The recent Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl triumph saw Vermont football clinch a 19-14 victory over New Hampshire, a win that carried with it a profound sense of history. This significant contest unfolded on the very grounds of Castleton where the storied 1975 Vermont Shrine team had conducted its rigorous 12-day training camp, establishing a unique connection across five decades.
The echoes of that earlier era were palpable, with veterans like Fair Haven’s Mike Poalino, a running back from the 1975 squad, recalling their practice locale. Fifty years ago, the team’s quarterback position was a hotly contested battle among Springfield’s Greg Birsky, Mount St. Joseph’s Mike Mee, and Fair Haven’s Kevin Pereau. Pereau, known for his mastery of the Wishbone offense, ultimately secured the starting role under head coach Tom LaPlaca.
Pereau’s leadership proved instrumental as he skillfully managed the Wishbone, guiding the 1975 Vermont team to a hard-fought 12-7 victory against New Hampshire at Dartmouth College. This historical context underscores the deep roots and tradition embedded within the annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, a cherished all-star game for aspiring high school athletes.
Fast forward to Saturday’s game, and current Vermont head coach Bob Lockerby found himself blessed with an abundance of quarterback talent. Dynamic players such as Burlington-South Burlington’s Ahmed Diawara, Bellows Falls’ Eli Allbee, North Country’s Hayden Boivin, St. Johnsbury’s Carter Bunnell, and Rice’s Dallas St. Peter comprised a formidable roster. Much like LaPlaca before him, Lockerby recognized the versatile value of many of these quarterbacks, strategically utilizing them in Vermont’s defensive secondary.
This strategic depth mirrors past successes, notably the previous year’s addition of North Country’s John Beerworth. Despite being a late inclusion, Beerworth emerged as Vermont’s leading rusher and even secured an interception during that year’s Maple Sugar Bowl, highlighting the impact of unexpected contributions and adaptable talent in these high-stakes matchups.
The article also drew parallels to the versatile play of South Burlington’s Pete Leonard, a key figure in the 1975 team who saw significant action on both offense and defense. Such multi-faceted athletes have historically been crucial to the success of the Vermont Shrine team, showcasing the blend of athleticism and strategic deployment.
Modern training methodologies for the Shrine Bowl have evolved considerably. The original 12-day camp experienced by Poalino and his teammates has been reduced by half, creating a more compressed timeline for team cohesion. This condensed preparation, now just six days, presents a significant challenge, as evidenced by early penalties from both teams in Saturday’s contest, struggling to mesh effectively.
Beyond the gridiron, the article offered intriguing personal notes. Poalino and his wife, Toni, are set to follow the Kansas City Chiefs on road games, a testament to their daughter Gabby’s role as an athletic trainer for the NFL team. Kevin Pereau, the 1975 quarterback, has ventured into healthcare literature, authoring “The Digital Health Revolution” and “It Takes A Village.” Other figures like Matt Howland, usually an athletic trainer, served as a spotter, and former Poultney High athlete Gabe Wescott performed the national anthems, adding local flavor to the event.
