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Date: 12/18/2023
LUDLOW — Ludlow High School’s cross country head coach Rebecca Gauvin was named the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association State Cross Country Coach of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
Gauvin has been the boys cross country coach since 2001 and the boys outdoor track coach since 1997.
She said of the award, “Surprising but wonderful. I was nominated so it is nice to be acknowledged for the work that you put in. I love when hard work pays off and it was a nice honor to receive.”
Athletic Director Tim Brillo said, “Ludlow High School cross country team has achieved success while also showing impressive amount of sportsmanship, teamwork and a commitment to excellence,” Ludlow High School
Gauvin said, “A big piece of the reason for the award is the people I get to work with. I have a great coaching staff that we get to work with. I have students buy in to what our philosophy is as coaches so that is great, and their families are involved. All these pieces lead to the longevity of coaching because you are surrounded by people who are bought in what you believe.”
This year’s team won the league and Western Massachusetts Class A championships, finished second at the MIAA 2B sectionals and took second place at the MIAA Division 2 All-State Championship.
She also credited the success of the cross country and track program to girls coach Brian Walsh.
She said, “For the girls coach Brian Walsh, we coach the program, we run the program together as one unit and we do a lot of co-coaching so having a counterpart that has a similar philosophy when it comes to the importance of what we want to get out of our kids is so huge.”
Although over the last few years her team has seen success in terms of awards and titles, she is also proud of the work they put in throughout the community.
Gauvin added that part of the reason for her winning the award had to do with her team helping in the community.
Last year, the boys cross country put together awareness weeks for mental health and cancer and participated in multiple community services events.
“These kids are putting in the work and they are showing up to volunteer. They are caring about the community and are thinking above and beyond themselves,” Gauvin added.
One thing that Gauvin said she enjoys seeing is her former athletes continuing to hang out after they have graduated showing her that their time with the team created last relationships.
“Seeing my former athletes still running around town together or meeting up together when they return from school or back to visit from the holidays, it’s fun to see that they still get together. That is the atmosphere that I want them to be in so they will work hard for each other, they will want to work hard for us, and they will want to work hard for themselves,” Gauvin added.
Gauvin also has former athletes she coached on the coaching staff who volunteer for extra guidance.
She added, “When kids are coming in or kids are going on to season, they have that same philosophy. We want them to take pride in being a Ludlow Lion. That is what it comes down to. Be proud of to be a Ludlow Lion. You are representing no matter what. Whether you are in or out of the uniform you are representing our program.”
Brillo added, “Rebecca Gauvin exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding coach, passion, knowledge, and a genuine commitment to the development of student-athletes both on and off the field. Her leadership has not only led to athletic success but has also fostered a positive and inclusive team culture.”