Induction Class Of 2004

Kathy (Kelley) Rezendes is a 1988 graduate of New Bedford High School. She is known as a tenacious, highly competitive, aggressive athlete who captained all three sports in which she participated.

Kathy was a building block for a fledgling program that was just beginning to grow under a new girls' coach Ron Vaz. Her aggressive style and hustling approach to the game set the standard for future Whaler field hockey teams. A league all-star, Kathy was also named to the Standard-Times All-Star team as a senior.

In basketball, Kathy was a two-year captain who directed the offense and played a very tough defensive end of the floor as a three-year varsity performer. As a senior, she provided the veteran leadership that was necessary to propel a young girls' team to a 12-8 record. Once again, she was named all-league and a Standard-Times All-Star team member.

In track, "Special K" at one time held school records in the 100m hurdles, the 300m hurdles, and the triple jump. Her 300m hurdle record was just broken three years ago. She regularly scored a quadruple as she would win four events (both hurdles as well as both horizontal jumps) for the Tony Rolfe-coached girls' track team. Kathy demonstrated outstanding consistency as she qualified for the Class A championships during all four years of her high school career. As a junior, she placed in two individual events at the Class A's and she finished as the runner-up in the triple jump, as well as scoring in the 100m hurdles. She was a two-time league all-star and Standard Times all-star.

Upon graduation, Kathy enrolled at Plymouth State College before transferring to the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Playing the point for UMass, she led the Corsairs to their last winning season as a senior.

Today, Kathy resides in New Bedford with her husband Tim, and their daughters Erin age three, and Kelsey, age one. She is a math teacher and head field hockey coach at New Bedford High School.

Dale played varsity football and baseball in his junior and senior years at New Bedford High School. He was a defensive end and fullback. Dale was used to pass, run, kick, and as a receiver when necessary. He was outstanding at the Superbowl. In baseball he pitched and played the outfield.

Dale played legion baseball for Coach Manny Lima and caught the eye of scouts from Detroit, Chicago and Boston. With the advice of his Legion coach and George Scott Jr., Dale signed a contract with Boston scout Bill Enos and was assigned to the instructional league. He was promoted to Single A Lynchburg where led the team in starts, most innings pitched, complete games, and strikeouts. He came close to a no hitter going 8 and 2/3 innings. He faced some outstanding prospects including Sammy Sosa, Juan Gonzales, David Segui, Moises Alou, and Moe Vaughn.

Dale suffered an arm injury and had surgery performed by Dr. Pappas. He returned to the Sox program for two more years and eventually was changed to a closer to keep his innings pitched to a more reasonable number. He had an ERA hovering around 1 and was being considered for Double A when his arm gave out again.

Dale returned to New Bedford after 5 years in the minors and now works as a prison guard at the Bridgewater Correctional Facility. He owns his own home and is married with two beautiful children. Dale Burgo is a success story brought on by a caring mother and wife, and a community that is willing to support youth programs.

Dana Burgo is a 1986 graduate of New Bedford High School. He enjoyed a brief meteoric two-year varsity career, but what highlights were packed into those years.

Excelling on both the football field as well as on the track, Dana is truly one of the most explosive runners and electrifying athletes ever to compete for the Whalers.

Dana made his varsity football debut as a junior in the fall of 1984 after not having participated in athletics as a sophomore. Given his inexperience in the program, he played a secondary role as an offensive weapon as the team struggled to a 4-6 record. Returning as a senior in 1985, new head coach Joe Wirth moved Dana from his wingback position and installed him as the featured running back. The results were beneficial for both Dana individually, for the team, and also for the thousands of fans who began to follow the Whalers and their star running back during this magical season. Dana ran for over 1600 yards and set a single season touchdown record of twenty-five.

The team? The Whalers cruised through a 9-1 regular season and won a berth in the Super Bowl for the first time in the school's history. Along the way, local football fans were treated to some of the most electrifying and exiting runs ever witnessed on the Sargent (now Walsh) Field Gridiron. By the middle of the season, talk had spread of this back with a Barry Sanders running style, and crowds flocked to the New Bedford High School games. Dana was named to the All-State teams, as well as the Bally's All-American team.

