By Karenlyn Barone
As the story goes, a group of football players from the south side of town and a group of players from the north side of town met when they started attending ninth grade at Lynbrook High School. They played junior varsity and varsity football together and were members of the Class of 1975.
"It started with an old coach telling us how we would never forget the guys we played football with," said Mike Boccio, now 48, and a postmaster in Bridgeport, Connecticut. "He told us we would have a special bond, and that is especially true of this group of guys."
Boccio said that the year after graduation the guys met up at a local pub and decided to meet the next day, Thanksgiving morning, to get together and play some ball.
"We met at the Marion Street Elementary School football field - where Lynbrook High School hosts their home games - and we just played football. Then we went to Beckmann's Deli just like we did after every practice," said Boccio. "It was so much fun we decided to do it the following year too, and we've been doing it ever since."
This past week, they met for the 30th year in a row. Taking the field, were the original players from north Lynbrook, Joe Fiore, who still lives in Lynbrook, Charlie Viana, now of Valley Stream, Jim Rodgers who currently lives in Baldwin, Dino Lamanna, currently of Woodmere and Boccio. The south side boys included Eugene Scibelli, who still lives in Lynbrook, Phil DiChiara and Mitch Alonge, both currently living in East Rockaway, Joe Cipolla, who now calls Long Beach home, Billy Donnelly of Old Westbury and Mike Gottlieb, who resides in Towson, Maryland.
The game has grown to include the men's sons, nephews, and even Class of 1975 graduates, other than the original north/south core group.
"Now, it's about leaving a legacy for the kids," said Boccio.
The group plays touch football in much the same way they did when they were kids. They run, throw, and hit as hard as they did 30 years ago and they are still as competitive. But, it's no longer about the win. It is clearly about the life-long friendships.
"This is a way for us always to be in touch," said Stephen Carusone, who lives in East Meadow now. "We have a special bond. When one of us were down, we were there to pick them up. It's still like that today. We'll always be there for each other."
Most of the men have not missed a game in the 30 year tradition, and neither have some missed being put on the injured list.
"We've had broken legs, cracked ribs, muscle pulls, strains, dislocated fingers and even a concussion," said Boccio. "But, we wouldn't miss it for the world."
The men all said they shared many glories, weathered many storms, and somehow formed a bond that just won't quit.
After the game, as tradition warrants, the crowd recongregated at Beckmann's Deli on Union Avenue. They packed the store that holds a history of its own for them, and brought a smile to the owner's face.
"I wait for them every year," said Herbie Erichsen, who has owned the deli since the boys graduated. "I know almost every one of them. They are just bigger now. I remember when they were little, now they come in with their own children."
Viana summed up why the men, among them, plumbers, computer specialists, customs brokers, self-employed businessmen, and cement manufacturers continue to meet each year, without fail.
"We do it because we love each other," he said. "Bottom line."
The Class of 1975, not to be outdone by their football heroes, held their official 30th class reunion at Rocco's Catering in East Rockaway on Saturday night. Organizer Connie Castagna-Duggan proudly pulled together about 125 people from a class of 303 graduates. Some came from as far away as California and Florida.
Above the strains of Don McLean's American Pie," she said, "we really were a very special class."
Voted Most Valuable Player at the football game, Mitch Alonge said, "There really is a special bond in this room."
To everyone present it was obvious they share a bond that trancends even 30 years.
Photos by Karenlyn Barone/Herald
