The Bates College football roster is loaded with players from the North Shore. So although the Bobcats recorded just one win this season, it was a big one: 28-24 over rival Bowdoin on Senior Day.
Former St. John's Prep star Rich McNeil has been a big part of the Bates defense for four years, finishing his career with his best game at defensive end. He started all eight games this season for the Bobcats and had 19 solo tackles along with 24 assists, two sacks for minus-16 yards, broke up two passes, and was credited with one quarterback hurry.
McNeil, who is also a two-time track All-American in the hammer throw, believes the program is on the verge of turning around.
"Being on four teams that didn't win many games is a little disappointing, but our attitude has changed a lot over the years," McNeil said. "When I was a freshman, some of the players had bad attitudes and didn't put a lot into football — it was just something they did. Starting with my (class), we decided to change that, and this season there was a whole different attitude.
"We were just a couple of plays away from winning some close games. Even when we lost by 10 points, it was a matter of playing well but making one or two costly mistakes."
In that regard, McNeil feels that Bates is a program that is "definitely on the upswing." He's confident that the current junior class of football players will follow in the senior's footsteps and take things a step further in 2010.
"That attitude has trickled down; it's mainly about kids really committing to the sport," McNeil said.
"After our win on Senior Day, coach (Mark Harriman) said, 'The wins have not always been there, but you've been a huge part of turning Bates football around, which is what we hoped for when we recruited you.' That meant a lot to the senior class."
One of McNeil's former teammates at St. John's, sophomore Santo Dettore, played in every game for Bates this season, starting five of them at middle linebacker. He had 13 solo tackles and 11 assists. Another former Eagle, junior backup offensive lineman Matt Cocciardi, saw a lot of action, as well.
Other local players on the roster include junior linebacker Mike DiPrisco of Marblehead, sophomore wide receiver John Squires of Swampscott and Phillips Exeter, junior defensive lineman Dan Santorella of Danvers, and freshman running back Pat George of Pingree (via Gloucester).
"George filled a pretty big void when one of our senior running backs broke his leg," McNeil said. "He took over and did a very good job."
George carried the ball 51 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns, which was tops in rushing for the Bobcats. He also had four catches for 39 yards and one TD and was second on the squad in total points with 24.
Junior Chris Murtagh, who starred at the Prep, tried to come back to the Bobcats after knee surgery but had problems with both shoulders during preseason. He finally had to step aside to take time to recover and be ready for track season.
For McNeil, once the season ended he cleaned out his football locker and headed right for track practice.
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Last week, St. John's Prep football coach Jim O'Leary made a whirlwind one-day trip to Atlanta to visit his injured player, Jared Coppola, at the Shepherd Rehabilitation Center. He came away inspired by the facility and Jared's determination to get back to school as soon as possible.
"It was inspirational," said O'Leary, who had planned to go with Principal Ed Hardiman, but didn't after the latter had to cancel due to illness. "Jared's spirits are as high as they can be, and the place he's at is unbelievable. The attitude of the patients, doctors, nurses and physical therapists is so upbeat. I wasn't there very long before they came in and told me to push his bed because it was time for therapy.
"Even though he has to stay in bed a few more days, they're still doing therapy on his upper body and arms. His hip flexor is coming back, and he can move his knee up, which is so encouraging because it means the connections are starting to come together. It all starts from the top down. He's also moving his hands and arms."
Two-and-a-half months ago, Jared Coppola suffered an injury in a preseason scrimmage game that left him with a spinal fracture.
O'Leary said Coppola has a titanium wheelchair that weighs only 12 pounds. He has made a lot of friends at the facility, and even though some are now in outpatient care, they visit him all day long.
"He's still paralyzed, but there is great hope," O'Leary said.
"It was a long trip and I didn't get home until 2 a.m., but seeing Jared was worth it. You come away amazed and enlightened. Those people are doing great, uplifting things, and if you saw the place you would understand there's not enough money people could give for what they are doing there.
O'Leary said there are a number of fundraisers going on to help defray the costs. The Prep Alumni Fund Raiser raised $12,000; Art Hilliard of North Reading (like the Coppolas) and Tim and Whitney Cardew of Ipswich put that together for football parents from recent Prep teams. There's also a disco event for young St. John's Prep alumni in the 21-26 age range coming up to help out.
"Insurance covers some things, but not everything," O'Leary said. "Dawn (Jared's mother) is a remarkable woman, and she has a lot of expenses staying in Atlanta with him all this time."
O'Leary was also pleased to report that Jared will be able to come home at Christmas time for two weeks before returning to Atlanta for another month.
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Jean DePlacido is a part-time writer and columnist for The Salem News. Contact her at jmdeplacido@aol.com.
