Sean Furey is a graduate of Methuen High School in the class of 2000. A multi-sport and gifted athlete our research committee believe that he is arguably the “Greatest” javelin thrower in Massachusetts history. It all began for Sean in his hometown of Methuen where he excelled in football and track. Sean credits his successful high school career to MSTCA Hall of Fame coach Larry Klimas, who coached Sean in both football and track. Sean was a two time MIAA state champion and won the Outdoor National Scholastic Championship in 2000 with a throw of 216’3”. His best throw his senior year came at the MVC Championship where he threw a state record 227’3”. In addition to Coach Klimas, Sean reflected on many of his teammates like Matt Osgood and how if it wasn’t for him, he may not have even played any sports in high school as Sean thought he was to small and un-athletic. Other teammates like John, Jim, and Keith and many many others who all had influential impacts on Sean. An excellent student as well as athlete, Sean continued his athletic and academic career at Dartmouth College. He is the Dartmouth College record holder at 73.84m ( 242’3”) won the Ivy League Championship and placed third at the 2005 NCAA. He was a two time All Academic All American and in 2005 was voted the “Scholar Athlete of the Year” by the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. His college coach Carl Wallin once opined that he knew Sean would be an athlete that would continue to mature and grow in the sport. Sean also credits Coach Wallin with teaching him how to be a tough, hard working athlete that can go to the biggest meets and “score!” Sean also wanted to credit college teammates Mustafa Abdur-Rahim and Andrew Hall for without these guys pushing him, he would never have “turned the corner”. That turn came when after his collegiate career was over in 2006, Sean moved to Chula Vista, CA. to train at the Olympic training center under the guidance of former Olympian Todd Reich. During his career Sean would go on to compete at the US Championships an incredible 14 straight years. Noted track historian Larry Newman said that Sean often does not get his due but that it was incredible to have such a consistent long career in a throwing event. At the US Championships Sean went on to win the javelin event three times ( 2010, 2014 and 2015) as well as finishing in the top 3 six times. He has represented the United States in international competition on many occasions including 2 Pan American Games ( 2011, 2015) , 2 IAAF World Championships ( 2009, 2015) and most notably 2 Olympic Games ( 2012, 2016). Sean’s personal best is an incredible 271’4”. Sean credited many former coaches and teammates both at Methuen and Dartmouth when asked to give some information for today’s event. He said he met his greatest teammate while at Dartmouth, someone who inspired him with her work ethic, determination, and talent. He was so inspired by Mattie Chatterton-Richmond that he begged her to marry him. And after many years, she finally said yes. Sean and Mattie now live in Barrington, RI, along with their two children Matthan and Bo. He continues to coach and train at Brown University in hopes of making his 3rd Olympic team this year. He is a mechanical engineer and works at Raytheon in Portsmouth RI. I’d like to ask Sean to come forward as the MSTCA is honored to induct Sean Furey into the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Associations Athlete Hall of Fame.
Class: 2000 Inducted: 2020