PHILOMATH, Ore. -- People in "Bossman" and "Boss Mania" T-shirts packed the Philomath High School gym to seek autographs and pay tribute to hometown hero Kevin Boss, a Philomath High and Western Oregon University graduate who helped the underdog New York Giants win the Super Bowl in his rookie season.

Two of his former high school basketball coaches, Dave Garvin and C.A. Rath, praised Boss's work ethic Sunday afternoon.

"He was lucky, but a lot of preparation went into it and a lot of hard work," said Garvin. "To be honest I don't think anyone would have believed he would become a professional football player. But his character and work ethic are second to none," he added.

"The thing that I am most impressed with is the kind of person he is, a great role model and ambassador for our community," said Rath.

Boss started for the Giants in the Super Bowl in his rookie season because of injuries to veterans. His spectacular 45-yard catch helped set up the Giants' first touchdown. New York went on to beat the previously undefeated New England Patriots 17-14 for the title.

Although the event Sunday was mostly a homecoming celebration for Boss, others showed up as well.

Charles Kwartler, 85, has regularly attended Giants games since 1937 and has been a season ticket holder since the 1950s.

Kwartler and his son Ken drove down from the Portland area for the event. They've had their eye on Boss since he entered training camp.

"On behalf of Giants fans around the world, we are amazingly indebted to Kevin," said Kwartler.

When Boss finally got a chance to speak he got a standing ovation. "I'm real grateful for this opportunity to be here and thank all of you," he said. He emphasized that the support the community has given him over the years means more to him "than many of you will ever know."

He thanked those who had contacted him by e-mail, letters and phone calls during his first NFL season.

"They always seemed to find me at the right time and always picked me up and helped me get through the hard times," he said. "I'm so proud to be from a town like this, that really taught me the importance of commitment and hard work."