Class of 1981
Simply put, Donny Day was one of the finest football players to ever step on an AB football field. This legendary lineman steam rolled and raised havoc with AB's foes for three straight seasons as a varsity player. A gentleman off the field, Donny was anything but gentle on it. His nick-name "D-Day" aptly describes the invasions he administered to the opposition's heart and soul.
#74, a Tri-Captain, was a two-time DCL All-star, a two-time Lowell Sun Football All-star, a Shriners All-star, AB Lineman of the Year in 1979 and 1980 and was tabbed All-American High School Athlete his senior year. Offensive linemen receive no stats. Pancake blocks aren't registered in news stories. Six yard holes aren't noticed by novices. Donny Day paved the way for McLean, Sawyer, Moscone, Hickman and Smith.
There is a misconception about football linemen not being athletes. Don Day was an outstanding all-around athlete, quick-of-foot, with gifted hand-eye coordination, he was one of the athetes who changed that misguided perception. His soft left hooks and fierce rebounding skills served him well on Hall of Fame Coach Rich MacLeod's hoop team. He could hit a baseball and his quickness made him an instant success in track and field.
Upon graduation, Don attended the Univesity of Massachusetts - Amherst on a full football scholarship. While playing for the Minutemen, Don Day was a three-year varsity starter as an offensive tackle and long snapper. He garnered two Second Team Yankee Conference All-star births and was Honorable Mention his senior year. Donny played semi-pro football for both the Hyde Park Cowboys and the Marlboro Shamrocks earning Eastern Football League Defensive Lineman MVP in 1986.
Don resides in Westfield with his wife Cathy, son Brendan and daughter Ashley. Don is giving back to his community as a Westfield youth football coach and a recreational and public safety scuba diving instructor. He is a 20-year veteran police officer with the Southwick Police Department, four times being recognized for service "above and beyond" the call of duty. Donny Day is still paving the way.
