Agawam High School football’s 100th anniversary logo.
Reminder Publishing submitted image
AGAWAM — Domenick Pisano has a deep connection to Agawam High School’s football program. It runs through four generations of his family who have played AHS football — from his grandfather to his father, to himself and now to his son.
That’s what makes him so passionate about celebrating the team’s 100th anniversary.
Pisano, who was captain of the team in 1995, heads the Agawam Football 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee. Guided by current AHS football coach John Benjamin, the committee is planning to commemorate “a century of pride, passion and unforgettable moments” on the football field, Pisano said.
“AHS football boasts a rich history, and this is an opportunity to honor former players and coaches who have been part of the team during the past century,” he said.
To mark this historical milestone, the committee is planning a special celebration 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at Oak Ridge Golf Club in Feeding Hills.
“The evening promises to be a gathering of current and former players, coaches, families and friends of Agawam football,” said Pisano. “This will be an opportunity for former players and coaches to reminisce and share stories of their times with the team.”
Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased via a link on the committee’s Facebook page, “Agawam Football 100th Anniversary.” They also will be available at this season’s Agawam youth football games at Kirk Parker Field on School Street.
The celebration will feature “inspiring speakers, a showcase of memorabilia, nostalgic photos and newspaper articles and highlight the camaraderie that defines AHS football,” said Pisano. “We also encourage people to contribute photos or articles that capture the essence of Agawam football over the years. Any photos submitted to our Facebook page should include details, such as the names of individuals and the approximate year.”
Agawam resident and AHS graduate Chris Pisano, a television news broadcaster for WWLP and related stations, will serve as master of ceremonies.
The high school’s football team, the Brownies, has been one of the powerhouse teams in the region ever since the first players took to the field in 1924 under the direction of legendary coach Harmon Smith.
Smith served as coach for 32 seasons, 1924 to 1955, and had a storied career at AHS. He led the Brownies to unbeaten seasons in 1927, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1945 and 1947. Under Smith’s coaching, the team also had six seasons during which it suffered only one loss: 1928, 1939, 1940, 1944, 1951 and 1953.
After Smith left his coaching position, he stayed on as director of athletics until his retirement in 1969. The school honored him by naming the athletic field where its home football games are played in his honor.
The committee is looking for community sponsors to help cover its expenses. Pisano said any remaining funds will be donated to the football program. For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Pisano at dpisano31@yahoo.com or via the Facebook page.
In addition to Pisano and Benjamin, other committee members include Brian Burbank, Lyn Bussierre, Vin Curto, Dawn and Dave DeMatteo, Mike Dillulo and Greg Norman.
