WAKEFIELD — Mike Murphy, Wakefield’s Director of Athletics, Health and Wellness for K-12, is about to begin his second year at Wakefield Memorial High School.
Murphy was hired in early September just as school was starting after the post became available in August. He was previously Coordinator of Athletics, Wellness and Health Services at Essex North Shore for three years.
A whirlwind start eventually turned into a terrific sports season for many Warrior teams throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons. Murphy recently reflected on his first year in Wakefield and talked about future goals with Wakefield Daily Item sports editor Dan Pawlowski.
Overall, how did your first year go?
Murphy: “Fast and furious in the best possible way. Starting in a new district after sports had already started was certainly an experience to say the least. It was meeting coaches, athletes, and staff on the fly but I think the support that everyone showed me was awesome. From our athletes and coaches, to our administrative team, staff, and parents, everyone wanted to help me in any way they could.
As I settled in, I loved watching our teams compete. The Middlesex League is a league that makes you compete day in and day out, and our kids were up for the challenge. From boys’ soccer making a run early in the school year, to our baseball team capping off the spring season with a Final 4 run, with multiple state championships (Track, Dance, etc.) along the way, the competitiveness here is through the roof.”
It seems like last year was as strong as athletics at WMHS has been across the board in recent memory. What have you seen that excites you for the future?
“The competitiveness our teams bring to their league schedules coupled with tough non league opponents prepares them for state tournament runs come playoff time. On many of our teams, we have up and coming young student athletes who are ready to take over after our upperclassmen have shown them the way. That’s when your teams find success, when they do things the right way and then pass it along to the younger athletes to take the reins. I saw that last year and that excites me for the future.”
Are there any major changes or things you want to work on implementing this season?
“Not many changes so to speak but we are looking to implement student leadership groups throughout the Athletics Department. I think one of the many cool things about high school sports is that any athlete can be a leader if they want to work at it. This Fall, I will be meeting with a group of students that our coaches have identified as current or future leaders of their program(s) to give them the opportunity to take this program and make it their own.”
Any big updates with construction and how it relates to the sports facilities?
“The construction continues! We are in a pretty good spot as a town that has ample fields and space for our teams to utilize even with the construction taking place right behind our building. Our kids have adapted and adjusted as they have needed (especially our XC and track athletes) and the future is again bright. I have been meeting with the building committee and different teams to look ahead to when the school is open. From accessories, to spaces, to the color of the gym floor lines, it has been pretty involved.”
Any goals for this year?
“My goal every year is to put our student athletes in the best positions possible to be successful — both on and off the field. Growing up within athletics and playing sports I had some great mentors that never made it about themselves so I have taken that mindset and really tried to not make it about myself. My job becomes easy, ok fine, easier, when our coaches and athletes are representing us with pride inside and outside of the building.”
The fall sports season at Wakefield High officially kicks off with football practice tomorrow. The other eight teams are eligible to begin practice on Monday.