Head Football Coach Appointment

Paul Michael Noftsker, Headmaster of Watertown High School, and Steven Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, are pleased to announce the appointment of John A. Cacace III as Head Football Coach at Watertown High School.

Mr. Cacace is a graduate of The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and of Harvard University with a Masters of Education. He has been the Varsity Football Coach at Sharon High School for the past two years, and has held several coaching and assistant coaching positions in the Newton Public Schools. He also works with the Southern New England Rage of the New England Football League as Offensive Coordinator.

Mr. Cacace will be joining Watertown High School next year as a Teacher of Mathematics teaching Applied Algebra, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. His previous teaching experience includes teaching Algebra II and Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry at Sharon High School and mathematics in the Newton Public Schools.

Athletic Director Press Release

Dr. Steven A. Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael A. Lahiff as the Director of Athletics.

Mr. Lahiff holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Springfield College, a Master of Education Degree in Education/Physical Education from Boston College and a Master of Education Degree in Education/School Administration from Salem State College.  From 1979 -1989, Mr. Lahiff was employed by the Stoneham Public Schools as a Health and Physical Education Teacher.  He served as Department Chairperson for Health and Physical Education from 1989 – 1994 for the Somerville Public Schools.  Since, 1994, Mr. Lahiff has served as Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for the Stoneham Public Schools.

Mr. Lahiff is the senior Athletic Director in The Middlesex League.  He is also the past president of the Middlesex League and its present treasurer.  Mr. Lahiff serves on the MIAA Basketball and Baseball Committees.  He is the recipient of the 2006 MSSADA President’s Award of Merit and in 2003 he received the District B Athletic Director of the Year Award.

As a Basketball Coach he was named the Boston Globe Division III Coach of the Year in 1989 as well as twice being named the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches’ Association Division III Coach of the Year in 1986 and 1989.

Mr. Lahiff’s appointment is a result of a process that began with 31 applicants for the position.  There was a Screening Committee that included parents, community members, School Committee, coaches, and administrators.  They moved three strong candidates forward as finalists.  Mr. Lahiff, Mr. Kevin O’Brien, presently a Professional Baseball Scout and Mr. John Pepi, Director of Athletics for the Worcester Public Schools.