Category: Hockomock League

Taunton Names Dowdye As New Athletic Director

Rapheal Dowdye

Taunton Public Schools announced that Rapheal Dowdye will be the new director starting with the 2024-2015 school year. Dowdye takes over for Mark Ottavianelli, who is retiring at the end of this school year after a 22-year career with the Tigers. Below is a release from Taunton Public Schools.

TAUNTON—Superintendent John J. Cabral is pleased to announce that Rapheal Dowdye will be the new Athletic Director for the 2024-2025 school year. Dowdye has over 15 years of experience managing athletic programs, coaching, and leading teams. He is dedicated to helping students succeed and stay involved in the community.

Dowdye is currently an assistant principal at Parker Middle School, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a dedication to enhancing the educational environment. His focus on a positive school climate and culture and innovative approach to discipline led to a 70% reduction in student suspensions and increased student-athlete participation and performance.

Dowdye has a strong background in athletics, including significant contributions to the football programs at the University of Rhode Island, Brown University, Northeastern University, and several colleges in the South. As the recruiting coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Rhode Island, he implemented practice and game-planning strategies, helped players improve their skills, and managed the recruiting budget and expenditures. He also collaborated with all NFL teams to create comprehensive portfolios for potential NFL Prospects. During his tenure at URI, He coached several players who turned pro.

At Northeastern University, Dowdye was the assistant head football coach. He managed budgets up to $5.5 million and supervised staff on various levels. His leadership and strategic planning were key in creating successful defensive game plans.

“We are excited to welcome Rapheal into this new position,” said Superintendent Cabral. “His experience in both educational leadership and athletic program management makes him uniquely qualified to lead our athletic department. We believe he will continue Taunton’s tradition of athletic excellence.”

Before joining Parker Middle School as assistant principal, he was the dean of students at City on a Hill Charter Public School in New Bedford, where he improved daily operations and curriculum design. His coaching career started at Bethany College, where he helped the team achieve top rankings in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be joining the Taunton Athletic community. The opportunity to be surrounded by so many extraordinary people and help shape future leaders is truly a life-changing opportunity,” said Dowdye. “I am thankful to Mr. Cabral, the School Committee, and the entire search committee for placing their trust in me to lead Taunton Athletics into the future.”

Dowdye has a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Economics from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He is also certified in diversity and inclusion by Cornell University.

In addition to his professional work, Dowdye is active in community service. He has been involved in youth football programs, mentoring, and charitable events.

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Hockomock League Honors 2024 Scholar Athletes

Hockomock League Scholar Athletes

Below is a release from the Hockomock League regarding the 2024 Scholar-Athletes. These 24 student-athletes were honored at the annual league banquet on Thursday, May 2nd at Lake Pearl.

The Hockomock League Principals and Athletic Directors are pleased to announce the 34th Annual Hockomock League Scholar Athlete Awards. The twenty-four athletes that are being honored have been selected by the Administration of their respective schools and represent the top student athletes in the Hockomock League based on academics, athletic participation, sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship. They have all successfully balanced a demanding academic schedule along with participation in athletics as well as many extra-curricular activities during their high school career. To be selected for this award represents four years of dedication and commitment, and we are proud of all their accomplishments. We hope that these student-athletes will put all of their experiences over the past four years to good use and that those experiences will help guide them through the challenges ahead. We congratulate the parents and guardians for your contributions and guidance as you have enabled your child to reach this level of excellence. We are certain that the foundation you have given them will carry them through future endeavors.

