KENNEBUNK — The Kennebunk High football team has had a ton of success over the past four years and a big part of that was the leadership and play of Dante DeLorenzo, Zack Sullivan and Tripp Bush.
The three standouts put in a ton of hard work during their time with the Rams — and it all paid off on Wednesday as the seniors signed to play football at the next level.
“It’s nice to see the three of them do it together,” said longtime Kennebunk coach Joe Rafferty. “I mean they’ve been buddies right from the get go. You’re talking back in kindergarten and first grade, they’ve been for years and years … to see that all culminate together on the same day is nice.”
DeLorenzo, who will be playing Division II football at the University of New Haven, was quick to praise Rafferty for helping him get to this point.
“He’s been a great influence on me for really the past eight or nine years since I’ve known him. He’s taught me to be humble, don’t showboat or anything, just be quiet and work hard,” said DeLorenzo of Rafferty.
Bush, who is heading to Division III Springfield College, echoed that sentiment.
“It’s just coach Raf really … he’s been here for a long time. He’s one of those iconic coaches in Maine and he just knows the game inside and out — it was a great honor playing for him,” Bush said.
Sullivan will continue his academic and athletic career at Division III Bridgewater State University, but the standout wide receiver will always remember playing in front of his hometown.
“The community is at everything. All the fans show up to everything, whether it’s football or basketball, whatever sport it is, they are always there supporting, so it’s a lot of fun,” said Sullivan, who will also remember all the good times competing with his friends at KHS. “A lot of memories with my friends, I mean that’s what makes sports so much fun is all the things you get to do with your friends. That’s been the best part of it for me.”
The three standouts were thrilled to share this important moment with one another.
“It means a lot. We’ve been friends our whole lives, playing football together and knowing that we’re all going to college to play football is a great feeling,” said Bush.
“It’s awesome. We all grew up together so it’s cool to sign next to each other and take that next step,” added Sullivan.
DeLorenzo, who was a semifinalist for the Fitzpatrick Trophy, believes he found the right place to call home for the next few years.
“I felt like it was the perfect fit all around. The coaches were really great and I could really picture myself there on the campus,” said DeLorenzo, who was also looking at Colby, Stonehill, Western New England and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Sullivan had the same feeling about his future home.
“Bridgewater just kind of made me feel like I fit in. The coaches really helped me through the process of recruiting and I just felt the most at home,” said Sullivan, who was also looking at Endicott.
Bush was looking at several colleges before he finally decided to follow in his parents’ footsteps and head to Springfield.
“I always knew Springfield was a great school, athletically and academically, but it was kind of holding me back because my parents went there, so I was (thinking) I want to try my own thing, but in the end it’s definitely the right fit for me,” said Bush.
The three standouts believe their time in the KHS football program has prepared them for the next level.
“It’s helped a ton,” said Bush of playing for the Rams. “I know (college football is) going to be a challenge going into it, but I’m ready to put in the hard work.”
“From all the out of season training, everything has paid off and gotten me to where I am,” added Sullivan.
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 780-9017. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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