In track, he was just as successful. This 5'8" dynamo ran and jumped his way into the school's record books. Showing great sprinting range, he ran 9.9 in 100, while splitting sub-fifty relay legs in the 440. He also jumped over twenty-one feet, but it was the high jump where truly excelled. Saving his best for last, Dana jumped fourteen inches over his head to win the 1986 New England high jump title with a jump of 6'10". He came excruciatingly close to clearing 7'0" on that afternoon in June. 

Today, Dana resides in New Bedford. He has two sons, Derek, age six and Dana Jr., age four. He is employed in the construction industry. 

One of the main reasons for the soccer program having such success during the late 1960's and early 70's was a high scoring athlete named Bruce Botelho. A 1973 graduate of New Bedford High School, Bruce left a mark for others to follow in soccer. Teaming up with Jack Cardoso he helped lead the team through 3 memorable seasons. As a sophomore, Bruce had a goal total of 30 and also had very high assist rate. His play making abilities helped the forward line become a force to be reckoned with. Remember, Bruce only a sophomore was becoming a team leader. That's the type of athlete that he was. Very coachable and determined to be the best he could be, Bruce was selected as an All-Conference All-Star his very first year of varsity play. As a junior, Bruce contributed to the most memorable season ever of soccer at New Bedford High School. His 48 goals were a major factor for the team's success in winning the Eastern MA, State and then the New England Championships. His talents were certainly recognized by being selected as an All-Conference All-Star, a Standard Times All-Star and the All-New England Team. Senior year and Bruce's second year as team co-captain proved to be outstanding. The soccer team was now playing an independent schedule. Only the strongest teams would schedule games if they felt they had a chance to win, still with much pressure on, Bruce was able to score 39 goals and lead his team into the Eastern MA finals. His senior year statistics earned him a spot on the All-State Team as well as All-American honors.

Upon graduation, Bruce-entered Southeastern Massachusetts University in Dartmouth, where his record as all-time leading scorer still stands. Again, he had the honor of being named a two time All American while in college. He went on to play professional soccer for the Rhode Island Oceaneer's. In 2002 Bruce was elected to the New England Soccer Hall of Fame.

As a shortstop on the "Whaler" baseball team Bruce also had 3 outstanding years. Always trying to improve and better himself as a baseball player he would be the first player out on the field and the last in the locker room. Head Coach John Pacheco would comment about Bruce's desire to "become the best that he could be." The dedication he had shown paid off in time. He not only improved considerably as a shortstop but also led the team in batting in his senior year. His accomplishments on the baseball diamond did not go unnoticed. In both his junior and senior years Bruce was picked as a Standard Times All-Star.

Today, Bruce is a valued employee of NSTAR. This is a position he has held for the last 23 years.

He and his wife Claire live in Acushnet. They are the proud parents of 3 children, Shannon, Brett and Jenna.

During the late 1960's and early 1970's New Bedford High School athletic teams were all doing very well. The N.B..S. athletic family had been enjoying season after season of dominating success. One of those outstanding athletes at that time was a young man named Mike Reedy. He had excelled in sports to this point but in his senior year he hit the jackpot.

The fall season of 1971 found the N.B.H.S. soccer team starting its season without a goalie. This

"Whaler" team had lost in the State Finals during the two previous years. Coach Bob Parker knew the potential was there this year for a State and New England title. Lo and behold, along came Mike Reedy, prodded by his friends. A good infielder in baseball (good hands), a good basketball player (good hands) and an easy going personality with a temperament that never riled. What a walk-on!

Mike surely proved himself. He was the goalie on the 1971 State and New England Championship team. In this sport he was selected to the Bristol County and Standard Times All-Star Teams. His play was one of the major reasons that this team had a 25.0 record.

As a basketball player Mike was a member of 2 Bristol County League Championship Teams. In his senior he helped to lead the team to a 16•2 record. He led N.B.H.S. with 140 assists, plus a scoring average of 16 points per game. Again he was selected to the Standard Times All-Scholastic Team.

