Norwood’s Art Gulla Stepping Down After Two Decades‑This Day In Norwood History‑May 28, 1971

The end of a gridiron era. In the spring of 1971, Art Gulla announced his resignation as head football coach of the Norwood Mustangs after nine seasons at the helm and nearly two decades in the program. A former 1949 Mustang star running back himself, Gulla left a lasting legacy as only the third head coach in Norwood High history.

Fiberglass Shield Gives Norwood, Martin Big Lift-March 1, 1971

In March 1971, the Norwood High hockey team’s postseason hopes faced a major hurdle when star center Mike Martin was sidelined. Enter local legend Ernie Higgins—the renowned plumber-turned-mask-maker for NHL greats like Gerry Cheevers. By crafting a custom fiberglass shield, Higgins provided the "big lift" Martin needed to return to the ice just in time for the Eastern Mass. Hockey Tournament, cementing another unique chapter in Norwood’s storied sports history.