WHALERS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT NHA

The Nantucket Historical Association honored Whalers football tradition last Thursday evening by holding a gam at the Whaling Museum. Former players, coaches, team supporters and fans attended, along with current members of the football and cheerleading squads. Featured speakers included former player Sam Thurber, whose 1940 teamwent a perfect 5-0, Brian Ryder, who played at Tulane and was drafted by the Patriots, Beau Almodobar, and Bruce King, captain of Vito Capizzo's first Nantucket team, who noted that Vito was his third different coach in three years. "After the season, we all hoped the Capizzos would stick around." They did - Capizzo just completed his

43rd season as head coach. The irrepressible and colorful head coach (above right) served as master of ceremonies with Nantucket author and historian Bob Mooney.

Team historian and former assistant coach Dick Herman (above, left) regaled listeners with tales of Whaler successes.