Harry Della Russo Stadium on Park Avenue would normally be bustling with activity during the spring and in to the summer. Revere High sports teams, men’s soccer leagues, the Boston Renegades of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), and outdoor basketball players all call the stadium home.
But the COVID-19 global pandemic has forced the postponement of all teams’ schedules for now.
The WFA, a league consisting of women’s professional football players, has postponed its 2020 season but hopes to resume at some point.
“Everything is so up in the air right now,†said Director of Parks and Recreation Mike Hinojosa, who is the stadium’s scheduling coordinator. “We’re moving forward as if the summer is going to happen but we don’t know if we’re going to change up some of the events for social distancing purposes.â€
Hinojosa said the Renegades organization has reached out to him and in fact, has applied for one-day liquor licenses for home games “as if the season is going to happen at some point in the summer.â€
In the past Revere athletes have competed for the Boston women’s pro football team, notably RHS graduate Jess Penta, who earned All-American honors as a defensive lineman.
Jess’ father, the late Revere City Councillor Richard Penta, was one of the Boston team’s biggest supporters.
Mr. Penta would hold massive pre-game tailgate parties outside Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, the pro team’s former home field.
Mr. Penta would then move to his regular seat in the team’s rooting section and join other members of the Penta delegation while cheering on Jess Penta and her teammates, most times to victory. Talk about a proud dad – Richard Penta was all of that.
Chelsea High Director of Athletics Amanda Alpert has been a long-time center for the defending Super Bowl champion Renegades and was set to return to the team this season.
“It’s just wait and see right now,†said Hinojosa. “It’s the same thing with Major League Baseball. I don’t think anyone has the answer to when we can come back and play organized team sports.â€
