A Legend Moves On

On Friday evening, I stopped by the Byrnes' home to say goodbye to Mike Byrnes and his family. It was certainly a bittersweet moment, especially as I reflected on The Winchendon School moving forward without Mike's presence. He has engaged so many students in remarkable ways over the last fourteen years. And while Mike is best known for his role in building a basketball program that is highly regarded in this and many other countries, this is not where his most masterful work was done. I can't tell you how many alumni and parents have mentioned how Mike Byrnes had such and incredible impact on their lives and defined their Winchendon experience.

One of the more memorable moments of this past year was when a beaming Mike Byrnes pulled up one afternoon with a van full of boisterous students from all over the world. They were off to a rodeo, and for many of them it would be the first such event that they had ever been to. Mike could have been supervising the gym or some other easier duty, but he was having a blast creating an adventure for a group of kids. When I talked to the students afterward, they were so appreciative that Coach Byrnes had provided them with this memorable experience. Over the last several years, many parents have told me how wonderful Coach Byrnes had been to their kids. When traveling through Asia, alumni and their parents are always asking about Mr. Byrnes. And, when Coach joined the Facebook crowd, he quickly built a vast friend list. Whether teaching early second language learners, taking any one of the many of the kids under his wing that he has over the years, or prepping a young hot shot for the big leagues, Coach Byrnes has connected with so many Winchendon students over the last 14 years in ways that the rest of us can aspire to. We will miss Mike Byrnes, Brunelda and the girls.
But it is also time for Mike to take the next step in his career, just like graduation time comes for our seniors each spring. The move to a coaching spot at Robert Morris University is the next step in his education. It wouldn't surprise me at all that by the time this year's incoming freshmen graduate in 2014, Mike will have taken the helm of his own program. His new players will be lucky to have him in their lives just as so many Winchendon students and adults have been.
So now we move on. There is room for the next Winchendon legend to be built. It will take me a while of getting used to Mr. Byrnes not being at morning meeting, or on the sideline at basketball games, or knowing that he has carefully recruited some specific student to be his basketball manager because he wants that student to have a special experience. But is also gives me confidence that Mike has set standards for all of us. He has set the bar for hard work and integrity, for looking for that student who needs a little extra support, for be willing to invest in becoming a better a teacher, for playing to win, for modesty even in the face of significant accomplishments, and for knowing when and how to take a break and have a bit of fun. It is really exciting to stop and reflect that there are a lot of potential and probable legends on the Winchendon faculty, and Mike has set some great precedents for us.

Thanks Mike. Come back and visit your Winchendon School often and stay in touch with your legions of fans on Facebook. Best wishes to you and your family.