New Westfield and Westfield Technical Academy high schools athletic director Dan Trudeau reported for duty Wednesday as he prepares for the fall season. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – If someone said that new Westfield and Westfield Technical Academy high schools athletic director Dan Trudeau evokes a towering presence, they would be correct.
It is not just the former basketball player’s height that imbues this persona, but rather the lofty, yet attainable, expectations he has set for the athletic program at both schools that lends itself to this description.
“Communication is going to play a pivotal role for me,” Trudeau said. “My job is to facilitate that so that coaches have what they need and make sure coaches do (what is right) for our student-athletes … so that those athletes get a good educational experience.”
“We want our athletes to be pillars of this community,” he said.
Trudeau was recently hired to replace former WHS/WTAHS AD Eileen Flaherty, who left the department to pursue a position in collegiate athletics.
“Mr. Trudeau values hard work, mental toughness, teamwork, empathy, and sportsmanship that will shape productive citizens of our city,” Westfield Superintendent of Schools Stefan Czaporowski said.
“I was impressed by Dan’s vision for connecting health and physical education with athletics to improve, promote and increase athletic participation in both Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy.”
Trudeau brings with him eight years of experience as the athletic director and lead physical education teacher at the Hampden Charter School of Science in Chicopee.
During that time, he not only created the sports institution at the school, but also served as the head varsity boys basketball, cross country, and track and field coach during his tenure there.
Prior to that, Trudeau worked in the University of Albany Athletic Department dealing with community engagement and corporate relations. Trudeau received his bachelor’s degree in Eastern Connecticut State University and his master’s degree from Springfield College in Physical Education. He is currently enrolled in an Educational Leadership program at Central Connecticut State University.
“I will work diligently to ensure that the Bomber and Tiger student-athletes are afforded the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and athletically,” Trudeau said. “I look forward to meeting the athletes, the parents and guardians supporting the athletes, the coaches, and all community members who support all the athletic school sports programs.”
Although overseeing one of the region’s premiere high school sports departments (especially at a school like Westfield High that offers nearly every sport sanctioned in the state) could be a tall task for some, it is one well within the reach of Trudeau.