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Meredith Bosh and Jacob Blazek
ATTLEBORO: Meredith Bosh and Jacob Blazek

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Mercia Kolokithas and Dominic Gray
CANTON: Mercia Kolokithas and Dominic Gray

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Valerie Beigel and Ryan Flaherty
FOXBORO: Valerie Beigel and Ryan Flaherty

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Liz Hopkins and Andrew O’Neill
FRANKLIN: Liz Hopkins and Andrew O’Neill

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Hannah Doherty and Ryan Taylor
KING PHILIP: Hannah Doherty and Ryan Taylor

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Emma Redding and Sirius Li
MANSFIELD: Emma Redding and Sirius Li

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Sarah Wengal and Liam Blackwell
MILFORD: Sarah Wengal and Liam Blackwell

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Vivian Racine and Zach Corsetti
NORTH ATTLEBORO: Vivian Racine and Zach Corsetti

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Katie Sobieraj and Matt Lawson
OLIVER AMES: Katie Sobieraj and Matt Lawson

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Madeline Hu and David Bondar
SHARON: Madeline Hu and David Bondar

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Aleksandra Lada and Aadil Khond
STOUGHTON: Aleksandra Lada and Aadil Khond

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes Jenna Pereira and Ethan Harris
TAUNTON: Jenna Pereira and Ethan Harris

2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes The Hockomock League Principals and Athletic Directors are pleased to announce the 34th Annual Hockomock League Scholar Athlete Awards. The twenty-four athletes that are being honored have been selected by the Administration of their respective schools and represent the top student athletes in the Hockomock League based on academics, athletic participation, sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship. They have all successfully balanced a demanding academic schedule along with participation in athletics as well as many extra-curricular activities during their high school career. To be selected for this award represents four years of dedication and commitment, and we are proud of all their accomplishments. We hope that these student-athletes will put all of their experiences over the past four years to good use and that those experiences will help guide them through the challenges ahead. We congratulate the parents and guardians for your contributions and guidance as you have enabled your child to reach this level of excellence. We are certain that the foundation you have given them will carry them through future endeavors. 2024 Hockomock League Scholar Athletes

National Athletic Training Month (March): Hock Edition

Hockomock athletic trainers

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is a guest post from Canton Athletic Trainer Kristen Aguiar, who is currently serving as Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts Secondary Schools Committee Chair. National Athletic Training Month (NATM) is held every March in order to spread awareness about the important work of athletic trainers.

The Hockomock League leads the way in many aspects of athletics across the state of Massachusetts, and Athletic Training is of course one of them. There are currently 13 ATs across the 12 schools and we want to take this opportunity to highlight all of them and the amazing sports health care they provide to all of our athletes. March was National Athletic Training Month, so we are taking this opportunity to introduce ourselves to you, and educate you on what we can and do provide across the league.

Athletic Trainers are nationally certified through the BOC (Board of Certification) after completing an approved collegiate program. Many of us were in the Bachelor of Science model, but the profession has moved to a Master’s program model. We are required to also be licensed in the State of Massachusetts through the Department of Public Health. ATs are required to recertify every 2 years after completing 50 continuing education hours, as well as maintaining our ethical requirements and CPR/First Aid certification.

Athletic Trainers are highly educated healthcare professionals specifically trained in the prevention, examination, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and treatment of medical conditions, emergent and chronic injuries. We are recognized by the American Medical Association, the Health Resources Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services. In the State of Massachusetts, we are governed by the Department of Public Health, previously governed by the Board of Allied Health.

Within the Hockomock League, the ATs meet seasonally to discuss any current issues and update each other on current issues within their respective districts. We communicate on injuries as they happen so there is great continuity of care and no athlete is lost in the system. We share Emergency Action Plans, Concussion Care plans, and alert each other to potential high-risk situations in order to provide the best care possible to all of our athletes.

On a daily basis, the Hock ATs provide a wide variety of care. We work under the guidance of an MD who writes our standing orders. We can provide evaluations, treatments, rehab programs, and concussion care as well as creating emergency action plans and giving our coaching staff the best information to help our athletes succeed. Within the high school care system we are bound by both HIPPA and FERPA to protect the privacy of our athletes. ATs try to work closely with the entire care team for their athletes, MD, PA, NP, DO, PT, and others so that the continuity of care is maintained and the success of the athlete remains the primary goal. However, due to our licensure within the state, we can only accept clearance notes from MD. PA, DO, and NPs (under MD supervision) Thus for an athlete with a long-term injury we may ask for a note from the previously stated care team stating that the PT treating them on a more regular basis can clear the athlete when they are ready to return to sport.

