The spring athletic season often presents more challenges than any other in terms of weather, cancellations, unexpected snow storms, and unplayable fields. On our first sunny game day of the spring season, we highlight the talented, committed, hard working Athletics Department who ensures each and every game day goes off without a hitch. As a boarding school, every single student is involved in Proctor’s afternoon program, and this group works, daily, to help coaches and students have an opportunity to pursue their passions, learn new skills, and compete against other schools across New England. Learn more about our Athletic Department in this week’s Community Profile!
How long have you been at Proctor?
Gregor Makechnie ‘90 | 26 Years (Director of Athletics)
Becky Walsh, P’17, ‘19 | 22 Years (Assistant to the Director of Athletics)
Scott Allenby, P’27 | 18 Years (Sports Information/Communications)
Kelly Griffin-Brown | 16 Years (Head Athletic Trainer)
Trish Austin ‘01 | 11 Years (Assistant Athletic Director, Equipment Manager)
Chris Jones ‘04 | 7 Years as an employee, four as a student. (Athletic Trainer)
Gavin Moody | 2 Years (Assistant Equipment Manager, Strength and Conditioning)
Dean Miller | 2 Years (Strength and Conditioning)
What do you love most about working in the Athletics Department at Proctor? (Other than snacks at our meetings!)
Gregor: Facilitating activities that afford opportunity for athletes to build lasting relationships with one another and with coaches through shared experience. And, of course, witnessing the growth that occurs as our students work through challenge and adversity. Additionally, our athletes and coaches do a wonderful job representing the school in athletic competition. We are well regarded throughout the league for our sportsmanship and for the class and dignity with which we compete. I am inspired by the commitment of each member of our department to providing quality experiences for our athletes. And, by the way, our department collaborates with and supports one another. It is a privilege to be a member of the team.
Becky: I like that when I do my job well, it makes other people's jobs easier.
Scott: I love covering games and watching our students (and coaches) in action. Athletics provides such a powerful lens for teaching and learning.
Kelly: I love working with this group of wonderful human beings. We have each other's back and are all so dedicated to athletics. The students are all amazing and I have felt honored to work here all these years. Plus the snacks
Trish: The kids and watching them shine playing the sports they love! Standing on the sidelines in these moments, you get to witness them face challenges, problem solve and persevere to accomplish a goal. The thrill of a close, equally matched contest and seeing the athletes work together and battle to the last second hoping to grab the win! The smiles on their faces say it all! Also, the adults I get to work side by side with are pretty great too!
Chris: We are a tight knit group of professionals. Everyone works to help each other, and have respect amongst each other. Everyone brings a unique skill set to the table.
Gavin: I love that we can rely on each other if we need help with anything. Whether it be work related or something outside of work, we can all show up for each other when needed.
If you could take part in ONE of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs or take ONE class at Proctor, what would it be?
Gregor: Ocean Classroom.
Becky: Textile Skills with Jill.
Scott: Mountain Classroom.
Kelly: I would go on Euro :) Go hang with Jen and Dave!
Trish: As a student, I wish I had taken Dave Pilla’s wildlife class and woodworking with Greg Allen. I definitely missed out on two of the legends!
Chris: I went on Ocean Classroom. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Would love to take metal working with Corby though!
Gavin: I have thought about this a lot in my time being here at Proctor. What an amazing opportunity it is to go on an Off-Campus Program. It's a tie between Ocean Classroom and Euro, tilting towards Ocean.
What makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community/of our students?
Gregor: Our willingness to embrace a wide variety of personalities and characters. The kindness students extend to one another.
Becky: I'm proud to be a part of a community that is always willing to help one another.
Scott: I love seeing the impact of our educational model on those students for whom learning and school has been a real challenge. Watching that moment of "unlocking potential" is so powerful.
Kelly: I am always proud to be here for our school values and community. I am proud of watching our students grow into strong, independent, kind people.
Trish: I’m proud to be a part of a community that is so caring, giving and compassionate. I love that there is a place for everyone in our community. We encourage individuals to find their true self, identify their strengths and passion and use those to lay a foundation to grow on!
Chris: Proctor cares about being together. We work as a team to accomplish our goals whether it’s on the field, in the classroom or in campus life. Out of all the places I’ve worked, nobody commits to that ethos more.
Gavin: Something that I am proud of is our kids' pride for Proctor and the support that they show each other in athletic competitions.
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
Gregor: Not so hidden as my diminutive stature and fondness for baking cookies makes it hard to hide the reality that I am actually a Keebler Elf.
Scott: I am left handed, as is my father, and both grandfathers, however, none of my three kids are gifted in that way.
Kelly: I can knit just about anything. I am a huge crafter. I have pitched a perfect game against the Texas Blaze at softball nationals. Not sure any of that is that special or amazing but it's what I can do lol!
Trish: Fun fact, during college I worked for a restaurant called The Camp in Meredith, NH which is owned by the Common Man Family. The summer of 2004, as a line cook I broke the restaurant's single night record of number of meals prepared and served during a dinner shift! And, I still love to cook!
Chris: I was a four-time NEPSAC champion.
Gavin: My first official year as a football coach, we won a New England Championship. It came down to hard-work, camaraderie, leadership, and coaching.
Read more Community Profiles from across campus here!
- Athletics
- Faculty/Staff