NHS Football Banquet and Awards
History of the NHS football banquet
The annual end of the season banquet has changed a lot over the years, depending on the success of the team, the choice of the head coach and the involvement of the supporters of NHS. Over the years, this banquet has been held at schools (Nock / Molin and NHS), Halls (Elks, Fireman's, Dalton Club, City Hall) and Function Rooms (Sylvan Street, the Masonic Lodge). Regardless of the venue or the agenda, all of the past gatherings have a common thread, a passing of the torch and one last opportunity to thank the seniors for their dedication, commitment and hard work over the years.
In the early years, banquets were held as a team gathering and no individual awards were given. Some of the first noted team 'banquets' were in the 1920's, most off site (Masonic Lodge, City Hall or other locations). Later, local all star players were recognized at the team banquet. In the 1930's teams began awarding letter-man sweaters or jackets and the varsity letter. Sometimes there was a special night given to the team, such was the case in 1943 when NHS Football got to see the Boston Bruins play. Individual awards began being given in 1971. At one point in the 1980's, individual banquets stopped and an annual seasonal awards night began. All teams would meet at NHS and be recognized, awards given and new captains introduced. Some team continued to host individual banquets or team nights, so eventually, the idea of a 'break up dinner' or a team banquet returned. In football's case, a return to some of the roots of the program with varsity letters and some original awards.
Below are some of the awards throughout the history and descriptions of some of the longer running namesakes. Some have changed due to sponsorship, coach decision and re-dedications.
In the early years, banquets were held as a team gathering and no individual awards were given. Some of the first noted team 'banquets' were in the 1920's, most off site (Masonic Lodge, City Hall or other locations). Later, local all star players were recognized at the team banquet. In the 1930's teams began awarding letter-man sweaters or jackets and the varsity letter. Sometimes there was a special night given to the team, such was the case in 1943 when NHS Football got to see the Boston Bruins play. Individual awards began being given in 1971. At one point in the 1980's, individual banquets stopped and an annual seasonal awards night began. All teams would meet at NHS and be recognized, awards given and new captains introduced. Some team continued to host individual banquets or team nights, so eventually, the idea of a 'break up dinner' or a team banquet returned. In football's case, a return to some of the roots of the program with varsity letters and some original awards.
Below are some of the awards throughout the history and descriptions of some of the longer running namesakes. Some have changed due to sponsorship, coach decision and re-dedications.
Current Awards 2017 - Present
|
The Luther Reed “Toughness Award” |
|
Luther Reed (NHS Class of 1957) was an outstanding Wall of Fame offensive lineman and linebacker. He was a starter on the 1955 Class C Championship team and Co-Captain of the 1956 Class C Championship team (winning back to back state titles - the first in school history). An All-Scholastic Athlete, he was named to the Boston Globe All Stars and Class C All Stars in 1956; recognized in three independent Boston newspapers as an All Star player (a rarity in those days) he earned All Scholastic recognition as a senior in The Globe, The Record-American / Sunday Advertiser and the Traveler.
His reputation as a ‘Hard-Hitting’ Linebacker spread throughout the league in the mid-1950’s. He was described by legendary local Sports Writer and Historian, the late Bert Spofford, as “a truly tough player who could play through anything and an aggressive force on the defensive side of the ball.”
At 5’11” and 205 pounds, Reed was one of the biggest players of his era and by all accounts, one of the hardest hitters in the history of NHS football.
“They took a count those days and 17 or 18 times Luther hit someone that didn't stay in the ballgame” said former Wall of Fame coach Walter Sheridan, who presented Reed for induction to the NHS Wall of Fame. “Five of them I (Coach Sheridan) visited at the Anna Jaques Hospital. That’s how hard [Luther] hit.”
