Waterford Football at the 'Wam: November 2011

Appeared September 26th, 1974 in the Advertiser Democrat.

This season marks the 38th year touch football has been played in Waterford. The venture was started by Hank Burns and Tom Stockwell in Alice Rounds field behind what is known as "The Annex" in Waterford Flats. The game, organized under the auspices of the "Waterford Junior and Senior Athletic Association" (which never existed, as far as I know), was designed to "blend the youngsters with some of the area's active adults in athletic endeavors." As interest grew, it was clear the field was not big enough, and with the blessing of 'Wam owner Ned Strauss and his son Bobby, the game was moved to the grounds of Camp Wigwam in South Waterford. This Sunday will mark the 35th year of 'Wam football and The Waterford Bowl. And 38 successful years of blending youngsters with active, but slowing, adults.
Below is the article that appeared in the Advertiser Democrat detailing that first game.

Hank Burns owned the only pair of sweatpants in Waterford.

WATERFORD — The final was Waterford Flats 49, South Waterford Millers 26. But nobody seemed to notice the score.The victory instead belonged to the entire Waterford Touch Football program for making this first annual bowl game possible. The two teams played a wide open offensive game that delighted the crowd of nearly 75 fans and relatives.Among the highlights: A clutch touchdown grab by Doug Jordan who outmaneuvered Dood Haynes and Rick Chase for the score.
     Two long bombs from Tom Stockwell to Rick Chase.
     Don Chase's tumbling catch on the 40 yard line.
     Two touchdowns by Rusty Millett on passes from Hank Burns.
     Dood Haynes' big catch for a touchdown.
     Jay Burns fine catch for a score.
     Peter Anderson's reception for a score on a long pass from Tom Stockwell.


Brewster Burns, future leading scorer for the 1980 Colby Mules, kicks off.

     Gretchen Berg's leaping catch for an important score.
     Russell Giasson's dance down the sidelines for the final score of the day. And there were defensive standouts as well:
     Chris Anderson sacking the quarterback.
     Brewster Burns' kickoffs which kept the opposition deep in its own territory.
     Bruce Downing's solid zone defense. Paul Hoffman's intelligent coverage of deep receivers.
     Joe Chawes triangular zone.
     But the game itself may have been a sidelight. Halftime activities under the direction of David Stenstrom drew the biggest applause. The band paid tribute to the rectangular states of America. And, humorously, Mr. Stenstrom had the band play "Deep In The Heart Of Texas" as they formed the state of Colorado.

Gretchen Burg, Brewster Burns, Barbara Taylor,
Jeff Cowie and Jay Burns make up the Burt Lance Marching Band

     Referee Arthur Anderson and his assistants, Barbara Taylor and Andy Burns, kept the game under control calling only the penalties, which, in Anderson's words, seemed to be "gross infractions."
     Quotes heard after the game: "I'm not very quotable," Rick Chase
     "If you want me next year, you'd better play a shorter game," Referee Arthur Anderson.
     "The dead Texas Longhorn was the turning point." Joe Chawes.
     "Burns should be given the hothead award." Referee Arthur Anderson. "Which Burns do you mean?" Tom Stockwell.
     "Arthur Anderson favors his son." Hank Burns.
     "Dood Haynes is awful tall.” Jay Burns
     "Brew Burns should be given credit for designing that 'bleeping' defense." Tom Stockwell.

     "I'm not coming next year." Vince Collins.
     "Issy Anderson with her raccoon coat and banner was definitely the inspiration for the Millers." Gretchen Berg.
     The game was held at the Camp Wigwam field and organizers of the contest were grateful to Ned and Bob Strauss, owners of the Camp, for the use of the fine athletic facility. After the game a social gathering took place on Plummer Hill. Tea was served. Pouring the tea were Barbara Taylor and Andrea Burns.
     Members of the two teams were: Flats: Hank Burns, Rusty Millett, Jay Burns, Doug Jordan, Gretchen Berg, Brewster Burns, Doug Craib, Paul Hoffman, and Russell Giasson.Millers: Rick Chase, Peter Anderson, Chris Anderson, Tim Lorrain, Bruce Downing, Tom Stockwell, Dood Haynes, Don Chase, Joe Chawes, and David Ricker.

Dew Factor: 6

Regular Season Ends on Extended Sunday
Due to an unprecedented two cancellations of regular Sundays, the 'Wam season was extended into November for only the second time in 10 years. Proving there was, in fact, pent up demand for the extension, 19 people showed up, although many of the youngsters were lost to the wild, prompting the most sarcastic Square Toe ceremony ever:

New Rule for Upcoming Post-Thanksgiving Snow Bowl

Frank Drigotas, promising to bring sons Ethan and Griffin asked, "just don't put Ethan [who played every game for Bowdoin this year--right] on the opposite team from me. He'll make it into this big father-son rivalry deal." The rules committee spent serious time trying to come up with the appropriate variables, patterns and algorithms to deal with the request, but could only spit out a brand new rule, henceforth to be known as the "You-made-'em-you-cover-'em" rule which stipulates that in any man-to-man coverage, progeny must be covered by progenitor. While controversial, the rule will force most defenses to use the zone, preferably the "soft, childlike zone" into which Brewster Burns likes to throw his passes.

The Camp Wigwam Experience
By Ted Burns (Special to the 'Wam Blog)

Autumn used to be just another season to me, nothing special. But once I turned nine, all of that changed when I started going to Camp Wigwam in Waterford on Sundays to play touch football with my dad, his friends, plus a few choice relatives. Because of the traditions, fun, and nostalgia that make up the Camp Wigwam experience, autumn has become my favorite season.

