he was proud of them for the way they carried themselves throughout a difficult season. "You played your guts out in some gut-wrenching losses; you held your heads high and conducted yourself like men. You know that's just not done everywhere; that's what's special about you and Melrose football."
Here's a rundown of the awards given out this year:
Bruce "Coach Mac" MacPherson Shoe Award: Trevor Botto
Cliff Somerville Award: Sam Madden
Fred Green Award: Zach Federico
Joe "Red" Nee Most Improved Lineman Award: Jack Claeys
Pick & Shovel Award – Demo Player of the Year: Jack Morrissey
Captains for next year were also announced. Three of next year's seniors - Jack Claeys, Stephen Fogarty, and Brayden Marceau - will lead the Red Raiders in 2022.
Next year's Red Raiders are already thinking about next year. After thanking his teammates for electing him 2022 tri-captain, Brayden Marceau said, "I'm honored but ready to get right back to work, we still have room to improve and ... it's not just going to be handed to us so we have to work hard. Id like to thank all the parents and coaches for always supporting us and let's just get right to work."
Thank you to the 2021 seniors for their hard work and dedication to the program. Congratulations to the award recipients and the 2022 captains.
We're already looking forward to next year
*Click here to learn more about the Melrose High School Red Raider awards and past recipients.