Feehan Celebrates History and Big Win on Homecoming

Honoring history was the theme on Saturday afternoon at McGrath Stadium as the family gathered for Homecoming Day, watched the Shamrocks rout EAC opponent Coyle and Cassidy 37-0, and paid tribute to four special contributors to the school’s success. Feehan is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year with a series of events focused on the growth and development that the school has undergone since the day in 1961 when opened its doors for the first time.

The ceremonies began prior to kick-off with the recognition of the 47 years that Athletic Director Paul O’Boy has spent at Feehan in numerous capacities. O’Boy, currently serving as an assistant football coach in addition to his role as AD, was awarded a Spirit of Feehan medallion and received the award prior to the game so he could focus on getting the Shamrocks a big conference win over his alma mater. At halftime, Mike McGrath, who donated the funds to build the stadium that bears his name, Richard Beach, who contributed to the school’s computer systems and has the baseball field named in his honor, and Bill Walsh, whose construction company has offered a variety of free services to the school, were also recognized at midfield with medallions.

According to Principal Bill Runey, events such as homecoming allow the school to highlight the importance of alumni to the continued growth and success of Feehan, “We don’t survive without alumni. They are our PR firm so to speak. They send us their children, they send us their friend’s children and that’s the lifeblood of the school. They sustain us by not only their financial contributions but also by keeping students in the school.”

Feehan president Chris Servant, in his 40^th year at Feehan, also pointed to the remarkable number of alumni that are part of Feehan’s staff, 32 out of 110, as evidence of the impact that Feehan has on those that have gone there, “There’s something about the school, I think, that brings people back. I think it is that special charisma, the element of faith, that culture, that Feehan family, that kids had such a positive experience here, as I did, that it draws you back.”

In the midst of the history and the nostalgia the Shamrocks football team had to focus and try to win their opening conference game of the season. After an incredibly difficult schedule to begin the year Feehan (2-4, 1-0) know that winning the up for grabs EAC will still get them a playoff berth regardless of their overall record. As it turns out focus was not going to be an issue as they got off to flying start against the Warriors and never looked back. Junior Matthew Allen ran for as many touchdowns, two, as Coyle has first downs in the first half. In fact the Feehan defense was so dominant that Coyle was in negative yards of offense until the final drive of the half.

The Shamrocks offense totaled 350 yards on the ground as they man-handled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball giving Allen and senior Cameron Frye plenty of room to run. Coach Curt Smith was pleased that his team were able to control the tempo of the game and limit the big plays, “For us, we’re not that explosive an offense, we need to grind It out a little bit so field position is huge for us.”

After the difficult start to the season Coach Smith is seeing progress in his team’s play, “We’re improving and we try to do that each week. That’s what we teach and preach. We try to, you know, put one foot in front of the other each week. We’ve stubbed our toe a few times in the first four games, especially, you know that hurt us but we’re getting better. That’s all you can ask for.” 

In the second half Andrew Murphy, James Corbesero, and Matthew Pisano each had rushing touchdowns to extend the lead. The win was the Shamrocks’ 14^th in a row and 19^th out of 20, with one scoreless tie, against Coyle since 1991. Next week the Shamrocks will continue their EAC title challenge with a game in Dartmouth against Bishop Stang.