Ex-Bellingham coach knows keys 

for success

By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Ted Rigney might be just what the doctor ordered for the Medway High football team.

The Mustangs, who won only one game last year, hired Rigney in January as the Bellingham native became Medway’s third coach in three years. A traditionally strong program with a rich tradition, the Mustangs are in need of some stability.

The 56-year-old Rigney previously was Bellingham High’s varsity coach for seven years beginning in 2003. Before taking the Blackhawks’ reins, Rigney was a Bellingham assistant (defensive coordinator) for 12 years during coach Dale Caparaso’s tenure that included four Super Bowl crowns. Rigney later worked as an assistant coach in Hopkinton and Uxbridge.

As Uxbridge’s special-teams coordinator and defensive line coach last year, Rigney and the Spartans had a dynamic run, compiling a 13-0 record and winning the Super Bowl by beating Amesbury (48-14). Rigney’s son, Liam, was a captain on that squad, competing as a safety and wide receiver.

Rigney said, “I thought I’d be retiring from coaching last season, especially after Uxbridge won the Super Bowl. But when I heard Medway had an opening, I had to consider it. I’ve always had the itch to be a head coach again, but I wanted a perfect situation. Medway is perfect because of the logistics (Rigney teaches in Bellingham and lives in Uxbridge). I respect the town, its facilities are excellent, and the school turns out good athletes. There’s no reason why the program should be struggling, and I felt I could be a good influence.’’

Medway’s Athletic Director Jeff Parcells is confident the Mustangs’ grid program will be in good hands.

“We’re very excited to bring Coach Rigney to Medway,” Parcells emphasized. “He has a proven track record as a high school football coach and educator. His familiarity with the Tri-Valley League and his professionalism working with kids is something I really liked about him during the interview process. He checked all the boxes and more. I feel very strongly that our program is headed in the right direction. We have great kids here in Medway and it’s now up to coach Rigney and his staff to move our program forward in a positive and productive way.’’

A UMass-Lowell graduate who played four years of varsity football there, Rigney  majored in criminal justice. He first was a policeman in Holliston for 10 years before turning to teaching. He has been teaching history at Bellingham High for 25 years.

When he played for Bellingham High at center and linebacker, his four varsity years produced only five victories. He also played for three different coaches.e=He

“I know the importance of stability,” he said. “I met most of Medway’s players and I feel bad for the seniors. The key to success at Medway will be to establish stability and trust. Once those things are in place, then there’s a solid foundation that will lead to winning. That’s when the players, the school, and the community can take pride in what’s achieved.’’

Rigney’s goals will not be about competing for the Tri Valley League Small Division title or qualifying for the playoffs. He’ll stress daily improvement.

“I don’t know my players’ potential, so I’ll emphasize aiming for a high ceiling,’’ Rigney offered. “After our first five or six games, I’ll look at the results and then get specific about the TVL and the playoffs.’’

Medway’s first four games are against Dighton-Rehoboth, Pentucket, Falmouth, and Westwood.

As a player and as Bellingham’s head coach, Rigney twice was faced with adverse conditions. His four-year playing career experienced only five triumphs and the 2008 team that he coached went winless in 11 games. He learned a lot from both instances.

“During my four years of playing that ended in 1984, we learned to never quit even if things weren’t going our way,’’ Rigney emphasized. “We just kept moving forward and kept competing. When I coached, my 2007 team went 9-2, my best year as a head coach. But, in 2008, we were young and what worked in 2007 didn’t work in 2008. The kids on the 2008 team taught me a lot. They didn’t quit, they bought into what we were doing and were willing to try anything new. I was grateful for their resilience. They taught me to weather the storm and they taught me how to be patient. And I learned not to be afraid to make changes.’’

Rigney is a firm believer that some necessary ingredients are needed before Medway can talk about its experience, depth, and athleticism. “The key attributes that have to be developed are mental and physical toughness, and a high football IQ,’’ he said. “Athleticism, depth, and experience will be taken care of if we have those qualities.’’

When he coached as an assistant to Caparaso at Bellingham, he saw what the priority was that eventually led to success. “A process, or a system, has to be in place first,’’ he noted. “When that’s established, talent surfaces. We won four Super Bowls at Bellingham because the kids bought in and they had talent. That led to a winning system.’’

Because of their proximity, Rigney hopes Medway and Bellingham will develop a gridiron rivalry and he’s acutely aware that his Mustangs will face the Blackhawks on Oct. 10

“My students at Bellingham High and some of the athletes have been great, wishing me future success,’’ Rigney said. “When we play at Bellingham, it will be a bit weird. I’ll be in the opposing locker room and our uniforms will be blue and white instead of black and white.’’

Rigney met his players on Jan. 13 and stressed the importance of building trust. “We’ll build a good program but it may take time,’’ he said. “I’ll strive to earn the players’ trust. I’ve heard the talent and the numbers are good. What’s needed is to get everyone on the same page.’’

Competing in the TVL for a lengthy stretch, Rigney knows it’s a high-caliber league. “It’s one of the premier leagues in the state,’’ he said. “We won Super Bowls at Bellingham because teams like Holliston, Westwood, Hopkinton, and Millis got us ready to compete in Super Bowls. I have tremendous respect for all the teams in the TVL.’’

Rigney, who’s still in the process of compiling a coaching staff, said his family was “happy’’ with his decision to continue coaching.

“My wife [Karen] was a bit surprised but she and my two sons are glad,’’ he said. “They know I’ll put a lot of time into it.’’

Ted Rigney is a knowledgeable coach and a high caliber individual who admits that “coaching is in my blood.’’