The Derby Board of Education recognized Derby’s 500th football win Thursday at the Board of Education meeting at Derby Middle School.
Derby earned its 500th win against Seymour on October 8. The school is only one of a handful in the state to do reach that number of wins.
The school’s four captains — Ricky Bartone, Zach Salazar, Jonathan Haydu and Jesse Gilbert — were present for the recognition.
Derby High School principal Fran Thompson praised the captains, as well as the rest of the team for their work this season.
“We are very fortunate that these young men have done a tremendous job, not just on the field,” Thompson said. “As a captain you are not just a leader for your team, you are a leader for the school. Football is such an important part of our school, our community and our history.”
The school fielded its first team in 1902, and won 121 wins through 1933.
Derby Athletic Director Joe Orazietti said he was thrilled with the 500th win, and is excited to see the future of the program.
“It is a tremendous honor. For the history of the program, all the coaches that came before this, the players, everybody is part of this,” Orazietti said. “We have a long tradition and history here. Everyone should feel a part of that win; part of the 500. Now this 2010 team can keep that going. And who knows how far that will stretch.”
Joe Saccu, Director of Derby Youth Services said he was a part of the Derby football team that won the 1969 state championship.
“This is as significant win as any in the history of Derby football,” Saccu said.
Derby is currently 2 – 3 on the season with 501 overall victories. Their latest victory came last weekend against Watertown, by a score of 24 – 8.