Aaron Wolfe – Attleboro
Colorado Mesa University, BA Athletic Training and BA Exercise Science 2000
Aaron joined the Hock in the fall of 2023. Previously he spent 2 years at a high school in Tennessee, 2 years at a high school in Minnesota, 10 years as a Physician extender supporting 9 Orthopedic specialists, 6 years with Arthrex teaching surgeons medical device implant surgical procedures and total joint replacement, and 2 years with ATI Physical Therapy as CEIS for National Grid Overhead Lineman. Aaron is a former competitive/collegiate soccer and baseball player. He also competes as a triathlete.

Kristen Aguiar, MS, LAT, ATC – Canton
Springfield College, BS Athletic Training 2004
Ohio University, MS Athletic Administration 2012
Kristen graduated from Springfield College and was a 4-year member of the Women’s Soccer Program as a goalkeeper. Prior to her arrival 8 years ago in Canton, she worked at Bellingham High School. She has 7 state titles between the 2 schools–and those moments never get old. She loves the variety of working in a high school and seeing her athletes succeed on and off the playing surface. Kristen is currently the Chair of the Secondary Schools Committee for the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts (ATOM). Kristen and her husband are currently looking for a puppy to rescue since their beloved Widget went over the rainbow bridge this winter after 14 ¾ years of lovable pug life. An avid music lover- Kristen has seen Kenny Chesney at least once every summer he has come to Foxboro. Her favorite coffee blend is Beach Bum Espresso from 3 Fins Roasters in Dennis, MA.

Jen Edmunds, MS, LAT, ATC – Franklin
Wheaton College, BA Psychobiology 2003
Bridgewater State University-MS in Physical Education/Concentration in Athletic Training
TJ as she is more commonly referred to has been with the Panthers for 18 years. TJ has patrolled the sidelines of the Boston Garden and Fenway Park. She has also traveled with Wheaton Baseball to Arizona and Florida. TJ’s favorite moments are any time an athlete returns from an injury to compete again, as well as Franklin Baseball in the Super 8 in the pouring rain and the 2012 girls’ soccer state title! TJ is in a clinical outreach position through Milford Regional Hospital. She was a 5-time NCAA Champion in Track and Field (pole vault!!) while at Wheaton and is in their Athletic Hall of Fame. These days she is married to her college sweetheart, a mom of two aspiring Panthers, and has a dog named Tessie. TJ’s Starbucks order is a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew with foam.

Amy Leonard, LAT, ATC – Foxboro
Northeastern University, BS Athletic Training
Amy had the pleasure of being a student-athlete at Taunton where she was introduced to the profession by Kris [Coute]. She has been on the sidelines at Foxboro for many years now and is now sharing the responsibilities with Christine. Amy is currently the Clinical Supervisor of Athletic Training at Mass General Brigham as well. She uses her creative juices to produce wonderful keepsakes and decorations for her Etsy Shop.

Christine Dundon, LAT, ATC – Foxboro
Springfield College, BS Athletic Training 2019
Christine graduated from Springfield College. She is one of the “newer” additions to the Hock AT squad joining Amy at Foxboro. Christine was a student-athlete of Amy’s who has followed her footsteps into the profession. She was the first recipient of the Mass General Brigham Athletic Trainer All Star Award in the fall of 2022. Christine has also spent some time working at Tri-County High School in Franklin.

Adam Bennett, MS, LAT, ATC – King Philip
Bridgewater State University, BS Athletic Training 2014
Ohio University, MS Athletic Administration 2018
Adam has loved being part of many playoff runs, including four state championships, and getting to cover games at many different sporting venues around the state, making countless memories along the way with student-athletes has been the highlight of working at King Philip HS. Having a front-row seat to watching student-athletes live their athletic dreams while ensuring they have a healthy and safe experience is such a rewarding experience. Outside of working at KP, has had the opportunity to help with medical coverage at larger athletic events like the BAA 10K in Boston and the Finish at the 50 5K & 10K at Gillette Stadium. He also was a graduate of KP back in 2010. Adam shares a love of coffee with Kristen and TJ–and is constantly perfecting his brewing methods.

