Norwood School Committee Approves New Girls High School Hockey Program in Tie Breaking Vote – November 13, 1975

Chairman William F. Egan Breaks Deadlock to Fund Equipment and Ice Time Despite Concerns Over Opposing Teams and Poor Planning

NORWOOD – Female student athletes at Norwood High School will take to the ice this winter following a contentious school committee vote that established a new girls’ hockey program. School Committee Chairman William F. Egan cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the initiative during a heated board meeting, overriding opposition from members who criticized the timeline as poorly planned.

The debate centered on logistical hurdles outlined by Athletic Director Arthur M. Gulla, who reported that statewide inquiries revealed only one other community, Watertown, actively planning a girls’ hockey team, with Concord-Carlisle also weighing the option. Despite the lack of established opponents for an interscholastic schedule, a motion by member Henry W. Diggs to rent 30 hours of ice time and purchase equipment for 20 players—totaling approximately $3,500—carried with Egan’s decisive support. Superintendent Philip O. Coakley suggested that if outside competition failed to materialize, the squad could revert to in-house games.

Debate Over State Equity Mandates, Costs, and Informal Coaching History

The proposal sparked sharp division among committee members regarding readiness and financial impact:

• Proponents of the Program: Mrs. Rudith M. Berkowitz argued vehemently for immediate adoption, citing state laws mandating equal athletic offerings where demand exists and demanding that female athletes receive equal recognition letters and jackets from the Norwood Boosters Club. Joseph M. Pentowski and Henry W. Diggs joined Berkowitz in supporting the immediate purchase of gear and ice rental. Teacher Robert Clifford, who coached informal girls’ hockey in Norwood for four years, noted that approximately 100 girls turned out previously, though many dropped out due to equipment costs. Clifford urged formal school backing to sustain the sport.
• Opponents and Critics: Members William J. Travers, Richard Kief, and Richard Joseph voted against the measure. Kief predicted soaring costs for coaching and equipment, warning against rushing into a program without a solid structure. Joseph raised legal liability questions regarding playing non-school town teams, while advocating for a delayed start in January.

Athletic Director Gulla was instructed to explore further competitive opportunities during a meeting with regional athletic directors in Marlboro, reporting back to the committee with scheduling updates.

(Pictured, first NHS Girls Hockey Team, 1976-77, TIOT)

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger