Pop Warner Celebrates 50 Years of 'Wildcat Football Pride'

Wilmington Pop Warner holds a fundraising event on Friday at 8 p.m. at the Wilmington Knights of Columbus.

Kick off for the Wilmington Pop Warner season is still a few months away. But the kick off of a season of festivities is right around the corner. A Friday night event marks the first of multiple celebrations of the 50th anniversary season of Wilmington Pop Warner, with event organizers hoping to pack Knights of Columbus Hall for the fundraiser. “Wilmington Pop Warner has a longstanding tradition in the town,” said board member Christine MacKenzie. “This is a celebration of 50 years of giving kids a sport to play that they love. This basically marks 50 years of Wildcat football pride.” Musician Jim Plunkett headlines the event, which will also include several 50-50 raffles. Doors open at 8 p.m., and organizers are hoping to sell out tickets…

•  4 Comments
• Photos (1)

Mark Nelson

6:30 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013

Great Laura, like and friend the link above and send pix and facts. Excellent info. I am looking for photos ofthe blue and gold uniforms.   more ›

Wilmington Pop Warner Football Team, Cheerleaders Honored

Squads recognized by Selectmen for outstanding performance during 2012 season.

The Wilmington Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading program put together another outstanding season in 2012 and earlier this week they were honored by the town. At the Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday, Feb. 11, the Wilmington "C" Division football team was honored for posting an unbeaten record and winning the Eastern Mass. Super Bowl championship. In doing so, they became the first Wilmington team to win an EMass crown in a decade. In addition, the "A" and "B" Division Cheerleaders were honored for qualifying for the National Pop Warner Cheerleading Championships in Florida. Members of the "A" Division Cheerleading team were: Christina Amato, Erin Campbell, Jenna Davey, Samantha DiChiara, Ashley Diecidue, Jennifer Dovideo, Marisa …

•  6 Comments
• Photos (4)

Dylan Maltais

10:15 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013

Ah, but how do you know she ever was one? ;)   more ›

A Slice of Wilmington

Pop Warner Season Was Stellar at All Levels

From cheerleaders to the teams on the gridiron, it was a successful campaign in many ways.

When the Pop Warner season officially began on August 1, everyone involved had high hopes that it was going to be a terrific one. Today, almost four months later, it’s clear that those expectations were right on track. Players, cheerleaders, families, coaches and board members all enjoyed an incredible season with plenty to be happy about. “This has been, by far, the most successful season we have had in a decade,” Pop Warner president Deb Smith said. Of course, the cheer season is still in full gear and two teams, the B team (junior midget) and A team (midget) are heading to Florida next week to compete in the Pop Warner Cheer and Dance Championships taking place at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex. Already the Regional Champions, the…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (5)

A Slice of Wilmington

Mysterious Donor Installs Wildcat Logo at Town Field

The new "W" can be seen at the Glen Road fields and exemplifies what is special about Wilmington.

For as long as any of us can remember Wilmington has always had a certain sense of pride. Wilmington residents are well known for taking pride in the community, caring for our neighbors and, of course, supporting thier Wildcat teams. Youth sports are a huge part of the culture here in Wilmington and we, as fans, have been known to support our teams very seriously. Recently, a new addition to the Wildcat pride collection appeared here in town.  All you have to do is take a quick trip to the Town Hall, glance over to the field and look up and this new landmark is hard to miss. Perched high atop the “Snack Shack” building is a brand new, giant Wilmington Wildcat “W.” The Glen Road field is home to the Wilmington Pop Warner Program and the …

• Photos (3)

Pop Warner C Team Earns Season Opening Shutout Win

The squad, made up primarily of players from last year's undefeated team, toppled Winchester 20-0 on Sunday.

Editor's Note: The following information was provided by Frank Irizarry of Wilmington Wildcats Pop Warner. The Wilmington Wildcats Pop Warner C team opened the 2012 season on Sunday with a 20-0 victory over the Winchester Sachems.   The Wildcat defense was stifling against a physical Winchester squad and the offensive line was dominant in helping the Wildcat rushing attack run for 178 yards and three touchdowns in the game.  The C team is comprised primarily of players from last year’s undefeated Middlesex League Champion D team and this team picked up where last year’s squad left off.   The Wildcats won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball. After a long kick return that took the Wildcats into Winchester territory, Wilmington had …

• Photos (2)

A Slice of Wilmington

Wilmington Pop Warner Prepares for Upcoming Season

The local football organization has a host of activities coming up this fall.

