takes his 

basketball 

program to

Woodstock 

By Ron P. Coderre

In 2002, shortly following his graduation from Worcester State University where he played basketball for the Lancers and served as team captain for two years, Putnam’s Tom Espinosa responded to an ad in a local newspaper.  That simple act led to a relationship with the newly established Putnam Science Academy that would last more than a dozen.

Degree in hand and four years of college basketball experience under his belt, Espinosa accepted a part-time gym teacher position.  A that time little did he realize what ramifications that decision would have on his life and on the school that was composed primarily of students from Turkey or of Turkish descent.

“I didn’t know at the time I accepted the position that I would end up being the longest serving faculty member at the school.  I also didn’t know exactly what ideas the administration had with regard to the establishment of athletics at the school.  Reflecting on my decision, I can truly say I’ve cherished every moment at the school,” said Espinosa.

His tenure as the only faculty to be on staff for the entire life of the school came to an abrupt and terrifying halt in early March with the announcement that Putnam Science Academy would be ceasing operations following its 2015 graduation in May.  The announcement created anxiety and uncertainty regarding the future for Espinosa and every member of the faculty and staff.

“My immediate reaction was that my coaching career could be done.  The words that the school was closing were tough to accept.  I’ve loved every minute of my relationship with everyone I’ve met here.  It was one of the roughest weeks of my life,” opined Espinosa about the closing of the school.

Espinosa had good reason for feeling remorse as in many ways he’s become the face of Putnam Science Academy.  Despite the positive academic reputation the school enjoys, its increased name recognition can be directly related to the success of its basketball team, the PSA Mustangs.  A program that coach Espo has nurtured from its infancy, through the growing years, and on to the national stage, where it enjoys notoriety as one of the top prep programs in the country.

The initial basketball team that Espinosa put on the hardwood was in 2006-2007.  It was a team composed primarily of Turkish players.  That unit posted winning record of 7-6.  The following season Espinosa attracted his first recruit, 7-foot, one-inch Rundell Mauge.  The team, with Mauge in the middle posted a 17-6 log.  Since then it’s witnessed an upward trend, soaring to the National Prep Championships the past two seasons.  Under the watchful and caring eye of Espinosa the Mustangs have recorded a gaudy 173-58 record.  

Woodstock Academy Comes Calling

As the news of the closing of Putnam Science Academy hit the wires and social media Woodstock Academy Headmaster Christopher Sandford sprang into action.  His initial response was to inquire about assisting the school with its academic needs if there were any this year.

With Woodstock’s mission of preparing its students for a lifetime of learning, Sandford recognized an opportunity that could be advantageous to students at PSA as well as enhancing the mission of Woodstock Academy.  He met with his board about developing a Pilot Post Graduate Program that would provide students an individualized college-preparatory experience to ease their transition prior to embarking on the next step in their educational journey.

The initial step in this experiment was to incorporate this educational need by assuming Putnam Science Academy’s Post Graduate and basketball programs led by Espinosa into the institutions curriculum.  He envisioned this move as a unique initiative that would offer students more diverse cultural experiences, a new focus on globalization, while expanding off-campus learning opportunities.

“The addition of Tom Espinosa and his nationally ranked Post Graduate and basketball programs to the Woodstock Academy community is the first of many steps to establish a comprehensive program that serves our region.  This new initiative will allow The Academy to provide current students with added curricular flexibility and a gap-year option to prospective students who are not feeling fully prepared for the college experience,” said Headmaster Sandford through a news release.

Under this structure Espinosa will assume duties as assistant athletic director, assistant Director of Admissions and head basketball coach of the post-graduate team beginning with the 2015 start of the school year.  Initially he’ll be taking three of the players, Mamadou Diarra, Hamidou Diallo and Brandon Hurst, from last season’s Mustang team to Woodstock.  The PG basketball program will feature 13 players, 10 of whom are currently being evaluated for admission.

“I’m really excited about the future of this innovative program.  I was always well supported by the administration and student body in Putnam and feel it will be the same at Woodstock.  I can’t wait to get the program underway,” said Espinosa.

Testimony to the Man

The success of the Putnam Science Academy’s basketball program is directly attributable to Espinosa.  The success however, goes beyond coaching the players on the floor.  Espinosa, who is the father of two young sons, T.J. and Bryce, has the full support of his wife Trish, who is expecting their third child soon.

“My wife and kids fully understand what goes along with being the coach of a highly rated program.  They have always been supportive and understanding of my time not only in coaching the players but supporting them off the court.  I’m very fortunate to have this type of support in my life,” expressed Espinosa.

As a coach and mentor Espinosa espouses hard work to his players both on the basketball court and in the classroom.  He’s closely involved in assuring they succeed academically, which will ensure their foundation beyond basketball.  He stresses the need also to be respectful of others by “doing the right things in life.”  And he constantly reminds them to “act as gentleman” as they not only represent themselves but also their family, school and community.

Mamadou Diarra, a highly recruited 6-foot, 8-inch big man from Queens, N.Y., has been a member of Espinosa’s teams for a year and a half.  During that time he and his coach have developed a close relationship on and off the court.

“Coach Espo expects a lot from us.  He urges us to be the very best we can be in basketball and in life.  It was difficult for me at first but I’ve adapted, which has helped me to grow up as a person.” said Diarra.

The most complimentary words that Diarra spoke when asked about coach Espinosa were, “Coach is a great guy.  He’s helped me to grow in so many ways.  He’s like a father to me.”  These words come from a 17-year-old young man who carries a 3.7 GPA in the classroom and double figures in points scored and rebounds on the basketball court.

The marriage of coach Espinosa and his Post-Graduate basketball program and Headmaster Christopher Sandford and Woodstock Academy is being looked at as a calculated experiment in secondary education by those involved in education and athletics.  But with two individuals, Espinosa and Sandford, who value education, character, honesty and respect the program and those involved are certainly in good hands.

 

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