On a windy and snowy evening in November, the film crew and announcers of a Walpole High School football game are sitting on the bleachers – cold and forced to stay outdoors to complete their jobs. Numb fingers and red noses are just the beginning of the symptoms that sports fans experience from harsh weather conditions at various sporting events held at Walpole High.
These unsatisfactory conditions that people must go through at Walpole’s athletic events will now come to an end, for a press box has been constructed on the hill overlooking John Turco Field. The new structure has been completely built and it stands on the far side of the field, surrounded by landscaping additions and a new set of bleachers. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to acknowledge Coach John E. Lee and the completion of the press box construction will be held during halftime of the Walpole High School home football game on October 18, 2013.
The new facility is built in honor of Coach Lee to recognize and remember the retired coach’s accomplishments. After an laudable 25 years as a Walpole High School football coach, Coach Lee reached an astounding career record of 212-33-7. His role in the town of Walpole will never be forgotten, as a teacher in the classrooms of Walpole High as well as a coach on the football field, Lee instilled a solid work ethic within his students and players that will help them succeed in the future. Eric Froesea—the leader of the project and the son-in-law of Coach Lee— said, “The real story goes way beyond his winning percentage. Coach Lee’s greatest success is the influence that he had in transforming 14-17 year old boys into young men.”
Dedicated to previous WHS Football Coach Lee, the press box will be available for the football team to use this fall. The structure will be used for filming the games of multiple sports and for announcers to make commentary during athletic events held at the school. As opposed to coaching staffs and film crews doing their jobs outside in the unpredictable weather, the press box will facilitate their jobs by providing an indoor area for them to use. The press box will also be available for use by multiple organizations within the town.
Froese said, “The press box will be used by the Walpole Recreation Department for events. Walpole American Football League and youth lacrosse will also have access to it.”
The project expands to more than a press box—a set of visitors’ bleachers and a new driveway leading to it are also part of the addition. Currently, the press box building has been fully constructed and the new bleachers are standing. A driveway to the press box is in place, and below the structure is a collection of bushes planted in the shape of a “W.” Windows and doors have been installed, and the words “John E. Lee Press Box” will be added to the front of the press box before the dedication ceremony.
All money for the project was provided by private donations and funding, not the Town of Walpole. The fundraising goal was reached at the beginning of September, and the organizers of the project also hope to raise enough money to add another set of stands to the left of the press box, according to Froese.
On October 6, a private dedication ceremony took place in order to celebrate the people who put in the time, effort, and money to make the project a success. The commemoration was on the turf in front of the new press box, and Coach Lee’s family, friends, and players attended to acknowledge his positive impact on the community of Walpole.
Gene Lavanchy as well as Coach Lee’s son and daughter opened by sharing their gratitude and memories of the coach to the audience. Lavanchy said, “Coach Lee brought out the best in his players by giving the best he had.”
To start his speech, Coach Lee said, “It is an extraordinary honor to have it dedicated to me.” He described some of his favorite stories, memories, and advice as part of his brief discussion. After sharing a story about a football camp, Coach Lee closed with an energetic statement; he said, “My name is John E. Lee and I am proud to be a Walpole Rebel.”
When asked for his most important advice for young athletes, Coach Lee said, “Enjoy it while you can.” Coach Lee’s service and leadership as a teacher and football coach at Walpole High School will not be forgotten, as the press box will stand as a physical reminder of all of his achievements for many years to come.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Coach Lee will take place during halftime of the WHS football home game on October 18. It will celebrate the completion of the press box project and recognize Coach Lee for his admirable achievements and positive impact on the town of Walpole.
