By Kevin Kelly
ONCE A TOWNIE, ALWAYS A TOWNIE
Recently, I was asked about some of the athletes that are mentioned in TOWNIE SPORTS who do not live in Charlestown. It is a fair question. Let’s take, for example, senior standout Yale hockey player Michael Doherty. I remember Michael as a talented Charlestown Little Leaguer and Charlestown Gym Hockey regular. His family moved to Reading, but I still consider the Doherty’s “Townies.”
The same can be said of Winchester two-sport junior standout Liam Fitzpatrick. His dad Joe, and uncles Danny and Billy, grew up honing their skills in Charlestown and each enjoyed sensational high school athletic careers. Again, I consider the Fitzpatrick family “Townies.”
How can the grandchildren of Charlestown Townies Park League football legends “Crash” McNeil (NHLers Kevin and Jimmy Hayes) and “Nippy” Nolan (Braintree “hoop” standouts Nicholas and Adriana Timberlake) not be seen as having Charlestown roots. Likewise, I cannot look someone in the eye and say New York Ranger rookie phenom Jimmy Vesey is not a “Townie.”
In that light, I will always consider the Fidlers, Cullitys, Yandles and so many other families to be “Townies.” For the “Townie” athletes who reside in Charlestown, fear not, you remain at the top of my list and I am always on the lookout for anyone who I may have overlooked.
Anyone with any athletes to report, e-mail [email protected].
GIVE ME A MINUTE MAN!!!
The UMass spring soccer season is underway and freshman midfielder Christian Labeck has played a big role in the Minutemen winning their first two games. The abbreviated schedule is a showcase opportunity for prospects to solidy their positions for the 2017 fall season. I dare say Labeck has already solidified his position.
TOWNIE TALLY
Nichols freshman midfielder Hugh O’Donnell, who was recently recognized as the 47th Lt. Michael Quinn Scholar, notched his first career collegiate goal in a 21-8 setback to Endicott. Hugh is second on the Bisons (7-5) in caused turnovers and recovered ground balls.