Coach Sal Lombardo stated, "this kid did a heck of a job for all season". In the spring of 1972, Mike's last season competing for N.B.H.S., he was rounding out his athletic career as a 3-year varsity player. During junior and senior years Mike did an outstanding job at 3rd base and contributed to a great degree not only with his glove, but also with his bat. The 1970 team that he played on was the State Finals runner-up. Head baseball coach John Pacheco was really impressed with Mike's work ethic and his desire to improve. "The kid never quits and make plays look easy that seem quite difficult".

This was the start of the nickname "Mr. Easy". At the high school level Mike was selected as "Player of the Week" many times.

Upon graduating from N.B.H.S. he attended No. Yarmouth Academy in Yarmouth, Maine. Here he continued an outstanding athletic career being named co-MVP on their basketball team and MVP of the soccer team. Both of these honors took place in 1973.

Presently Mike is employed as a Captain of Community Programs for the Bristol County Sheriff's Office. Today, Mike and his wife Jan are the proud parents of 3 children, Caitlin, Patrick and Kevin.

The late 50's / early 60's were a memorable period for New Bedford High School's athletic teams.

During the fall of Leo Chausse's junior year, the Whalers won the Massachusetts State Cross Country Championship by a single point with Leo passing over a dozen competitors in the last quarter mile. Come spring, he was undefeated in dual meet competition in the 880-yard run and was considered the state's top junior runner in that event.

The following spring, Coach Al Boucher requested that Leo switch his primary event to the quarter mile. This led to a spectacular senior season as Leo was again undefeated in dual meet competition and led his team to individual and team titles in the St. John's Relays, Greater Boston Interscholastic Meet and Belmont Relays. Leo culminated his high school career by becoming the Massachusetts Class A 440 Yard Champion, winning comfortably in a time of 49:7. Upon crossing the finish line, Leo was approached by a scout who offered a full four year scholarship to Georgetown University, one of the nation's premiere track programs. At Georgetown, Leo ran the second leg on the Hoyas outstanding mile relay team. The quartet won gold medals at the Knights of Columbus Games in Madison Square Garden and the All-East Games in 1964, D.C. AAU Championships (1962' '63, '64) and VMI Relays (1963). Silver medals were achieved at the Philadelphia Enquirer Games (1964), Knights of Columbus Games (1962), New York Amateur Athletic Championship (1962), Richmond Invitational (1962, '63), and VMI Relays (1962). The foursome also placed highly at the IC 4A Championship.

Today, Leo and his wife Amy, reside in Canton MA with a summer home on Westport Point. They have three wonderful children: Erin, Justin and Elizabeth. He is pleased to report that his parents, Leo (age 97) and Cecile (age 92), live 5 minutes away in Canton.

Leo retired from his position as President and Chief Executive of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Capital Corporation in 1998. At that time, he was also a member of the Board of Directors of Bank of Tokyo Trust Company (New York), New Boston Partners (London) and Chairman of Engine Lease Finance Corporation (Shannon, Ireland).

Leo and Amy enjoy Tennis, Golf and traveling and are looking forward to having grandchildren

Curt Perry is a 1959 graduate of New Bedford High School. During his three years as a

"Whaler" athlete he proved to be a most versatile performer in both football and track & field. As a member of the football team, he played several positions both on offense and defense. Curt received several post season awards for his outstanding efforts on the gridiron, including: The Standard Times All-Bristol County Team, the Fall River Herald All-Star Team, All-State Honorable Mention and the New Bedford High School Outstanding Lineman Award. On the track he was the "Whalers" leading scorer during his senior year of competition. Curt scored 1st place points in the 100 yd. dash, 220 yd. dash, high jump, long jump, and anchor man on the 4x220 yd. relay team.

After graduation from New Bedford High School, Curt attended Northeastern University on a football scholarship. His coaches soon recognized his outstanding athletic ability and speed and converted him to a running back. It didn't take long for him to adjust to his new position, running for a 93 yd. touchdown on his first carry as a varsity player in a pre-season game against Tufts University. He then opened the regular season with a 58 yd. touchdown run against the University of Rhode Island. Curt was also a member of Northeastern University's only undefeated and untied team in its history.

