Burlington Athletic Director Reflects on a Successful Regular Season

By: Ella Rogerson

From the first step onto the field, court, track, mat, or ice, the Burlington Red Devils have their sights on one goal–winning. This season several Red Devils teams, including all four hockey and basketball teams, have secured a spot in the state tournament. But the success doesn’t end there. Athletes representing track and field, wrestling, swimming, and gymnastics have also enjoyed a successful season. 

How are these teams unstoppable? Just ask Shaun Hart, Burlington High School’s athletic director.

“This winter, both our boys’ and girls’ basketball and hockey teams will make the tournament,” said Hart. “So every one of our teams in the winter will have a performance in the state tournament no matter what.”

Hart has served as the athletic director at Burlington High School for 11 years now. Since 2014, he has managed the team and coach operations and schedules and coordinated transportation to and from every event. 

“My role is behind the scenes. My role is to allow coaches to flourish, to bloom. I stay out of their way," said Hart. “It's my job to give them what they need, and provide them with the equipment.”

By working closely with the coaches and players, Hart has fostered a strong sense of community where players feel supported, parents take pride, and coaches feel their needs are met. Hart believes in the power of dedication and prides himself on instilling that commitment within the school system, making Burlington a consistent frontrunner in the conference.  

“I think our coaching staff in Burlington has tremendous passion and commitment to their craft. Our coaches are committed to our kids outside of the season,” said Hart. “And what I mean by that is if you come to a basketball game on Friday night, when we play Wakefield, you're going to see my boys’ football coach in the stands.”

Players have realized lots of individual success this season, too: Basketball player Savanna Scali scored her 1000th career point; hockey goalie Camden Shanahan surpassed 1500 saves; and swimmer Shay Woodbury made it to states and set personal best times in the 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle. His backstroke was the fastest in the Middlesex League and earned him 9th in Division 2.

As the Red Devils continue into the postseason, players feel the pressure to uphold Burlington's high standards. Maintaining motivation and strong team bonds is crucial.  

Over the years, Hart has witnessed teams thrive both on and off the field. Throughout the season, players spend up to 20 to 30 hours a week together during practice, games, and team meals. 

“It's a family atmosphere. There's nobody closer to you when you play a sport for three months as intensely as you do at a high school or a collegiate level,” said Hart. 

While building these relationships, the teams remain dedicated to their craft, putting in maximum effort. Even after long days, players are still excited and motivated to come back the next day and do it all again. 

“The kids that are playing sports want to be there and they want to be competing and they want to be doing those things. So again, it's great to watch them be able to achieve,” said Hart.

This spirit not only comes from the players but the coaches. 

Phil Conners, the boys' basketball coach, has been with Burlington for nine years. Basketball has been a part of his life since childhood, and as his love for the sport grew, so did his desire to teach and share that passion. 

“I've grown up playing basketball and I love basketball. Probably why I still coach in my mid forties,” said Conners. “That love of basketball drives us and there's not many kids playing who don't love basketball.”

During his tenure, Conners has led the boys’ team to the state tournament each year. He has found that Burlington's players are deeply committed and share his love for the game.

“To me it's a sport kids truly, truly love and really, if you aren't motivated, it's going to be hard to play,” said Conners. “Basketball's such an exciting, fun sport that kids are always willing to give their all, and I put everything I can into it.” 

Like Hart, Conners is proud of Burlington's long tradition of success. As the team has evolved, so have their strategies. Going into this year’s tournament, the boys’ basketball team is ready to defend their streak, and Conners is diligently preparing by researching every potential opponent.

As the season winds down, Hart and the coaching staff are reflecting on the success of the year and are looking forward to the continued growth of their players. Beyond the tournament, Hart is already planning for the spring and fall seasons. 

“I’m already into the fall right now putting our schedules in,” said Hart. “It's just a constant process – you never take a day off."

The MIAA tournament kicks off this week; be sure to subscribe to the Daily Buzz newsletter for updates!

 Ella Rogerson is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This article was produced by Ella for the Massachusetts News Service of Endicott College in partnership with Burlington Buzz.