Friends of Holyoke High Football

01/03/2026

Let's GO!

12/11/2025

Worth reading. Please inform yourself on the issue that have plagued our youth for years.

70% is a big problem.

- Coach Santos

The so-called “professionalization of youth sports” can’t be understated as a significant factor why, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

11/24/2025

Updated Raffle winners.

11/11/2025

Raffle winners.

11/06/2025

HOLYOKE PRIDE!!

There is so much to be proud of if you’re from Holyoke, and we must never forget it. We want our boys to understand that Holyoke is a place of "compassion" and was a refuge for those seeking to improve their lives during the 19th century. Our city has a footprint all over the globe, even on Super Bowl Sunday. Holyoke's own Hazan Paper Company has produced the holographic covers for the official Super Bowl book every year since 2004. So it seems we’re always part of the big game!

Last night, we had the privilege of learning about Holyoke’s impact during the 19th century. Penni Martorell, the city’s archivist, curator, and historian at the Wistariahurst Museum, shared our rich history in the paper industry. Known as the "Paper City," Holyoke thrived in this sector thanks to its location near the canals and dam, which provided both power and transportation for goods. This combination made Holyoke an ideal place to invest, work, and raise a family.

Due to its economic growth and job opportunities, many families migrated here seeking a new life and opportunities. French-Canadians, Irish, Polish, Germans, Puerto Ricans, and others came to work in the mills. Workers often put in long shifts, starting as early as 5 a.m. and ending around 6 p.m. It’s no surprise that many of our parents and grandparents have a deep respect for hard work.

Did you know that Holyoke's mills produced more than 200 tons of paper per day and were dominant during the 1890s? With over 25 paper mills, its production was so significant that it could be compared to the size of a humpback whale full of paper, daily. That's a lot of paper!

Thank you, Penni, for visiting us and teaching us more about this wonderful city! We look forward to future engagement with the museum and community.

It is important that out team understands that when we step onto the field and represent our city, we showcase its rich history and beauty, and that’s something every knight should take pride in.

- Coach Santos

11/03/2025

Calender raffle winners for November 1st and 2nd.

10/29/2025

Come see us today!! Our Secretary Brittany will have a trunk and lots of goodies at the Mont Marie Trunk or Treat! Tonight at 5:30pm!!

10/26/2025

We would like to thank Principal McKenna for joining us during our team dinner Thursday night. Your encouraging words, especially those directed at our seniors, were greatly appreciated.

Principal McKenna set a wonderful tone, and our boys achieved a victory on senior night, celebrated by proud parents, friends, and staff. Principal McKenna shared details about an event our seniors participated in a few days prior. Each senior presented a teacher or staff member of their choice with a white jersey displaying their number, to be worn or waved during the game. This gesture was a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the positive influence these individuals have had on their lives. It was a deeply moving experience that truly set a special mood for our seniors. We are incredibly grateful to the staff for their support of our youth and for providing a comforting environment throughout the years.

Principal McKenna noted that every player possesses an equal opportunity and potential to positively influence others. As student-athletes, they play a crucial role in influencing others through their dedication to sports, academics, and family. They also contribute to our community by creating an enjoyable atmosphere for watching student-athletes compete and represent our city. Principal McKenna stated, “What builds a team and defines a team is not determined by wins and losses; it is determined by the team’s character, built by being together.” During her speech she involved the team in an activity and led an exercise that encouraged them to define the components of a team. Brotherhood, family, communication, pride, and effort were among the qualities they identified as forming a team, which strengthens a team’s character.

These are the qualities we hope our student-athletes will strive for, and they certainly did on Friday night.

Thanks again Principal McKenna for joining us, and for the words shared.

- Coach Santos

10/21/2025

Last Thursday, during our team dinner, we had Lance Overby and Bilal Salaam, two staff members from the UMass Athletic Department, join us.

Mr. Overby is an academic counselor at UMass Athletics who oversees women’s soccer, rowing, tennis, baseball, and men’s track and cross country.

“Prior to his tenure assisting student-athletes in their academic pursuits, Overby spent the 2002 season as an assistant wide receiver’s coach at Northeastern, helping the Huskies to an overall record of 10-3 and a share of the Atlantic 10 Championship. During the 2001 season, he served as a Restricted Earnings Coach at St. Francis (Pennsylvania) while completing his master’s degree in educational leadership.

Overby is a 2000 graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in educational studies. He lettered for four seasons as a defensive back with the UMass football team and totaled 152 career tackles, three interceptions, five sacks and 13 pass breakups during his collegiate career. Overby is a member of the UMass Football 1998 NCAA Division I-AA National Championship Team and also helped the program to an Atlantic 10 Conference Championship in 1999. Overby was also the co-leader of Athletes In Action during his time on campus.”

Mr. Overby wanted our boys to understand that there will always be people around them who doubt their potential. He emphasized the importance of not losing sight of their goals, despite the negativity they may encounter. He shared about his own experience growing up in Staten Island, NY, where a teacher once told him that he would amount to nothing and that prison would be his only destination. Instead of letting that discourage him, he used it as motivation to prove his teacher and others wrong.

His dream job was to become a counselor at a higher education level. He eventually found his way back to UMass, where he has been counseling students for 20 years. He reminded us never to let anyone say, “You can’t do it.”

Bilal Salaam is the new Director of Student-Athlete Development and joined UMass a year ago. He has a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Leisure Studies and a Master of Education in Student Affairs & Higher Education from Kutztown University.

“Prior to joining UMass, Salaam was a Program Coordinator at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. There, he planned and facilitated events for the Achievement Initiative for Male Success (A.I.M.S.). He also served as the Athletic Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Kutztown, where he enhanced the inclusivity, diversity, and sense of belonging in the athletics community.

Before Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Salaam was an international professional basketball player in China, Hong Kong, Morocco, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Qatar, and Argentina, from 2005 to 2017.”

Mr. Salamm wanted our boys to understand the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities in front of them, regardless of the circumstances or criticism they may face. He emphasized, “Be where your feet are.” Tapping into your excellence should become the new norm. Everyone was created to be excellent, but many fail to realize their potential. Achieving greatness in any endeavor requires true commitment, which can be achieved by fulfilling four essential needs: Focus, Energy, Effort, and Time. Without these four components, accomplishing anything can seem impossible.

Thank you, Mr. Overby and Mr. Salamm, for sharing your experiences with us.

-Coach Santos

10/21/2025

Outstanding!