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There will be a new Winchester High School director of athletics for the 2026-27 school year starting in September after longtime sports boss Marc Arria stepped down to pursue opportunities in real estate.
Arria has been at the helm since 2013.
Interim WHS Principal Paula Conis said the process to find Arria’s successor is moving right along.
“We have an interview panel working this week to review the candidates,” she said, refuting any rumors the School Committee already selected a new director of athletics.
In the meantime, any change is difficult. In this case, the relationship WHS coaches developed with Arria over the years makes it hard for them to say goodbye. After 13 years on the job, those familial bonds will be difficult to break.
In the following text, many of them expressed their personal feelings on the announcement of Arria’s resignation.
WHS Football Head Coach Wally Dembowski
“Marc (did) a very nice job of putting the Athletic Department in a good position going forward. He oversaw many (now completed) projects at the high school. He also did a good job communicating with the coaches, and was organized and timely with the schedules for all 32 programs. It’s a big job, but with the help of Lindsey Quigley, Jack Squelia and Jared Huber, everything was lined up in a timely manner that also included the buses, equipment and (game) officials. He always stood by his coaches when things sometimes got sidetracked. We’ll definitely miss his organizational and communication skills (on an everyday basis).”
WHS Baseball Head Coach Ed McDonald
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that he gave me to be able to coach here. I just completed my third season under him. He’s in a similar family situation as I am with very young kids, and trying to navigate that and a full-time job is not easy. His leaving is justifiable in that regard.”
WHS Boys Lacrosse Head Coach Phil Reuland
“Marc shared some great moments with me (over the years). He was at the State House to celebrate our 2019 state championship, and was also with me when I accepted the 2023 MIAA Lacrosse Coach of the Year Award. He was respectful of the coaching transition, (when I took over) for John Pirani (in 2020).”
Reuland was the offensive coordinator of that 2019 squad under the direction of Pirani. After playing for the legendary lacrosse high school coach, he eventually returned home to join his staff in 2002.
“This was my 25th season as a Winchester coach,” said Reuland, a 1994 WHS graduate, who says the 2019 team was the highest scoring lacrosse offense in school history.
WHS Girls Basketball Head Coach Sam Mosley
“For me, Marc was a great boss. He was always available, and also responded quickly to whatever questions I had. He allowed me to run the program the way I wanted to, while also letting me fill out my schedule with my desired opponents. He has been supportive to not only me, but to the whole coaching staff, as well. He will definitely be missed.”
WHS Boys, Girls Head Volleyball Coach; Boys Basketball Head Coach John Fleming
“Marc has always been very supportive to me as a coach and (all of my) programs over the last 13 years. He has supported our student-athletes and coaches’ ambitions to become top tier programs. He has made an impact on a number of things over the years. The gym and weight room renovations, (in particular), was a big step, but ultimately the new floor, bleachers and configuration of the new gym will have a lasting (impression) here for decades to come. I’m not sure if there is a better high school gym in the state.
“Additionally, I’m really appreciative of the help that he gave us over the years, especially when we did our leadership workshops. Even though he is leaving, he has helped get us some time and space to bring those workshops back. Marc understood that it is a really valuable experience for the student-athletes, and was happy to support it.”
WHS Girls Lacrosse Head Coach Suzanne Ontso
“I’ve enjoyed working with Marc over the last 13 years. In my (time here as coach), I’ve worked with six different ADs. When Marc arrived here, he brought professionalism and structure (to the job) that was so needed, and has since been someone whose opinion I’ve valued and whose support I’ve appreciated over the years. I’m sorry to see him go, but happy for him that he’ll be able to spend more time with his family going forward.”
WHS Girls Tennis Head Coach Greg Lowder
“Marc has probably (had) the most thankless job at the school, but he has always been ready, willing and able to help me whenever I needed the help. He’s been awesome for (all of our programs), especially my girls tennis (program). He understands that there’s more to a kid’s life than winning or losing a match or a game. He will be missed.”
WHS Boys Tennis Head Coach Michael Lauretano
“Marc (is) an awesome guy. He always had my back when I needed him, and was willing to go the extra mile to make sure that the program ran smoothly and professionally. He deeply cared about the success of the team.”
WHS Girls Hockey Head Coach Tommy Scarpa
“This will be my fourth season coaching girls hockey (here at WHS), and I will always be grateful that Marc hired me. He was always supportive of what I was trying to achieve as a new coach (at) Winchester High, and was conscious of my needs. I also appreciated how approachable and personable he was (to) me. I wish him nothing but success in his new endeavor.”
WHS Field Hockey Coach Michelle White
“Marc has been a very good athletic director, and from my experience, (also) a tremendous supporter of all Winchester sports. He treats every program with the same level of attention and respect, and he’s always been responsive and detail-oriented. As a coach who values organization and communication, I’ve always appreciated that about him. He has been an important part of Winchester athletics for many years, and he’ll definitely be missed.”
Joe McConnell is a longtime, award-winning sports editor for numerous North Shore publications. He began covering Winchester sports for the News in November 2024 and is currently its Sports Editor. He can be reached at editor@winchesternews.org.
