May 25th, 2024 – Written by: Javen Sears, Dolphins Foundation VP
Javen Sears/South Burlington Dolphins
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – Every year on Memorial Day weekend in South Burlington, a heartfelt tradition unfolds to honor Mark Evnin. Players of the South Burlington Dolphins youth football program gather to remember past teammates and coaches who have passed away by maintaining the cherished P.R.I.D.E Rock.
The rock is not only a memorial but also symbolizes the values instilled by Coach Rene LaBerge and Dick Belisle, who has devoted 58 consecutive years to coaching youth football in South Burlington. P.R.I.D.E stands for Personal Responsibility for Individual Daily Effort, reflecting the core principles of the Dolphins.
This year, three recent Dolphins players—Jay’Min Lyman-Cobbs, Samuel DeSanctis, and Chase Murray—were joined by Dolphins coaches and alumni, including former World and Olympic Racquetball Champion Todd O’Neil and Isaac Girouard, who holds the record for most fumble recoveries in a Dolphins game. Alongside coaches Brian Belisle and Javen Sears, they tended to the P.R.I.D.E Rock. This tradition, in recognition of Cpl. Mark Evnin—a Marine who died in Iraq after graduating from South Burlington High School—ensures the continuation of honoring the legacy and memories of their departed teammates.
For inquiries about Dolphins football and their upcoming free summer clinics for athletic training, visit sbdolphins.com.
