LEWISTON – Jason Fuller patrolled the sidelines at Lewiston High School on Tuesday. Fuller has been an assistant football coach with the football program since starting there as a teacher nine years ago.
But Fuller didn’t stay long at practice. The 31-year-old science teacher left to watch the junior varsity soccer and field hockey teams – as Lewiston’s new athletic director.
“This is the best part, right here,” said Fuller, who has also been the boys’ varsity basketball coach and an assistant baseball coach since 1995. “This is something I haven’t been able to do, to see field hockey and soccer games. I think this will give me a chance to influence more kids.”
Fuller replaces Paul Amnott, who resigned after seven years to take the assistant principal position at Lewiston following John Bouchles’ resignation over the summer.
“It’s been really hectic, I’ve been thrown right in,” said Fuller, “but it had to be like this to allow Paul the chance to do his job the right way.”
One of the hardest things in making the quick transition (he only interviewed last week) was telling football players, some of who he has coached for four years, that he was leaving.
“It’s really tough because it’s the middle of the season,” said Fuller, “but I feel like it’s the right decision, and I told them that. They’ll be fine without me, I’m sure. It’s a big change, though, it’s been shock, how quick it’s been.”
Fuller graduated from Lewiston in 1992 and went to Cornell University for one semester before transferring to the University of Maine. He finished his degree in only three years, and hit the jackpot immediately.
“It opened right up when Andy Dolloff left Lewiston that same year,” said Fuller. “He left basketball that year, and I’ve been here ever since.”
Fuller said that his next coaching priority is filling the boys’ varsity basketball position he vacated. Fuller also said that he plans on teaching until the school can hire a replacement for him, too.
“I still have to take care of the kids in my classes,” said Fuller. “I want to make sure they are doing OK, and I will do this in the afternoon, until they get someone else full time.
“This athletic program has been a big part of my life. I am the person I am today in large part because of the coaches and athletes here at Lewiston, and this program is close to my heart. I am looking forward to another adventure, another challenge.”
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