The Lady Rangers volleyball team honored the late Methuen/Tewksbury Red Ranger head coach, Dave O’Hearn, with their annual “Dig Purple” game, supporting pancreatic cancer research. The event, held at Klimas Fieldhouse, served as both the team’s MVC season opener against Tewksbury and a meaningful tribute to a coach who left a lasting impact on both communities.
The evening featured raffle baskets, a bake sale, and custom shirts, with proceeds donated to pancan.org. Players from both Methuen and Tewksbury wore purple bows in a show of unity. The gym was filled with supporters dressed in purple to celebrate Coach O’Hearn’s life and legacy.
Mrs. Tatro, head of Methuen High School’s guidance department and Coach O’Hearn’s former supervisor, opened the night with a moving performance of the national anthem. Methuen went on to defeat Tewksbury 3–0, but the true highlight of the night was the outpouring of community support and remembrance.
Coach O’Hearn, who also led the Methuen/Tewksbury girls’ hockey co-op, inspired athletes through his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Even while undergoing chemotherapy and surgeries, he continued to coach, demonstrating resilience and dedication that motivated his team to reach the Division 1 Girls Hockey Final Four.
For many players, the night was deeply personal. Student-athlete Ella Duffy shared how Coach O’Hearn’s fight continues to inspire her on and off the court. Wearing a bracelet made from purple hockey lace and a small purple plush heart given to the team after his passing, Duffy explained how these tokens keep his memory close. “The plush heart is now my reset button,” she shared. “Whenever I get stressed on the court, I press it to wipe away the last play and focus on the next.”
Former hockey teammates also joined in the tribute, making the night a true celebration of Coach O’Hearn’s life, legacy, and the community he helped shape.
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