An Outstanding Coach

To the Editor:

In response to your recent article regarding the termination of John Quinn as head basketball coach at New town High School (“Quinn Ousted as Basketball Coach, Angered by Process,” June 15), I would like to express my disappointment in the decision of the Board of Education to dismiss him so unceremoniously. I have followed the varsity basketball program for nearly six years, and having attended nearly every game (both home and away) during that time, I have seen firsthand the commitment to fairness, respect, sportsmanship, and teamwork that Coach Quinn has instilled in each of the players in his program year after year. From what I have personally witnessed, several of the reasons cited in the article that have been provided as the cause of his termination (including “a losing record,” “failure to have last year’s awards dinner,” “that he is unapproachable,” and that there is “bad sportsmanship” ) seem completely unfounded and false.

His teams have consistently performed well within their SWC division, and have had several good (and exciting) playoff runs over the past few years.

From my understanding, the awards dinner was replaced with a more suitable year-end luncheon event focusing on the accomplishments of the student athletes.

I have personally found Coach Quinn to be remarkably approachable to parents, students, faculty, opposing coaches and players, reporters, referees, and fans before and after every game that I have attended.

As noted in the article, his NHS team was specifically identified by their peer group as a shining example of sportsmanship. Anyone that attended the game last season (in which a special-needs student/athlete from the opposing team, in front of his hometown crowd on senior night, was given the opportunity to score his only basket of the season on the final play of the game) will attest to the remarkable sportsmanship displayed by the Newtown boys. A truly memorable demonstration of grace and compassion!

I should add that both of my daughters have had the opportunity to serve as managers for the boys’ varsity team over the past few years, and Coach Quinn and his assistant coaches have always treated them with the utmost respect, concern for their well-being, and appreciation of their efforts as key members of the team. For that I am extremely grateful.

In conclusion, I agree wholeheartedly with the assessment given by NHS Athletic Director Gregg Simon in your article, in which he states that “John Quinn was an outstanding coach at Newtown High School who served as a wonderful role model for all of those student-athletes that he coached during his tenure.” The Newtown sports community was fortunate to have had Coach Quinn for the past 14 years, and I wish him and his family the best of luck during this difficult time.

Matt Fahy

22 Cobblers Mill Road, Sandy Hook              June 19, 2012