Millis Native Gary Brown Now A.D. at King Philip

King Philip Regional’s new athletic director has roots that run deep in Millis.
Gary Brown, who was hired in late March to succeed the retiring Steve Schairer, calls his time in Millis “very valuable’’ in helping him develop leadership and mentoring skills. A native of Millis, the 42-year-old Brown graduated from Millis High in 1993 and four years later earned his degree in sports management at Springfield College. Before taking the reins at KP, Brown worked at Harvard for nine years, the last two as the university’s Associate Athletic Director.
Millis no doubt is a venue that played a significant role in Brown’s career path, primarily because of two outstanding coaches and a faculty that helped him gain honor-roll status. Brown played four varsity seasons of soccer and was captain his season year. He also played jayvee and varsity basketball.
“My varsity basketball coach, the late Jack Burns, was very influential,’’ Brown noted. “He was an educator first, and as a coach, he stressed fundamentals. He demanded a strong work ethic and he taught the importance of structure, discipline and being accountable. You learned life lessons from him. At the jayvee level, Tom Ingraham was an excellent teacher and also a fine coach. He was instrumental in my future.’’
A defensive stopper in soccer, Brown didn’t score many goals but he limited opposing players from getting their share. “I was usually assigned to cover our opponents’ top offensive player,’’ Brown recalled. “Being instinctive was my strength.’’
The soccer teams in Brown’s era flirted with tourney berths twice. In the 1990s, to qualify for a playoff berth required a winning percentage of 59. Two of Millis’ win totals in Brown’s playing days reached nine and 10, just missing the mark for qualifying.
“We were very competitive in the Tri Valley League,’’ he said. “We played with pride and motivation, and our motto was ‘small school, big family.’ I learned to be a resilient team player. Living in nearby Franklin, I’ve followed my alma mater closely. Winning the Super Bowl and being a force in girls’ basketball shows that a small school can achieve success.’’
Brown has all the credentials and the experience for KP to continue as a force in athletics. The Warriors’ new A.D. also possesses a style and a philosophy that no doubt will benefit KP’s students, athletes and coaches.
“Athletics should be an extension of the classroom,’’ Brown emphasized. “Competing in sports builds character and helps students develop leadership skills. Valuable life lessons can be learned, like working as a team, displaying sportsmanship, managing time and overcoming adversity. My style will be to build and foster relationships that allow our coaches to coach and be good teachers and role models.’’
Before joining Harvard’s athletic staff, Brown worked for Host Communications, an affiliate of the National Hockey League, as its event director. He oversaw functions that ranged from banquets to hockey games. After two years in that role, Brown became director of operations for the Mass. Amateur Sports Foundation, which stages the winter and summer Bay State Games.
He coordinated the coaching staff, the officials and medical personnel for the Bay State Games and later worked as an assistant soccer coach at M.I.T.
Brown, who’s lived in Franklin for the last 14 years with his wife and three sons, has been on Harvard’s staff in a variety of roles. During his career with the Crimson, he’s been associate athletic director, assistant athletic director, and manager of recreational services. In his associate role, Brown oversaw the recreation department, club and intramural sports, aquatics, was liaison to the A.D. and was on site for 6-10 varsity sports
Brown was “very selective’’ in his desire to become a high school A.D.
“After nine years at Harvard, I wanted an opportunity where I could make a bigger impact on student development,’’ he said. “I wanted to be at a school that excelled in academics and athletics, and I wanted to be associated with a quality administration. I knew early on that KP fulfilled those roles and it was confirmed in my interviews.’’
As for Harvard, Brown called his experience in Cambridge “fortunate and rewarding.’’
“I was fortunate to work with outstanding staff members and coaches to ensure that students experience a positive educational opportunity,’’ he noted. “It was rewarding to see true students on campus striving for excellence in academics and athletics.’’
Brown said he wants to promote an open-door policy where he can meet with as many coaches, students, and parents as possible. “The key to success for an A.D. is to be able to communicate and to be a leader and role model for students,’’ he emphasized. “I want KP student-athletes to be role models for my kids and for the entire KP community.’’
Brown, who played at Millis in the highly competitive TVL, is acutely aware of the challenge KP athletes face competing in the Hockomock League. He’s also familiar with the Warriors’ recent successes — Super Bowl champions, state champs in softball and Hockomock League co-champions in baseball. “Competing in the Hockomock League is great preparation for the tourney season,’’ Brown said. “And, KP’s competitive excellence in the league is linked to the coaches being educators first, teaching and stressing life lessons.’’
Calling his parents (Alice and Wayne) roles models for their support and encouragement, Brown appears very willing to help student-athletes by demonstrating those two attributes. He has superb credentials to be KP’s athletic chief, but, more importantly, he’s got the right stuff — an ability to help student-athletes become well-rounded individuals and learn valuable life lessons.
“Growing up in Millis was positive and rewarding,’’ Brown emphasized. “I still have many friends there and wouldn’t trade my time in Millis for anything.’’