Emma Dunlea, LAT, ATC – Mansfield
University of New Hampshire, BS Athletic Training 2022
Emma is currently at Mansfield High School. She is contracted by Mass General Brigham. Emma is another Hock School product-having been a student-athlete at Sharon High School.

Ashley Desko, MS, LAT, ATC – Milford
Syracuse University, BS Health and Exercise Science 2019
Merrimack College, MS Athletic Training 2022
Ashley joined the Hock in the fall of 2022. During her time at Merrimack, she completed a rotation with Holy Cross football and they got to play at the brand-new Woo-Sox Stadium. Ashley has really enjoyed her time at Milford so far, especially football’s run to the final four in both 2022 and 2023, as well as Boys’ volleyball in 2023. She finds it very rewarding to hear of her students becoming interested in Athletic Training to follow in her footsteps and is honored that she has already impacted some enough that they mention her in their college application essays. Ashley is an identical twin who has a dog named Bogey (yes after the golf term!)

Jarrett Sorge, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS – North Attleboro
Bridgewater State University, BS in Athletic Training 2009
University of Connecticut, MS Kinesiology 2014
Jarrett joined North in 2022. One of his career highlights was receiving grant funding for a Student-Athlete Mental Health, Appearance, Performance Enhancing Drugs/Supplement Use Lecture series. Jarret is helping build the future of athletic trainers by continuing to be a preceptor for both undergraduate and graduate students for 10 years. He is married and has 2 children and a dog named Louie. Jarret is a former collegiate soccer player and an avid golfer in his free time.

Michelle Norman LAT, ATC – Oliver Ames
Merrimack College, BS Athletic Training 2015
Michelle joined the Hock this fall after spending a few years in the TVL with Norton High School. She is contracted by Mass General Brigham.

Tanya Gallagher LAT, ATC – Stoughton
Lasell University, BS in Athletic Training 2004
Tanya came to Stoughton in 2021 after many years at Dover Sherborn. She, like many of the Hock ATs, has had the pleasure of working on the Gillette Stadium sidelines. Tanya has enjoyed many successful teams over her career, no doubt in part due to her hard work. She is contracted by Mass General Brigham. Tanya is married with 2 sons. She loves the beach and vacationing on the beach. Tanya also enjoys hiking up in New Hampshire.

Kris Coute LAT, ATC, LMT – Taunton
Bridgewater State (College) University 1993, BS Athletic Training
Kris won the MSSADA Ando Athletic Trainer of the Year 2024 for all of her amazing contributions to Athletic Training over the past 31 years. It is no surprise that Taunton teams have won 13 state championships with her handling their sports medicine care- Baseball 2019, 2022, 2023, Boys Basketball 1997, and perennial power Softball- 1997, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023. When she is not hard at work-Kris’ happy place is her garden. She and her husband enjoy traveling and spending time with their large extended family. Kris has 4 brothers- 12 nieces and nephews and 1 grand-nephew. Joining the dog-loving squad as well she has a Cavalier King Charles named Tucker.

Lauren Serratorre, LAT, ATC – Taunton
Bridgewater State (College) University, BS Athletic Training
Lauren has been in the Hock for many years. While she was in college Lauren did an internship with the US Naval Academy where she worked with their legendary football program. Prior to diving into her AT career, Lauren coached Lacrosse at Anna Maria College. She then spent 5 years at Mansfield before having children. She then spent a few years working per diem at both Mansfield and Taunton. Kris and Lauren grew a great partnership and Taunton hired her on part time. That part time role grew and she is currently full time with the Tigers. In that time she has worked with 6 State Championship teams! Lauren will be taking a step back from AT at the conclusion of the school year to be on the sidelines for her own children’s events as they get older. However you may still see her occasionally filling in when it works for her schedule.

