Published in the August 8, 2018 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Pat Lamusta has always dreamed of coaching in his hometown. He will get a chance to do just that this fall.
Lamusta, a history teacher at Lynnfield High School, was named head coach of the varsity football team last spring. He succeeds former head coach Neal Weidman, who guided the Pioneers to a 78-34 record over his 10-year coaching career.
“I am excited about having this opportunity,” said Lamusta in an email sent to the Villager. “I knew coaching in my hometown was something I always wanted to do and having a chance to be head coach makes it that much better. With that said, Coach Weidman ran an awesome program, so the expectations are high and I hope to keep the winning tradition alive.”
Lamusta served as an assistant coach for the Pioneers from 2014-2018, where he worked closely with defensive backs, wide receivers and served as assistant offensive coordinator.
PAT LAMUSTA
New varsity football coach
In addition to working as an assistant coach for the Pioneers, Lamusta was a key member of the football team over the course of his four years attending LHS. He began his tenure by playing for former head coach Bill Adams and former defensive coordinator Joe Papagni.
“I earned reps as a freshman against North Andover, had a sack and a couple tackles, and started at linebacker the rest of the season,” said Lamusta.
Lamusta was suiting up for the Pioneers when Weidman began his tenure as offensive coordinator, which is when the spread offense was implemented.
“We finished the season 3-7 when I was a senior captain with wins over Ipswich, Lawrence and Hamilton-Wenham,” Lamusta recalled. “We struggled, but beating a very good Hamilton-Wenham team surprised a ton of people. I played running back and wide receiver on offense.”
Lamusta played for Framingham State University’s football team from 2010-2013.
In addition to suiting up for the gridmen, Lamusta played four years of high school basketball, including two years at the varsity level under boys’ basketball head coach Scott Mackenzie. He served as co-captain with former LHS boys’ basketball star Mike Kennedy.
Lamusta also played boys’ lacrosse for four years under Papagni. He was in the National Honor Society and graduated with a 3.6 GPA.
Lamusta has been an assistant coach for the boys’ lacrosse team since 2015. He served as Ashland High School’s assistant boys’ lacrosse coach from 2014-2015. He teaches freshmen modern world history at LHS.
The new football head coach is looking forward to helping the Pioneers grow and mature both on and off the field.
“The players have to be reminded that they are student-athletes, and the student part comes first,” said Lamusta. “I believe effort and performance in the classroom translates to success on the field. I want my players to be stand-up citizens in the school and community, and not just awesome football players.”
When asked if Weidman provided him with any words of wisdom, Lamusta said Weidman’s “biggest piece of advice is to be prepared and organized, and hold the players accountable for the team’s expectations on and off the field.”
Lamusta’s goals for the upcoming season are to win the Cape Ann League Baker Division and be competitive during the playoffs.
“The big goal is always to win a state championship,” added Lamusta.
Lamusta said defensive coordinator John O’Brien, assistant defensive coordinator Jeff Gannon and freshman coach Ryan Sheehan will be returning to the sidelines this fall. He said two new coaches will be joining the fold, including line coach/special teams coordinator Ted Flaherty.
“Ted is coming in from Triton, where he was defensive coordinator,” said Lamusta.
Lamusta said Steve Mondello will serve as the Pioneers’ new skill position coach.
“Steve coached track and field in Lynnfield, and played football at UMass-Dartmouth,” said Lamusta.
Lamusta is looking forward to working with senior captains Hunter Allain, Cole Moretti, Leo Quinn and Jaret Simpson this season.
“The captains took an active role in the offseason in promoting the strength and conditioning program despite their heavy course work and participating in spring sports,” said Lamusta. “The team is truly rallying around these captains this offseason.”
Lamusta encouraged eighth graders, parents and students transferring to LHS to contact him if they are interested in playing football at LHS. He can be reached at lamustap@lynnfield.k12.ma.us.
“We are excited for our new members to our program and are planning to field a competitive freshmen team this fall,” said Lamusta.
