So as we dive in this week to the upcoming annual tradition that is the Wellesley/Needham game, we take a look at this rivalry today from an alum’s point of view. Kyle Souza (08) played for the Wellesley High Football team for all four years of high school as an offensive/defensive lineman, and in his career saw the Raiders go 2-2 on thanksgiving day versus the Rockets. Kyle was kind enough to answer some questions for us about his perspective and memories from the rivalry, here’s what he had to say.
Q: Before you started at Wellesley High School what did you know and what was your perception of the Wellesley-Needham game?
A: I’ll be completely honest, I knew little to nothing about the rivalry. I remember that my family and I would drive through Needham in search of houses before we officially moved to Wellesley, so in a way I became familiar with both towns. I just did not know that this was one of the oldest sports rivalries in the country until I joined the football team my freshman year.
Q: How if at all did that perception change from freshmen year to senior year?
A: I remember standing on the sidelines of the first Thanksgiving game I have ever attended as a freshman football player, and not really understanding the real impact that the rivalry had on the team and the town overall. I did sense the disappointment of the 2004 varsity team when Needham defeated them that year, but to me it was like being defeated by any other team. Then when I was on the varsity team during my senior year in 2007, I really understood what the Thanksgiving day tradition was really like after facing them every year as our final game of the season, especially since we lost that particular year to Needham. It finally came full circle for me when we experienced the disappointment of the loss but knowing that we gave it our all.
Q: What are your fondest memories from the Wellesley/Needham games?
A: I would say one of my fondest memories was the game during my freshman year. The freshman team was actually the only one that defeated Needham that season, and if I remember correctly it was a pretty close game which makes it that much more epic.
Q: Why do you think this rivalry is so special from a Wellesley player/alum/fan point of view?
A: I think the fact alone that this tradition has been going on for over a hundred years is a very special thing, and that the fans and alumni of various generations can get together to celebrate this ongoing rivalry. And not to mention that most players and fans alike have an epic Thanksgiving meal waiting for them after the effort they put into the game and the season. It really is a great way to finish off the regular season whether the team goes to the Superbowl or not.
Wellesley Sports Blitz 