Widely respected and admired St. Thomas Aquinas High School Athletic Director Jack Leary will assume a new role beginning next year. After fourteen years at the helm of STA athletics, Leary will step down as AD but still remain a vital part of the school community as Athletic Coordinator.
Under Leary’s leadership as Athletic Director, St. Thomas achieved unprecedented athletic heights, growing from 14 varsity sports in 1998 to 29 currently including 13 Junior Varsity programs and 9 Freshman programs. In addition, St. Thomas’ athletic success has been equally remarkable. Since 2000, has won 36 individual and 21 team State Championships.
Above all, however, the hallmark of Leary’s tenure has been his increased emphasis on participation and sportsmanship; they have become the cornerstones of the athletic program. As a mentor, counselor and friend, Leary transformed the Athletic office into a central gathering place for many students – a place for advice and counsel; a place to “chill;” a place to feel accepted and loved. As Athletic Coordinator, Leary will continue to serve the community by providing his invaluable insight and irreplaceable knowledge. As always, he will remain a vital resource and friend to all at the school.
When Jack Leary assumed the role of Athletic Director in 1998, he had previously been the Junior Varsity Baseball Coach at St. Thomas. No one could have anticipated the impact he would have on St. Thomas Aquinas High in this new role. As a result of his complete commitment to STA and his exceptional personal qualities, he has become an icon.
“Jack has given many things to St. Thomas Aquinas – his time, his energy and his skills. But most especially, he has given himself to our students unconditionally.” said Principal Kevin Collins.
“In his new role of Athletic Coordinator, Jack will not only work with the new Athletic Director, but he will continue to guide those students in need of advice and counsel in order to balance the twin demands of academics and athletics.”
Hired by former Principal Jeff Quinn, Jack joined St. Thomas as Athletic Director upon retiring from the Newburyport, MA police department after 33 years. He had an extensive background in athletics at parochial schools, including Sacred Heart in Hampton, St. Rayfield's of West Medford, MA., and Immaculate Conception School in Newburyport, MA.
Mr. Leary has been active in umpiring for over 50 years. His experience includes being the umpire coordinator for Little League Baseball for the Eastern Region, and having the opportunity to umpire the 1992 Little League World Series. He has also spent much of his off-time doing umpire training.
Jack lives in Hampton with his wife, Maxine, and his son, Ron, one of five Leary children.
St. Thomas will soon begin the process of assembling a Search Committee and advertise for applicants for a new Athletic Director.
St. Thomas looks forward to Jack’s continued presence on campus as it will allow the school to honor the remarkable contributions of this exceptional member of the community. St. Thomas extends its deepest gratitude to Jack Leary…coach, mentor and friend.
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