Craig Stone has had many, many milestone moments in his 50 years serving the town of Lynnfield.
Be it as an elementary school teacher, as the high school’s girls tennis and wrestling teams’ coach, or as a tennis instructor teaching thousands of children how to play the game, Stone has left a lasting legacy in Lynnfield.
On Friday night at Spinelli’s, it was the town’s turn to express their gratitude and thanks to Stone at Serving Lynnfield’s Gala and Auction while, at the same time, raising money to fund a new tennis court complex at the high school.
“It was totally unbelievable, like a dream come true to see many people,” said Stone, who was joined by his wife his wife Patti, his son Michael and his wife Liz, and his daughter Jenna and her fiancé Steven. “I really didn’t know what to expect, but certainly did not expect that. It was magnificent. It was a great thing to bring all these people together. Everybody just wanted to reconnect. While I really appreciate the sentiment, you have no idea the impact it (the town of Lynnfield) has made on my life and how instrumental this town has been in my life.”
The room was jam-packed with former athletes who played for Stone, many of whom used the night to catch up and reminisce about their old high school days. All of them told the same story — that Stone treated them with respect, dignity and honor, which truly made an impact in their lives then and now.
John Armstrong, a member of the Class of 1978, said he learned about the importance of hard work, persistence and discipline from Stone.
“That first year the team didn’t win a match, but Coach Stone still insisted on being disciplined and not giving in,” Armstrong said. “I still remember the day when we got our first win as a team and when I got my first win. I’ll never forget it.”
Dave Kelleher, who graduated in 1983, said he came all the way from California to attend. Jill Brooks Daley, LHS Class of 1988, skipped her eighth grade daughter Mia’s hockey tournament in Dallas to attend, saying, “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Former School Superintendent Jane Tremblay said that while she could have recited a long list of statistics and records “that would blow you away,” the truth is that the night wasn’t “about the coaching, the years of teaching, or the leadership that Craig has provided for countless students and colleagues.”
“Tonight is about the person that Craig Stone is, this is actually about the lifelong relationships he has built through his role as coach, teacher, and leader,” Tremblay said. “Craig is living proof of the power of relationships… relationships that result in a positive and significant impact on another human being. That’s what tonight is about.”
State Rep. Bradley H. Jones, Jr. presented a pair of citations to Stone and a mock check in the amount of $50,000 that will be used toward the tennis complex. Jones said that Stone’s more than 1,200 victories are a testament to his “longevity and commitment and passion.”
“I suspect that the wins are nice, but I think he really appreciates the opportunity to work with young people and be a positive force in their lives,” Jones said.
The highlight of the evening was the live auction, which truly had something for everyone. The prizes included vacation trips to Orlando, St. Maarten, North Conway, and Vermont, as well as a tennis lesson package (you guessed it – from Stone), rides to school for kids in a police cruiser and fire truck, a one-hour skating lesson from Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan, and a tasting dinner for six at Guy Fieri’s Tequila Cocina with admission to a Big Night Live event.
There was also a surprise donation from Boston Bruins anthem singer Todd Angilly; he donated a personal appearance at the winner’s home or special event. It was purchased for $900 by Claire Manning.
The I is for Ice Cream create-your-own ice-cream flavor was also a hotly contested item before Serving Lynnfield Committee Co-Chair Ellen Crawford scooped all bidders at $2,000. Donated by Lynnfield’s own Mike Schifino, owner of award-winning Holy Cow in Peabody, the winner will receive 30 pints of ice cream packed in containers with a custom name and label.
Boys tennis coach Joe Dunn, Sr. said he was totally overwhelmed with the support for Stone. He said he couldn’t believe the amount of money that was raised by the live auction, and said his favorite part of the evening was Angilly’s performance of the national anthem.
“What an unbelievable voice he has,” said Dunn. “I think we’ve all heard him on television singing at Bruins’ games, but to be able to be sitting just 30 feet away from him and hear it live was just unbelievable.”
The most spirited bidding came on the final item of the night — a four-course dinner for eight and gnocchi cooking class at Davio’s donated by owner Steve DiFillippo, who said he will personally teach the class with his corporate chef, Rodney Murillo. Tom Kayola won it for $5,000. Like most of the other attendees, DiFillippo was also coached by Stone.
“Craig taught me how to play tennis when I was 11 and I also went to his tennis camp when I was 14 in New Hampshire,” DiFillippo said. “I was also on one of his wrestling teams. He was such an inspiration to me. My two nieces were on his tennis team as well. He is an amazing and giving person. Lynnfield is blessed to have him.”
“The auction was unbelievable, such an outpouring of enthusiasm. It was mind blowing,” said Stone.
All told, the auction raised approximately $35,000 according to Serving Lynnfield Co-Chair Christina Hayman.
“Every once in a while the stars align and very special things happen,” said Crawford. “That is what happened in 1972 when Craig Stone became a physical education teacher in our school system.”
Stone said he is often asked how he’s managed to stay in this profession so long.
“I have always had lots of energy (hyperactive), have had good health, but most importantly, have had the support of my family,” Stone said.
Stone said no one team or victory stands above the others.
“What I carry with me, whether I am teaching or coaching, is the feeling I get whenever I see that I have helped to provide a positive experience for someone,” Stone said. “For me, that is all the success I need.”
“Saying thanks this evening just does not seem enough,” he added. “But, let me end by saying I am thankful for having the opportunity to play a part in your lives, but leave here this evening knowing that you have played a bigger part in my life!”