Curt continued to play semi-pro football for three more years after graduating from Northeastern with the Murphy Club of New Bedford. In his first game with the Murphy Club, Curt intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown. Contrary to today's age of specialization Curt was durable and versatile, playing every defensive position and several offensive positions including punter and kick returner while at New Bedford High School and Northeastern University. Curt was inducted into the New Bedford Gridiron Club Hall of Fame in 1985.

Curt is now a real estate developer and licensed contractor currently living in North Dartmouth with his wife Isabel and two daughters Solange and Casandra.

John Trznadel was one of the best all-around athletes ever to compete at New Bedford High School.

"Trizzy".

as he was affectionately called, lettered in baseball, basketball, soccer, and track. While playing baseball, he was allowed to run the 220 and 440. He was a guard in basketball, a first baseman in baseball, and a right wing in soccer. He made many all-star teams during his three years of high school. Buddy Thomas in his farewell salute to Trizzy said to his Junior High teammates,

"Everybody on my Junior High basketball team wanted to be like John - good player, good looking, good guy!"

After High School, Trizzy attended New Bedford Institute of Technology where he once again competed in basketball, baseball and soccer. He was honored by the Standard Times on many occasions for his athletic prowess. He led the baseball team to a winning baseball trip in the South.

He scored the "hat trick" in soccer against the old Durfee Tech and he was so honored.

After college, John moved to Kent, Washington and he went to work for the Ritter Company's Medical Division. In 1968, John was appointed area manager for the Pacific Northwest. It was in this area that he started a new athletic career, he started to play tennis. Trizzy, known as "Boston John" in the area, won the Kent Open Tournament's Men's Single title before teaming with other players to capture the Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles to become the first player in tournament history to win in three divisions. John continued to play both tennis and soccer well into his fifties.

Trizzy never forgot his roots. He always returned to New Bedford to attend the Country Club of New Bedford's Four-Ball Golf Tournament. It was at this event that he would renew his old friendships.

John lived a full life. He played hard and he lived life to the fullest until he was taken from us far too early in 1996.

He was one of the rare athletes to have lettered in four sports at New Bedford High School and will always be remembered for his gamesmanship, his sense of fairness, his "Johnny Hustle" style of play, his love of sports, and the unconditional love he showed his friends and family.

A 1960 graduate of Fairhaven High School, Ralph earned his BS and MA Degrees respectively from Southern Arkansas University and Rhode Island College. Soon after his graduation he began his teaching career in the New Bedford Public Schools and in the fall of 1967 began coaching at New Bedford High School. He was the Head Coach of cross country in the fall and tennis in the spring and also the assistant coach of the winter track team in between.

Ralph's cross country teams won a number of league championships and produced some of the greatest distance runners in the history of "Whaler" track. New Bedford Hall of Famers David Sylvia, Steve Caton and Keith Francis are among Coach Perry's protégées that were instrumental in the many successes of the winter and spring track teams. For 9 years he coached the winter track teams with Dick Ponte and together they enjoyed many years of success.

Coach Perry's greatest accomplishments came in the 14 years he coached the boys' tennis teams. His nearly 80% (180-49) winning record accounted for many league and conference championships. Ralph's tennis teams routinely competed for sectional and state titles and earned their way to the state tournament 13 times out of his 14-year coaching career. His tennis teams won State Championships in both 1969 and 1970. 1970 was a Cinderella season when his tennis team went undefeated and unscored upon winning every match 5-0. Several members of Coach Perry's teams went on to compete at the intercollegiate level, namely, Dr. Andy Ponichtera, Dr. Joseph Figizola, Dr. Robert Horowitz and Roger Canto (a University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Hall of Fame inductee).

Ralph currently teaches oceanography and life science at Sea Lab for the New Bedford Public Schools and resides in Rochester with his wife Carolyn and three children, Chris, Tim and Kelly.