October 28, 2022 - By Mark Blaudschun
It is more a passion than a profession now, something at his pace.
Make no mistake, it is still a rigid routine, filled with practice and preparation, but it is more muted now
Fred Jewett has earned that
More than 50 years of coaching and teaching has gained him that right.
Officially, the record will list Jewett as the coach of the Hingham boys cross country team which will run in the Patriot League championships this weekend and in regional and state competition after that.
In terms of results, Hingham is in a transition phase, winning 3 and losing 3 during the regular season and not expected to create much of a stir.
"We're real young," he said without a trace of regret, but rather enthusiasm. "It's one of the youngest teams we've ever had. I'm real excited about that."
Jewett says this with the wiseness of someone who has seen and done a lot, which makes sense.
At 73, Jewett is already in the Massachusetts State Track Coach Association Hall of Famer, an honor he received 8 years ago..
His career not only has included coaching cross country and track, but football as well and also included teaching English at Hingham High School.
Jewett gave up that part of his teaching aspect 15 years ago, which has made his word day a tad less hectic, something which allows him to pursue another passion, gardening, which he does with relish at his home in Scituate.
"It's still a full day," he said, "But I have lots of help and young assistants, which makes it easier."
After all these years, Jewett still has a sense of duty, of purpose to develop skills and maturity in the athletes he coaches
"Coaching track and cross country is different than coaching football--at Archbishop Williams and Hingham--'' said Jewett "It's more individually based. Teamwork is everything but in a sport like football you are also dependent on others. In cross country and track, it's pretty much all on you."
Jewett does as much nurturing as he does coaching in cross country.
"I try and help them grow up, learn about themselves, help them take control of their lives," he says "There is a sense of purpose that is fun to see develop. They learn quickly that as they go along, it's all on them."
During meets, Jewett's main purpose is to keep his team focused on the goal of finishing. "Keeping up the pace is the key,'' he said. "We have a good group of young quality kids that is just learning that."
The learning process will continue during the next few weeks and the next few months as another cycle begins.
Jewett says he sees no reason to change his routine. "I think we're in a good place right now,'' he says, perhaps talking about his team as well as his life. "I'm excited about the future."