Old Colony athletic director Matt Trahan receives 'Inside The Field of Athletics' award

Behind every great team, there is an even better leader.

The banners in Old Colony's Vincent Ryan gymnasium signify exceptional sports programs throughout its history.

They represent much more than championships. They show a team that came together as one and accomplished a great feat, along with making lifelong memories on the way to history.

Athletic directors are the back bone to making it all possible.

The grit, determination and hard work put in behind the scenes by athletic director Matt Trahan allow the student-athletes at Old Colony thrive in their respective sports.

The Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association (MSSADA) has named Trahan the recipient of its 2021-2022 NIAAA Distinguished Service "Inside The Field of Athletics" award.

This is awarded to the athletic director who is recognized for their length of service, special accomplishments and contributions to athletic administration at the local, state, and national levels.

"I'm humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to work with so many great people," Trahan said.

Trahan has led a successful Old Colony athletic program throughout his tenure at the small vocational school. Under his direction, the Cougars have won two Walter J. Markham awards under him — in 2017-2018 school year and 2019-2020.

Trahan's personal awards consist of:

• -Massachusetts Athletic Director of the Year (2018-2019)

• -Southcoast Emerging Leader Award Recipient (2017)

• -Mayflower Athletic Conference Coach of the Year (Basketball - 2016&2017)

• -District "D" Athletic Director of The Year (2010)

• -Mayflower Athletic Conference AD of The Year (2009,2011,2013)

• -Ted Damko Award Winner (2009)

Trahan has sat on a number of athletic boards. He is also the Cougars' boys varsity basketball coach. His accomplishments are impressive, but it is his presence as a leader that separates him from the rest.

"There are no better words to describe him [Trahan] when I say he is the definition of a class act and family man." said 2019 Old Colony graduate Jake Jason. "When I was a player, I was more than just a player in his eyes and he treated me like one of his own kids.

"Trahan is an extraordinary role model that helps create Old Colony's culture to fit a family one. The care and love he has for his job is something you won't see in most athletic directors. Everything is about the people around him, [Trahan] always puts others first."

Nick Hedlund, a baseball player from Rochester and a 2020 Old Colony graduate, also shared his thoughts on Trahan.

"Old Colony was such a different experience, all the teams support each other, the athletics program is such a great family," he said. "It starts at the top. Coach Trahan creates that family atmosphere.

"All the athletes and coaches are family to him. He is passionate about the success of those around him, and puts their success above his own."

Fellow 2020 graduate Jarret Taylor added, "He is very emotional both on and off the court, he takes pride in everything he does, and is a big role model for everyone."

When Trahan isn't in the office, he is a family man. He can be seen around the Greater New Bedford area spending time with his family. His sons, Jaxson and Hudson, are both big members of the Cougar community as well. To all the athletes of Old Colony, they are like the younger brothers.

Along with Old Colony football and softball coach Brandon Mendez, Trahan also a podcast, Breakfast of Champions, which is a talk show in which the two talk about local, national, and pro sports, along with world events.

Overall, Trahan has proven himself to be more than just an athletic director and more than just a coach to the families that call Old Colony home.

Whether it is running around on Friday nights helping set up for the football game, or working hard to make sure everybody has the chance to compete, the student-athletes of this small vocational school in southeastern Massachusetts is grateful to have Trahan as the leader of the pack.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Old Colony athletic director Matt Trahan receives service award