Football is one of those sports that are all about camaraderie and togetherness, and for one family, it is fond memories of Friday night lights, playing with your buddies and playing the game you love.
The Bulgrin family has three generations of Coventry Comets who have endured losing seasons as seniors, all with new coaches, but when it all came down to it, they enjoyed being out on the field with their teammates and friends and playing for the school and the community they grew up in their whole lives.
For former running back/linebacker Dave Bulgrin (Class of ’54), he endured a 3-7 season, but were winless in their first seven games, but he injured his foot and did not play the final three games, which were all wins, but was glad to be a Comet.
“I was part of a winless team, and then when I got injured, they won, so I don’t know what happened in those last three games, but it was great being out there with my friends,” he said.
For his son Mark, (Class of ’77) he too enjoyed the camaraderie of the football team and was just happy to be out there under the lights. As a defensive back, he and the rest of his defense, including his mates in the secondary said that even though they were 0-10, they still had a lot to be proud of.
“Since a lot of us still stayed in Coventry, we still joke around to this day saying that we were the best 0-10 team out there because we didn’t get blown out, we kept ourselves in it and kept the score close.”
Mark said that even though it was serious business between the lines, it was still all about having fun. “It’s still a kid’s game, and after this, you’ll have memories that will always stay with you.”
The last member of the Coventry Comet family that just got done playing his final season for the Blue and Gold is Mark’s son David, whose team went from a spread attack to a Power- I formation in coach Neal Kopp’s first season had their difficulties going 0-10.
David said despite the record he had fun being with his teammates, many of whom he played with since middle school.
“I had fun this year and that’s all that matters.”
Right now David is currently in wrestling season, and wrapping up his senior year.
His focus after school isn’t playing sports, but says he will always treasure his memories of playing ball for the Comets and having a good senior year.
For the Bulgrins, it wasn’t about wins and losses, new coaching schemes or individual glory, it was all about playing ball and enjoying their senior year.
“We’re a sports family and our fond memory of playing football at Coventry is what keeps our family-entertained at the dinner table,” Mark said.
“I’m proud of my son and grandson, and there is uniqueness with our family and how all three generations of Bulgrins all played for the Comets,” Dave said.