During the middle of his senior year, Luther’s parents moved to Lynn and Luther fully expected he’d be going with them. “I knew right then and there he wasn't going to move to Lynn” said Sheridan with a chuckle. “Fortunately, I had a good friend that worked with me that had the opportunity and space available to help me out. I have five kids, so I couldn't do it; but Charlie Foley came to my rescue and brought Luther down to his house for the rest of the football season right up into January, when Luther was able to get back with his family. You don't let a player like Luther Reed get away”
This award was named in his honor after he was posthumously elected to the NHS Wall of Fame in 1998, due to his grit, determination and toughness. Recognition and achievement came not from statistics and scores, but from being one of the toughest to ever play at NHS. The Luther Reed Toughness Award is now one of the longest running annual awards at NHS and although there have been years, no deserving recipient has been recognized, the award continues to be part of the annual football banquet.
His reputation as a ‘Hard-Hitting’ Linebacker spread throughout the league in the mid-1950’s. He was described by legendary local Sports Writer and Historian, the late Bert Spofford, as “a truly tough player who could play through anything and an aggressive force on the defensive side of the ball.”
At 5’11” and 205 pounds, Reed was one of the biggest players of his era and by all accounts, one of the hardest hitters in the history of NHS football.
“They took a count those days and 17 or 18 times Luther hit someone that didn't stay in the ballgame” said former Wall of Fame coach Walter Sheridan, who presented Reed for induction to the NHS Wall of Fame. “Five of them I (Coach Sheridan) visited at the Anna Jaques Hospital. That’s how hard [Luther] hit.”
During the middle of his senior year, Luther’s parents moved to Lynn and Luther fully expected he’d be going with them. “I knew right then and there he wasn't going to move to Lynn” said Sheridan with a chuckle. “Fortunately, I had a good friend that worked with me that had the opportunity and space available to help me out. I have five kids, so I couldn't do it; but Charlie Foley came to my rescue and brought Luther down to his house for the rest of the football season right up into January, when Luther was able to get back with his family. You don't let a player like Luther Reed get away”
This award was named in his honor after he was posthumously elected to the NHS Wall of Fame in 1998, due to his grit, determination and toughness. Recognition and achievement came not from statistics and scores, but from being one of the toughest to ever play at NHS. The Luther Reed Toughness Award is now one of the longest running annual awards at NHS and although there have been years, no deserving recipient has been recognized, the award continues to be part of the annual football banquet.
The Palumbo / Price “Outstanding Lineman” Award: This award is named in honor of Eugene Palumbo & outstanding lineman Mike Price (NHS 67’). This award has been given annually since 1973 "The Palumbo 'Outstanding Lineman' Award" and then the "Palumbo / Price" Outstanding Lineman since 1984. One of the longest running annual awards at NHS.
|
Mike Price was described as a force on the line and a player with grit and desire. A key member to the success of the super teams of the 1960’s. He died aboard the SS Marine Electric on February 12, 1983 as it was lost at sea in a storm off of the Virginia coast. The award has carried his namesake since 1984. In a conversation with Coach Jim Stehlin, he called Mike, “...one of the most dedicated, toughest and hardest working players I ever coached.” |
|
Eugene Palumbo: Gene was a Newburyporter with strong community ties. Tommy Palumbo (NHS 68’) (Gene’s son) was a stellar WOF fullback on the NHS teams of the 1960’s. During their years at and following NHS, they gave back to the community in many ways. One way to give back was sponsoring the ‘Outstanding Lineman Award’ each year since 1971 at the annual awards banquet. The award is no longer sponsored by the family, however, our program continues the name as a way of honoring those who gave so much to NHS Football and the Newburyport community.
|
Coach Larry Smith Memorial “Coaches Award”
Assistant Coach Larry Smith coached at NHS from 1999 until his untimely death in 2011. He was loved by the players he coached and by the people he interacted with. Coach Smith loved the game and his family continues to honor his legacy by presenting a graduating senior football player with a scholarship in his name each year. Chosen by the family, by those who knew Coach Smith and by the current staff, this recipient is a ‘coachable’, hard working player who gives his all and has a love for the game. There has long been a 'coaches award' at NHS. 2017 marks the first year it was given in honor of former Coach Larry Smith. It was decided by coaches and the Smith family to combine the award with the annual scholarship given at scholarship night in the spring each year. 
