LYNN — You don’t have to look far to see the rich history of Lynn and the traditions that make the city special. 

One tradition that has been going on for more than a century is the pre-Thanksgiving football luncheon in which players, cheerleaders, coaches, and band members are honored before Thanksgiving football games.

Tuesday afternoon at the Knights of Columbus – and courtesy of Lynn Rotary – chalk up another success.

“This is such a unique tradition, getting five different schools competing during Thanksgiving,” said host Sean Reid. “I don’t know if any other city in the state has something like this. To see them come together in one room makes you smile. It brightens your day.” 

Reid, in his second year hosting, spoke highly of the event in its 101st year.

“It’s really amazing. Some of us at the Rotary Club were getting coffee the other day and were talking about how unique it is and how bright the people are,” he said. “Something like this that lasts this long, there has to be so many great people coming together to make this possible.” 

The football community was happy to honor team captains.

“I think it’s a huge deal being able to honor our athletes,” said Classical coach Brian Vaughan. “I remember being a captain when I was at Lynn English and coming to these events. You think about it all year, being around all of the leaders in football and in the city. It’s a good time and a great opportunity to recognize the captains.”

Lynn Tech coach James Runner couldn’t have agreed more with his cross-city coach. 

“I think the opportunity is important for football leaders, coaches, and cheerleaders to meet up before the big games on Thanksgiving. To meet up, greet each other, show some humbleness and respect amongst each other,” Runner said. “I think it’s also good to just talk to people without helmets on or a whistle.” 

St. Mary’s captain Chris Marks spoke about his title of captain, and how he takes pride in leading younger players.

“It’s a big honor. The guys look up to you to lead the team,” Marks said. “I like the feeling it gives you knowing that these guys look up to you. We have middle schoolers on our team and I like the aspect that they look to us for guidance.”

For these teams, naming a captain is more than putting a “C” on the jersey. They’re, at times, another coach – on and off the field. 

“Behind their leadership, they help drive our program in the right direction. We rely heavily on our leaders to not just be leaders on the field, but in school and in the community,” Vaughan said. “We run leadership programs and put a big emphasis on being a leader.” 

Runner is “very selective when it comes to my captains.”

“It’s important to have guys that can take your word and put it in different terms to the players to make sure the message gets across,” he said. “It’s important to have someone get a message across without it having to come from a chalkboard.” 

All true, but having bragging rights over your friends is another plus. 

“Whenever you have a chance to play a Lynn rival game, I think it’s important for the kids to understand the impact of the game once it’s over. These guys walk down the same street, go to the same bodega, and, sometimes, they see each other at Wendy’s,” Runner said. “These rivalry games are more than just a game. It’s bragging rights.”

Fans are in for a treat as St. Mary’s travels to Everett Wednesday for a 6 p.m. showdown while Lynn Tech and KIPP battle it out at Manning the same day (4 p.m.). Then, Thanksgiving morning, Lynn Classical and Lynn English go head-to-head at 10 a.m. 

“[I’m] always looking forward to playing a game of football. It’s a little more special when it’s on Thanksgiving,” Vaughan said.