May 20, 2026 By Carol Britton Meyer
The Hingham High School track was named “The Fred Jewett Track at Michelson Field” by the school committee this week in honor of the longtime track coach, who passed away recently. This naming was in response to a proposal from the Hingham Cross Country and Track and Field Boosters. 
“Fred was a well-known coach, teacher, mentor, and friend to many in the Hingham community,” vice chair Alyson Anderson told the Hingham Anchor in response to a follow-up email.
The school committee shared the proposal at their May 11 meeting after receiving comments from the public over the past week. “We voted at our May 18 meeting to accept this naming proposal with the official title being ‘The Fred Jewett Track at Michelson Field,’ Anderson said. “The track had never been named; however, the field that contains it is Michelson Field and was named in 1955.”
In accordance with the committee’s naming policy, time must be allowed for public comment prior to any decision.
Several school committee members spoke about the many lives that have been touched by Coach Jewett in his years working with students and athletes.
Chair Jennifer Benham acknowledged the “outpouring of support for this idea” and the great sadness surrounding his passing. “His impact extended far beyond championship titles. He created an environment in which students felt valued and inspired to reach their full potential, both on and off the track.”
Members of the public also attended to speak on behalf of this naming, and others reached out to the committee to express their support.
Select board member William Ramsey spoke in favor of naming the track after Jewett, speaking as a citizen. “Fred was my coach in high school. It was not only about coaching, but also about life lessons,” he said.
When Ramsey graduated from high school, “this was just the beginning of our relationship, because he continued to stay in touch with those whom he coached and other students. Fred was always there for me. Fred touched the lives of hundreds of people, and naming the track after him allows his legacy to live on in perpetuity.”
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 23, at 12:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium to honor and celebrate his life and legacy, followed by a reception on the track to announce the naming and to provide an opportunity for family, friends, colleagues, former students, and athletes to connect and share memories.
