Barry Haley was Concord-Carlisle High School’s athletic director for 12 years, from 2006 to 2018, when he retired.
During that time, at least one Concord-Carlisle team won a state championship each year. That string continues now under current AD Aaron Joncas’ tenure.
But that wasn’t all that mattered to Haley.
“He had really high expectations of coaches and players doing the right thing,” saud C-C boys soccer coach Ray Pavlik, whose teams won five state titles, the first in 2006, Haley’s first year at C-C. “If you want to win, that’s great, but do it the right way.”
On Saturday, October 29, Haley died after a brief illness. He was 67.
“Barry was a mentor and a friend to so many coaches and ADs,” said Joncas on the C-C athletics Twitter page. “He was selfless with his time and wisdom and only wanted to see others do well. Barry had a wonderful sense of humor and told some great stories about his experiences. Hoping he’s making the turn up there with the sun at his back.”
Said the Concord-Carlisle and Concord Public Schools Twitter account, “The CCHS community remembers with heavy hearts all that Barry gave to the student-athletes and community knowing how much he inspired in youth and adults that lives on.”
Haley arrived at C-C in the fall of 2006, taking over for Brent Clark, who retired after a long and distinguished career of his own.
“I was on the search committee looking for the next AD to replace our long serving AD Brent Clark, when Barry walked in and took his seat at the table,” said former C-C athletic trainer Clayton Abrams. “When his interview was over I thought to myself this is the right person to be our next AD. For 12 years I worked with this great AD and person. Barry was the best kind of support my position could ask for, his pervious time as an athletic trainer gave him insight to the demands of my job both personally and professionally. I have missed our hillside chats while watching over games/practices on the lower fields.
R.I.P Barry.”
Haley’s previous position was as athletic director at Wakefield High School. He was an athletic director for 31 years and worked in high school athletics in one capacity or another for 41 years. He had also been athletic director at Bedford High School and Malden Catholic High School
“I am so grateful to Barry,” said former C-C football coach Mike Robichaud.”My path [to becoming a head football coach] was nontraditional. I was 45. He put his trust in me and was very supportive of all the coaches and athletes.”
C-C baseball coach and assistant football coach Mark Hernandez was another hire that Haley made.
“Barry Haley had a huge impact on my life and my career,” Hernandez said on the CCHS Baseball Twitter page. “As he did for countless others. Always willing to give his time and wisdom. The many conversations and stories. You will be missed my friend. Hit ‘em long and straight up there.”
Haley was active in the operations of the MIAA, serving as tournament director for football, ice hockey and boys lacrosse. He was also on the MIAA’s board of directors. He was on the executive board of the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors board and was that organization’s president in 1997.
“He was so the real deal for athletes and what was great in sports,” said Richard Pearson, the Associate Executive Director for the Massachusetts State Associations, the MIAA and MSAA in a Tweet. “He was a very special person, I loved him and I’ll miss him. Thank you Barry. May you rest in peace with the satisfaction that you did the very best for thousands of students.
Thank you.”
