Ever since he got the head coaching job with Lynn English boys basketball, Alvin Abreu talked about “alumni retention.”
That was two years ago, and now, it’s time for action.
The first annual alumni game is set for Friday at the high school with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.
“I always wanted to create a new tradition that impacts alumni coming back during the holidays,” Abreu said. “This is it.”
Athletic Director Dick Newton said, “I think the last time they tried to even have an alumni game was 40 years ago.”
Well, there’s no time like the present.
“Alvin put it all together,” Newton said. “He’s been wanting this for a couple of years. He’s been around long enough now, so he knows guys who want to come back.”
As for the program’s roots, Abreu looks forward to linking old and new in a “competitive setting.”
“I’m excited to connect current players and coaches of the program to those who paved the way before them,” he said. “Boys basketball history at Lynn English runs deep.”
There will be several 1,000-point scorers and state champions in attendance.
“It’s going to be a good time and I’m excited,” he said. “We are just getting started with this event and look forward to growing it more in the upcoming years. Spectators are welcome ($5 entry).”
This year’s Bulldogs are 3-0 and host Everett at 7 p.m. Thursday.
“He’s a great coach with a great following,” Newton said of Abreu. “There’s nothing but good things to say about Alvin.”
TEAM GREY
Coach: Ryan Woum
Tyrese Melo García
Kanye Wavezwa
Alonzo Linton
Keandre Stanton
Josh St. Jean
Charlie Rucker
Anthony Silfa
Archie Allen
Gio Cordero
Jeremy Subervi
Simmie Anderson
Brandon Bing
TEAM MAROON
Coach: Antonio Anderson
Jarnel Snow Guzman
Mason Jean Baptiste
Ademide Badmus
Jarell Byrd
Aaron Vizcaino
Angel “Kobe” Soto
Calvin Seng
Louis Rivera
Josh Castillo
Irving Vizcaino
Keith Lee
Curt Anderson
