Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – WEDnESDAy, nOVEmbEr 23, 2022 INSPIRATION | FROM PAGE 4 was a very tough time for Justin when his dad died. We gave him support and he definitely powered through it,” Brenton said. “If anything, playing while dealing with that personal tragedy made him even better. He went out and played well that game after his father passed away. And going out and playing after all the personal adversity he faced, Justin was definitely an inspiration for his teammates,” he said. Last week’s award presentation at Prince Pizzeria wasn’t something that Justin was expecting. “I was surprised. I didn’t even know there was going to be an award presentation, “Justin said. “It’s been a good year and I want to thank every one of my teammates for being with me when I needed them the most and throughout the season. With their support, I played every game,” he said. He hopes to play college football Justin said he hopes to attend college after graduating from Saugus High. He’s mostly an A and B student. And he has dreams of playing collegiate football. “When he came here as a freshman, Justin was one of those kids who gave you everything,” Coach Cummings recalled. “He’s been such a great kid,” the coach said. “His dad made it to a few games to see Justin play.” After the death of his dad, Justin essentially became the man of the house. It was just him, his mother and five sisters. “He never used anything as an excuse,” Coach Cummings said in an interview recently, recalling how Justin reAn emotional embrace: Sachems’ Head Coach Steve Cummings congratulated Saugus High School player Justin Belluscio last week, just before the Saugus Lions Club presented him with the Saugus Lions Club Heisman Award. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) sponded after the death of his dad. “Considering everything he was dealing with, he’s an incredible young man. At practice, you’d never see it affect him. He really enjoyed playing football. It was that time to get things off his mind – and all of the things he’s been going through,” the coach said. “He’s one of those kids who works really hard and does all the things you ask of him – even in just a very tough situation. I couldn’t be more proud of how he handled everything and persevered in the face of such adversity,” he said. Coach Cummings said Justin played the game with great passion. “As a player, he’s tough. He’s always in the right spot. He’s got a great nose for the ball,” Coach Cummings said. “Every once in a while, he shows up and makes a big play or is part of one. He’s always around the ball. He always seems to be around the ball and in the right spot. If there’s a ball on the ground, he’s right there and a part of the play. If a pass gets deflected, he’s near the action,” the coach said. “The great thing about this sport is the camaraderie that players seem to share – being around the guys who play. Really, there was not a lot of thought on who was going to get this award,” Cummings said. It’s a short week into the holidays. Run! Don’t walk! Happy Thanksgiving! (Courtesy photos to The Saugus Advocate by Joanie Allbee) Time for the Turkey Trot Monogram D4 Double siding Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl 64 Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured
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