Big Blue boys hoop coach Moran opts to step down

Swampscott boys varsity basketball coach Paul Moran has decided to step down after four years as the head coach.”All good things have to come to an end,” Moran said. “It’s time for me. I have a daughter that is going up to high school next year. I want to see her play. If I coached, I wouldn’t be able to do so.”Moran exits after leading the Big Blue to the state tournament three out of four years, with this year being the only year the team didn’t make it.”It’s the kids and locker room that I’m going to miss the most,” said Moran. “Guys like John Beaulieu, Chris Blydell, Brendan Garner, Tyler Tennant and the Nimkar brothers are what made this so fun.”The decision did not come as a major surprise to Swampscott athletic director Frank Kowalski.”It was a little bit of a surprise,” Kowalski said. “I just think it was his time. He is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I wish him the best moving forward.Moran grew up in Swampscott and donned the Big Blue’s varsity uniform in basketball, football and baseball.”I really loved it there,” said Moran. “I had a real nice meeting with Larry (Murphy, SHS principal) and Frank (Kowalski) earlier. They are doing a great job.”Moran hopes that his junior varsity coach Kevin Rogers will be his eventual successor.”I can’t say enough great things about (Rogers),” said Moran. “I hope he gets the job. He has done a great job for me. I truly hope they go in that direction.”Kowalski acknowledged Rogers as a possible candidate, but made it clear there were going to be at least a few other suitors for the job.”Kevin (Rogers) is definitely a qualified coach,” said Kowalski, “but I know there are a few teachers who are qualified as well. I’m expecting this to be a very sought-after position.”