Erich Reed is stepping down as George Stevens Academy’s cross country and track and field coach, and as library/media specialist to become library director at Southwest Harbor Public Library. by Anne Berelant
Blue Hill—Erich Reed, who rebuilt the George Stevens Academy track and cross country teams in the last seven years, finished his final season as coach this spring.
Under his direction, student-athletes broke multiple school records, won first-place medals in individual events at Penobscot Valley Conference and state championships, and brought home two Class C state titles in cross country, the boys in 2016 and the girls in 2017.
Reed also exponentially swelled the number of students participating in both programs. He was named PVC Coach of the Year in track and field in 2015.
“It is difficult to leave,” he said. “I really enjoyed working with the athletes.”
A librarian/media specialist at George Stevens Academy since 2011, Reed begins a new position as Southwest Harbor Public Library Director June 18, and he said the commute from Bar Harbor, with a 2-year-old son at home, was difficult.
Despite the absence of Reed and a cadre of standout seniors who just graduated, Reed is leaving the school’s program with strong performers, including more students in field events.
“Lee Ann Varnum’s state performance in the shot put was one of the top highlights of the season,” Reed said of the junior’s third-place finish. The girls team finished fifth and the boys sixth at the track and field state championship last week in Waterboro.
“The freshmen class is very strong and promises well for the future, and we picked up some first-year sophomores that were very successful,” he said. “We will miss the remarkable leadership of the graduating senior class, but we will also benefit as the team should be ready to continue their excellence.”