SAUGUS — Four Saugus High student-athletes were honored Wednesday as they signed their letters of intent to play sports in college: Anna Felicio (Western New England University), Connor Bloom (Bridgewater State), Wilderson LaFortune (University of Massachusetts Dartmouth), and Layla Manderson (Bridgewater State), who was unable to attend.
In an auditorium filled with teammates, teachers, staff members, and coaches, Athletic Director Matt Serino kicked off the event.
“Today is a moment of celebration, pride, and recognition,” he said. “We want to honor the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes.”
Staff member Mark Cox introduced LaFortune, who will be playing football at UMass Dartmouth next fall.
“Talking to him during his freshman year, I always knew he had a passion for football. It was amazing to watch this kid grow from a young boy to a man,” Cox said. “He’s ready to find great success.”
LaFortune spoke about “not quitting” and being ready to work when he arrives on campus.
“The No. 1 lesson I’m taking with me is to never give up. There have been multiple practices where I thought about giving up and quitting the sport, but I decided to stick with it,” LaFortune said. “Every offseason workout, I thought about quitting, but I never did. By not quitting, it allowed me to get an opportunity to play football in college.”
Felicio is headed to Western New England University to wrestle. She recently delivered a breakout season, winning 41 matches and being crowned a Division 1 state champion.
Saugus/Peabody Coach Wayne Moda introduced Felicio.
“She’s been wrestling with us for three years. She had an amazing season. Anna won 41 matches this year and 27 of them were against boys. She beat some pretty big guys who were seniors,” Moda said. “We’re so impressed with how she conducted herself. She worked her way through the three years and ended up being this fantastic girl on the mat and off the mat. She’s turned into a leader in the school and has been a joy to coach. I’m super proud of her and she’s like a third daughter to me.”
Felicio is looking forward to “bonding” with her new team.
“And winning as a team – not individually. I think that’s the most important part,” Felicio said.
Connor Bloom, a do-it-all football player for the Sachems, was presented by defensive coordinator Jared Bluestein.
“I am so proud of the man he’s become – the level of commitment he has shown to the town, to his team, and the dedication he has. Coaches always look for players to put on the field, but what they really want more than anything is a player we can’t take off,” Bluestein said. “Connor embodied that every down this year. He’s earned everything that he got and I’m really proud of that.”
Bloom will attend Bridgewater State and although it was a long and tiring process, he’s excited to begin his next chapter.
“It feels great to finally know where I’m going,” he said. “It was definitely tough, but I knew right when I stepped on campus and met my coach – it felt like home.”
Although Manderson wasn’t able to attend, her soccer career at Saugus speaks for itself. You could say she was the heart of the Sachems’ defense throughout her career.
