Press release submitted by Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
In his 42-year career as Monty Tech teacher, coach, and athletic director, David Reid has garnered numerous awards, league titles and district championships. He is a role model, mentor and an inspiration for his student/athletes, coaches, and colleagues throughout Worcester County and the Colonial Athletic League.
However, he has a personal record he is determined to reach. He doesn’t plan to retire until he has completed 50 years of service at Monty Tech.
“Obviously, being here this long, I love it. I still love coming to work every day. I love what I do, and I love the kids. I could have moved on…coached at other high schools and even gone on to the college level. But, I love Monty Tech, and I love what I do. I want to be able to say that I spent 50 years in a school I love. I don’t plan to retire until I’ve reached that goal,” Mr. Reid said.
Dave Reid. (Courtesy photo)
His long and impressive resume reflects many years of accomplishments, both on the athletic fields and out in the community. His most recent honor is being selected as the Distinguished Service Award Winner by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Association (NIAAA). He will be presented with the award at a dinner and awards ceremony to be held March 26 in the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis.
Mr. Reid started his career at Monty Tech in September of 1973, two years after the school opened. He taught math and physical education until 2007. His coaching career started in 1973 as assistant football coach. He went on to serve as head football coach, assistant and varsity boys’ basketball coach, and assistant and varsity girls’ basketball coach. He has coached varsity softball continuously since 1975.
He took over as athletic director in 1978.
A graduate of Oakmont Regional High School, he received a bachelor’s degree in education from Fitchburg State College. He completed post-graduate studies at Northeastern University, UMASS Boston, and Bridgewater State College. He received his athletic administrator certification in 2001.
He has seen a lot changes in sports since he began his career, most notably, the increase in competition. “I think sports have become much more competitive today. However, the bottom line is kids are here for an education, and sports add to and round out that experience. It gives a student an edge getting into college,” he explained.
A tireless advocate for vocational-technical athletics, he has actively lobbied for the appropriate placement of voc-tech schools in tournament play.
He also established cooperative sports teams with local high schools. Currently, these teams include ice hockey, wrestling, swimming, girls’ lacrosse and boys’ and girls’ tennis. He strongly believes that if students show an interest in a sport, they should be able to play it. He tells the story of a student from a local school who is on one of the cooperative teams. “It’s is a great outlet for him, and he’s told me it is keeping him on track and off drugs.”
Career highlights include:
- Establishing the Monty Tech Athletic Hall of Fame and Athlete of the Month
- Initiated the format used for the District Softball Tournament since 1978
- Formed the Monty Tech Athletic Council in 1996, which gives athletes leadership and decision-making roles in planning and coordinating activities that complement the athletic program.
- Helped draft and write the constitution and by-laws for the Massachusetts Vocational-Technical Tournament Director and the Tournament Management Committee.
Sponsored Sportsmanship/Chemical Health Night for student/athletes to ensure athletes and parents are kept abreast of the MIAA rules and to uphold good sportsmanship standard.
While serving as AD, Monty Tech has won the Colonial League Sportsmanship Award on numerous occasions. In 1996, he was inducted into the State Softball Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame and in 1999, he was inducted into the Oakmont Regional High School Hall of Fame. He is recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Meritorious Action Award and Monty Tech Alumni Outstanding Contribution award. In 2002, he was selected as Monty Tech’s Teacher of the Year and in 2005 was presented with the Central Massachusetts Presidents’ Award.
He was named District E Athletic Director of the Year for 1999-2000 and again for 2008-2009.
Dave is regarded as a trusted mentor, role model and respected colleague by many of his fellow coaches and athletic directors.
Throughout the years, he has earned the respect and admiration from students, athletes, parents, administrators and colleagues, not just for the job he does, but also for his character, integrity and commitment to Monty Tech and to students/athletes both at Monty Tech and at local high schools.
According to Terry Riley, Athletic Director at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, “Dave Reid has been a great mentor and role model not only for me but for all the athletic directors in the Colonial Athletic League. I can always reach out to Dave for advice on rules, how to handle a situation, general athletic director questions and GOLFING! Dave’s professionalism and passion for his job and athletes are inspiring.”
As one colleague put it, “Dave Reid believes in leading by example through commitment, integrity and sportsmanship at all times and at all levels.”
