Acton Boxborough Colonial Club
Joe Harrington
Acton-Boxboro takes great pride in their all-around student athletes. There may be no better example than Joe Harrington. The eldest of nine brothers and sisters from the famed Harrington clan that graced the fields and courts of Acton-Boxboro. Joe made his mark early on as a varsity starter his sophomore year in football and basketball. Not only was Joe one of the fiercest competitors to don the Blue and Gold, his field and court savvy rallied his teammates with his leadership abilities. Joe is the all-time leader in touchdown passes and yards gained. His aerial performances to brother Kevin and Danny Clerico complimented AB's renowned ground attack. When Joe took to the court, the face behind the mask took on a sinister glaze and nothing short of victory could transform it.
His 35 point, 25 rebound effort against Malden Catholic his senior year has not been accomplished since. He was awarded the MVP trophy in the Lowell Sun Football All-Star Game in 1974. Joe carried his academic and athletic prowess to UMASS Amherst where he was recruited as a scholarship quarterback for Coach Dick McPherson. As tribute to persistence and hard nosed attitude, a rotator cuff injury ended his passing career, yet he made the transition and started as a free safety for UMASS's stingy defense that went deep into the Division 1AA playoffs. Testimony to his all around persona, Joe was awarded The Oswald Behrend Senior Award at UMASS for athletic and academic excellence. Joe resides in Shrewsbury with his wife Jane and four sons - Tim, Chris, Matthew and Kenny, where he is Vice President of the Garshman Co. Ltd.