Sports

Lynnfield football team dedicates season in memory of teammate's mother

LYNNFIELD, Mass. — On a busy Saturday of football games from coast to coast, the best moment of the day may have been in Lynnfield during a youth football practice.

The team dedicated its season to a teammate’s mother who died three years ago.

“It’s pretty special. Three years ago today she passed away,” said Brian DiGangi.

DiGangi lost his mother Michelle to brain cancer when he was just seven years old. On Saturday, his team wanted to make sure she wasn’t forgotten.

“It's good to show them the good in people out of something bad, something good always happens and this is one of them,” said Steve DiGangi, Brian’s father.

The Lynnfield JVC fifth grade football team surprised Brian when they dedicated their season to his mother. Brian was given a plaque, as well as a football and helmet signed by his team.

“Makes me feel great. They do lots of stuff for me, help me out when I need it, same with coaches,” said Brian.

Those coaches, along with the players and parents, held a moment of silence for Michelle and joined together to release red balloons; red was Michelle’s favorite color.

“It’s an unfortunate learning lesson. It’s a sad day, but hopefully a happy day and hopefully the kids will take something away about respecting their teammates and what the value of family is,” said coach Mike Foley.

For this football family, Saturday’s life lesson was all about love.

Brian’s dad says the tragedy has been hard on Brian, but the support from his teammates and the town of Lynnfield has been overwhelming.