A Thanksgiving Tale

It was 35 years ago today that I played my last high school football game.

We were playing Shelton in our annual Thanksgiving Day rivalry match-up.

It was a close contest, but in the 4th Quarter something magical happened.

For the first time in the game we were able to sustain a long drive.

We were near the end zone and Coach DeFilippo had called my number.

I was split out opposite the strong side of the Gaels defense. Quarterback Mike Wityak called for the snap, "hut, hut."

I made a move to the outside and drove the strong safety backwards as I quickly curled back to face the quarterback.

Wityak spotted me and threw the ball.

People who haven't played the game may doubt what happened next, but it's as true as anything I've ever experienced.

I knew I was wide open. Although the pass took no longer than 2 or 3 seconds to reach me, I distinctly remember thinking, "focus on the ball, complete the catch, and you will be known forever as the guy who caught the game winning catch to beat Shelton."

I spread my fingers wide as my destiny was about to be fulfilled.

Suddenly, out of nowhere came running back Walt Lungarini.

Walt looked over his shoulder, stepped in front of me, and made the much more difficult over-the-shoulder catch of Wityak's toss.

Years later Wityak would say, "Art that pass was for you all the way. I never even saw Lungarini."

I used to joke about the game winning catch to others. I kidded that the catch was a "Rich Man, Poor Man" moment in my life.

Walt went to UCONN. I went to Waterbury State Technical College.

In my mind, "the catch" was a metaphorically speaking game changing moment in my life. It didn't matter that Walt worked hard to get good grades in high school and I barely managed to get C's. The catch had changed the direction of our lives.

I joked with Walt at one of our reunions that his game winning catch during the 1979 season altered the course of our lives. He laughed.  Sadly, that was probably one of the last moments I had with Walt.

It's been a few years since Walt passed and I know he left behind a wonderful family and many friends.

As I reflect on my life, I'm glad Walt scored the game winning catch. It has allowed me to tell my tale and reflect on a childhood friend.

As I prepare to attend my 35-year class reunion this weekend, I would ask my classmates to pause and give thanks for the memory of Walt and all departed members of the DHS class of 1980.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.