Tom KIng

Here’s a few tids and bits to munch on the last weekend before the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day. It’s here already, unbelievable:

• This current weekend is highlighted by ceremony Saturday, a day like we really haven’t seen before. The virtual induction ceremony for the returning Nashua Athletics Hall of Fame, and there are 11 worthy inductees, a few of whom yours truly had the good fortune to cover in person.

One of the most deserving is the late Bob DeMello, who was a track coach extraordinaire at the unified Nashua High School. The thing you loved – or hey, sometimes hated – about DeMello is he pulled no punches. He also was a solid football coach, and after he basically retired from Nashua, he helped out at Bishop Guertin as an eye in the sky from the press box.

But the stories these athletes are telling as you click on the links are certainly worth the time to listen to – every single word.

And then, of course, there’s the dedication and naming of Bill Dod Family Field at Souhegan High School in-between the Saber’s games vs. Bedford and Portsmouth. Now, that’s a doubleheader.

It’s fitting the word “Family” is in there, because Dod will tell you his family is as much responsible for his success as a coach as anyone. It’s a special weekend at Souhegan.

• Is it time already? The Silver Knights actually opening up their season? It’s a blink of an eye, and it almost seems like yesterday when they stormed back to win two elimination games late last August for their fifth FCBL title in the league’s 10 years.

What a way for manager Kyle Jackson and general manager Cam Cook to enjoy their first seasons in those jobs. Now, the fun begins in trying to defend that title. Hey, no pressure.

But here’s the thing: Baseball began the sports resurgence locally, with the Silver Knights leading the charge, plus the youth teams (the Legion-type COVID League and the NEIBL). It helped get us through a summer, and now it’s time for the fans to show their appreciation.

Opening night on Thursday. See you there.

• Speaking of Holman, it will serve as the site for the NHIAA Division I and II baseball finals on June 12, as the decision was made for a neutral title site after all. It’s 11 a.m. for Division I and 2 p.m. for Division II. Will we have a local? Maybe.

Meanwhile, we reap the benefits of having Rivier University’s wonderful new outdoor facility. Riv’s renovated softball field at the Linda Robinson Pavilion will be the site of the Division I and II softball finals, also on June 12.

The Division I game will be at 2 p.m., with Division II at 4:30 p.m.

It’s fabulous. A couple of years ago everyone had to travel up to Plymouth State. Not now.

• Hard to believe that the NHIAA post season gets underway next week with the boys and girls team tennis tournaments and track meets.

It is indeed the spring of our content.

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com, or@Telegraph _TomK.

Newsletter