It would be an understatement to say that Joe Cantillon is a modest coach. On the field, he watches the girls track team as they race by on the pavement. He is dressed in a Gortex sweat suit, clipboard under his arm, and a stopwatch in his hand. The calendar says that it is April, but outside the forecast is anything but pleasantly sunny. He zips the fleece jacket up to his neck against the nippy wind, and starts the stopwatch for the last heat of runners. “I enjoy coaching girls track,” said Cantillon. “Although it is very different than dealing with the guys, I must say.” Cantillon is one of the six candidates that will be inducted into the Winchester Sports Hall of Fame this May. His career in coaching track was initially happenstance, after being asked by the athletic director to fill in for the cross country coach during the fall of his second year teaching at the high school. “I said sure. It was a real eye opener, and it has been something I have enjoyed doing ever since.” Cantillon explained that in the mid 70s, after Title Nine had been solidified, girls sports were being initiated at the high school. Both soccer and track and field were the first sports that were offered to girls at the time. “The athletic director and the principal of the high school selected me to be the girls track and field coach in 1978. Ever since then, I have continued to coach girls track,” said Cantillon. Cantillon admitted that he was very surprised when he heard that he was going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame; however the prospect has grown on him greatly. “I read the letter and my jaw dropped. I chuckled a bit. I was really shocked. It is certainly a great honor.” Cantillon continues to coach the girls track team and will be inducted with the rest of the candidates in less than a month. Initial shock aside, he is honored to have been nominated. However, Cantillon still remains the respected and esteemed coach and former teacher that almost everyone, teachers and students alike, hold him in high praise. Humble and modest at his core, the surreal aspect of being nominated will soon become a reality.
Inducted: 2013