Pat Downey has such a passion for football that it oozes from his every pore.
That's one thing Pingree School officials knew right away when they hired the 49-year-old Downey as the third head football coach in the program's 18-year history.
Downey replaces Mike Flynn, who stepped down after six years to give him more time to follow his sons as they enter high school.
“It's an honor. It's a great honor to coach at a school like Pingree,” Downey said. “I cannot thank Principal Dr. Tim Johnson and Athletic Director Betsy Kennedy enough for the opportunity.”
Downey, a Bishop Fenwick Hall of Famer, had a standout career on the offensive line at the University of New Hampshire and played seven seasons professionally in the NFL, NFL Europe and Arena Football League.
Pingree players already know him well. Downey joined the Highlanders football team as a volunteer assistant coach last year when his younger son, Colt, enrolled as a freshman.
“Mike and I played against each other in college. His wife Mary and I went to Fenwick together and she coached softball with my dad (Paul), so we've gotten to know each other over the years. “I've gotten to know a lot more about it,” Downey said. “I was really happy when he asked me to help with strength and conditioning. He was really just a positive sideline guy.”
The Downey family's first experience with Pingree actually came several years earlier, when their eldest son, Jackson, played for the powerhouse Proctor Academy team against the Highlanders. The festive, family atmosphere of 'The Farm' and the huge crowds of people gathered under the lights made a big impression.
Having seen South Hamilton Preparatory School from the inside over the past 12 months, both as a father and as a coach, taking the principal's job was a “no-brainer” for Downey, who received the OK from Colt.
“Every school has its own unique feel, but Pingree is truly special,” Downey said. “The people and culture here are amazing. This kid's talent in terms of respect, work ethic, character, selflessness and integrity is off the charts.”
Downey coached the offensive lines of three different AFL franchises from 2005 to 2008 and has been involved in strength and conditioning programs with an eye on the playing field ever since.
His coaching flow is truly impressive. Downey is one of the most successful coaches in New England football history and counts UNH's Sean McDonnell as one of his closest mentors and influences. Renowned offensive wizard Chip Kelly was one of his coaches at UNH, as was Jack Bicknell Jr. (Doug Flutie's center in the Hail Mary win at Miami). Ohio State's Ryan Day, former Brown University coach Phil Estes and Holy Cross coach Dan Curran have also been big influences on him.
Downey said what they all have in common is culture building and representation. To that end, the team will appoint offensive and defensive coordinators to call plays and will fill out its coaching staff in the coming weeks.
The Highlanders went 6-3 last fall and qualified for a New England Prep School Athletic Council bowl game for the fourth time in five seasons. Flynn had a 35-8-1 record at the school, and while other star players like Chris Colby (Villanova), Hudson Wideman (Tufts) and Matt Theriault (MIT) went on to college, Downey is excited about the Foundation having Pingree return.
Recently named team captains Cole Piasechinski, Brady Daniels and Joey Lussier represent everything Flynn has built into the Highlander program and what Downey hopes to continue to do. .
“These are the 'us before me' kids,” Downey said. “I’m a huge culture buff, and my main goal is to preserve and build on the culture that Mike put in place.”
Playing in the highly competitive Evergreen League, Pingree is in a unique position as a non-boarding school. They often play opponents who can bring in strong players from around the country, and they embrace that. The Highlanders have an overall record of 104-41-1 in football and have built a strong reputation for sending players to college programs such as Harvard, Trinity and Colby.
“I love our league,” Downey said. “I will be the face of the program and leverage my relationships to help our members reach the next level. Over a dozen universities have joined in the last few weeks alone.”
Downey, who now lives in Marblehead, also credits his wife of 21 years, Andrea, for her support. Last weekend, the family went to see Jackson's spring game at UNH, and now he's turning the page and starting preparations for the fall at South Hamilton.
“We believe in 'Save the Farm,' and we want our kids to embrace that identity,” Downey said. “Our goal is to be great male role models and develop men not only as athletes, but as total human beings.”