For Wilmington Pop Warner participants and their families all around town, August 1 has a lot of different meanings. Yes, it marks the last month of the New England summer, the final weeks of school vacation and even back to school shopping. Most important, however, is that August 1 means the start of the Pop Warner season. For players, cheerleaders and their families, August 1 really is the start of the most exciting season of all and this year is no exception. Teams have been gathering at the Glen Road Field and, as usual, giving each and every practice their best. Practice is, of course, the mainstay for both cheerleaders and players at the field but, behind the scenes, Pop Warner is making plans for a host of additional events to get …

• Photos (3)

A Slice of Wilmington

New Rules Reinforce Wilmington Pop Warner's Approach

Safety guidelines put into place serve as a "re-education" for local coaches.

Last week National Pop Warner announced new rules geared towards helping kids stay safe on the field.    The rules, which become official as of the 2012 season, make Pop Warner the first youth football organization to limit contact during practices. According to the Pop Warner website, “are a result of the advice of our Medical Advisory Board and the direct input of Pop Warner regional and local administrators and coaches.” Effective immediately the rules are as follows: In addition there are new blocking and tackling guidelines also: The new rules, which were created to help curb the growing problem of concussions, will require changes to traditional practices and, in many cases, reeducation for local coaches. For Wilmington Pop Warner, …

• Photos (1)

A Slice of Wilmington

Wilmington Dominates Jamfest Thrill Jam

Local cheerleaders gave a glimpse of what makes the town's program great in April competition.

It’s no secret that Wilmington Pop Warner’s cheer program has been successful in recent years. As a matter of fact, Wilmington cheerleaders have been consistently making it to, and placing well, at national championships since 1999.  For two year’s in a row Wilmington’s “A’ team cheerleaders have returned from National Pop Warner Cheer and Dance Championships at ESPN's Wide World of Sports with a first place title. They also boast back to back first place wins in 2005 and 20006 along with second place titles in 2008 and 2009.  As Pop Warner president Deb Smith has said in the past, “Hard work and dedication make these girls successful.”  So, with so many titles in recent years what, exactly, does the future of Wilmington Cheerleading look …

• Photos (8)
• Videos (1)

A Slice of Wilmington

Wilmington Cheerleaders Do It Again

"A" team wins national championship.

It’s no secret that Wilmington’s Pop Warner Cheer Program has had its share of success over the years.  Having sent their teams to nationals every year since 1999, Wilmington is well known for consistent, talented cheer teams. The “A” level team alone boasts two No. 1 wins, 2005 and 2006 along with two second place titles, 2008 and 2009. This year, once again, Wilmington’s cheerleaders returned from the National Pop Warner Cheer and Dance Championships at ESPN's Wide World of Sports with a first place title. Officially, they are the the reigning champs of National Competition. So, what made this group of girls so successful? Well, the answer is a lot simpler that you think.  “Hard work and dedication make these girls successful,” said Pop …

• Photos (1)

Pop Warner Falls Just Short of Eastern Mass. Crown

D1 team loses to West Lynn, 19-0, to end successful campaign.

Head coach Gerry Sullivan's halftime speech during the Pop Warner Eastern Massachusetts Championship game ended with a question. "Are you guys having fun out there?" At the end of Wednesday's game there weren't too many smiles on the faces of Wilmington players, but it was still a wildly successful campaign for the local D1 team made up of 11- and 12-year-olds. Wilmington fell, 19-0, to West Lynn under the lights of Alumni Stadium as the Wildcats settled for a second place trophy. Still, it was the team's only loss of the year and players learned valuable lessons throughout. Sullivan said he strived to find a balance throughout the year, seeking to find a middle ground between the fun of youth sports and the competitive streak needed as …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (6)
• Videos (1)