LYNN — Sports and life lessons have always been synonymous for Lynn native Adolph Graciale. Through playing sports at the youth and high school levels, Graciale learned life lessons that he still carries with him. Now he’s hoping to share those life lessons and experiences with the student athletes at Lynn Tech.
Graciale was named Tech’s new athletic director in July after he served as acting athletic director from January to June. Graciale replaces former athletic director Joe Skeadas, who was removed from the position in January. Prior to replacing Skeadas on an interim basis, Graciale spent two years as Tech’s assistant athletic director.
“I’m very excited,” Graciale, who resides in Nahant, said. “I grew up in Lynn. Sports were always a great outlet for me. They taught me social skills. They taught me how to stay out of trouble. I’ve always raised my own kids the same way. I was very excited when I got the opportunity from (Tech principal) Carissa Karakaedos and (Superintendent Patrick) Dr. Tutwiler. I’m excited and ready for the new school year coming up.”
A St. Mary’s graduate of 1989, Graciale played varsity football and basketball, and junior varsity baseball in his days as a Spartan. He then earned two degrees at Salem State (bachelor’s in criminal justice, master’s in special education) and has taught history at Tech for the past 11 years.
“I’ve been around sports my whole life,” Graciale said. “I love Tech. I’ve been around here for many years. I’m a competitive person. That doesn’t necessarily mean winning. I want the teams to compete. I’ve seen the teams get back to that level. Sports brings great memories in high school and in the future. I want to give kids at Tech those same opportunities. I’m here to help them seek opportunities through that.”
As he begins his new role, Gracialie’s priority is to establish a competitive culture that embraces hard work.
“My goal as athletic director is to get Lynn Tech competing back with the schools in Lynn,” Gracialie said. “We had the (Walter) Boverini Tournament here (last December) and that was the best basketball I’ve seen around. I’m not saying we have to make the state tournaments, but I want our kids to compete. If you compete, that’s the effort I’m looking for from players and coaches.”
Tech’s coaches will also play big roles in helping establish that culture.
“I’m looking for coaches to be in it for the kids, in it to help these kids,” Graciale said. “It’s definitely not about the money. It’s working for the kids. That’s how I feel. It’s high school and it’s about teaching kids life lessons. That’s the biggest part. Teaching kids about hard work and social skills.
“I’m looking for coaches to support that same philosophy. I see a lot of that already. Our volleyball team made the state tournament for the first time last fall. The baseball team made the state tournament the past two seasons. The football and soccer teams have always been up there.”
With the fall season quickly approaching, Gracialie’s excited to get started. The football team opened preseason practices last weekend and the remaining fall sports teams will do so this week.
“I’m happy about the opportunity I’ve been given,” Graciale said. “I love Lynn Tech. I love the opportunities these kids have. They have unique opportunities at a vocational school. There’s nothing better than going to games and seeing the expressions on these kids’ faces. To me, that’s what it’s all about. That’s why I’m very excited to be the new athletic director.”
