Conan Leary Chosen as New Athletic Director

The end of the school year marks many goodbyes, including the loss of Mr. Muther, Tabor’s director of athletics.

Dick Muther’s choice to leave Tabor after living and working here since 1984 is no doubt a sad one, but the future of Tabor athletics remains secure in the capable hands of Conan Leary.

Numerous candidates were up for the position, but Leary’s numerous years as a coach, teacher, and previous student-athlete at Tabor, spoke for themselves.

In both 2010 and 2015, Leary was awarded the Matthew Houlihan ‘99 Faculty Prize by the student body for his contributions. For his efforts as a coach, The National Wrestling Hall of Fame chose him as 2015’s Massachusetts Coach of the Year. In 2014, he was the New England Independent School Wrestling Association Coach of the Year.

These acknowledgements are all in addition to his incredible personal performance as a wrestler and football player, both as a student at Tabor and at Williams College, where he won numerous championships and titles.

Leary admits that he initially felt drawn to the position because of his experience as a student-athlete at Tabor. His Tabor career as a wrestler is especially distinctive. He won two Class A titles in addition to two New England titles. During his senior year, he ended an undefeated season by becoming a National Champion.

His contribution to Tabor cannot be summed up in a list of awards and titles, however. His true impact can be seen in his love for the school, his students, and the athletes that he coaches. He has built strong bonds with many athletes as a coach on both the football and wrestling teams. Perhaps the greatest testament to his strength as a coach is the way his team talks about him.

“He’s the kind of coach you don’t want to disappoint,” says senior Thomas Kelly, who has wrestled since freshman year. “Not because he’ll yell or anything, but just because he makes you want to be your best.”

Leary’s wrestlers have also won numerous awards and improved greatly under his leadership. More than that, they’ve developed a strong sense of sportsmanship, and work constantly to improve, not only themselves, but each other.

“I can’t wait to see how Tabor will continue to grow and develop in the future,” says Mr. Muther. His legacy of advocating for sportsmanship, competitiveness, and hard work will continue with Conan Leary, whose personal and professional history emanate the same drive for excellence.

By Madeleine Gregory

 

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