By: Austin Mendes
Old Colony Athletic Director Matt Trahan at his desk hard at work
ROCHESTER,MA -
Behind every great team, there is an even better leader. The banners in Old Colony's Vincent Ryan gymnasium signify exceptional sport programs throughout its history. The numbers on the banners not only exhibit championships, they represent much more than that. They show a team who came together as one and accomplished a great feat, along with making lifelong memories on the way to history.
Athletic directors are the back bone to making it all possible. The grit, determination, and hard-work put in behind the scenes allow the student-athletes of Old Colony thrive in their respective sports. Matt Trahan of Acushnet, Massachusetts excels in much more than just the basis of what being an athletic director entails.
The Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association (MSSADA) has named Old Colony Cougar Athletic Director Matt Trahan the recipient of its 2021-2022 NIAAA Distinguished Service "Inside The Field of Athletics" award. This is awarded to the AD who is recognized for their length of service, special accomplishments, and contribution to athletic administration at the local, state, and national levels. The greatly decorated, yet humbled AD of Old Colony extends his gratitude to the membership (of the MSSADA) as well as many friends and colleagues. "I'm humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to work with so many great people." said Matt Trahan.
Matt Trahan poses with his 2020-2021 basketball team and his son, Hudson.
Trahan has led a successful Old Colony athletic program throughout his tenure at the small vocational school. The Cougars have won two Walter J. Markham awards under him, one in the 2017-2018 school year, as well as the 2019-2020 school year.
His personal awards consist of:
- Massachusetts Athletic Director of the Year (2018-2019)
- Southcoast Emerging Leader Award Recipient (2017)
- Mayflower Athletic Conference Coach of the Year (Basketball - 2016&2017)
- District "D" Athletic Director of The Year (2010)
- Mayflower Athletic Conference AD of The Year (2009,2011,2013)
- Ted Damko Award Winner (2009)
Matt Trahan has also sat on a number of athletic boards. He is also the Cougars' boys varsity basketball coach. His accomplishments are great, but it is his presence as a leader that separates him from the rest.
"There are no better words to describe him [Trahan] when I say he is the definition of a class act and family man." said Class of 2019 graduate Jake Jason. "When I was a player, I was more than just a player in his eyes and he treated me like one of his own kids." continued Jason. Trahan is an extraordinary role model that helps create Old Colony's culture to fit a family one. The care and love he has for his job is something you won't see in most athletic directors. Jake Jason backs up my point, "Everything is about the people around him, [Trahan] always puts others first."
Trahan motivates his boys basketball team (Photo Courtesy of Wicked Local)
Jason would continue with saying, "He would remind us that we were built for the task at hand, mentally and physically. When things are tough, he will always be there to remind you how strong you truly are."
Jake Jason is not the only graduate to have come forth to say something, Nick Hedlund, a baseball player from Rochester, MA, graduate apart the class of 2020 said "Old Colony was such a different experience, all the teams support each other, the athletics program is such a great family. It starts at the top, Coach Trahan creates that family atmosphere." Hedlund continued with saying "All the athletes and coaches are family to him. He is passionate about the success of those around him, and puts their success above his own." Fellow 2020 graduate Jarret Taylor added "He is very emotional both on and off the court, he takes pride in everything he does, and is a big role model for everyone."
Mr. Trahan and I on my graduation day (June 6,2021)
Matt Trahan has opened up the door of opportunities for me in a multitude of ways. To start off, this blog would not have been possible without his constant support and assistance with everything. He opened the opportunities for not just me to expand my network and grow, but many other athletes at Old Colony. His constant display of care and generosity to help not only those currently attending the school, but also the Cougars alumni sets him apart from other athletic directors. At most schools, you may only see your AD once, but he is resilient on making himself well known for all the students at Old Colony. He is truly the one who starts off creating this family at Old Colony.
(Left) Matt Trahan poses with his sons Hudson [Right] and Jaxson [Left]; (Right) The logo for his Podcast: Breakfast of Champions
When Matt isn't in the office, he is a family man. He can be seen around the Greater New Bedford area spending time with his family. His sons Jaxson and Hudson are both big members of the Cougar community as well. To all the athletes of Old Colony, they are like the younger brothers. As a big part of his life, his kids make his job as Old Colony athletic director just that much better. Matt also has a podcast with Head Football and Softball Coach at Old Colony Brandon Mendez. Their podcast, Breakfast of Champions, is a talk show in which the two talk about local, national, and pro sports, along with world events. The podcast is worth tuning into!
Overall, Old Colony Athletic Director Matt Trahan has proven himself to be more than just an AD, more than just a coach, to the families that call Old Colony home. Whether it is running around on Friday nights helping set up for the football game, or working hard to make sure everybody has the chance to compete, the student-athletes of this small vocational school in southeastern Massachusetts is grateful to have Matt Trahan as the leader of the pack.
Congratulations to Matt Trahan on being named the recipient 2021-2022 NIAAA "Inside the Field of Athletics" distinguished service award!
Thank you for taking your time to read this article!
If you have comments, questions, suggestions or anything please feel free to reach out to me! My contact information can be found in the "About" section of this website. I'd love to hear from you!
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