For 20 years I coached football at Manchester/Essex Regional High School. We played at Joseph Hyland Field right behind the school. The field was also used for baseball and girls field hockey. With a baseball infield cutting into the gridiron, girls chopping up the natural turf with their hockey sticks and a very noticable slope in one corner, needless to say it wasn't the best surface to play on. But it did have character and a rich history of victory and defeat. All that changed when a new high/middle school was built recently on the old field. The old school was demolished and in it's place a wonderful new sports facility to carry on the traditions of the past. The new field has state of the art field turf,two elevators to allow handicap access from the parking lot to the field and an insulated heated press box. Also a concession stand with rest rooms that would rival area restuarants!
On Thanksgiving morning the field was re dedicated to Joseph Hyland who dispite polio managed to be a gifted athlete,coach and mentor.
As for the present football team it was a rebuilding year after several sucessful seasons including a state Superbowl championship. The Hornets lost 10-0 to arch rival Georgetown Royals.
Joseph Hyland Field
Inside the press box.
Concession stand
Coin toss...that's a big coin!
The Champion Pee Wee "A" team Jr Hornets were introduced at half time.
Home crowd.
Videographer Joe Perry up in his new perch!
Tuck that ball away!
21 yard field goal.
Oh oh....face mask!
And he's still holding on to it!
36 yard field goal attempt....wide right!
Coach Mike Brennen fires up the defense!
Hornet crunch!
Head Coach Mike Athanas with the play.
Let it fly!
Listen up!
Just out of reach!
Waterboys horse around!
Time running out.
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