By Nate Weitzer (@nweitzer7)
EVERETT, Mass. – One of the most storied programs in MIAA
history began the season on a low note.
The Crimson Tide dropped highly touted tilts against
Xaverian and Billerica by a total of six points to go 2-2 in September, and
that’s when head coach John DiBiaso decided it was time to try a different
motivational strategy.
“We had to gain some confidence,” DiBiaso recalled. “We
weren’t a very good team last year. We were 5-5 and that wasn't reflective of
where we wanted to be. After we lost two close games early in the season I pulled
everyone together and said ‘Look, you’re a reflection of your record and you’re
7-7 over the last year and a half. Do you want to be remembered as a .500 team
or do you want to accept the challenge and bounce back?’”
After skating past Andover, 62-33, for their third
consecutive blowout win on the way to a Division 1 North title and a guaranteed
rematch with Xaverian in the Super Bowl next month, Everett’s players have done
more than just bounce back.
