THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JAnUAry 20, 2023 Page 3 Twenty years ago Saugus was Titletown Before the world discovered Saugus, the SHS Hockey Sachems brought home their second state title in four years By Joe McConnell M ilestone anniversaries are always fun to look back and reminisce about – a time that brought much joy to so many. For the Saugus sports fans, 2003 will never be forgotten. It was a year that put the town on the proverbial championship map far beyond its borders. The Saugus American Little League Williamsport all-stars literally captured the imagination of the sports world that August with their journey to the United States championship game in Williamsport, Pa. But just fi ve months earlier, the Saugus High School hockey team warmed up the local fans with its second Division 2 state title in four years. Former Sachem Lou Finocchiaro guided the program to the fi rst state conquest in 1999, and one of his assistants was Jim Quinlan, another SHS hockey alumnus, who went on to lead the 2003 bunch to the top perch in the Commonwealth. As Saugus hockey fans adjust to sharing the sport’s local legacy with Peabody, of all teams, this season, there was a time when names like Serino, Hartigan, Gannon and Scuzzarella became household names. There were three Serino brothers on that 2003 club – junior twins Matt and Craig and younger freshman brother Nick. They all won rings together, something that’s certainly a conversation starter probably to this day at family events. Little League ace pitcher Mike Scuzzarella had the world by his feet – which certainly included many Williamsport groupies – in August, but nike e Kevin tion the uinds than Napolk - usessi eshSaugus High School 2003 hockey Head Coach Jim Quinlan fl anks his son, Eric (right) and Brian Hartigan during the 2018 SHS Hall of Fame ceremony, where his star defensemen from that state championship year were on hand to be inducted into it as forever legendary Sachems. There was defi nitely a family theme surrounding both championship teams, but in Saugus that’s nothing new. Throughout the decades, from grandfathers to grandchildren, families proudly wore the Red and White. Maybe that day will come back soon in hockey to, hopefully, add a new generation of Sachem memories to the archives. In the meantime, it takes a team to hang banners, and these familial names had teammates that completed the 2003 hockey championship formula for success. First, there was senior goalie Neal Hart and his backups Dave DiLuigi, also a classmate, and sophomore Alex Klimarchuk. All winning hockey teams start in net, and this one was no exception. They also had the good fortune of being taught the nuances of the position from veteran goalie coach Jeff Mitchell. Jim Flanagan was Quinlan’s other varsity assistant behind the bench. Quinlan’s roster also included senior defensemen Brian Hartigan and Anthony Arone, Saugus High School 2003 hockey teammates Craig, Matt and Nick Serino are shown with their dad, the late Chris Serino, who is a SHS Hall of Famer for his legendary three-sport Sachem career in the late 1960s. His three sons went on to earn state championship rings together after helping the program secure its second title in four years. man Jonathan McCabe, not to mention Matt and Nick Serino and Scuzzarella. Who knew what was lying ahead for the summer months? But as that year unraveled, nobody in Saugus will ever forget those 12 months in 2003. “Anytime we have a problem or a question, we know who to ask. We are very appreciative of AFCNS!” w e Sandra, Caregiver to Daughter, Kim Since 1998, Joe McConnell was the sports editor for the erstwhile Saugus Advertiser, and now he’s covering sports for the Advocate newspapers. 978-281-2612 AdultFosterCareNS.com Celebrating 22 Years 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut St. We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Wednesday Thursday Friday Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Private Parties Private Parties 4-11 p.m. Saturday 12-11 p.m. $9.00 $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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