LYNN — As student-athletes, coaches, families, and friends celebrated fall sports Item All-Stars Thursday night at the Lynn Museum, another star was honored.
The first Buzzy Barton Award – named for Lynn’s Gordon “Buzzy” Barton, who died in April – was awarded to Swampscott’s Victoria Quagrello, a three-sport captain in basketball, soccer, and tennis.
“I would’ve loved to know him. He sounds like such an amazing person,” Quagrello said at the podium. “Thank you so much to my coaching staff and teammates.”
The award was presented by two of Barton’s closest friends, former firefighter Bob “Moona” Mullins and former Item sports and news editor Paul Halloran.
The award was given to “a consummate team player,” as said by Halloran.
“What an honor, to stand up there with Buzzy’s best friend and present an award in his name,” Halloran said. “Buzzy was a genuine leader, in his deeds more than his words, and it is truly fitting to have this type of award named for him.”
Barton, a former Lynn firefighter, city councilor, student-athlete, and basketball coach, was always that.
“He always lifted people up and always made sure everyone had what they needed,” Mullins said. “Anything you needed, he was there.”
Quagrello, a Big Blue senior, was named Moynihan Lumber Student-Athlete of the Month in September and will be attending Middlebury College to continue her soccer career and study biology and pharmaceuticals.
Her soccer coach, Jaymie Caponigro, said there couldn’t have been a better choice.
“She brings a unique skillset to the table that sets her apart from other players,” she said. “Her never-give-up attitude is infectious among her teammates, and her soccer ability helps raise the level of our team.”