| ||
|
The Jeff Stone Gridiron Award
Sponsored and presented by the Newburyport Gridiron Club, this award exemplifies the player who comes ready to work each day. This player does not have to be the star performer, the statistical leader or get the recognition in the papers, but this player is a versatile grinder, a teammate and someone who carries himself like a true Clipper, bringing an intensity and passion for the game and being an ambassador for their team, program and school. This award is voted on by team (as are others) however, the Gridiron Club (alumnus, decide on the award recipient and present the award each year at the banquet). This award was established in 2016. |
Captain Jeff Stone (left) (NHS 99') pictured with former Head Coach Ed Gaudiano.
|
Beginning in 2023, the Gridiron award will carry the dedication to former NHS captain, Jeff Stone. Jeff was instrumental in both the establishment of the Newburyport Gridiron Club and the Friends of Newburyport Hockey. These non-profits were designed to give back to the community and the programs Stoney loved, played and coached for. Jeff served as the NGC Vice President and was responsible for the fundraisers that continue to support the program today. During his playing years at NHS, Jeff brought a tenacious and relentless attitude to practice and gameday alike. He played anywhere he was needed and epitomized the very definition of a Newburyport Clipper. Prior to his untimely death in 2021, Jeff was recognized as a unanimous first ballot Wall of Fame inductee (2019). Today he is remembered throughout the greater Newburyport area and his legacy of charity, generosity, kindness and performance as a player, coach and alumni will live on for generations to come.
Team MVP
Like the title implies, the MVP is the team's most valuable player. Different teams interpret 'value' differently, however, more often than not, this is the player that the success of the team lies with. Over the years many groups and organizations have sponsored this award. Most recently, the Newburyport Gridiron Club has sponsored this award for the team. In the past, the NHS boosters organization and other area businesses or groups have sponsored this award as well, such as the Rotary Club of Newburyport.
Like the title implies, the MVP is the team's most valuable player. Different teams interpret 'value' differently, however, more often than not, this is the player that the success of the team lies with. Over the years many groups and organizations have sponsored this award. Most recently, the Newburyport Gridiron Club has sponsored this award for the team. In the past, the NHS boosters organization and other area businesses or groups have sponsored this award as well, such as the Rotary Club of Newburyport.
Some past awards
The Sportsmanship Award
This award has been sponsored and awarded from the league office (MIAA - 1988 was the 1st year), sponsored by WNBP (former local am radio station and long time supporters of NHS athletics); The Newburyport Daily News, The NHS Boosters Club and the Newburyport Gridiron Club.
This award has been sponsored and awarded from the league office (MIAA - 1988 was the 1st year), sponsored by WNBP (former local am radio station and long time supporters of NHS athletics); The Newburyport Daily News, The NHS Boosters Club and the Newburyport Gridiron Club.
Most Versatile Player
Another award that had been sponsored by many organizations and groups or companies; including 'Hawks and Sons'
Another award that had been sponsored by many organizations and groups or companies; including 'Hawks and Sons'
The Leo Ananian Memorial Award and later the 'Unsung Hero' Award
This award was given in honor of Leo Ananian NHS Class of 1929. This award was given from 1976 - 1995
This award was given in honor of Leo Ananian NHS Class of 1929. This award was given from 1976 - 1995
Jay C's Most Improved Player
Last awarded in 1970's (no information known)
Last awarded in 1970's (no information known)
The James T. Stehlin MVP Award
This award was originally given to the CAL MVP (Last winner was Brett Bashaw 1995) Years later it was given to the team MVP (Last winner was Rob Shay 2016).
This award was originally given to the CAL MVP (Last winner was Brett Bashaw 1995) Years later it was given to the team MVP (Last winner was Rob Shay 2016).