The Swellesley Report

More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Needham High seniors top Wellesley in low-scoring Powder Puff football game

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A day before the Needham and Wellesley High football teams faced off under a sunny blue sky on Thanksgiving morning, the schools’ senior women competed in wet weather before umbrella-wielding fans at the annual Powder Puff game. The Needham Rockets overcame a 3-0 deficit in the 4th quarter by scoring a touchdown for the 7-3 victory on their home field.

The Wellesley flag football team was coached by members of the local police department for this traditional matchup.

Thanks to Darren Bovie for sharing these photos from the game.

Wellesley Needham high powder puff football game
Photos courtesy of Darren Bovie

Wellesley Needham high powder puff football game

Wellesley Needham high powder puff football game
The cheer squad

 

Wellesley Needham high powder puff football game
Warm-ups

Wellesley Needham high powder puff football game

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Linden Square, Wellesley
Details, Wellesley
YMCA Needham

Scenes from Wellesley-Needham High School football game on Thanksgiving Day

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Both Wellesley High School and Needham High School football fans turned out in huge numbers for the annual Thanksgiving Day game, which saw the Raiders hang tough but fall short vs. the talented Rockets team by a 21-7 score.

(See Wellesley Media game recording)

The big story for 10-2 Needham was the performance of running back Tate Hoffmeister, who ran for 235 yards on just 15 carries, and scored his first of 3 touchdowns just before the end of the first quarter. Fellow running back Aidan Williams kept the pressure on the Raiders defense, too, with 70-plus rushing yards.

The Rockets’ defense also came up big, no more so than when it stuffed the Raiders on the goal line in the second quarter to end a 15-play drive.

A confident Needham team seemed to toy a bit with Wellesley in the third quarter after scoring its second touchdown and going for a 2-point conversion (failed). It followed that by attempting an onside kick, which also didn’t pan out, and wound up re-kicking after a penalty.

Wellesley quarterback Max Poirier connected for a 23-yard touchdown pass to Robby Broggi in the third to narrow the score to 13-7, but Needham almost immediately snuffed out the Raiders’ momentum with a long kickoff return. A missed field goal by the Rockets kept Wellesley in it though.

Needham persevered in the fourth quarter, and scored again on a Hoffmeister run. This time, the 2-point conversion worked, and Needham hung on for a 21-7 final that gave them their first victory in the long-running series since 2018.

Wellesley Needham football
Senior Jordan St. Louis carries the ball for Wellesley

 

Needham running back Tate Hoffmeister (#25) had the Wellesley defense off balance much of the day
Needham running back Tate Hoffmeister (#25) had the Wellesley defense off balance much of the day

 

Raiders quarterback Bobby Shanahan finds reciever Robby Broggi
Raiders quarterback Bobby Shanahan finds reciever Robby Broggi

 

Wellesley Needham football
Needham won the Centennial Trophy for the first time since 2018

 

Wellesley Needham football

Wellesley Needham football
Hope no one ruined their appetite for Thanksgiving dinner

 

Wellesley Needham football
Merch was going for 20% off

 

Wellesley Needham football Wellesley Needham football

Wellesley Needham football
The Pep Band did its part

Wellesley Needham football

Wellesley football Coach Jesse Davis
Wellesley football Coach Jesse Davis barks out instructions to the defense

 

Standing room only at Wellesley-Needham football game
Standing room only

 

Wellesley Needham football pile Wellesley Needham football pile

wellesley needham football cheer
Raiders Cheer Squad

 

halftime talk wellesley needham football
Halftime talk for the Raiders

 

wellesley needham football
The game outside the game next to the bleachers

 

Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley
MassHort, Festival of Trees, Wellesley

Wellesley Turkey Trot got party started on Thanksgiving Day

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An announced crowd of some 3,000 runners took part in the annual Wellesley Turkey Trot on sunny Thanksgiving morning, starting and ending at Linden Square, and hitting Wellesley Square and the Wellesley College campus in between over the hilly 5K course.

The event is more of a social gathering than a road race, though plenty of very fast runners—including lots of Wellesley High Raider track and cross country alums—competed and impressed (see results).

wellesley turkey trot
Bijan Mazaheri (#2333) got off to a fast start & was the first runner to cross the finish line

 

wellesley turkey trot

 

wellesley turkey trot
Kids fun run participants circled Roche Bros. and CVS

 

turkey trot turkey trot

In addition to the usual turkey and pie-themed finery sported by some runners, we also saw the latest in dinosaur and elf wear on the course.

wellesley turkey trot
The race wouldn’t be complete for participants without a photo with 1 of the turkeys

 

Wellesley Turkey TrotWellesley Turkey Trot

turkey trot

turkey trot

wellesley turkey trot

 


Wellesley Media recording of Turkey Trot

 

And a new twist this year for added excitement: Aside from the Wellesley Police members working the course, police and firefighters responded to an incident involving black smoke emanating from the car dealership just behind the starting line.

firefighters at turkey trotfirefighters at turkey trot

Thanks to Kate Maul and team for running a smooth operation, and getting the holiday off to a fun start for so many locals and visitors. The race also raises a bunch of money to support worthy local organizations.

