Sports 08-19-2015

A Showcase for Sports

Brand new Della Russo Stadium set for grand opening

By Cary Shuman

Revere High School athletes, Revere Pop Warner football players and cheerleaders, and Revere residents have a brand new stadium to call their own.

The official grand opening ceremonies for the sparkling, spectacular, state-of-the-art Harry Della Russo Stadium on Park Avenue will be Sept. 11 when the Revere High School football team hosts Medford at 7 p.m.

Mayor Dan Rizzo, who led the effort to build the $7.5 million facility, will preside over the ceremonies prior to the football team’s season opener.

 Those who have visited the new stadium are already calling it one of the most majestic athletic facilities in the region. In addition to the main all-turf field (named the John A. McCarthy Memorial Field) where Revere’s football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and Pop Warner teams will play, there is a regulation track and individual stations for the high jump, triple jump, shot put and discus events. There are new basketball and tennis courts overlooking the field.

Revere Superintendent of Schools Diane Kelly and RHS football coach Lou Cicatelli are excited about the new stadium.

“These kids in Revere deserve nothing less than what their peers in other cities and towns enjoy and that is, first class athletic facilities and open space to help them become stronger and more well-rounded individuals,” Kelly said.

“This is exciting. It was a long time coming, but it’s really exciting. It was badly needed,” said Cicatelli. Added Eddie Sullivan, a starting linebacker for the RHS football team, “I am super pumped and can’t wait, especially knowing that my football brothers and I will be making history playing in the new stadium. It’s going to be a great night and a memory that we will have forever.”

Rizzo toured the new stadium Friday and was greeted warmly by youths and adults who were using the facility. Some expressed their gratitude to the mayor for bringing a first-class facility to the city.

Wafae Elarar, a junior at Revere High School who plays field hockey and lacrosse, said, “The field is really nice. I’m looking forward to playing here and going to the football games.”

“It’s really cool to start high school with a brand new stadium,” said incoming freshman Ghizlane Guisser, who plays soccer and competes in track. “The track is really smooth and easier to run on.”

Rizzo feels the stadium, which is located next door to the brand new Hill Elementary School, will help revitalize the central business district on nearby Broadway and beyond.

“I believe that a new, state-of-the-art facility in our downtown area is another step toward revitalizing our central business district,” Rizzo said. “It will dramatically impact the quality and quantity of opportunities that currently exist for recreational and sports-related activities for children.”

Hundreds of Revere residents are already utilizing the facility for daily runs or walks around the new track.

“There is something for everybody here,” said Rizzo. “People who will want to walk or run the track, it’s here. People who want to play football – it’s state-of-art – lacrosse, field hockey, soccer – it’s all right here, along with two brand new basketball courts and two brand new tennis courts for people to enjoy.

“These are quality of life issues that make our city stronger, better, and less transient. You want families to stay here in the city of Revere and it’s facilities like this that are going to help do that. My administration is proud of this facility but the goal is that our community is proud of this facility.”

The mayor thanked some of the agencies and individuals who were instrumental in the construction of the new facility.

“I would like to recognize the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs,” Rizzo said. “This state funding absolutely made this stadium possible. I would also like to send special thanks to Frank Stringi, Director of Planning and Community Development; former Athletic Director Sean Hart, our Director of Parks and Recreation, Michael Hinojosa, and City Councilor Steve Reardon, who were instrumental in the planning and reconstruction of the city’s beautiful new stadium.”

Pop Warner teams excited to play in new stadium

The Revere Junior Patriots Pop Warner organization will use Harry Della Russo Stadium as its home field for the 2015 season. In recent years, the cheerleading teams have claimed several national championships while the football teams have contended for league and regional titles.

RPW president Craig Elam said his teams are looking forward to competing at the new stadium.

“We are very excited to play at the new stadium. It has been a long time coming and I know the kids and parents are really looking forward to it, too. It was tough to play every game on the road last year and sometimes we would have to separate and play in different cities too. It was hard on everyone traveling so much. Now that we will have some home games in brand new facility we are hoping it will bring more fans to the games. The kids enjoy when there is a big crowd cheering them on.”

Junior Roller Derby begins new season on Sept. 12

Roller Derby is a women’s sport that fosters empowerment, inspires self-confidence, and encourages fitness—and now self identifying girls ages 7–17 can experience just how satisfying the game can be.

Registration for Boston Junior Roller Derby, the area’s only junior level, flat track roller derby league, is now open for the fall 2015 session, Sept. 12 through Dec. 19.

Twice-a-week practice is held in the Boston Derby Dames home base in Lynn, Mass. on Tuesdays, 6–7:30pm, and Saturdays, 9–11am. Cost is $100 for the session plus $15 for insurance (financial aid is available).

A true athletic sport, roller derby is a game played on quad roller skates under Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) rules and regulations. This safe, serious sport builds strength and agility, and teaches girls about teamwork within a supportive structure, as BJD is taught by a coaching staff of athletes who strive to be encouraging role models to all girls.

If you know a girl who could benefit from a positive environment and thrilling athleticism—one who can skate without holding onto a wall or an adult—Boston Junior Roller Derby will teach her derby foundations such as safe falls and stops, strong form, proper skating habits, and the most important skill: having fun on skates.

For more information visit bostonjuniorderby.com, or purchase session tickets at brownpapertickets.com/event/1984993.