On Thursday, May 6, 2010, the South West Conference honored the following students (listed below) with its annual Leadership Award. The students receiving this award were selected by their respective schools for their leadership qualities displayed in their athletic accomplishments, in the classroom, in the school and in their communities.
The South-West Conference is pleased to present its initial Pamela Goodpaster “Outstanding Coach Award” to David Strong, long time Head Girl’s Basketball Coach at Masuk High School and the school’s former Athletic Director. This award was established in honor of recently retired Joel Barlow High School coach and athletic administrator Pamela Goodpaster. Recipients of this award must have coached at one or more SWC schools a minimum of ten years and shall have demonstrated the same high ideals of honor, integrity, sportsmanship, citizenship and leadership that “Pam” was known to possess.
David Strong has been the Head Girl’s Basketball Coach at Masuk for thirty-three years. Although retired from his career as a teacher and athletic director at Masuk High School, Coach Strong has continued to coach the Panther’s girl’s basketball team. Since the creation of the South-West Conference fifteen years ago, Coach Strong has led his teams to five league titles in eight SWC championship game appearances. During his tenure, Masuk girl’s basketball teams have played in seven CIAC State Championship games and won three times.
Off the court, Coach Strong found time to serve on various committees while an active member of the Connecticut High School Coaches Association. He has been recognized for his achievements by various professional coaching organizations, officials associations and media groups. What is particularly unique about Coach Strong is that he has become a mentor to numerous fellow coaches who have sought his advice. He has made himself readily available to them to teach more than “X’s” and “O’s”. He has taught many young coaches the essence of what it takes to become a successful coach. Over a long and illustrious career, David Strong has more than earned the recognition as an “Outstanding Coach”. It is our pleasure to present him with this award this evening.
