He’s gone by a lot of names throughout the years – Josh, Mr. Mower, Coach Mower, to name a few – but now, newly-named Athletic Director Josh Mower is ready to go with Lynn Classical High School.
He replaces Bill Devin, who stepped down after 17 years back in June.
Mower may live in Groveland, but said “Lynn is really my home.”
“I’m a Lynn boy. Lynn Hospital, which is now a Stop & Shop,” said Mower, who ran track and field and graduated from Lynn English in 1989. “I went to Lynn Public Schools from K-12.”
Back to those names. Mower has been around the block, starting in 1995 when he was a substitute teacher at English. Since then, he’s been a math and physical education teacher, track and field coach, and Program Specialist for Data and Assessment, among others.
“I’ve been in a few different places. Classical, English, downtown, Frederick Douglass,” said Mower, whose wife, Tessie, is an assistant principal at Classical. “I know a lot of people and I think that’s a strong asset.”
Fast forward to this past spring. Mower heard Devin was retiring and thought, “That’d be great.”
“I’ve always considered Classical my home. I taught there the longest and the people have always been great,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to work with the students and families again. I’ve always been really interested in sports, so I’m super excited to start this role.”
When asked about his goals – and, first things first – Mower pointed to increasing participation.
“Well, I think athletics should be one of those programs that’s offered to every student. Any student should feel like they have the opportunity to join a team, so my main goal is to get participation numbers up,” he said. “Participation and access.”
Even if it’s within the high school and not against others, he’s open to expanding.
“They can still be active,” he said. “Even if it’s something in the school… increasing intramurals for kids who can’t commit to a team.”
Also, the “student” is more important than the “athlete,” according to Mower.
“When you have that degree, you have it for life. It opens the door for so many other things [and] academics have to come first,” said Mower, whose first few days have revolved around schedules, buses, and outreach. “I’m with the student-first philosophy.”
Among other benefits, he believes athletics are about discipline, commitment, and the opportunity to get better at something.
“Great outlet for students,” Mower said. “Seeing kids experience the same things I did, it’s almost like being a parent. There’s nothing better.”
Once Mower scored the position and went to FaceBook to share the news, he said the outreach from former students and athletes was special to him. Athletic directors Dick Newton (English) and Adolph Graciale (Tech) have been supportive as well, according to Mower.
“Super nice guys. I’m certainly going to rely on them during this onboarding phase,” he said. “I’ve already been in touch with them and we’re getting things going. It’s been nothing but positive and I expect things to stay that way.”
Yes, athletic directors rack up the hours, but that’s what Mower looks forward to.
“I think it’s awesome. What’s the difference, I go home and watch it (sports) on TV?” he said. “But as much as I enjoy it, it’s about the kids. I want to see kids enjoy their opportunities. To witness that and know you played a hand in it, it’s a huge sense of pride.”
