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Hosted by Regis Tremblay
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This game between Portland and Deering High Schools has become an annual cultural event for students, parents, alumni, and the community since 1911. It is one of the oldest Turkey-day games between high schools in the country. Played every year on Thanksgiving Day, except for 1920 when it was cancelled because of inclement weather, former players recall playing in whiteouts, ice, rain, fog, mud, and even summer-like weather. Portland Head Coach Mike Bailey, who played in this game three times -- for Deering!, remembers coming to this game as a 5 yr old with his older brothers and "everybody from the neighborhood on Munjoy Hill." Asked if today's players understood the significance of the game, Mike responded, "you don't have to get the kids up for this game. They've grown up with it. It is literally in their blood." That's been the case for the O'Brien family. John O'Brien is the 2005 Captain of Portland High. He and his cousin Seth, both grandsons of the legendary Willie Greenlaw, are linebackers for the Bulldogs. John's father, Marty, played in this game making it three generations. Willie went on to play for the University of Nebraska and still attends this annual classic. In the early days, this game was a regular season contest, but has since become an exhibition game. But that hasn't minimized its importance. This game is really the most important game of the season. Records aside. This game is about history, tradition, and bragging rights. And for most of the seniors, it is the last organized game they will play. Mike Bailey tells his players, "you will remember this game for the rest of your life." It may be a friendly rivalry, but for the players, it will be played as if it is the Super Bowl. Orthopaedic Associates of Portland, one of our sponsors, has been a part of this classic for more than two decades. Dr. Doug Brown has been team doctor for Portland High for over 25 years. The rivalry also exists within OA because Dr. Bill Heinz is the team doctor for Deering High. Both Doug and Bill will also be our guests on the show.
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Purchase Reclaiming The Timeless Value of Sport and Play A new book by Regis Tremblay |
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You can help support the show by making a tax-deductible contribution to:
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© Copyright 2004 Kids First In Sports, Health, and Education |