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Wellesley Rotary hosts Raiders & Rockets before Thanksgiving football game

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The Rotary Club of Wellesley on Monday, Nov. 20, hosted the annual Needham-Wellesley Football Banquet at the Italo American Educational Club, with former Raiders Coach Andy Levin serving as guest speaker.

Thanksgiving football game Rotary banquet
Rotary Club of Wellesley courtesy photos

 

Wellesley, which got off to an 0-3 start this season but won 5 of its last 7, hosts the 9-2 Rockets at 10am on Thanksgiving. Wellesley and Needham have been facing off in football since 1882, making it the oldest public high school football rivalry.

Players from the Wellesley 1992 Super Bowl Championship team coached by Coach Levin.

Players from the Wellesley 1992 Super Bowl championship team coached by Coach Levin.

 

Organizer and Facilitator Tory DeFazio- Rotarian
Organizer and Facilitator Tory DeFazio- Rotarian

 

Guest Speaker- Coach Andy Levin
Guest Speaker- Coach Andy Levin

 

Guest speaker Levin was inducted into the state’s High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2007. He coached the Raiders for 18 years, and teams he coached won the Super Bowl 3 times during the 1990s.

Wellesley football boulder
Wellesley football boulder on Washington Street

More: ‘BAD BLOOD’: 135 YEARS OF NEEDHAM-WELLESLEY FOOTBALL RIVALRY

Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

The Cashmere Sale, Wellesley

Wellesley Turkey Trot number pickup is on

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The Wellesley Turkey Trot, which takes place on Thanksgiving morning at 8am, is distributing bibs and t-shirts through Wednesday at 5pm at Marathon Sports in Wellesley. Reminder: No race day number pickup.

Pickup times:

Saturday 11/18- Tuesday 11/21 from 2 PM- 6 PM

Wednesday 11/22 from 2 PM until 5 PM
Please look up your bib number before heading to the store.
Turkey Trot pickup
The first 2,200 registered 5K runners will receive shirts and the first 300 Kids Fun Run participants will receive shirts.
Thanks to the Turkey Trot for including our Swellesley & Natick Report logos on the shirts.
Turkey Trot pickupTurkey Trot pickup
Marathon Sports will offer all Turkey Trot runners a 15% discount (excluding electronics). Show your bib to receive the discount.

 

Fran's Flowers

Shop at Wellesley Marketplace on Saturday, Nov. 18—200+ artists coming

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The 45th annual Wellesley Marketplace will be held Saturday, Nov. 18, 9am-4pm, at Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St. More than 200 local artisans, boutique owners, and craftspeople will help you mark the start of the holiday shopping season at this fine arts and holiday fair.

Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club Marketplace
Need help finding your favorite vendor at the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club Marketplace? Just look for a Club member in a green apron—it’s all hands on deck during Marketplace, so you’ll have no trouble getting help with any questions.

Wellesley Marketplace is an annual retail favorite for those seeking unique, locally made gifts for family and friends. Local artists from New England will offer a full range of decor and gift items, including fine art, gourmet foods, hostess and teacher gifts, jewelry and clothing, home accessories, ornaments and children’s toys.

Generations of shoppers have returned again and again to this Boston-area holiday market. It is a great way to shop local while supporting the community.

NEW this year: in addition to parking at Wellesley High School, there will be a shuttle bus from Babson College to the event, ensuring ample parking for all shoppers.

Get your tickets here for Wellesley Marketplace. Marketplace is one of three fundraisers coordinated by the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC), and all proceeds generated are used to provide scholarships for deserving local students, as well as grants for organizations and programs that provide education, enrichment and essential services to our local population. Last year, WHJWC awarded over $90,000 in college scholarships to 32 deserving Wellesley students, and donated $85,000 in grants to 34 Wellesley-area community groups.

Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club Marketplace
More than 200 local artisans, boutique owners, and craftspeople will be ready for you at the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club Marketplace shopping event.

“I am so excited to be celebrating 45 incredible years of Wellesley Marketplace this fall! The collection of artisans and vendors we have slated are top-notch, and there really is something for everyone,” said Kristin Shanks, WHJWC President.

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Sports update: Girls swim/dive, boys XC win states; Wellesley non-profit bringing PlayRox Flag Football to Fenway Park; Dana Hall lax player headed to BU

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., sports news:

Girls swim/dive, boys XC win states

It was a big weekend for Wellesley High School sports, with the girls swim/dive team continuing its dominance in Division 2, winning its third straight state title.

