BrewsterConnections(PDF) - Brewster Academy

HOOPLA
Kate Turner, Bobcat Since 1986
Associate Director of Athletics
I reported to the Emerson Student Center, which was housed in the Rogers
Gymnasium, for my first day on the job, somewhat nervous, not really knowing
what to expect. We were gathered there for the new faculty orientation
presentation, and I remember being introduced to Julie and Kevin Bradley,
Wendell Shaffer, and Dick Fahy.
One fond memory I had from those early days is of the late Peter Friend, chair of
the English Department. I was walking down the main hallway in the Academic
Building and evidently had the “deer in the headlights expression.” Peter stopped
me and asked “How are you doing, Kate?” Tears welled up in my eyes as he guided
me into the faculty room, which was then in what is now the Dean of Students’
Office. He gave me a pep talk and told me that he had heard many good things
about my work. I’m positive that he hadn’t heard a word about me, but it got me
through my early insecurities, and I always remember him fondly for that.
This was 1986 and the school enrollment was about 240 students. I knew them
all by name prior to Thanksgiving. The current enrollment of 364 students has
really affected my work, and I have loved the impact of the increased enrollment
on athletics, particularly for the girls. We have junior varsity teams in every
sport, which was not the case in the
earlier days. We now recruit athletes for seeing a single girl working out in
I have loved the impact
varsity level teams in many sports, but that area. Now the entire school and
of the increased
we also have junior varsity teams where even the outside community uses
enrollment on
beginners can compete, learn, and have a and enjoys the facility.
athletics, particularly
meaningful athletic team experience.
Although I embraced the Model, I
for the girls. We have When I came to Brewster, it never crossed was skeptical about how it related
my mind that I would remain for more to athletics, but it has proven to be
junior varsity teams
than a couple of years. By nature, I’m a really effective tool for coaches to
in every sport, which a person who relishes change and new evaluate and reward their players.
was not the case in the
challenges. I imagined being at Brewster Prior to the Model, the coaches didn’t have a fair and systematic method to
earlier days.
until something different, more exciting evaluate their players. I would say that what filtered out of the Model for the
came along. Something different and Athletic Department was its help with our overall recognition system.
more exciting did come along – right at
Brewster. When the Brewster Model’s technology was introduced, I embraced it (to
this day my grandchildren call me Techno-Gran), and I continue to thrive on the
next Big Thing, whether it’s emotional literacy or Moodle. In fact, a couple of weeks
If I had to cite just a single, fun addition I made, in all modesty, I’d have to say
that I have, or at least have tried to, liven up some of the sports assemblies with
my iMovies. I think the students look forward to them.
ago, I decided that I was bored with Facebook and am now moving on to Twitter.
I would like to add that I have been extremely fortunate to have worked for
Considering the growth of the school’s physical plant, the Smith Center has
impacted my job in uncountable ways. When we were all crammed into the
Rogers Gym, the Admission Office would tell their tour guides that unless
prospective students specifically asked to see the gym, it was okay to leave it
off the tour. Now the Smith Center is a highly featured stop. While Brewster
three different – very different – and excellent athletic directors – Bill Pottle (13
years), Doug Algate (11 years), and Matt Lawlor (2 years and counting!) The one
attribute that they have all shared is that they each have listened to me carefully
and have thoughtfully considered my opinions. All three gentlemen have made
my job one that I’m so grateful to have had for 26 years.
has always valued its sports programs and athletes, it wasn’t
that obvious with the gym that we had outgrown years before
the Smith Center became a reality. We now attract the critical
numbers of athletes that we need for viable teams with the
beautiful and functional center. Those who remember the old
weight room in Rogers, also remember that very few wanted to
use the area. There were a few diehard lifters, but I don’t recall ever
26 Years by the Numbers:
831,006 miles Brewster “vans” have traveled to and from games;
about 33 times around the earth!
6,394 buses hired and vans assigned for games
1,152 medallions ordered for MVP’s, MIP, and Coaches Award winners
78 sports awards assemblies organized (and 38 iMovies)
34 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012