More Resources

https://www.atyourownrisk.org/what-is-athletic-trainer
https://www.nata.org/
https://www.nata.org/professional-interests/job-settings/secondary-school
https://www.athletictrainersofmass.com/
https://www.athletictrainersofmass.com/secondar-schools

Taunton’s Coute Named MSSADA Athletic Trainer Of The Year

Kristine Coute
Longtime Taunton athletic director Kris Coute (center) was honored by the MSSADA on Thursday evening. (@MSSADA9/Twitter)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

Taunton High athletic trainer Kristine Coute was honored as the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Director Association (MSSADA) “Yoshitaka Ando” Athletic Trainer of the Year on Thursday at the association’s award banquet held during its annual conference.

The honor, named after the longtime Lincoln-Sudbury AT, is presented annually to an Athletic Trainer for their exceptional service and unique contributions to the athletic training profession. The award reflects a lifetime of servant-like attitude, dedication, and a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected in the field of athletic training according to the MSSADA. Coute has been the head athletic trainer at Taunton for 31 years.

Below is a write up from the MSSADA awards banquet:

The Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association proudly presented the award for Exceptional Service in Athletic Training to Kristine Coute, ATC, in recognition of her remarkable contributions and dedication to the Athletic Training profession. This award celebrates a lifetime of servant-like attitude, unwavering dedication, and a willingness to go above and beyond in the field of Athletic Training.

Kristine Coute, ATC, has served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Taunton High School for an impressive 31 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1993 from Bridgewater State University and a degree in massage therapy from Bancroft School of Massage Therepy.

In addition to her work at Taunton High School, Coute serves as an Athletic Trainer for the Silver City Football Camp and Taunton 7v7 Football Camp.

The Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association commends Kristine Coute for her outstanding service, leadership, and enduring impact on high school athletics Her tireless dedication to the health and well-being of student-athletes exemplifies the highest standards of the Athletic Training profession.

Support from the Taunton High athletics community and the Hockomock League poured in over social media:

Foxboro Announces Inaugural Hall of Fame Class

Foxboro Football
Foxboro football coach Jack Martinelli addressed the crowd at a ceremony renaming the Ahern Middle School field in his honor. in 2017 (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Just under two years ago, Foxboro athletic director Joe Cusack announced the creation of the Foxboro High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Cusack’s goal was to recognize and preserve the deep tradition of success of past Warriors. On Thursday afternoon, Cusack and the Foxboro administration announced the inaugural class, highlighted by current football coach Jack Martinelli, one of the state’s best ever high school basketball players Sarah Behn, and professional football player Tom Nalen. Below is a press release announcing the first six individuals and the first team for the FHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

Release

Foxborough High School is pleased to announce the creation of our Athletic Hall of Fame to honor former student-athletes, coaches, supporters, and championship teams. This year’s class of inductees will be recognized at an event at the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 21st at 6PM. This event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased through the MRPAC box office or online.

“Foxborough High School has an incredibly rich tradition of athletic success both at the team and individual level. Starting a Hall of Fame is long overdue and will give our community something to celebrate, our inductees something to be fiercely proud of, and our student-athletes something to aspire to become a part of,” said Joe Cusack, Foxborough Athletic Director.

After two years of accepting nominations and research, the first class of inductees was selected by a six-person executive committee, which included the Foxborough High School Principal, Athletic Director, and four committee members who are former student-athletes, current or former coaches and/or school staff members.

This year’s Induction class includes Bobby Moreshead, Joe Heinricher, Sarah Behn, Tom Nalen, Joan Goodwin, Jack Martinelli, and the 1987 State Champion Girls Soccer team. (Individual athletes are listed by their year of graduation.)

Bobby Moreshead is a 1973 graduate of Foxborough High School who was a three-sport standout in football, wrestling, and baseball. Bobby was the football team’s MVP in 1972 and won the 1973 New England Championship in wrestling. Bobby graduated from Foxborough HS with a career wrestling record of 52-2 and was the head coach and later an assistant coach for the wrestling program for many years after graduation.

Joe Heinricher was a 1975 graduate of Foxborough High School who excelled in both football and track & field. Joe was a star two-way tackle for the football team, and he still holds the school record in the discus. During a career spanning more than three decades, Joe served as a teacher, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and coach for both football and track & field.

