LYNN — After 14 years of coaching the Lynn Classical powderpuff football team, including the last eight years at the helm of things, Rob Smith is calling it quits after this Sunday’s game.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling for sure,” said Smith. “The emotions are starting to creep in as we get closer to the game, but right now I’m just feeling excited.”
Smith wanted to thank Jay Alicudo, Louis Reynolds, Harold Watler, Tim Magner, Rod Valrie, Derek Edmonds and all of the present and former players for their dedication and hard work over the years.
It’s an exciting time of the year for Smith, who can’t wait to get back out on the field with the Classical and English seniors for the annual tradition. After Thanksgiving football and the fall season as a whole was canceled in Lynn last year, Smith is just happy that the game has returned.
“Once we found out the game was officially on, we couldn’t wait to get started,” said Smith. “The girls look forward to this since their freshman year, and after everything that’s happened the past couple years, it’s nice to just be getting back to normal.”
The powderpuff game serves as the official kickoff to Thanksgiving week for both high schools, with the action culminating Thanksgiving morning when the Classical and English football teams square off.
“It’s a great way to kick off the week,” said Smith. “Like anything Classical-English, it’s a big deal and everyone is really excited about it.”
And while Smith may be walking away after this year, he knows he’s leaving the program in capable hands as Valrie and Edmonds will take over full time.
“I couldn’t be leaving the program in more capable hands,” said Smith. “These guys have been with me for a while now and they’ll be out there on Sunday as well, and I’m excited to see where they take things from here.”
The Classical-English powderpuff game is scheduled for Sunday evening (5) at Manning Field.
