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01/02/2019 11:00 PMA big component in the success of Haddam-Killingworth’s cross country and track programs is the Cougars’ ability to connect as a network of people who are dedicated to performing their best. One of the people who’s been fostering that dynamic for the past decade is Sean Gallagher, an H-K graduate who came back home to coach following college.
Sean, who grew up in Haddam, was state champion shot put thrower for the Cougars, before graduating from Haddam- Killingworth in 2004. After attending Central Connecticut State University, Sean was hired as a technical education teacher at H-K and then became an assistant coach in the track program in 2009. Four years ago, he joined the cross country squad as an assistant coach.
It means a lot to Sean that he’s helped each of his teams expand exponentially as a member of the Cougars’ coaching family.
“[Indoor track Head Coach Dick Dupuis] asked me about helping out with track, and I just stuck with it,” Sean says. “When I started, we had a total of five throwers, and now, we have 25 for indoor and 30 for outdoor. And then when I came over to cross country, we had 20 kids in the program, and had 71 this year.”
Sean understands the importance of having a familial atmosphere on the track, in the field, and along the trails. Sean knows the possibilities are endless when everyone has the trust of their teammates and coaches.
“Myself and the other coaches have a family philosophy where everyone has each other’s backs, and it’s a safe area,” says Sean, who lives in East Haddam. “When they have that trust in you, then they can push themselves.”
Sean loves helping H-K’s athletes maximize their potential, regardless of where they ultimately end up in the standings. He also appreciates the great wave of support that the Cougars receive from people around the state and beyond.
“I love watching the growth of these kids. It’s great to see, from the lowest kid to the highest one,” Sean says. “I also love the places we go in cross country and seeing all the different states and venues. It’s special to see the parents cheering on any Connecticut runner at [the New England Regional Championship]. In indoor track, I see coaches all over the state giving kids tips. It’s a giant community, which is the reason why I’ve stuck around.”
Cross country and outdoor track Head Coach Matt Diglio notes that Sean has guided H-K to great heights throughout his time as a coach. Diglio says that Sean communicates well with the Cougars’ student-athletes and, in turn, they respond positively to his approach.
“Sean was a natural as a throwing coach and working with the kids. His disposition, personality, sense of humor, and knowledge made him a tremendous asset to our coaching staff and track program,” Diglio says. “Over the years, he has not only drastically increased the numbers of boys and girls in the throwing group, but has guided numerous conference champions in the shot put, discus, and javelin. No one loves and cares for the kids in our program as much as Sean, and the kids love him right back...Coaching with him is one of the highlights of my day, and I am honored to work with him and have him as a friend.”
Sean sees an excellent work ethic from all the athletes at Haddam-Killingworth. He feels pleased that the people who compete for his teams are giving 110 percent on a daily basis.
“We get lucky with these kids. They work hard. Maybe it comes from seeing their peers succeed, and they want to follow them,” says Sean. “The coaching style hasn’t changed. The kids put in the extra work, and the success is a credit to them.”