HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton varsity baseball team will have a new head coach this spring, following the surprise resignation of veteran coach Shawn Graham.
The SAD 29 school board learned of Graham’s resignation during Monday night’s monthly meeting when a full slate of spring coaches were nominated by Superintendent Mike Hammer. The list originally included Graham’s name as the varsity baseball coach, but during the meeting, Hammer stated Graham had resigned from the position.
Graham said Tuesday that he submitted his resignation to the superintendent on Monday with the following explanation.
“For the past couple of weeks I have given it lots of thought and consideration,” Graham said. “Coaching two varsity sports can be very demanding and time consuming. The primary reason is my family. I have three children, all of which are involved in lots of activities year-round. My son and oldest daughter will both be playing junior high softball and baseball this spring.
“After a long basketball season in which I missed out on over half of their games, I just wasn’t willing to make that sacrifice again this spring. I’d like to take a few years off and have the opportunity to be a dad/spectator and enjoy watching my kids while I have the opportunity.”
Graham added he will still be involved in the game through the summer months and plans to continue coaching junior league baseball. He has a total of 16 years of baseball experience in the district. From 1997-2003 he was the junior high school baseball coach; in 2004, he was named varsity assistant; and in 2005, he took over as varsity coach.
In six of his seven years at the varsity level, the Shires earned a spot in the postseason. Last year, Houlton fell in the quarterfinals to Mattanawcook Academy.
Graham’s resignation comes two weeks before the first players report to practice. The baseball season officially begins Monday, March 18, which is the time that pitchers and catchers can begin working out. The first day of practice for the rest of the team is Monday, March 25. The regular season does not begin until April 11.