PEABODY — Peabody’s track and field team enjoyed a successful spring season. From finishing second in state relays to seeing multiple state champions, there was one constant: the leadership of coach Fernando Braz.
Braz was named Mass. State Track Coaches Association Coach of the Year this week. The veteran coach said he was honored to win the award, but credited his staff and team.
“What it really means is what I saw all year. The coaching staff and athletes worked really hard to accomplish each phase and goals that we wanted,” Braz said. “All that means is what we did was because of them, and without them, I wouldn’t have received this award.”
The award represents the track program itself, according to Braz.
“It shows that we are doing something right in our program and the coaches recognize it,” Braz said. “It just means they are watching the bodywork and they appreciate it.”
He also praised other coaches from around the state for building competitive programs throughout the years.
“I look at my colleagues in the state and in the NEC (Northeastern Conference) and see the work they do, and I totally respect them,” Braz said.
This is Braz’s second time winning the award, to which he feels different this time.
“The first one you get, you admire it and think about the fact that people think about you in that kind of way, but with the second time around, it’s totally different. Our staff has been in the program for over 10 years collectively,” Braz said. “It was the nature of the season. For us internally, it was a historical year for everything that we’ve done and I’m glad we were recognized for what we believed was a historical year for us.”
Historical, indeed. The Tanners were competitive in each and every competition, finishing with seven state champions.
“[It’s] never been done in the school’s history,” Braz said. “It just showed the growth and ability of the staff to peak at the right time with the kids, which has been part of our mission statement. At the same time, we were able to develop a base for future years.”
According to Braz, that base has been built through the leadership of his seniors, something he’ll miss from the 2023 class.
“I’m going to miss the fact they were good people. Our leaders were really good human beings first,” Braz said. They really cared about the younger class. They left their legacy [and] the accomplishments speak for themselves, but their biggest legacy they left is how the younger kids really matured under their leadership.”
Braz has been coaching for 30 years, 26 at Peabody. Awards aside, he says he’s still learning how to be a better coach.
“[It’s] the fact that I learn something new every year and learn more about the people here,” Braz said. “It’s the association and relationships we make with parents, athletes, [and] at the next level. We’re very fortunate to do that. Our goal is to always improve. It’s a lot of fun being at Peabody High School with this staff and the kids that keep rolling in every four years. The growth of the individual and the athlete is my passion. The wins, if they do come, they come because of that.”
“We are a big family here,” Braz said.
