LYNN — They say winning a championship brings memories that can never be taken away from you. Last week, the English boys basketball team received the grand keepsake from its 2018-2019 Division 1 state championship run- the championship rings.
“The kids really enjoyed them,” English Athletic Director Richard Newton said. “That was their motto, ‘play for the ring.’ Some kids never get one so this was special for them.
“They can wear it to their graduations and special events,” Newton said. “In Lynn it’s very difficult to win any state championship because there are five high schools. It’s hard to put the best talent on one team with KIPP, St. Mary’s, Classical and Tech. For our guys to win a state championship is quite a feat.”
The rings were made by Jostens, designed by Bulldogs coach Antonio Anderson and made possible through various fundraising efforts.
“It was tough,” Anderson said. “We had a couple fundraisers with help from a lot of people. There are too many to name. Tons of people in the community, tons of businesses. All State Therapy, Lynn Police, Lynn firefighters, the Board of Trustees at Lynn English, City Councilors Buzzy Barton, Rick Starbard, Richard Colucci. Everyone that helped out in some way, shape or form, we’re definitely grateful.”
The Bulldogs knew they had something special from the very beginning but a state championship run goes well beyond what takes place on the court. English took care of business off the court too. It started with Anderson making sure his players got the job done in the classroom.
“Antonio set the tone that academics were first,” Newton said. “When he felt any of them were slipping, he sat them on the bench. His demeanor on and off the court was a huge factor to what they accomplished.”
“My job is to help these kids in every way,” Anderson said. “In the classroom, they’re all doing excellent. We have several kids with GPA’s above 3.0. We have support from the guidance department. We push them to the limit not just with basketball but with academics. The administration, the guidance counselors and the teachers are a big part of it.”
The community’s support also factored into English’s success. The Bulldogs were the talk of the school and the community as they swept through the Northeastern Conference and climbed the ladder in Division 1. Regardless of where neutral-site state tournament games were located, the bleachers were packed with maroon and white.
“I always felt that athletics is the engine that makes a school go,” Newton said. “It’s where you get all your school spirit from. That’s where you rally around the school. In 2009 we went to the state final. In basketball we’ve always been competitive, we’ve always been good. This team went the extra leg and won a state championship. It put a big charge into the school spirit-wise.”
Also receiving rings were those who contributed behind the scenes, including members of the school’s administration, team managers and volunteer water boys, in addition to players and coaches.
“The administration was huge,” Anderson said. “Everybody was very supportive. Everything we asked for the boys, they helped us. I’m extremely grateful to have had their support. That was huge, for sure.
“Everyone that helped and supported us, we thank them,” Anderson said. “From myself, the players and the coaches, we just want to say ‘thank you.'”
