Next Up for LHS: Find a New Football Coach

The  boys' football team is going to face a challenge it hasn't faced in 35 years after its Thanksgiving game this year.

It will need to find a new coach.

Coach Bill Tighe has led the Minutemen since 1975, and after their Thanksgiving game against Burlington, .  He has been a staple of the program.

Tighe has led the team to a 185-181-9 overall record.  The Minutemen are 5-5 this year.  But more than wins and losses, Tighe gave the team an atmosphere that was supportive to his players.    

"I've had this opportunity to coach for so many years," said Tighe, "I've loved working with these kids. I've had a good report with them my whole life."

Tighe helped many students find colleges, and he always looked out for the students' best interests.  Tighe served as a guidance counselor at LHS for a number of years.

Throughout his time as coach his real interest was in creating in his players an appreciation for honest competition.

Tighe's care for his players has led him to form lasting relationships with them.  He keeps in contact with them as they become contributers to society.

Jay Skerry, one of Tighe's first players, remembered that in Tighe.

"Other than my father, (Tighe) has been the biggest influence in my life," said Skerry.  "I mean, I'm a lawyer now.  If you think about success as one's influence on people coach Tighe's is just mind-boggling."

Lexington High School Athletic Director Naomi Martin has a hard task in finding a replacement for someone so gifted.  She has begun the process, though, keeping the spirit of Tighe in mind.

"You know how fortunate you are to have a guy like Bill working with you," said Martin. "There's this human connection with Bill.  Few people have the human grace, dignity and class that Bill Tighe has."

The players understand the importance of finding someone who has that human sympathy, as well.  Nick Murray, the team's leading running-back, will be a senior next year.  He wants to see the team continue to have the same positive attitude it has had.

"We had a tough loss earlier in the season," said Murray, "and coach sat us all down and let us know that it wasn't the end of the world – there are worse things in life.  He's just a good leader.  I hope the players get to have a say in who becomes the next coach, because we need someone like him."

There will be a ceremony honoring coach Tighe on Thanksgiving Day before the 5-5 Minutemen face the 6-4 Red Devils.