By Leader Herald Staff
With another spectacular year of sports in Everett in the record books, join us as we take a look back on 2019 and all there was to remember, including talented Everett boxers, an NFL signee, and protest at the State House.
In February, after battling through five fights in six weeks, Everett boxer Ryan Pietrantonio powered through his competition en route to capturing the 2019 New England Golden Gloves Championship at the Lowell Auditorium. With the victory, Pietrantonio qualified to represent the New England region at the USA Boxing national tournament.
In February, following the departure of longtime play caller John Dibiaso, Stanley Chamblain took court side for his first full season as head coach and led the Crimson Tide back to the playoffs with a 14-6 overall record.
In April, prior to the start of NFL training camps, Everett native and EHS alumni Lukas Denis, a Boston College standout athlete, was signed by the NFLs Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In April, many local youth leaders and advocates of the freedom to choose to allow elementary school children to take play contact sports such as tackle football made their way up to the State House as part of a growing protest of Bills H. 2007 and S.1223. The 2.5 hour rally combating the bills featured some big names, including guest speakers and former NFL players Merril Hoge and Andre Tippet.
In June, Crimson Tide baseball clinched the postseason for the first time in three years as they topped Winchester in the final moments of the final game of the regular season. A fielder’s choice by Greg Reed in the bottom of the seventh inning clinched the 3-2 victory and 10-win season.
In July, Murphy’s Boxing teamed up with Encore Boston Harbor to usher in the casino’s first live-action showcase, a boxing event that sold out the largest ballroom and attracted some of boxing’s biggest names, including Kevin McBride, Peter Manfredo JR., Micky Ward and Tony DeMarco. Oh, and did we mention Richie “The Mountain”?
In November, Everett boxer Shayna Foppiano (white trunks) put her undefeated record (2-0-1, 1 KO) to the test against fellow Everett boxer Raquel Santos at the Twin River Casino and Hotel in Rhode Island, part of the Classic Entertainment & Sports Boxing showcase. Foppiano’s steady jab helped her remain undefeated by unanimous decision.