Sarah Behn is a 1989 graduate of Foxborough High School and was a three-sport standout on the soccer, basketball, and softball teams. Sarah led the softball team in batting for her junior and senior seasons. In soccer, Sarah was the starting goalie for the 1987 State Championship Team, was selected as an All-American, and graduated with 50 career shutouts. Sarah is best known for her accomplishments on the basketball court, where she set the state scoring record with 2,562 points and was selected as an All-American. Upon graduation, Sarah attended Boston College, played professional basketball, coached at the collegiate level, and at Foxborough High School.

Tom Nalen is a 1989 graduate of Foxborough High School who excelled on the football, basketball, and track & field teams. Tom was a dominant lineman for the football team, a power forward for the basketball team, and a thrower on the track team. Upon graduation from Foxborough HS, Tom went on to play football at Boston College and won back-to-back Super Bowl championships as a member of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Tom was previously inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2013.

Joan “Joanie” Goodwin has lived in Foxborough for over 70 years and has garnered the moniker “Mrs. Foxboro.” Joanie played basketball and softball in her youth and first became involved as a volunteer with Foxborough Youth Football in the 1960s. She was President of the FHS Touchdown Club for over 30 years. Joanie was a bus driver for the Foxborough school district for over 40 years and is a former head of transportation for the district. In this role, she transported generations of athletic teams to their contests and was always a fixture in the stands cheering our student-athletes and teams on. You can still find Joanie in the stands or on the field supporting the Warriors and watching her son-in-law and grandson, who coach baseball together at FHS, as well as her granddaughter, who coaches softball.

Jack Martinelli, known to most as “Coach,” has been the head football coach at Foxborough High School since he was hired in 1982. During his 40-plus year head coaching career in Foxborough (and 55 years in total), Jack accumulated nearly 300 career wins, placing him in the top five all-time in Massachusetts. He has also captured four MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) Super Bowl titles in eight appearances and twelve league championships while leading the Warriors. “Coach” is a steady fixture at Foxborough HS and has worked with generations of student-athletes.

The 1987 Girls’ Soccer Team won the MIAA state championship over Holyoke Catholic to conclude an undefeated season. At the end of the 1987 regular season, Foxborough held a 54-game regular season undefeated streak. On their path toward a state championship, the team finished the season with a 20-0-1 record, including 17 shutouts, while outscoring all opponents 117-4.

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Stoughton Hires Ireland As Next Athletic Director


Below is a press release from the Stoughton Public Schools announcing Robin Ireland as its next athletic director. Ireland replaces Chris Carbone, who was the athletic director for the 2022-23 school year.

STOUGHTON, Mass. – We are pleased to announce that Mr. Robin Ireland has accepted the position of Athletic Director for the Stoughton Public Schools effective July 1, 2023.

Mr. Ireland has been a health and physical education teacher in the Freetown Lakeville Regional School District since 2007. He has also served as the head coach of the Apponequet High School girls varsity soccer team since 2007, where his teams have won five conference titles and qualified for the state tournament 13 times. Mr. Ireland also has club soccer coaching experience and is a triathlete, serving as the membership coordinator for the Bay State Triathlon Team.

“I am looking forward to joining Stoughton Public Schools and I am excited to grow the athletic department. I would like to expand into the middle school to create more opportunities at that level for sports participation, open doors of accessibility for the entire Stoughton student population by starting a Unified Sports program, and grow connections and relationships in the Stoughton community,” Mr. Ireland said.

“I am a firm believer in the positive benefits of sports, athletics, and fitness and I know that a well run athletic department can have a positive impact not only on the athletes, but also on the entire community,” he continued.

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North Attleboro Hires Schlierf As Next Athletic Director

Nick Schlierf

Below is a press release from the North Attleboro Public Schools announcing Dr. Nick Schlierf as its next athletic director. Schlierf is currently the AD at Sharon High School.

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH – Superintendent John Antonucci is pleased to announce that Dr. Nick Schlierf has been selected as the new athletic director of North Attleborough High School.

