Many people believe one event or one comment forever changes the course of their lives. I am one of those people. For me it was a question posed by a former teacher and coach sometime during the early 1990s. The question was simple but thoughtful.

“Sammy, have you ever thought about getting into education. I think you would be a great teacher and coach someday.” That was the first time an adult, other than my parents, had believed in me. That question changed my life, and I am happy it did.

I graduated in 1989 from Edward Little High School, where I was on the golf, basketball and baseball teams. I am proud to say I was a member of the 1989 Class A State Baseball Championship team. I am also quick to tell people I batted .333 my senior year. I had two hits in six at bats! Baseball fans reading this are chuckling right now.

Since the day my former teacher and coach encouraged me to enter the field of education, I have been proud of the decision to be an educator. My road to the classroom was different than most, and it has made me appreciate the profession even more.

I attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where I received my bachelor’s degree in physical education teaching concentration with a minor in coaching. In order to help pay for my college expenses, I enlisted in the Maine Air National Guard where I was proud to receive Honor Graduate distinction at basic training. I also received Airman of the Year honors for my squadron and wing in 1993.

I was fortunate enough to land my first teaching position while I was still completing my student teaching. I began my career at the Limestone Community School teaching physical education and health. I also began my varsity basketball coaching tenure leading the Eagles of Limestone to two playoff berths after consecutive 0-17 seasons. While at Limestone, I also coached girl’s soccer and middle school baseball. I also worked as a dorm parent for the Maine School of Math and Science, and created their recreation program for the weekends for the students.

I had an opportunity in 1997 to return to my alma mater and teach at Edward Little High School. For three school years I taught freshman and sophomore physical education while coaching soccer, basketball and baseball. My last two years while teaching at Edward Little, I was given the opportunity to return to the varsity coaching ranks directing the Gray-New Gloucester boy’s varsity basketball team. The basketball teams at Gray-New Gloucester were very competitive finishing 10-8 in my final season.

In June 2000, my professional life took a turn as I accepted the athletic/activities director position at Lake Region High School in Naples. In August 2000, my personal life also took a turn for the positive as I married my wife, Alison. Those months of my life are a blur as I embarked on a journey that found me with a new job and a new wife.

While at Lake Region, I was nominated as Athletic Administrator of the Year three times for my work in the Western Maine Conference, Campbell Conference, and dealings with the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Some of the things that I am most proud of during my stay at Lake Region include the creation of the Athletic Hall of Fame, sponsorship of a varsity ice hockey team, replacement of gym bleachers, development of expansion teams in basketball at the middle school. I also completed my master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern Maine in 2003 during my tenure at Lake Region High School.

Also, while at Lake Region my wife and I were blessed with two healthy, happy boys, Mack and Will. Having children of my own has helped me relate to other parents as we discuss issues in athletics that involve their children.

In July of 2006, my professional career took another significant turn as I accepted the athletic/activities administrator position here in Westbrook. Shortly, after accepting the Westbrook position, I successfully completed all work necessary to obtain my Certified Master Athletic Administrator certificate through the NIAAA. This is the highest level of certification offered by the national board. I also have recently been selected to represent the West Region on the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association Board of Directors.

Although my first year here at Westbrook has gone by extremely fast, I think we have made positive strides to provide great extra-curricular opportunities for every student here at Westbrook High School and Wescott Junior High School. I look forward to working with the Community to make the Westbrook Athletic Department the best it possibly can be.