Medway Native An Assistant For 10 Years  

Don Shumaker has been selected as Millis High’s new football coach, and although it’s his first head-coaching job, the Medway native should be well-prepared because of his lengthy tenure as an assistant.

Shumaker started his coaching career in Medway’s Youth Football Program. He then became an assistant coach at Blackstone-Millville (four years), Tri County Voke (one year), Medway (three years), another stint at BMR for a year before his last stop — a year at Nipmuc.

In all, the 58-year-old Shumaker worked as an assistant coach for 10 years after his two years at the youth level. He coached the defensive line at all his stops except Medway where he was the head freshmen coach.

“I learned how to better communicate with kids,’’ he said, “and I understood how important it was to be organized. As the freshmen head coach at Medway, I also learned how to adapt and to be flexible.’’

Shumaker has four goals on his to-do list for his first year at Millis and they’re listed in order of priority. 

“I want us to have a winning record for September; to be competitive in the Tri Valley League Small Division; to win our Thanksgiving Day game against archrival Medway; and to qualify for the playoffs.’’

Shumaker emphasizes September for an obvious reason and puts the playoffs as his fourth priority because he understands what must occur before a tourney berth is awarded. “A winning record for September sets the pace for the season and I won’t discuss the playoffs until we’re well underway,’’ he noted.

Millis Athletic Director Derek Phinney admires Shumaker’s background.

“Bringing in Don Shumaker as our new head football coach is a true full-circle moment for Millis,’’ Phinney said. “As a Medway native and longtime assistant at several successful programs, he understands the heart of the TVL and what it genuinely means to wear a Millis uniform.’’

Shumaker is acutely aware of what kind of players compete for Millis. He played four years of varsity football for Medway where he was a captain and a TVL and a Metrowest Daily News all-star.

“I played against Millis four times and coached against them five times,’’ he recalled. “Their players are tough, gritty and have a high compete level. I’m glad to be the school’s coach because I like the intensity their players display.’’

As far as his on-field style goes, count on Shumaker to rely on a stingy defense and a capable running attack. When he met with his seniors on June 11 and later with the entire squad during the first week of July, the players got a glimpse of what’s to come. His message was clear.

“I told them I’m not flashy or loud,’’ he said. “I also told them I’ll rely on them for communication — with their teammates and our coaches. I also said that I’d be demanding but fair.’’

Pat Halloran, a senior captain, was labeled as “phenomenal and special’’ by Shumaker because of his willingness and leadership to make his coach’s transition go smoothly. Hired in June, Shumaker was a bit behind in getting summer basics lined up.

“Pat helped distribute camp information and assisted with the weight-room schedule,’’ said Shumaker, who’s owned a painting company for 25 years. “Pat also organized varsity players to help with the Park and Recreation Department’s youth football clinic that was held in June.’’

The Mohawks, who finished with a 4-6 record last year, will be battling schools in the TVL’s Small Division that have larger enrollments. And Shumaker knows the league well from his days as a grid aide.

“The teams are strong, they’re well-coached and the players are tough,’’ he offered. “We have kids who can compete with them, but we’ll have to outwork our opponents.’’

Shumaker inherits a schedule of non-league games that were in place before his arrival. They include Blackstone-Millville, Weston, Case, and Lowell Catholic. “Three of those team are in Division 7,’’ he said. “We’re in Division 8. We’ll keep scheduling some non-league teams in a higher division, which could help us with the power ratings.’’

Shumaker’s staff will include two holdovers — Mark McGuire (defensive coordinator) and Jack O’Rourke. Rounding out his corps of assistants are Rob Methe (offensive coordinator) and Joe Sweeney (quarterbacks/running backs). “I’m excited to work with all of them,’’ he noted. “They’re skilled and work well with the players.’’

Shumaker will rely on a coaching philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun in a competitive setting. “If our players reach their potential and are having fun, then winning will be the by-product,’’ he emphasized.

Valuable life lessons can always be learned through athletics and Shumaker has some he hopes his players learn.

“Overcoming adversity and being resilient are important lessons,’’ he said. “Athletics also teach kids how to be quality leaders and good teammates. Being accountable and accepting responsibility are two other great lessons.’’

Shumaker has worked for a variety of head coaches. He especially learned effective  communication skills from Nipmuc coach J.J. Royster. “He has incredible communication skills,’’ Shumaker said. “He listens to his players and can be objective, able to see other points of view.’’

Shumaker, who’s married, has two adult children and four grandchildren, knows Millis High’s football history, its tradition, and its former coaches and players. He also knows that the Mohawks have won five Super Bowls and says he hopes to coach Millis for a long time. 

Could he be the next coach to claim a victory at Gillette Stadium?

“What’s needed is increased numbers in the program, talent, lots of players who are dedicated and devoted to the game and positive attitudes that shine brightly,’’ he emphasized.

Shumaker’s primary focus early on will be to get the numbers up. “I’ll work with youth league coaches and get to know some of the kids at that level,’’ he stressed. “I’ll also attend games of other sports teams at Millis and be supportive.’’

Shumaker might have the right formula to elevate the Mohawks grid program and to revive its glorious past.  

That may take time, but Don Shumaker seems to have the right stuff — patience and perseverance.