Wakefield High Honors Man Who Coached For Nearly 50 Years
WAKEFIELD (CBS) – A former cross country coach who led Wakefield High School runners for nearly 50 years, including former Sen. Scott Brown, was honored Monday for his impact on the program.
The school revealed a monument for John DiComandrea, known as "Coach Deke," during a ceremony attended by his family, former athletes and members of the school community.
From 1964-2011, DiComandrea led Wakefield cross country to more than 400 wins.
DiComandrea told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens the key to his coaching success was his passion for the sport.
"First you've got to love the sport, and I loved the sport," said Dicomandrea, who added "It's been a pleasure coaching."
Brown, the former United States senator from Massachusetts, said the lessons he learned from DiComandrea have benefited him throughout his life.
"Being someone who was from a broken family back then, I needed that structure," Brown said. "I needed someone who was almost like a father figure."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports