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At today's MSTCA Hall of Fame induction, the Assocation that drives track and field in Massachusetts inducted four new members into its prestigious Hall of Fame. Created in 1979, the MSTCA Coaches Hall of Fame is home to some of the greatest coaches ever to grab a whistle and clipboard, and couldn't have chosen four more desrving candidates for this honor in 2012. MIKE GLENNON- Brookline HS- Getting his start at Boston Latin School, Mr. Glennon coached some of the most successful teams in the DCL during his brief stint there. But it was when he took over as cross country and track coach at Brookline High that he made his mark. It didn't take long for Mike to begin his coaching resume at BHS, winning the 1997 girls All State Cross COuntry championship that year. He also began coaching Jonathon Riley that winter, an MSTCA Hall of Fame athlete who would go on to win national titles in high school and college, and become an Olympian in the process. Able to coach the elite athlete and the developing athlete at the same time is one of Mike's great gifts, as noted by the stable of past and present athletes there to support him. His 2007 XC team was perhaps the greatest ever in Mass., winning EMass and All States, NXN Regionals, and placing 7th at NXN Nationals. His 2010 XC team won All States, and this fall's team repeated. Mike was introcdued by his dad, Hall of Famer Bob Glennon, whose remarks were touching and sincerfe. Mike thanked the crowd and his athletes, but his best moment was the telling of an Aztec fable with the moral being that we all do the best we can with what we've given. I'd say Mike has done that... and then some.
PHIL MAIA- Lowell HS- Phil has been at Lowell for 29 years, watching over some of the state's best teams in XC, indoor, and outdoor track. His former athletes love him, as made obvious by many of their decisions to come back and coach by his side, including Asst. Coach of the Year Scott Ouelette. Phil's teams have won many championships at both the class and All State levels, but perhaps his shining moment came this indoor season when his team failed to win. Coming into the 4x400 relay, Lowell would clinch the team title with a 2nd place finish. Anchor Gilberto Brown had already won the high jump and medaled in the 55 meter hurdles, and took the stick in position for the win. After giving a full effort, Brown's legs began to shake in the final meters of the race. He fell to the ground just before the finish line, losing the baton in the process. Immediately, Phil got up, walked over to his athlete, helped him to his feet, and put the baton in the basket. He showed poise, class, and sportsmanship that most coaches could not have mustered in that moment. He is a true gentleman of the sport, and his comments about his wife's muffins helping Lowell develop the concept of the Kanyan Run truly had the crows in stiches.
DR. MULAZIMUDDIN RASOOL- Amherst Regional HS- With more than half of the states athletes coming from the eastern part of the state, Dr. Rasool might not be well known to everyone, but his teams' success should be. Amherst Regional has put up decades of dominance in track in Massachusetts, and Dr. Rasool has been the centerpiece of it all. His speech was by far the most colorful, presenting his wish list to the MSTCA, including putting an end to event limitations on athletes and coaches, and eliminating rules like the jewelry rule, and replacing them with philosophies. Dr. Rasool had the crowd's attention, and agree with him or not, he certiainly had a way with words.
MARK THORNHILL- Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational School- Mark Thornhill is someone that is near and dear to many Mass. coaches, many of whom have never met him nor heard him called by name. This has little to do with his 400+ wins at GNBVT, his dozens of league titles or state vocational championships, it has to do with the passion with which he has organized and put on the MSTCA NE Coaches Clinic each spring. Thornhill has directed the clinic for many years, and has brought in some of the best high school, collegiate, and professional coaches and clinicians in the nation. Some of his incredible speakers have included Ray Treacy of Providence College, Boo Schexnayder of the US Olympic team and at that time LSU, and Dr. Jack Daniels, whose running formula is a mainstay of many coaches aroud the country. Thornhill has done an incredible job balancing coaching his own team and helping other coaches succeed through his work in the MSTCA. The night was a major success, honoring six cross country, six indoor track, and six outdoor track coaches of the year, as well as three assistant coaches from across the state. The MC was Lou Tozzi, whose upbeat style and always relevant references make him a crowd favorite, and make us all come back year after year.
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