Connecticut Sports Writers' Alliance Name MHS' Redman 'High School Coach of the Year'

Manchester High School's boys track and field Coach Thayer Redman has been named the male Doc McInerney High School Coach of the Year by the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance.

has been involved with the boys track and field program for nearly two decades, including as head coach since 2000.

But in a career filled with memorable moments, the highlight for Redman came last June when he . And they did it in dramatic fashion, edging perennial powerhouse Danbury 75-74. 

The Hatters had won six of the previous Class LL titles, but 2011 would be Manchester’s year to finally hoist the championship hardware. It came in a year when almost no one expected it as the Indians were picked to finish as low as fourth in their own league. The state crown also came in a season when Redman, who has coached a number of high school All-Americans in his career, had none. Instead, he had a number of first-year track athletes who garnered valuable points.

But Redman’s Manchester teams are no strangers to success. Under his guidance, the Indians have finished runner-up in Class LL three times. They’ve also won 10 Central Connecticut Conference championships and have had 10 undefeated regular seasons. Redman was selected as the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2007, and in 2011 was one of eight finalists for the National High School Coach of the Year in boys track and field.

He was initially nominated as Connecticut’s candidate for the award, and then advanced to become the New England region’s candidate at the June awards ceremony in Grand Rapids, Mich. The successful Manchester coach was an accomplished decathlete and football player in high school at Thornton Academy in Saco, Maine, and later played both sports at the University of Maine. He transferred to Arizona State University in hopes of competing on the track team as a walk on, but broke his neck in a diving accident. While that ended his track career as an athlete, his love of the sport inspired him to coaching others.

, who led Granby Memorial to its third straight state championship this past fall and sixth state crown overall in her nine years, was named the female Doc McInerney High School Coach of the Year by the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance.

She and Redman will be honored at the 71st annual Gold Key Dinner on April 29 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

In addition to Redman and Mason, the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance will be presenting Gold Keys to Kristine Lilly, Dave Shea, John Dunham and Mike Walsh. Other award winners will be announced in the next few weeks.

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