Retiring York track and cross-country coach Ted Hutch coached his final Maine event at the state championships last Saturday in Greely. Over 35 years, “Hutch” has guided York to multiple championships, but more importantly, he has helped young students grow into the sort of people we need: humble leaders, confident team players and selfless supporters.

He’s achieved this through simple means: by valuing the contributions of every athlete on his teams and surrounding himself with great assistant coaches, such as running expert Matt Weber and retired Army Gen. Roger Clements. The result – athletes showing up for each other and their community every day. Their most valuable records are evident in the classroom, in local initiatives, in the wider world.

I have watched this firsthand. My son’s experience has been transformative since joining the cross-country team three years ago. His confidence has blossomed, his sense of leadership has distilled and the commitment he feels to his peers has solidified. This didn’t happen haphazardly.

As a diminutive freshman nicknamed “Smalls,” older athletes took him and other freshman under their wings and gave them a place to feel valued in the world. They passed along principles that were passed down to them through a chain of mentorship stretching back more than three decades. And so, the torch is passed again. This coming Saturday, Hutch coaches one last event at the New England Championships. His absence will be certainly felt, but the culture he created will endure, here in Maine and beyond.

Christopher Ring
York