Sportscaster Mike Lynch to Emcee Nov. 26th Event — Open to the Watertown Community
The following announcement was provided by the organizers of the testimonial dinner:
Watertown High School alums and community members announced plans for a testimonial dinner in honor of former football coach John Barbati. The event, hosted by renowned Boston sportscaster Mike Lynch, takes-place on Tuesday, November 26 at the Watertown Sons of Italy.
A member of Massachusetts High School Football Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame and the WHS Hall of Fame, Barbati was Watertown’s head football coach from 1969 until 1992, retiring with a winning percentage of .595 and four championships (1973, 1976, 1977 and 1983) in the hyper-competitive Middlesex League.
Former players of the program have joined together to stage an event that honors Coach Barbati tireless efforts in support of his players on and off the field for 24 years.
“Even though it’s been a long time since we played for Coach Barbati, we haven’t forgotten the commitment he made to make us better players and better people,” said Orazio Lattanzi, class of 1976, who went on to play at Harvard. “By challenging us every day to improve on and off the field, Coach built a culture that instilled pride in one another and our community.”
Graduates from numerous classes joined forces to organize the testimonial dinner.
“Sometimes life moves so fast, we don’t take time to celebrate those who’ve been so dear to us, like Coach Barbati,” said Warren Tolman, a member of Watertown High’s only undefeated football team and from the class of 1978. “We wanted to join forces and really celebrate this wonderful teacher and coach who brought so much good into our lives.”
The event is open to the Watertown community with dinner included with the $50 admission ticket. Tickets are available through Eventbright.
DATE: Tuesday, November 26th from 6:00-9:30 p.m. at The Sons of Italy, Watertown, MA
RSVP: To view the evite and buy tickets and RSVP, and save to your calendar, please click here.
For more information email wetolman@gmail.com
A wonderful opportunity to honor an incredible man.
I attended “Watertown High School” from 1980/1982. I have very fond memories of Coach Barbati, unfortunately I will not be able to attend this event because I live in New York. However, I would like to get in touch with Coach Barbatti either by e-mail or facebook. If you supply me with this information I will be very garatefu. Sincerely, Armine Grigorian
Was he also teacher at Everett High school in early 60s?
I’m so glad I attended. The guest speakers did a fantastic job. It was poignant and entertaining. At times it was emotional. A great reunion for everyone.
Rick Iodice ’81