The Celtics captured their 18th NBA championship, Edmonton lost a heartbreaker – if you’re a Bruins’ fan – and we’re still a few months away from football making us unavailable for any-and-all weekend plans.
What’s there to do?
I’ve got something, and they’re called the Agganis All-Star Games.
The Games have made student-athletes, coaches, and parents grin from ear-to-ear this week. The nine-game, four-day stretch concludes with Wednesday’s football game at Manning Field (6 p.m.).
Well done, Director Paul Halloran, Assistant Director Jeff Newhall, and others involved in organizing, promoting, and executing The Games, which have helped the Agganis Foundation present more than $2.5 million in college sponsorships across nearly 70 years.
But, unfortunately, not everyone held up their end of the bargain.
You’d think those given the chance to honor Harry Agganis – legendary Lynn Classical, Boston University, and Red Sox athlete – would jump at the opportunity to do so.
Like Opie during “The Andy Griffith Show” introduction, you’d think athletes would be skipping with joy on their way to play.
Think again, at least to an extent.
Did you know, six girls lacrosse players – who were nominated, chosen, and committed to play – didn’t show up to Sunday’s game? And didn’t reach out with an explanation or excuse?
They were all on the same team – virtually 50 percent of the roster, that was.
And there were other examples just like that.
But look, I’m not here to come down on anyone. I’m 25 years old as of last month. It would, basically, be like ragging on my own generation.
I’m the furthest thing from the “Old Man Yells at Cloud” joke from “The Simpsons.”
So, what’s the problem?
You know what, I don’t know. I could guess, but I don’t know.
All I know is, The Games are still kicking. And deep down, the passion is still there – the same as it was decades ago.
Reporting the last few days, all I’ve seen are smiling faces. The student-athletes, coaches, and others who are involved love being there.
Don’t believe me?
“Playing one more time was great,” said Fenwick’s Cecilia Kay, who broke an Agganis record Monday night with 31 points in the girls basketball game.
“It’s awesome. I’ll go home and feel nostalgic about it,” said Kay’s girls basketball coach during the winter, Adam DeBaggis of Fenwick.
“It’s all about having fun and appreciating Harry Agganis. Without him, a lot of us wouldn’t be doing this. It’s a great feeling to be here,” said Lynn Tech boys basketball coach Corey Bingham.
I could go on, and on, and on.
You know what? I will.
Coach Michelle Roach of Peabody’s girls lacrosse program – repping her Agganis T-shirt with pride on the sideline – approached her third season involved with The Games like it was her first.
“I love this event,” she said. “When I was in high school (St. Mary’s), I was an Agganis scholar. It’s a really important organization and it means a lot to me.”
Despite falling short on the scoreboard, Gloucester’s boys lacrosse coach, Geoff Kennedy, couldn’t have cared less, and was honored to be standing on the Manning Field turf.
“I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys. There was great camaraderie,” he said. “It’s an All-Star game… and I couldn’t be happier.”
One of the top players in the Northeastern Conference, Johnny Lucas of Peabody, added the experience was “a lot different than a regular game.”
“It’s just a great experience. I was coming here to have fun,” he said.
The Greater Boston League’s Most Valuable Player in football, Brian Vaughan Jr. of Lynn Classical, will be wearing Agganis’ No. 33 on Wednesday.
Yes, he’s happy about it.
“It’s going to feel amazing to wear his number,” Vaughan Jr. said. “It’s a very big honor to me.”
Hundreds of athletes did show up; the football teams practiced in 90-degree weather last week in preparation.
Better yet, Halloran said Sunday (opening four games) came with one of the best turnouts in recent history.
So, yeah, approximately 9,500 athletes and 235 games later, the Agganis Games are still kicking.
See you Wednesday at Manning Field.
