Rotary Celebrates Thanksgiving Day Rivalry


The tradition is alive and well as the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club set the tone for another big Thanksgiving Day Football game between the rival high schools. Shelton’s (7-2) Gaels hosted Derby’s Red Raiders (2-7) at Finn Stadium. However, two days before the game, the Rotary Club brought the senior members of the football and cheerleading squads to break bread together and learn more about the importance of the game and the over 100 year old rivalry.

Rotarian Ed Sheehy served as Master of ceremonies and regaled the crowd with stories of games from years gone by. Rival coaches Jeff Roy of Shelton and George French of Derby discussed their season and introduced their players. However, the real highlight of the day was the presentations made by alums from each school who really brought home the importance of the game in their lives and to the community.

Anthony Defala, Jr. spoke on behalf of Derby High

Tim Kieley was the alumni speaker from Shelton High

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