A deep boys cross country team took the Division 1B state championship, while the girls came in second in their competition.

Wellesley non-profit bringing PlayRox Flag Football to Fenway Park

Wellesley non-profit Community Investors, associated with the Terriers Sports program and music-powered PlayRox sports programs, is bringing a flag football spectacular to Fenway Park on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 12-5pm.

PlayRoxSome 400 players in grades K-12-plus, as well as program alums and partners, will take part in the first PlayRox Flag Football event. Team slots have been filled, though there’s a waiting list, and tickets remain available for spectators. Sponsorship opportunities remain available.

Student DJs and musicians will be pumping out jams to keep everyone revved up. PlayZones will offer additional games and activities to participants, and a “Field of Dreams”-themed multimedia display will keep attendees entertained as well.

Community Investors’ programs support physical, social, and emotional wellness. Their after-school and other offerings emphasize students playing and having fun, but also taking on coaching and leadership roles, and interacting with kids across communities.

“We are all about encouraging kids & families to enjoy a variety of activities,” Community Investors’ Joe Roberts says. An example: “This fall over 50 girls in grades K-8 enjoyed GirlPower Flag, coached by local high school & college girls, offered at no cost to encourage participation,” he says.

Dana Hall student to play lacrosse at BU

Congrats to Dana Hall School student-athlete Avery Mather ’24, who signed her National Letter of Intent to play Division I lacrosse for the Boston University Terriers.
Mather has a Dana Hall varsity career total of 131 goals and 33 assists, despite both her 8th and 9th grade seasons being cut short or modified due to the pandemic.

Avery Mather
Avery Mather (courtesy photo via Dana Hall School)

Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Wellesley sports news: Invitational Boston Marathon numbers up for grabs; High school swim/dive & golf shine

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The latest Wellesley, Mass., sports news:

Invitational Boston Marathon numbers up for grabs

 

As a community along the Boston Marathon route, Wellesley receives a handful of invitational bibs for the race that are assigned to local non-profits and the War Memorial Scholarship Fund, which in turn assign them to race participants able to raise at least $5,000. The application period runs through Nov. 27 (charity application and participant application).

The Select Board will designate organizations and War Memorial Scholarship Fund runners who will receive invitational entries for the 2024 race. Entry recipients will be notified by Dec. 5.

See the town’s marathon number policy and reach out to Stephanie Hawkinson, Wellesley Public Information Officer, with questions: 781-431-1019 ext. 2207 or shawkinson@wellesleyma.gov

boston marathon 2022 wellesley

High school swim/dive & golf shine

 

The high school post-season is in full swing, and Wellesley teams are off to a great start.

The Wellesley High girls swim & dive team ran its streak of Sectional Championships to 6.

The Wellesley High boys golf team won the MIAA South Sectional Golf Championship, and followed up with a 4th place finish at States (#1 public school).

We encourage coaches, parents/guardians, and participants to help keep us in the loop on Wellesley sports news: Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Wellesley Town Meeting gives Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick a vote of confidence

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Wellesley’s Special Town Meeting on Monday night kicked off with a test of electronic voting devices by putting up this question: Will Bill Belichick last the season as Patriots head coach?

Town Meeting members voted 126 “Yes,” 49 “No,” and 17 “Abstain.” Clearly, some members didn’t watch Sunday’s debacle between the 2-7 Patriots and Washington.

The town’s electronic voting system seemed a bit like the Patriots’ special teams unit, as Town Meeting Moderator Mark Kaplan flagged the system 3 times before things worked on the 4th vote. As the vote was redone, more and more people voted “No.”

Natick Fall Annual Town Meeting recently asked a similar question, whether Belichick would be the then 1-5 Patriots’ coach next season, and Town Meeting members voted “No” by a 48-36-20 count.

Special Town Meeting 2023

 

Selling your remaining Patriots tickets? Consider using the proceeds for a Swellesley donation.

Wellesley Turkey Trot ’23 registration opens

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The Wellesley Turkey Trot returns to Linden Square this Thanksgiving morning with a 5K run, plus a fun run for kids 10 and under, all in support of good local causes. Registration has opened.

This Wellesley tradition kicks off at 8am on Thursday, Nov. 23, with 5K race participants following a course from Linden Square that traverses through Wellesley Square and the Wellesley College campus before returning to Linden Square. Awards are given to individuals and teams, with special awards to the fastest Wellesley High students and alums.

The Hannah Randolph Fun Run for kids starts at 8:45am in the back of the parking lot near CVS.

The event is always a great way to see friends and burn off a few calories before filling up on Thanksgiving Day.

wellesley turkey trot
Wellesley Turkey Trot

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