Hershey, PA  Saturday, December 11, 2004

What a great day it was!  For the probably 20,000 fans who filled the stands, it was everything they could have asked for.  The weather could hardly have been better, and I think it's fair to state that the outcome was a dream come true.  Kudos to the team, and all the others who worked behind the scenes, not only on game day, but throughout the season.  People like Jim McDermott, the long-time team camera-man, Doug Grunklee, the play-by-play guy, who was sorely missed Saturday, Mrs. Pritchard, the spotter, the school administrators, School President, Father Rymdeika, and School Principal, Mrs. Robinson, who could usually be seen walking the sidelines at every game, and Dan Huston, the AD.  Also, the equipment manager(s), the waterboys/girls, the statisticians, the parents, the cheerleaders, the fans, who did I miss?  Oh yes, the assistant coaches, Mike deMarteleire, Ed Quinn, Dan Shallow, Mike Basilli, John Patrick Algeo, Mike deMarteleire, Jr., and Bob Taggart.  

And finally, to Coach Algeo,  you are to be commended for your years of dedication and commitment, not only to the team, but to the school.  I believe it is fair to state that the whole community extends their gratitude to you not only for this, your most recent accomplishment, but for all the years you have given to the school.  The LC community congratulates you!

I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge Jim's wife, Mickey, who has made a lifelong commitment to supporting Jim.  Just to mention one area, there are probably many who can remember her efforts and those of others in the family, who in the early 70's handled the laundry tasks for the team uniforms.  And when they got them all cleaned up, they worked on the helmets, cleaning them up,  spraying them with gold paint, and affixing the images of helmets and hatchets.  Mickey, take a well deserved bow!

(Double click on the photos below to enlarge, click on "Back" to return!)

Notice who else showed up in the parking lot to welcome home the Champions - none other than the town mayor, Mike DiNunzio.  Just looking at him in the above photos, you can tell that he could not have been more excited for the team, the school, or the town!