Five decades of memories and pride were shared this past Sept. 18, when members of the 1975 Middlesex League champion and state semifinalist Wakefield Warrior basketball team (23-2) celebrated a 50th anniversary reunion at the Cape Neddick Country Club in Maine. The guest of honor was head coach, mentor, and New England basketball Hall-of-Famer, Ellis “Sonny” Lane, as well as former Warriors from the 1973 Division 1 North Champions, 1976 League Champions and the 1977 state tournament team.
The former “hoopsters” a little longer in the tooth, but no less competitive, enjoyed a spirited 9-hole scramble golf match earlier in the day at the home course of coach Lane and his wife Paula. Following a buffet lunch, ’75 captain Roger Lapham expressed the hopes that this would become an annual event and recalled stories and game remembrances from one of the most successful and record-breaking seasons to that point in the program’s history. It was also the first of several league championships in coach Lane’s illustrious 17-year career at WHS.
Bob Moore from the ’73 “cardiac kids”, spoke to what it meant to be part of the first winning team under Lane’s leadership and how he spearheaded team building both on and off the court.
Tom Russo, captain of the 1976 back-to-back champions shared his recollections and how playing for a future Hall of Fame coach had influences not only on himself but past and future Warriors as well.
Co-Captains Bill Cole and Scott Brown of the 1977 state tourney team expressed gratitude for their experiences playing during those days in the 1970’s and conveyed how even today, Lane’s influences were part of their lives.
Mike Boyages ’76, gave a moving tribute to his Dad, Zack Boyages, arguably the “Father” of Wakefield basketball, and how his adoption of Lane’s system in the lower grades led to the enviable success of WHS.
Coach Lane concluded the remarks by thanking Lapham for putting the event together and humbly gave credit to his players for his success. He also gave glowing recognition to the advanced scouting system in place, a secret weapon few schools had in place during that time. The major contributions of coaches Dick Kelly and Brad Simpson who led the Junior Varsity and Junior High programs in those early years of success was also acknowledged.
Other former Warriors attendees were Steve Relihan from the ’73 team, Jim Melanson, Doug Midram and Bob Relihan of the ’75 team. Also in attendance were Austin Garofalo, Tim Green and Joe Trotta from the 1976 team and Ralph Gonzalez of the 1977 Warriors.
The group then headed to coach’s home on York Beach, where more stories and memories were shared followed even more boisterous laughter recalling the “glory days”.
A definition of a program can be defined by multiple state tournament appearances, back-to-back league championships, or three consecutive Middlesex League MVP’s (Lapham ’75, Russo ’76 and Brown’77). But, beyond all the trophies and accolades, the true measure of these achievements is the Maestro who conducted unmatched success by one small public school system to that point. Coach Lane not only achieved hardwood triumphs but led a group of young men who in adulthood continued to be not only teammates and Warriors, but brothers for life.