Physical Education Teacher and Coach
Know Your Pelicans
What is your favorite thing about Packer?
Through the years, my favorite thing about Packer has been the students that I have had the privilege to coach. For a period of time, the Girls Varsity Soccer team had portable goals, and before each home game, the players had to pick them up from the 2nd Floor Gym, drag them to the bus that took us to Red Hook, and then set them up on the field. After each game, they had to take the goals down, drag them back onto the bus, and return them to the gym. I am sure that the players disliked the routine, but you would never know it by their quiet resolve: there was an understanding among the players that the goals had to be moved and set up if they wanted to play soccer at Packer. I so admired the players who took on this responsibility. Whether on a soccer field or a basketball court, our student athletes have always conducted themselves with class and a work ethic that I find remarkable.
Describe a favorite or memorable coaching moment at Packer.
The first one took place in 1989 as the coach of our Varsity Girls Basketball team. We were playing The Dwight School in the ACIS league championship game. Dwight was the heavy favorite and came into the game with a 66 game winning streak in league play. Well, we jumped out to an early lead, which we never relinquished, and defeated Dwight 41-36 to win the league championship and snap Dwight's winning streak. I have never been more proud of a team and the effort they gave on that evening.
Another incredible moment took place in 2001 as the coach of the Varsity Girls Soccer team. We were playing in the NYSAIS tournament final against the mighty Nichols School from Buffalo. Nichols scored first and was taking control of the game, and then something just clicked for us. We settled down and began to pass much better which led to the tying goal with about 3 minutes left in the half. The score remained tied through the end of regulation and both five-minute overtime periods, which led to the dreaded shootout. It came down to their last shooter needing to make her shot in order to continue on with the shootout. Our goalie guessed correctly and made the save, and then pandemonium broke out as our players ran onto the field towards our goalie, jumping on top of each other. It was a sight that I will never forget and probably the most gratifying moment of my coaching career.
What is something that most Packer people wouldn't know about you?
My wife Jo-Ann and I are proud owners of two cats, Tux and Winnie, who were feral cats that we rescued. Both cats are doing great and keep my wife and I busy in a good way now that our two sons no longer live at home. We also own a dwarf rabbit named Rex, who is a lot of fun as well.