Haverhill High School cross-country coach Michael Maguire marks his 30th year leading brown and gold athletes this month, but that’s not the only impressive milestone he’s celebrating. The longtime sports leader and HHS teacher was recently named to the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame. One of three eastern Massachusetts coaches inducted this year, Maguire is in good company: His own track coach and mentor, Haverhill sports legend John “Coach O” Ottaviani, received the same honor in 1985. Telling WHAV he’s “honored and humbled” by the recognition from the group of 600 of his track coach peers, Maguire calls the honor a testament to those he’s worked with over the years. “It’s a credit to all of the wonderful student athletes I’ve had the privilege to work with. I feel very fortunate to be here doing something I love to do.” A 1984 Haverhill High graduate who coached at Georgetown University before returning home to Haverhill, Maguire was hired to coach cross-country and teach business courses in 1997. He was appointed head coach two years later. “It’s been and continues to be a great run,” says Maguire, extending a special thanks to his wife Kelly and daughters Julia and Eliza for their willingness to “share me with my student athletes.” Maguire will be formally inducted into the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame at a ceremony in June.
Inducted: 2019