Recent Gary Fitz Columns

C’s Garnett might be seeking classic final act

Gary Fitz | Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Remember when great athletes went out on top? Barry Sanders comes to mind. Jim Brown might head the list. The Celtics had Bill Russell, the …

Rivalry reborn for C’s, 76ers

Gary Fitz | Sunday, May 13, 2012

It’s been called the second best rivalry in the history of the NBA. They have played more post-game series against one another than any two …

Celtics Game 4 blowout over Hawks exactly what Doc ordered

Gary Fitz | Monday, May 7, 2012

As the Boston Celtics prepared for Sunday night’s playoff game with the Atlanta Hawks, a few couldn’t help glancing up and wincing at the television …

Smithless Hawks no pushover in Game 3

Gary Fitz | Saturday, May 5, 2012

Celtics fans had to have a sense of foreboding before Friday night’s playoff game with the Atlanta Hawks at the TD Garden for one simple …

Lack of quality feeder program hurting North, South girls lacrosse programs

Gary Fitz | Friday, May 4, 2012

It may seem like an eternity to anyone involved in the current girls’ lacrosse program at Nashua High School South, but just five years ago …

Last hurrah for C’s Big 3

Gary Fitz | Saturday, April 28, 2012

It’s their building now. The Bruins might own it, but the only professional team that will play games at the TD Garden in May are …

Celtics (and most others) just biding time until playoffs

Gary Fitz | Wednesday, April 25, 2012

It was a hot ticket. The Boston Celtics against the Miami Heat in late April. Get in line early and hope for the best. …

Good call on football finals at Saint A’s

Gary Fitz | Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Let’s hear it for the folks at the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association and the deal they cut with Saint Anselm College to host all …

Alvirne softball coach goes from championship to ouster

Gary Fitz | Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Winning isn’t the only thing in high school sports. As a coach and teacher in the state for more than 30 years, nobody knows that …

A tweak or two and state tourneys could draw even more

Gary Fitz | Thursday, March 15, 2012

If you’re one of the thousands of basketball fans who have attended a New Hampshire high school tournament game in the last two weeks, the …

Celtics show signs of life, but are they enough?

Gary Fitz | Monday, February 13, 2012

Before Sunday’s game with Chicago, Celtics coach Doc Rivers talked about a select few teams that are “attacking’’ the regular season, the Bulls and Miami …

C’s still lacking depth

Gary Fitz | Friday, December 2, 2011

Do you believe in miracles? You’d better, if you are dreaming of another NBA title in Boston anytime soon. At their first press briefing following …

Exeter’s Division I conversion complete

Gary Fitz | Sunday, November 20, 2011

When Pinkerton Academy beat Nashua North in last year’s Division I title game, it took nothing more than a quick glance down the Astros roster …

Exeter, Portsmouth, BG in line for titles

Gary Fitz | Friday, November 18, 2011

Before its mid-season loss to Brockton (Mass.), the Pinkerton Academy football team seemed on the cusp of immortality. They were trampling in-state opponents, and by …

South, Exeter have special weapons - the kicking game

Gary Fitz | Friday, November 11, 2011

The sport is called football, but we all know it’s more about running, catching, throwing and tackling than any skills specific to the foot. Still, …

Say no to late season crossover games

Gary Fitz | Friday, November 4, 2011

It’s one thing to play a meaningless football game in Week 1, especially if it’s at least an intriguing match-up, like this year’s clash between …

Let’s settle it at Stellos

Gary Fitz | Friday, October 28, 2011

There are polls and there are standings and at this time of year they are virtually identical. What’s fun is watching the arguments settled on …

Hollis/Brookline boys soccer team title contender

Gary Fitz | Wednesday, October 19, 2011

He certainly didn’t plan it that way, but first-year Hollis/Brookline boys soccer coach Ricky Carvalho could take something positive out of his team’s 2-0 home …

It’s Thurday Night Football at Stellos

Gary Fitz | Thursday, October 6, 2011

There are things we should all know at a certain age, but for one reason or another sometimes we don’t. That’s why I am grateful …

Hollis/Brookline football proves a point over Souhegan

Gary Fitz | Friday, September 30, 2011

Here’s a little hint for anyone who ever attempts to pick the winner in a high school football game: Go with the gut and leave …

Andrews brings national spotlight to Milford soccer

Gary Fitz | Thursday, September 29, 2011

The game was just seconds old, but Morgan Andrews had already announced her presence. The Milford High School soccer player took possession just over the …

No rest for Nashua South’s defense

Gary Fitz | Friday, September 23, 2011

Two weeks ago it gave up over 600 yards of total offense, including close to 500 on the ground against Pinkerton Academy. Last week the …

Volleyball success no secret in Merrimack

Gary Fitz | Wednesday, September 21, 2011

It’s fast, it’s exciting and it’s high scoring – with points lighting up the scoreboard every 10-15 seconds. The level of play has improved dramatically …

History on Gabree’s side for Panthers

Gary Fitz | Thursday, September 15, 2011

It was the golden age of Nashua High School girls soccer, and Kelly Gabree was part of it. A talented player on a team full …

Now, games count

Gary Fitz | Friday, September 9, 2011

If you follow high school football in New Hampshire there were some startling results last week in the season openers, including victories by local Division …

No wait for showdowns

Gary Fitz | Sunday, August 28, 2011

As quickly as we can say “Goodnight, Irene,’’ we can turn our attention to another gathering storm, the upcoming high school football season. Pay attention …

Coach leaves North to go back to H/B

Gary Fitz | Sunday, August 21, 2011

If seemed like a great fit, a young, enthusiastic coach with cultural diversity in his background taking on the diverse, multi-cultural boys’ soccer team at …

GCNE choice not for weak

Gary Fitz | Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Maybe, as soon as members of the New Hampshire Women’s Golf Association learned their championship would be held at the Golf Club of New England …

Mixed reaction to GCNE challenge

Gary Fitz | Saturday, July 30, 2011

Maybe, as soon as members of the New Hampshire Women’s Golf Association learned their championship would be held at the Golf Club of New England …

This week NCC is on display

Gary Fitz | Wednesday, July 13, 2011

What is good advertising for a golf course? If you like long courses that require big hits off the tee and a steady stream of …

Coaching stipends still too low in Nashua

Gary Fitz | Sunday, July 3, 2011

Much has been written over the years about the challenge of being the athletic director for the Nashua schools. You are not only responsible for …

Hollis/Brookline girls teams welcome challenges

Gary Fitz | Tuesday, May 31, 2011

It is coming off back-to-back championships and three finals appearances in the last four years. But last Thursday night in Amherst, the Hollis/Brookline girls lacrosse …

New Guertin coach brings high profile

Gary Fitz | Tuesday, May 24, 2011

It was the kind of hypothetical question that made everyone, including the occupants of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association offices in Concord, a little …