Cousins Scott Vasconcelos, Peter Silvia and Theresa Gomes grew up together in Wareham as though they were siblings.

Each played multiple sports during their time at Wareham High School, and their Aunt Madeline Silvia coached the cheer squad for nearly 32 years. Forever each other’s biggest fans, the three said they would often watch one another during practices and games. 

According to former Wareham High School coach Sue Tabor, the family’s blood was Viking blue, and on Nov. 23, all four were honored as inductees of the Wareham High School Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2018. 

The Friday night induction ceremony honored a total of six individuals as well as Wareham’s 1948 football team, which had a record of 8-1-0. 

Organized by the Wareham High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, the annual event is designed to put a spotlight on academics and athletics. Inductees present represented every decade from the 1950s to the 2000s.

“We’ve always been a very sports oriented family,” said a tearful Peter Silvia. “And family means everything to me. I don’t think I can put into words how amazing it is that all of us are receiving this award tonight.”

Silvia, who graduated in 1984, played football for Wareham as a running back. He later found his niche on Wareham’s track team. In 1983, he was named the All State Champion in the long jump by the Boston Globe.

Vasconcelos, who graduated alongside his cousin 1984, played football and basketball. He was considered an All Star in both sports.

Gomes, who graduated in 1993, played field hockey, basketball and softball during her time at Wareham High School. She went onto become captain of all three teams during her senior year. She was also a member of the national honor society and the only female athlete to be inducted in 2018.

Other inductees included Brian Atwood and Shayne King.

King played basketball, football and baseball for Wareham in the 1990s. A starting pitcher, he was also the Viking’s number one wide receiver. 

Atwood graduated in 1960 and played football, basketball, track and baseball. He received training camp invitations from both the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills after graduation, but ultimately decided to begin his government career instead.

“I’ve always cherished the atmosphere surrounding sports in Wareham,” Atwood said. “There’s a richness in this town you can’t find anywhere else.”

To see Wareham’s inductees from 2017, click here.