LISBON FALLS

For the past six years, Nick Gannon has been a Lisbon High School math teacher and, in his words, “will be beginning my seventh year as a fan and a supporter of our student-athletes.”

This season, Gannon will be far more than your average fan, as he has been named the co-curricular director of the Greyhounds, along with serving as the school’s vice principal.

“I’ve been on the sidelines for a lot of great moments, from seeing the packed visitors side at an away football game to seeing the field hockey team win the state championship,” said Gannon after replacing Zach Longyear, who became a principal at a Skowhegan school. “Both the wins and losses are great moments to be a part of as a fan. In wins, as well as losses, athletics have a great way of bringing a community together.”

Gannon was born in Salem, Mass., graduating from Salem High School in 1997. He attended Brandeis University, completing his bachelor of arts degree in psychology. He has also attended Salem State (2006-07, math content and teacher certification) and New England College (2009-11, masters, education in school leadership). He lived in Boston, Brunswick and Topsham, before moving to Sabattus three years ago with his wife of twoplus years, Lindsay of Biddeford, along with their two cats.

Before his hire at Lisbon, Gannon taught at Revere High School in Massachusetts.

His leap to co-curricular director of the Greyhounds is one he is both excited about and ready to take on.

“I’ve invested quite a bit of time and energy into the school and the community … A little blood, lots of sweat and no tears yet” said Gannon. “Lisbon is a community that I’m very proud to be a part of, and this is a great opportunity for me to strengthen my connection to the community.”

Gannon realized during the school board’s selection process how much athletics means to the community.

“Athletics are very important in Lisbon, and I want to work very hard to be a steward of that tradition,” said Gannon. “Athletics and co-curriculars are an integral part of a complete educational experience for students. Athletics is an area in which students can learn valuable lessons about perseverance, team work and the value of hard work.

“Athletics for both coaches and players need to be fun, safe and competitive. Student-athletes should work hard, have fun and strive for excellence, a philosophy that is mirrored in my work in the classroom. I think it is important to celebrate successes and manage adversity together. Both situations provide opportunity to learn and grow as a team. Coaches, like teachers, are facilitators of this process.”

As Longyear before him, Gannon will serve as the school’s vice principal, itself a full-time job.

“It is definitely a challenge to manage both responsibilities,” said Gannon. “I plan to try to work smart, as well as hard. Having invested so much time and energy in Lisbon, I hope to build on the relationships that I’ve created with students, parents, coaches, faculty, and community members in order to be successful in these jobs. Good leadership comes from realizing that you’re not the smartest guy in the room. It’s important to rely on others’ experience and expertise.

“One of the most important and valuable relationships and resources that I’ve relied on quite a bit so far is the really great group of coaches that I work with. They have been hugely supportive and instrumental in helping to get me acclimated to the new position. I owe them a lot of thanks!”

Gannon was named the co-curricular director on the same day he was departing for a vacation. He was amazed at the emails and texts that he received upon his return.

“I really have been overwhelmed by the positive response. We left the day the school board approved my nomination, and literally I left the meeting and headed straight to the airport,” said Gannon. “Returning to so many kind words and well-wishes was really great.”

Gannon fells a successful first season for him will come about by how hard his student-athletes work, both on the field and in the classroom.

“A successful year would involve continuing the proud tradition of Lisbon sports,” said Gannon. “I know that coaches and players have been working hard to prepare themselves to build on last year’s successes. And, even when a season comes to an end shy of the ultimate goal, I’ve seen teams work hard to handle themselves in the classroom. I know that is something that the school and the community are really proud of.

“Of course, I would be lying if I didn’t say that we can’t wait to head back to Orono for another state championship (in field hockey). Go Greyhounds!”