This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
11/16/2016 11:00 PMMike Cunningham isn’t even through his first full season as the new athletic director at Old Saybrook High School, but he’s already seen several Rams’ teams achieve success, while being welcomed with open arms by everyone in the community.
Mike, a Haddam resident, grew up in Berlin before earning his undergraduate degree at Eastern Connecticut State University and his master’s in athletic administration at Central Connecticut State University. After holding a few teaching and athletic administrative jobs in the West Hartford area, Mike learned of the opening at Old Saybrook and became the school’s athletic director in June. As the current campaign has unfolded, Mike’s enjoyed watching both Rams’ soccer squads make some serious postseason noise, along with a field hockey club that finished strong, and a football team that’s in the playoff conversation.
“It was a really invasive process. I hadn’t had an interview process like that in about 12 years. I thought I did OK in the first interview, but the board called me back and said I had moved onto the next round,” says Mike. “I actually had some student-athletes interview me and ask questions. They were so well-spoken and asked great questions. I had some more rounds of interviewing and then I was offered the position at the end of this past June.”
Mike knows that some athletes will continue their careers beyond their senior years of high school. That notion is one of the main gears that drives Mike’s desire to be the best architect he can be for the Rams’ sports program.
“I grew up playing all sports, but I had a coach in the past that really made no effort to help get his athletes to the next collegiate level. So I wanted to be able to find a place for student-athletes somewhere down the road because I believe any athlete can move onto the college level, whether it’s Division I, II, or III,” Mike says. “I wanted to work in a capacity where I could help them reach that next level. Also, every day around 3:30 p.m., I get to go watch sports. What better job is there?”
Fresh off his team’s first Shoreline Conference Tournament title in 52 years, longtime boys’ soccer coach Sam Barnes says that Mike takes a meticulous approach to his position, while displaying an all-in attitude with his dedication to Old Saybrook.
“New to Old Saybrook, Mike Cunningham seems like a perfect fit. Mike pays attention to detail, which I like, because that’s how I am. He is highly motivated and I have complete confidence that he will get the job and task done in a timely manner. He leads by example and makes it look effortless,” says Barnes. “Mike shows his dedication and comes to most every game. It appears that he truly has a passion for athletics and is dedicated to our teams. Although he is still in his rookie year in Old Saybrook, I am confident that he will succeed and support his coaches and push our athletes to be the best they can be.”
Mike likes watching all of Old Saybrook’s teams compete, but there is one particular group of athletes who made an indelible mark on him with how they shook off a rough start and finished strong this fall. Mike also likes how he’s surrounded by people who share similar ideals in terms of what’s best for the school and, more importantly, its students.
“Our field hockey team was 1-8-1 to start this year. I remember telling them to keep it up and not give up. They ended up making states with five-straight wins. They really persevered through adversity and they even called me up on their coach’s phone after every game about how excited they were to win and later make states,” says Mike. “Everyone here is working hard and I told them that I’m here to work with them to make it a great place for our students. The community here has been the most amazing part so far. All of the administration, the coaches, and the kids have been so welcoming and supportive. They understand it’s all about the kids.”