Dr. Schlierf was appointed to the role on Tuesday, March 28, after he was recommended for selection by a hiring committee.

“It was important to us that we had a thorough and inclusive search process to find our next athletic director,” said North Attleborough High School Principal Peter Haviland. “I would like to thank the dozens of stakeholders who either served on the search committee, attended the finalist forum, or simply provided feedback to us about the candidates. It led to a great outcome.”

Dr. Schlierf will begin in his new role on July 1. He replaces longtime Athletic Director Kurt Kummer.

“On behalf of the entire district, I would like to thank Kurt Kummer for his years of dedicated service to the North Attleborough community, and to our student-athletes,” said Superintendent Antonucci. “He leaves a strong foundation for Dr. Schlierf to build upon.”

Dr. Schlierf, of North Attleborough, has served as a high school athletic director for 16 years. Most recently, he served as athletic director for the Sharon Public Schools after being hired in 2017.

He currently serves as one of the chairs of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) District Athletic Committee, where he works closely with the Executive Director of the MIAA / Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association.

While serving at Sharon Public Schools, he also played a crucial role in the process to build the new Sharon High School, from project design through the completion of the project earlier this year.

Dr. Schlierf previously served as assistant principal at the University Preparatory School in Rochester, New York as well as the athletic director and assistant principal of Our Lady of Mercy School in Rochester, New York.

“I look forward to doing the job I love in the town I call home,” said Dr. Schlierf.

He earned his Certified Athletic Administrator certification in 2011 and continues to instruct and mentor new athletic directors in developing and progressing in coaching methodology and becoming effective role models for their players.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

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Dr. Nick Schlierf

Mansfield Hall Of Fame Announces 2022 Inductees

By HockomockSports.com Staff

Below is a press release from the Mansfield High School Sports Hall of Fame announcing its inductees for the Class of 2022.

Mansfield High School Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Inductees

The Mansfield High School Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce that the 2022 inductees have been selected and will be honored on Friday, November 25, 2022 at the 9th annual Hall of Fame banquet to be held at the enVision Hotel (formerly Mansfield Holiday Inn).

This year’s honorees include brothers, David Lundell (1993) and Mike Lundell (1996), each inducted into the Football and Basketball Hall of Fame: Three additional football inductees include Eric DiPietrantonio (2007), Jamel Marshall (2011), and Zack Shaefer (2012).

The Basketball Hall of Fame includes two additional new members: Jess Eason (2010) and the all-time winningest girls’ basketball coach, Mike Redding.

The Soccer Hall of Fame will also induct four new members: Kristen Young (1997), Jacqueline MacPherson (2010), BJ Knights (1999) and Matt Noonan (2000).

The Field Hockey Hall of Fame will induct four new members: Christine Sarro (1985), Stacey Sheridan (1998), Elise Galvanin (2000) and Erin Keogh (2010).

The “Legend of Women’s Sports Hall of Fame” will induct Stephanie Grubeck (1966).

All former Mansfield High student-athletes, Hall of Famers and fans are invited to attend the ceremony and dinner. Cocktail hour begins at 5:45 pm and the banquet begins at 6:30 pm. Reservations are $45 per person and tables of ten can be reserved for $450.

Checks should be mailed no later than November 15, 2022 to:
• Hall of Fame Committee, P.O. Box 481, Mansfield, MA 02048;
• or register to attend at the Mansfield Athletics webpage Hall of Fame link;
• or via VENMO @MHS-HOF02048

Please include the name of each attendee for seating plan purposes. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Stoughton Tabs Carbone As New Athletic Director

Photo courtesy of Stoughton Public Schools

Below is a release from Stoughton Public Schools:

Dear SPS Families and Staff:

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Christopher Carbone has accepted the position of Athletic Director for the Stoughton Public Schools effective July 1, 2022.

Please join me in thanking Mr. Ryan Donahue for his many years of service to the athletes of Stoughton. After 13 years as Athletic Director, Mr. Donahue is stepping down from his current position to be more available for his growing family. We are excited that he will continue working here at SPS, taking on the role of physical education and health teacher at the O’Donnell Middle School. We are grateful that Mr. Donahue will be available to Mr. Carbone to assist with his transition to Stoughton.

