SPS hat-trick leads to Sensational Superbowl!

As a former high school football player turned Superintendent of Schools, you best believe I am in my glory as three of our Springfield Public Schools football teams have landed themselves in the 2011 Superbowl! Congratulations to the football teams at the High School of Commerce, Putnam High School, and Central High School for making the Western Massachusetts Playoffs. Regardless of what occurs on those fields this Saturday, Springfield Public Schools is already a winner!

My wish for each and every player, coach, principal, parent, fan and supporter is that Saturday’s games bring excitement, spawn pride, and generate a renewed sense of school spirit. We’ll watch with bated breath as our students all do their best and we expect great things.

To you athletes, I say: Play hard, Be fair and Stay safe!

Division 1
Central High School vs. Longmeadow High School
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011
1:30 p.m.
Gillette Stadium
One Patriot Place
Foxborough, MA

Division II
High School of Commerce vs. Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical High School
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011
12:30 p.m.
Westfield State University
l577 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA

Just as important as the upcoming football games is the recognition that other SPS sports team recently received for Good Sportsmanship! The Western Massachusetts Soccer Officials Association recognized Commerce Girls and Sci-Tech/Renaissance Boys teams.

Also, both the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Western Massachusetts Field Hockey officials association recognized Central Girls!

It’s great to have talent on the field or court. However, it’s the values and morals that players exhibit, which ultimately define who they are as a team and as individuals.

I could not be prouder.