Community Corner
WHS Hires New Interim Athletic Director
Peter Richards, formerly an Athletic Director and Dean of Students at Nashoba Regional High School, accepted the position of interim Athletic Director.
Westwood High School has announced that Peter Richards has accepted the position as interim Athletic Director.
Principal Sean Bevan put out a notice earlier today, saying that his experience in athletics and administration will be invaluable during his year in the position.
“I am eager to begin working with Mr. Richards as he assumes the responsibilities of the Athletic Director,” Bevan wrote.
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Richards takes over for the position formerly held by Karl Fogel, who announced last month that he would be retiring. The position will be for one year.
Richards most recently served as Nashoba Regional High School’s Director of Athletics and Dean of Students. He worked as Director of Athletics from 1984 until his retirement in 2006.
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Throughout his career, Richards has held a number of positions. He taught Health and Physical Education, as well as being the head coach in football, baseball and hockey at different points. He also served as Dean of Students, working with students in an athletic and non-athletic concept.
According to Bevan, former principals and Athletic Directors describe Richards as fair-handed, warm, and organized a strong advocate for student-athletes.
In 2007, Richards was named Massachusetts Athletic Director of the Year, Eastern District Athletic Director of the Year, and was a Finalist for the National Athletic Director of the Year. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association in 2006.
Richards was inducted into the Nashoba Regional High School Hall of Fame in 2009 as an athlete, coach, and Athletic Director. In 1999, he was inducted into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Bevan said that Richards sets expectations that, regardless of the outcome of the school’s games, the teams would act with the highest level of sportsmanship and respect for their opponents.
Superintendent John Antonucci was very pleased to have Richards join his staff, noting that he has a personal and professional interest. Antonucci formerly worked with Richards and he said that he knows him very well and thinks extremely highly of him.
“His reputation at Nashoba and throughout the state is impeccable,” said Antonucci. “I can’t say enough about him, personally and professionally. He’ll do a great job.”
