President Bryan Lizotte is surrounded by players coaches and speakers at the 2006 luncheon.
One of the oldest traditions of the Derby/Shelton Rotary Club and the two communities it serves is the annual Thanksgiving Day High School Football Luncheon. The event dates back to at least the late 1930’s and has been a holiday fixture for decades. At one time the local Kiwanis Club took the teams to Yankee Stadium to see the Yankees (Yes Yankees - not Giants) for a game and a steak dinner. Over time, the event evolved into a joint luncheon sponsored by both the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs. Since the demise of the local Kiwanis club, the tradition has continued and thrived under the sponsorship of the Derby/Shelton Rotary Club.
In addition to hearing from the coaches and captains of the football, all senior members of the teams, cheerleading squads and pom pom squads were introduced. Each school also brings along a special guest speaker who played for their school and recounts their experiences and current situations.
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The Derby/Shelton Rotary club not only honors the senior members of the football and
cheerleading squads at both schools along with their coaches, but also presents a trophy
that the winning team keeps until the next game or until a school accumulates ten points
for wins and/or ties. In 1997, Shelton retired the previous trophy after 18 years of
competition. The new trophy was designed and made by ex-Shelton football coach Tony
Branca. The 1998 game marked the 87th meeting between Derby and Shelton High
schools in a rivalry that dates back to 1904 or 1905 depending on which side you
ask!
The first game where the new trophy was up for grabs in 1998 ended in a 7-7 tie. Click here for a story and pictures from the game. |
From the archivesClick here to learn more about the 2005 luncheon. Click here for highlights of the 2004 luncheon or here for the game story. Click here for full
story of the 2003 luncheon. See more of the 2001 luncheon here. Shelton 39 Derby 0 - Click here for story & pictures |
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