The town of Swampscott has dedicated Saturday September 10, 2011 as Coach Stan Bondelevitch Day.  The selectmen passed the request of Bill Bush and will honor the legendary coach, athletic director and Father of Big Blue Football by naming the entrance to Phillips Park between the tennis courts and the Bertram House “BONDELEVITCH WAY”.

A ceremony unveiling the street sign will begin at 10 AM.  Bill Bush will serve as master of ceremonies.  Top assistant Dick Lynch, former player and channel 5 sports broadcaster Mike Lynch and former player and current coach Steve Dembowski will speak.  The Big Blue kicks off the 2011 season at noon verse Somerville High School. All Swampscott Alumni and citizens are invited to attend.

Coach Bondelevitch arrived in Swampscott in September of 1953 as the athletic director and head football coach. He quickly renamed the Swampscott athletic teams the “Big Blue”.Coach Bondelevitch had two tours in Swampscott, 1953-1976 and 1983-1986.  The first was unparalleled in high school football compiling undefeated football teams in 1957, 1958, 1963, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1972.  His 1972 team won the first ever high school Super Bowl played in Massachusetts, defeating Catholic Memorial at B.U. field, 28-21.

Coach Bondelevitch won 187 games, four Class B State Championships, one Super Bowl and 10 NEC League titles, but he was best known for his ability to motivate young people, creating a buzz in Swampscott high and placing his players in colleges.  He also coached four players whom played in the National Football League; Bill Adams, Dick Jauron, Ed Toner and Tom Toner.  He is also a member of the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches, Saint Anselms, and Swampscott high school Hall of Fame.  

Members of the Swampscott Big Blue football team have had a great summer at several 7 on 7 passing tournaments.  These one-hand touch tournaments are no indication of what will happen in the fall, but they offer the players a chance to work on schemes and compete against schools of all sizes.

The group attended the Rhode Island University “Rhody Shootout” and advanced to the semi-final before losing on a 2-point play with no time remaining, 22-21 on June 18th.  We went 3-2 on the day.

The Big Blue won the Saint Anselms tournament, winning all seven games they played on July 17^th in the 90" heat.  Senior reciever/d-back AJ Baker was named tournament MVP while senior Mike Walsh and junior Brian Santry didn't throw an interception in the 7 games.

Last weekend Swampscott competed in the Northeast 7v7 presented by Under Armour at Bishop Fenwick.  This was a great event and by far the biggest tournament we entered this summer with 48 teams.  We were the highest scoring team in the preliminary round, we played Friday night and had the number 1 seed Saturday for the playoffs, but got bounced in overtime (35-34) in the sweet sixteen by Winthrop.     

This weekend we were one of eight local teams invited to play in the New England Patriots/Under Armour tournament at Gillette Stadium Saturday from 3-7pm.  The other teams were BB&N, Cathedral, Catholic Memorial, Chelmsford (invited for winning the Northeast 7v7), Duxbury, North Andover and St John's Danvers.  We beat Duxbury 20-19, than lost to Chelmsford 13-12.  Having to beat CM or score 21 points to win the tie breaker we pulled away in the second half as CM emptied the bench, 27-12. CM was also missing three of their scholarship players.  Our bracket was tough!

As the 2 seed on our side we drew North Andover the 1 seed on the other side.  They have an excellent Qb, Brendan Walsh (no relation) as we played them last week too.  A late defensive stand advanced us to the final with an 18-13 win.  NA is good and should have a good year.  Waiting for us in the final was Chelmsford a very competitive and well coached team.  Senior Tim Joy, headed to BC, lead them and their aggressive man to man defense. The game went back and forth and when Nick Mennino made a great catch to tie it at 19 with a minute left, we had a chance to win it, but our PAT failed.  

In overtime, junior Robert Serino batted down a 3rd-&-goal pass so it was score and win.  On the first play, Walsh hit Baker on a post between two defenders for the win.  It was great to compete in Gillette against great teams. 

Our players have enjoyed all these experiences and we hope it cares over to the season.  Including our league games we are 22-4 in these one hand touch games over the summer.    

The All-Decade Team was selected by the coaching staff. 

Postion           Name                          Final Season