Longtime Enfield Teacher, Hall Of Fame Coach Joe Andrychowski Dies

ENFIELD, CT — Joe Andrychowski, a science teacher in Enfield for 35 years who mentored dozens of young wrestlers into champions during an incredible tenure at John F. Kennedy Junior High School, died Friday at home after a long, valiant battle with cancer. He was 78.

The JFK teams amassed a record of 89-2 in dual wrestling matches under "Coach Andy" over a 9-year stretch. Patriot wrestlers participating in youth wrestling tournaments had 76 champions, 53 runners-up, 29 third-place and 10 fourth-place finishers. Twenty high school state champions, including three State Open titlists, received their start in the JFK program with the Springfield College graduate.

Among his many other coaching positions, Andrychowski was assistant coach of the 1984 Enfield High School wrestling team which won the Class L championship, and finished as runners-up the previous two seasons. His years of success earned him induction into the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014, and he later served on the organization's board of directors.

"When Coach Andy was our coach when we were kids, he had a very tough exterior as a strict disciplinarian," 1984 co-captain Dave Fredrick said. "He had a positive impact on hundreds of teenage boys he helped grow into young men. He was an extraordinarily caring person. He was a better human being than he was a coach. And he was a very good coach. He was a father figure for dozens of kids who didn’t have a positive male role model in their lives. When he got sick a few years ago, I saw him as often as I could. I talked to him almost every week the past few years. Every time we talked, I ended the chat with 'I love you coach.' He replied, 'I love you too.' He let down his tough exterior and his gentle, kind, loving soul shined through. That’s the way I will always remember Coach Andy. We lost a good one today."

Mike Gugliotti, a former athlete and friend for many years, said, "Although I never had him as a student, we gained a great relationship on the football field, a little bit of wrestling too. We stayed close throughout the years, helping him out with projects, lending a hand on his beloved farm. A true hard worker and mentor to many students and athletes, Joe was not afraid to tell you what to do, what was right in life or any other simple thing you were doing with him. We enjoyed attending many high school sports events together, both of us chatting about the Yankees, many betting pools and our love of betting on the horses. He has taught me and many others, be yourself, be strong, and you can do this. He told me when he was told of his cancer on our ride out to the farm, 'Googs I am going to beat this, I am going to ride out whatever is dealt to me.' His doctor gave him six months, and he lived for two more years. I told him in recent weeks sitting bedside with him, just like he told me in my accomplishments back in the day, 'I am very proud of your fight, you have fought this like a true champion.' I have spoken with many of our shared friends the last few days; it was truly a love/hate relationship, there were times you really did get so mad at him about things, but we all stood by his side many years proving our love for this man. About two weeks ago, he was lying in bed with only weeks to go, and he told my wife and me, 'I love you Googs,' and I will cherish my unlimited amount of memories with him."

"Joe was an excellent teacher, always well prepared with expansive lesson plans contained in large notebooks from which he added or deleted information," longtime colleague and Hall of Fame coach Bob Bromage said. "He had the same attributes as an assistant coach in wrestling and football. He was extremely loyal to his athletes, always with a positive comment about them. He loved his family and relished their achievements. He loved the sport of golf and everything about it. He organized the Enfield Teachers Golf League that had over 30 members. His greatest love was the farm in Windham. He spent countless hours cutting and grooming the farm to his specifications, which he learned from Bill DeMur while working with him at three golf courses."

Hall of Fame chairman Mike Cotnoir said, "The town of Enfield has lost a true giant in our community. Joe Andrychowski was a fun, exciting and dynamic teacher for many decades, where he inspired our kids to excel in academics. He always saw potential in his students, and pushed them hard to grow, learn, and achieve great results in the classroom, and on the playing field. His coaching and life lessons truly changed the lives of many students and athletes. He was a world-class Hall of Famer, but never wanted his personal coaching success to overshadow his athletes or their accomplishments. He believed in the good in people, and always shared his heart and soul with them. We will miss him tremendously, and are comforted to know that he lives on in many of his former students and athletes."

"I really got to know Joe in the last few years," former Fermi High School wrestling coach and fellow Hall of Famer Ben Aleks said. "I know he cared very deeply about Enfield athletic programs and not just wrestling. A fierce competitor, but also a person that would go out and help you."

Calling hours are slated for Friday, Aug. 12 from 3-6 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd. His complete obituary may be read here.