Mr. Carbone is currently the Athletic Director for the Uxbridge, MA Public Schools, where he has served in that role for the past four years, managing a large high school and middle school interscholastic athletic program. Previously, Mr. Carbone was an Athletic Department Assistant at Milton Academy where he also served as the strength and conditioning coach and the head track and field and cross country coach. Mr. Carbone has his Master’s of Education from Endicott College, majoring in Athletic Administration and is a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA).

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Carbone! We look forward to Mr. Carbone bringing his knowledge and experience to Stoughton.

Sincerely,

Dr. Thomas R. Raab
Superintendent of Schools

Foxboro Announces Creation Of Athletics Hall of Fame

Foxboro Hall of Fame
Foxboro dedicated its turf field to Sam Berns in June 2014. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Foxboro High School has a rich history in athletics and now there will be an entity to recognize it.

FHS Athletic Director Joe Cusack recently announced the creation of the Foxboro High Athletic Hall of Fame in an effort to recognize and preserve the deep tradition of success of past Warriors.

“I’m really excited to have the chance to start formally recognizing the tremendous athletes, teams, coaches, and other supporters who have been a part of creating an incredible athletics history at Foxboro High School,” Cusack said. “There are so many deserving people.  I’m sure we will learn even more about our athletics history as a part of this process, which is a part of why this is so exciting.

“Over time, a lot of things can change, coaches leave, people move, students graduate…this is a great way to preserve the history and achievements of Foxboro athletes. This lets us keep a record of our history.”

Cusack first thought of the idea when he was coaching cross country and track and field at the school, trying to find a record book of times and distances from previous teams.

“I thought, ‘why don’t we have one here?’ It seemed out of place considering the tradition we have in athletics here at Foxboro,” Cusack said.

Foxboro currently has two jerseys hanging inside the school’s gymnasium: Sarah Behn’s basketball jersey and Tom Nalen’s football jersey. Both numbers are considered retired but there is no official record in the school.

While Behn was an All-American in hoops, she also played soccer and set records for shutouts as a goalie. Nalen was known for his play on the gridiron, and rightfully so after he went on to play at the collegiate level at Boston College and played nearly 200 games in the NFL for the Denver Broncos. But what most don’t know is that Nalen is one of the best throwers on the track and field team, Cusack said.

Those two are perfect examples of what it means to be a Foxboro athlete. The majority of Warriors, both past and present, play at least two sports with a good chunk playing a sport in each the fall, winter, and spring. The newly created Hall of Fame will now be able to recognize those contributions.

The nomination process will open in early October and be available through the Athletics page on the Foxboro Public Schools website. Guidelines and criteria for nominations will also be posted there. Anyone can submit a nomination and all athletes who fit the criteria are eligible to be nominated.

“I want to thank Superintendent Amy Berdos and FHS principal Diana Myers-Pachla for their support, they are both really excited about this,” Cusack said.

While there will certainly be a lot of eligible nominations when the submission process opens, it’s important to note that not everyone will make it during the first year. While the inaugural class might be bigger than future classes, a no this year doesn’t mean a no forever, Cusack said.

“This is something we want to do every year, we want this to be an annual tradition,” Cusack said. “We’ll have a panel to help decide the first class but once we have members of the Hall of Fame, they’ll help determine future classes.”

Below is a section of the by-law for the Hall of Fame:

In order to preserve our athletic history, the Foxborough High School Athletics Hall of Fame is being established in 2022. The Athletics Hall of Fame is organized for the purpose of recognizing the rich tradition of athletic success at Foxborough High School.  It serves as a means of honoring and recognizing the athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, and supporters who made significant contributions to the Warriors’ tradition of excellence.  The Athletics Hall of Fame intends to honor the contributions and accomplishments of these individuals and teams who are worthy of recognition as examples for others to emulate.  Induction ceremonies are intended to be held annually.