Steve LaBossiere finally got his priorities right and
showed up clearly a little spooked as he feared a bit hit.

On a regular Sunday my dad and I stumble out of bed at seven o’ clock to pull on our sweatpants, Patriots jerseys, sweatshirts and caps to be ready to hit the road at seven thirty. Before we’re on the road long though, the first of many traditions begins. We stop off at a gas station, no different from any others, and pick up our “breakfast.” I put “breakfast” in quotation marks because what we get can hardly be called a traditional breakfast. I usually get Pop-tarts (S’mores, yum!) and a bottle of Oakhurst orange juice, and my dad gets one of those Hostess Fruit Pies.
As we settle back into the car, I take a bite out of my Pop-tart and a swig of my orange juice. While the Pop-tart is a sweet pastry delight, the orange juice makes me gag. Oakhurst makes the worst juice. It’s always too bitter. Why then, why do I keep getting it? Tradition.

Ted Tibbetts, the Wes Welker of 'Wam,
catches another one over the middle.

Camp Wigwam is a secluded camp surrounded by towering oak, maple and pine trees. It also has a lake (Bear Pond), a basketball court, a baseball field, a tennis court, a badminton court, and, of course, a football field. As we drive down the long road that leads to the parking area, I gaze up at the lush green leaves and needles, knowing that they will soon be in a vibrant shade of yellow, orange and red.

Atticus Soehren practicing the dangerous crossing route.

After my dad parks his convertible next to the other cars, after I will my legs to begin moving again, the fun finally begins. My dad has an energetic, friendly group of friends that are constantly telling in-jokes and teasing one another. "Hey Christopher! This week will be all jump passes!" Thump. The energy is infectious and I find myself laughing at many of the jokes, even if I don’t always understand them. But now everyone is gradually heading down the rocky path to the football field. So after I inhale the crisp autumn air one last time and wedge my foot into the cleats that are too small for my growing feet; I head clack clack clack down to the field.
After crossing a bridge, the narrow path opens up to a huge field surrounded by the same trees that populated the campground up above, giving a great sense of seclusion. Here, you can forget all your worries and just relax and have fun. After I traverse the dewy grass, the game finally begins.

Cousin Clipping Cousin

Since we usually have an attendance of only about ten people, we have to play a slightly edited version of the classic game of football, but it still works. The field is also modified as the only markings it has is the first down line and the touchdown line. The games we play are always fun, but they never get too competitive as there is a lot of laughs and chatter between plays. The lack of hardcore competition is also good because that way, no matter the level of skill, everyone always gets the ball thrown to them at least once. That way, you can know for sure that you’ll get that exhilarating rush of energy that comes with catching the ball and sprinting down-field.

Classic tag -- could be a image for the Wikipedia entry
for "Touch Football (American)," which has no decent picture.

One of the cool things about the group at Camp Wigwam is that there really is a sense of family. Many of my dad’s friends bring their own children, which reminds me of when my cousin and I both started coming at the same age. I often do double-takes and get a little nostalgic when I hear one of the adults giving little mini-football lessons to the younger kids, as I had heard those exact same lessons when I was nine. “Okay, when I toss you the ball, I want you to really GRAB the ball, don’t just catch it, GRAB it.” “Now, make sure when you’re counting you aren’t crossing the line. Don’t worry too much because everyone’s done it....” These kids are actually really good, and can often be depended on to complete important plays, and can usually keep up with the fast pace of the game.
After our game, the whole group assembles on a couple of rickety old benches to pose for our traditional weekly picture. It’s really interesting to go through the picture albums and see the differences between years. Oh look, that was that year I had that stupid haircut! Oh! And that was the year I had those giant gaps between my teeth!

Had it been caught, might have garnered Square Toe honors
and avoided the sarcastic, ironic ramblings of Jay Burns.

After the picture one of the funniest traditions ensues. Every week, we give out something called “The Square Toe Award.” The Square Toe goes to the player with the best performance of the week, and is recorded via video camera. The award itself is called The Square Toe because it’s actually just a musty old tattered cleat that happens to have a (get ready for it) square toe. Once we’ve all had a good laugh, everyone piles back into their trucks, vans, and other assorted vehicles to head home.

The Participants

I always especially relish the homebound journey. There’s always the nice feeling of “Now that I’ve actually done some physical activity today, I can take the rest of the day off!” Usually I take the time during the hour and a half drive to get some good reading done, or take a nap. For me, naps never come easily, but when I’m in a car (or any other moving vehicle for that matter) all bets are off. Somewhere in my subconscious I’m reminded of the homework I have to get done, and the dastardly Monday that is appearing on my horizon. But for now I’m going to dive into the next chapter of The Hunger Games and let the heat of the autumn sun slowly lull me into sleep.

Mr. Cool

Each part of these Sunday mornings is integral to the entire Camp Wigwam experience, and without them all this day would not be nearly as treasured or coveted as it is today. As I’ve said before, Camp Wigwam has made me love autumn, and I think I’ve figured out why. Camp Wigwam has forced me to be thrust into the heart of this season, giving me no choice but to enjoy every aspect of this part of the year.
If Camp Wigwam was during summer, spring, or winter, I would have no doubt concerning whether that season was my favorite. But that’s just the power of this place. The fact that there is something as sentimentally powerful as Camp Wigwam in my life is a blessing, and I hope it remains that way for years to come.

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