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Sports
The belief of "sound body/sound mind" always
permeated Greek society.
Earlier this century, clubs such as the Marathon Athletic Club sponsored
events.
Greek-Americans challenged other city teams. Rivalries grew in semi-pro
football
in the 1930s and 40s as Acre Greek Blackhawks played the Shamrocks and
Walker Warriors (Acre Irish) and the Lions (Centralville Polish). The
games helped
override latent prejudices, earned respect
for the players, and led to new friendships.
The skills acquired on Lowell’s playing
fields led Greek men and women to succeed
in high school, college and professional
sports
.
James "Chief’ Scondras was an outstanding athlete at Lowell
High School and Holy Cross College. He
was killed in action in Iwo Jima and awarded the Silver Star, posthumously,
photo early 1940’s.
Peter Hantzis, a Northeastern
University multi-sports star was New
England Division I batting champion,
with a batting average of .398, 1973.
The Pan Hellenic Soccer Team was Massachusetts State Champion in 1961
Margaret Demogenes ("the unpredictable demon") was aNew England
ranked tennis-professional in the 1950’s
and 60’s.
"
Blackhawks," win Lowell’s semi-pro Football
Championship . George Skianes,
shown to the right, was "mascot" of the Acre
Blackhawks. (Courtesy Lowell Sun ) 1941
Jimmy "Kelley" Kalogeropoulos with manager George Brustas.
Kelley won
the N.E. Featherweight title in 1955
Charles Kirkiles (fourth from left) was a superb track and
field star at Lowell High School and Tufts University.
photo 1941.
